If you’re planning to travel across Japan by Shinkansen with big suitcases or large items, there’s something important you should know.
For oversized luggage, you can’t just hop on any train — you need to make a reservation for a special seat called an “Oversized Baggage Area Seat.”
日本を新幹線で旅する予定があり、大きなスーツケースや荷物を持っていく場合は注意が必要です。特大荷物を持ち込む場合、自由に乗ることはできず、「特大荷物スペース付き座席」という特別な座席の予約が必要になります。このルールは通路を確保し、すべての乗客が快適に過ごせるようにするためのものです。
“Oversized Luggage”?
On the Shinkansen, “oversized luggage” means any baggage whose total dimensions (length + width + height) are between 160 cm and 250 cm. If your luggage is smaller than 160 cm, you can bring it on board without any reservation. However, anything over 250 cm is not allowed on the Shinkansen
Differences in Baggage Rules
The rules for bringing oversized baggage on the Shinkansen differ slightly between eastern and western Japan. Travelers should check the regional rules in advance to avoid any issues.
新幹線では、東日本と西日本で「特大荷物（Oversized baggage）」の持ち込みルールが少し異なります。旅行者の方は、利用する地域のルールを事前に確認しておくことが大切です。
Western Japan
This refers mainly to areas west of Tokyo,including cities like Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, and Fukuoka.
Operated by: JR Central / JR West
主に東京より西側の地域を指します。代表的な都市：名古屋、京都、大阪、広島、福岡など
運営会社：JR東海・JR西日本
| length + width + height | Allowed to bring |
|---|---|
| ~160cm | Allowed |
| 160~250cm | You must reserve a seat with an “Oversized Baggage Area” or “Oversized Baggage Compartment” in advance.(No additional fee is required.) |
| 250cm~ | Not allowed |
On the West Japan, Tokaido, Sanyo, and Kyushu Shinkansen lines, baggage with a total size exceeding 160 cm is considered “oversized” and requires an advance reservation. Passengers must book a seat with an “oversized baggage area” where they can store their luggage. If brought onboard without a reservation, an additional 1,000 yen fee will be charged.
西日本・東海道・山陽・九州新幹線では、3辺の合計が160cmを超える荷物を「特大荷物」として扱い、事前予約が必須です。専用の「特大荷物スペース付き座席」を予約し、そこに荷物を置く仕組みです。予約せずに持ち込むと、追加で1,000円の手数料がかかります。
Note 1:The “Oversized Baggage Compartment” can be used for luggage up to 80cm (length) × 60cm (width) × 40cm (height). If you choose the upper shelf, slightly larger luggage up to 80cm × 60cm × 50cm is allowed.
Note 2:The fare is the same as a regular reserved seat or Green Car seat, with no additional fee.However, if you bring oversized luggage on board without a prior reservation, you will be charged a 1,000 yen handling fee (tax included).
Note 3:The “Oversized Baggage Compartment” is located a little farther from the seats, and it comes with a locking feature for your convenience. To use the lock, you’ll need your own contactless IC card, such as a transportation IC card. Please be aware that some IC cards or mobile devices may not work with the locking system, so it’s a good idea to check beforehand.
Note 4:Baggage over 250cm in total size cannot be brought onboard. Such items must be sent in advance via delivery service
Eastern Japan
This refers mainly to areas east of Tokyo,including cities like Sendai, Kanazawa, Niigata, and Sapporo.
Operated by: JR Eas
主に東京より東側の地域を指します。代表的な都市：仙台、金沢、新潟、札幌など
運営会社：JR東日本（JR East）
In JR East’s Shinkansen lines, there is no specific reservation system or dedicated area for oversized baggage. However, passengers with large items are advised to use the deck area or the space behind the last row of seats, ensuring they do not inconvenience other passengers.
東日本の新幹線では、特大荷物の専用スペースや事前予約システムは設けられていません。ただし、大きな荷物を持ち込む場合は、他の乗客の迷惑にならないよう、デッキや最後尾のスペースを利用するよう案内されています。
Note 1:Baggage over 250cm in total size cannot be brought onboard. Such items must be sent in advance via delivery service
How to reserve
For JR West Shinkansen, reservations for oversized baggage seats can be made starting from 10:00 a.m. one month before your travel date through online services (Express Reservation, Smart EX, e5489, or JR Kyushu Internet Train Reservation) or at ticket vending machines for reserved seats.
新幹線（JR西日本）の大型荷物席の予約については、ご乗車される1カ月前の日の10時より、ネット予約（エクスプレス予約、スマートEX、e5489、JR九州インターネット列車予約）、または指定席券売機等でご予約いただけます。
Smart Ex
It’s an online reservation service available for JR West, JR Central, and JR Kyushu.
URL：https://www.smart-ex.jp/top.php
①On the menu screen, tap “Shinkansen Reservation(新幹線予約).”
②From [Seat Type (Oversized Baggage, S Work, etc.)](席種（特大荷物、S work他）), select either “Seat with Oversized Baggage Space(特大荷物スペースつき座席)” or “Seat with Oversized Baggage Compartment(特大荷物コーナーつき座席).”
e5489
URL：https://e5489.jr-odekake.net/e5489/cspc/CBTopMenuPC
