Traveling Japan by train with large luggage is completely manageable, but families benefit from planning ahead, especially when traveling with children, strollers and several bags.
The difficulty is rarely getting a suitcase onto a train. It is managing children, strollers, elevators, ticket gates, station transfers and several bags at the same time.
Quick Answer: Can You Take Large Luggage on Japanese Trains?
Yes. JR generally allows each passenger to bring up to two pieces of baggage, with each item weighing no more than 30 kg and measuring no more than 250 cm in total dimensions, with a maximum length of 2 metres.
Personal items such as handbags and umbrellas do not normally count toward the two-piece limit.
However, there is an additional rule on the Tokaido, Sanyo, Kyushu and Nishi-Kyushu Shinkansen.
If an ordinary suitcase measures more than 160 cm and up to 250 cm when you add its length + width + height, you generally need to reserve an appropriate seat with access to an oversized baggage area or oversized baggage compartment.
Very important: Luggage over 250 cm in total dimensions is generally not permitted as ordinary carry-on baggage. A special reservation does not allow you to bring an unlimited-size suitcase onto the train.
Japan Train Luggage Rules at a Glance
| Luggage | Typical JR Rule |
|---|---|
| Up to 160 cm total dimensions | Generally allowed without a special oversized-baggage reservation. |
| More than 160 cm up to 250 cm | Allowed within JR’s general carry-on limits, but requires an appropriate oversized-baggage reservation on the Tokaido, Sanyo, Kyushu and Nishi-Kyushu Shinkansen. |
| Over 250 cm total dimensions | Generally not allowed as ordinary carry-on baggage. |
| Over 30 kg per item | Exceeds the normal JR carry-on limit. |
| More than 2 standard pieces per passenger | Exceeds the normal baggage allowance, excluding certain personal items. |
| Stroller | Special exception: it does not automatically require an oversized-baggage reservation simply because its measurements exceed 160 cm. |
How Do You Measure a Suitcase?
Measure the three outside dimensions of the suitcase and add them together:
Length + Width + Height
For example:
75 cm + 50 cm + 30 cm = 155 cm
This suitcase is under 160 cm, so it does not fall into the special oversized-baggage reservation category.
Another Example
80 cm + 55 cm + 30 cm = 165 cm
This suitcase is over 160 cm. If you take it on the Tokaido, Sanyo, Kyushu or Nishi-Kyushu Shinkansen, you generally need the appropriate oversized-baggage reservation.
Family tip: Measure your largest suitcases at home before leaving for Japan. It is much easier to plan your seats and luggage strategy before reaching the station.
Does the 160 cm Rule Apply to Every Train in Japan?
No.
The special advance-reservation rule for ordinary luggage over 160 cm applies specifically to the Tokaido, Sanyo, Kyushu and Nishi-Kyushu Shinkansen.
Do not assume that the same reservation system applies to every Shinkansen or conventional JR train.
Important distinction: JR’s general carry-on limits apply more broadly, while the special 160–250 cm baggage-seat reservation system applies only to specified Shinkansen lines.
What Happens If You Board With Oversized Luggage Without a Reservation?
On the Shinkansen lines where the special oversized-baggage system applies, bringing qualifying oversized baggage without the required reservation can result in a ¥1,000 baggage fee.
Train staff will also direct you to an appropriate place for the luggage.
There is normally no extra charge when you reserve correctly in advance: You pay the normal applicable reserved-seat fare rather than a separate oversized-baggage reservation fee.
Why Large Luggage Is Harder for Families
A large suitcase that is easy for one adult to manage can become much more difficult when that adult is also responsible for a young child.
| Family Situation | What Makes It Difficult |
|---|---|
| Stroller + suitcase | One adult can quickly run out of free hands. |
| Two children + several suitcases | Adults need to supervise children while managing luggage. |
| Large station transfer | Elevator routes can involve additional walking. |
| Busy local train | Large bags take up valuable space and are harder to maneuver. |
| Shinkansen boarding | You need to organize children, seats and luggage before departure. |
The goal is not simply to stay within the luggage rules: For a family trip, the better question is whether you can comfortably manage everything through stations and transfers.
How Much Luggage Should a Family Actually Bring?
JR’s maximum allowance should not be treated as a packing target.
A family may technically be permitted to carry several large suitcases, but that does not mean doing so will make for an enjoyable train trip.
