{"id":5348,"date":"2026-01-10T13:05:29","date_gmt":"2026-01-10T21:05:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lifestylebyremi.com\/staging\/2326\/?p=5348"},"modified":"2026-08-13T15:25:52","modified_gmt":"2026-08-13T22:25:52","slug":"shinkansen-oversized-luggage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lifestylebyremi.com\/staging\/2326\/shinkansen-oversized-luggage\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Travel with Oversized Luggage on Japan’s Bullet Train (Shinkansen)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Do you need to purchase special oversized luggage seats for the Shinkansen (bullet train)? If so, how can you do so, and what are the best seats to reserve?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When do you need to purchase “oversized baggage” seats?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

I always recommend reserving Shinkansen seats, regardless of whether you have large luggage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And if you have large luggage, you’ll need to\u00a0book seats that include<\/em> an oversized luggage area<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is no extra charge for an oversized luggage seat.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In my opinion,<\/strong> the best seats for oversized luggage are those with storage right behind the seat. <\/b>These are usually located at the back of the train car. (see photo below)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note: This space is intended only for the person who reserved the seat in front of it. \u203c\ufe0f<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alternatively, there will be seats where the “oversized luggage” storage is located in the middle of the train, between the cars. This means your luggage will not be next to you during the train ride.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is considered oversized luggage in Japan?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Shinkansen’s oversized baggage size is luggage that’s between 160 and 250 cm (anything larger is not allowed). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your luggage is considered “oversized,” you will need a seat with an oversized luggage area or compartment, which must be booked in advance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Purchase Shinkansen Tickets<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You can purchase Shinkansen tickets at major train stations (look for the Shinkansen information center), and they can help you book tickets and reserve seats. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I recommend booking tickets at least 48 hours<\/strong> in advance, especially if you’re going to major tourist areas like Kyoto and Osaka. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u27a1\ufe0f Are you traveling to multiple cities in Japan? Consider purchasing an All Japan JR Pass<\/a> for potential cost savings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Learn More About the JR Pass<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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