Bringing luggages on Shinkansen
This article is written by Tetsu, our Shinkansen Expert — the go-to expert for train routes, seating tips, and travel hacks.
Updated 2025 Guide: Traveling with Oversized Luggage on the Tokaido & Sanyo Shinkansen
When traveling on the Shinkansen with large suitcases, ensuring your own comfort—and that of other passengers—matters a great deal. For travelers carrying bulky or oversized luggage, the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen offer designated seating and storage options to keep your journey smooth and stress-free.
Below is the most up-to-date guidance as of November 2025, including newly available luggage shelves and how our service can help arrange the right seats for you.
When You Need an Oversized Baggage Seat
On the Tokaido Shinkansen (Tokyo–Shinagawa–Shin-Yokohama–Nagoya–Kyoto–Shin-Osaka) and the Sanyo/Kyushu Shinkansen, passengers traveling with items whose total dimensions exceed 160 cm and up to 250 cm must reserve a “Seat with Oversized Baggage Space.”
These seats are located in the very back row of each car:
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5 seats per car in Reserved Ordinary Cars
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4 seats per car in Green Cars
This system works similarly to seat assignment rules for checked luggage on international flights, though exact measurements may differ.
Other Shinkansen lines and most limited express trains have open luggage storage areas within the cars, so special reservations are not required there.
New for 2025: Deck-Area Luggage Shelves Are Now Available
As of 2025, the Shinkansen now offers an additional option:
✔ Deck-area luggage shelves (4-tier) are open for all passengers.
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Located in the vestibule (deck) area between cars
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No reservation required
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You may use these shelves anytime if space is available
This means that even if you can't reserve an oversized baggage seat, you still have practical alternatives.
Because JR has introduced the deck-area luggage racks as a trial measure, there is a possibility that they may become unavailable in the future.”
Other Storage Options
Even beyond oversized-seat storage and the new deck shelves:
✔ Overhead shelves are available above every seat in all cars.
These are not meant for very large items, but they do provide another storage option depending on the size and weight of your belongings.
How Our Service Can Help
On our product pages, you’ll find convenient checkboxes where you can indicate special seating preferences:
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Oversized baggage seat
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Mount Fuji-side seat
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Wheelchair-accessible seat
If you tick any of these, we will try our best to arrange the requested seat(s) based on availability.
Should your request not be possible, we will notify you promptly.
Availability: What You Should Know
Oversized baggage seats are limited, and the demand can be high.
✔ They sell out especially quickly during peak seasons, such as the year-end holidays.
✔ The closer you get to your travel date, the fewer seats remain.
In the final days before departure, these seats are often completely sold out.
Because of this, we recommend including your seating preferences at the time of booking whenever possible.
Final Notes
Traveling with large luggage on Japan’s Shinkansen doesn’t have to be complicated. With designated seats, newly available deck-area shelves, and multiple storage options, you can enjoy a comfortable and organized experience throughout your journey.
Our team is here to help ensure you get the seats and arrangements that best fit your needs.
What is shinkansen-ticket.com?
Shinkansen-Ticket.com is a Japan-based travel agency specializing in booking Shinkansen and limited express train tickets—including high-demand routes that are often difficult to secure. With nearly a decade of experience, we’ve built a reputation for reliable, flexible, and traveler-friendly service.
We provide both QR code-based tickets for easy station access, ideal for last-minute bookings, and physical paper tickets, which can be delivered to your home abroad, hotel, major post offices, or even a friend’s residence across Japan—perfect for carefully planned itineraries.
Our expertise in Japan’s rail system allows us to offer customized support with a deep understanding of routes, connections, and seating options—including oversized luggage seats, scenic views, and group arrangements.
Trusted by thousands of repeat customers and partnered with numerous hotels and travel agencies, we regularly assist in arranging train tickets for hotel guests and tour clients across Japan.
© 2025 Shinkansen-Ticket.com.
Seat guide
Reserved Seat (Ordinary Reserved Seat)
Your seat is reserved and secured when you book your tickets, allowing you to head to the station with peace of mind.
Think of it as "economy class" seating.
Green Reserved Seat
Enjoy better seats and free blankets. Popular among Japanese business people, executives, and those who prefer a comfortable travel experience.
Consider it "business class" seating.
GranClass
Known as the "First Class" of Shinkansen seats.
Available only on the Hokuriku and Tohoku/Hokkaido Shinkansen lines, these seats offer airline-like amenities and meals (only on select trains).
They are the most expensive option.
Unreserved Seat
You can take any open seat in the unreserved cars on the departure date (no departure time will be indicated on your ticket).
This is the best option if cost is your priority and you are traveling during less crowded seasons or times.
Tetsu
The Shinkansen Expert
With a passion for all things rail, I specialize in helping travelers navigate Japan’s extensive train network—especially the Shinkansen. From how to book reserved seats to choosing the right side for Mt. Fuji views, I provide expert guidance on riding Japan’s iconic bullet trains with ease.
Having supported countless international travelers, I understand the unique questions and challenges that come with using Japan’s rail system for the first time. My goal is to make your journey faster, smarter, and stress-free—no matter where you're from or where you're headed.