For Train-Focused Family Travel, Aim For:
✓ Fewer large suitcases rather than one for every traveler
✓ Bags that each adult can control independently
✓ A small backpack for children’s essentials
✓ Enough free hands to manage young children or a stroller
✓ Luggage forwarding on the most complicated travel days
Our family rule: Pack based on what you can comfortably move through a large train station — not simply on the maximum amount JR allows you to carry.
Where to Put Large Suitcases on the Shinkansen
Once you know the size of your luggage, the next question is where you will actually store it during the journey.
Shinkansen luggage storage varies depending on the train and the size of your bag. Smaller suitcases may fit on the overhead rack, while larger bags may require a designated baggage area.
Family tip: Do not wait until boarding to decide where several large suitcases will go. Work out your luggage plan while you are choosing the family’s seats.
Shinkansen Luggage Storage at a Glance
| Storage Option | Best For | What to Know |
|---|---|---|
| Overhead baggage rack | Small and medium suitcases | Your bag must fit safely and you need to be able to lift it. |
| At your feet | Smaller bags and compact luggage | Can reduce legroom, especially on a long journey. |
| Oversized baggage area | Qualifying luggage over 160 cm on applicable Shinkansen lines | Located behind designated last-row seats and requires the appropriate seat reservation. |
| Deck baggage storage | Suitable luggage where storage is provided | Availability and conditions vary by train and service. |
| Luggage forwarding | Families with several large bags | Often the easiest solution when moving between several cities. |
Option 1: Use the Overhead Baggage Rack
Many ordinary suitcases measuring 160 cm or less in total dimensions can be stored on the overhead baggage rack.
This works particularly well for carry-on and medium-size suitcases that you can lift comfortably above your head.
Do not judge by the 160 cm number alone: A suitcase may technically be under 160 cm but still be too heavy or awkward for you to lift safely onto the rack.
Is the Overhead Rack Practical for Families?
It can be, especially if you have one manageable suitcase rather than several very large bags.
Overhead Storage Works Best When:
✓ The suitcase is small or medium size
✓ An adult can lift it safely
✓ You do not need frequent access during the journey
✓ You are not also trying to lift a stroller and several other bags
With young children: One adult should manage the children while the other stores the luggage. Trying to lift a heavy suitcase while simultaneously supervising a toddler is unnecessary stress.
Option 2: Keep Smaller Bags at Your Feet
Backpacks, day bags and some compact suitcases can be kept in the footwell if they fit without obstructing the aisle.
This keeps important items close, but it reduces your legroom.
Good Items to Keep Near Your Seat
✓ Child essentials
✓ Snacks and drinks
✓ Diapers and wipes
✓ Small toys or activities
✓ Medication
✓ Travel documents
Avoid opening large suitcases during the journey: Keep the things your family will actually need in a small accessible bag instead.
Option 3: Reserve a Seat With an Oversized Baggage Area
On the Tokaido, Sanyo, Kyushu and Nishi-Kyushu Shinkansen, certain reserved seats at the rear of some cars provide access to an oversized baggage area behind the seats.
If you are traveling with ordinary luggage measuring more than 160 cm and up to 250 cm in total dimensions, this is one of the principal ways to comply with the special oversized-baggage rules.
The important part: You are reserving the appropriate seat together with access to the baggage area. You cannot simply place your suitcase behind any last-row seat.
The Space Is Shared
The oversized baggage area behind a row is shared by the passengers who reserved the corresponding baggage-area seats.
Reserving one of these seats does not mean that the entire space behind the row belongs exclusively to your suitcase.
For families with several large bags: Consider how much baggage the whole family is carrying rather than assuming one rear-row reservation will provide unlimited storage.
Do Not Use the Space Behind Someone Else’s Seat
Travelers sometimes see an empty space behind the last row and assume it is general luggage storage.
On cars where that space is designated as an oversized baggage area, it is for passengers who reserved the corresponding seats.
Never plan around finding unused space after boarding: If you need an oversized baggage area, reserve the appropriate seat before the journey.
What About Baggage Storage Areas or Compartments?
Some Shinkansen trains also provide baggage storage on the deck or other designated storage facilities.
The exact type of storage, availability and conditions can vary by train and service, so do not assume every Shinkansen has the same luggage facilities.
For qualifying oversized baggage: Follow the reservation option shown for your specific train. If you are unsure which storage option applies, ask JR staff when making the reservation.
Why Families Should Not Depend on General Storage Space
A storage area that looks spacious at the beginning of the journey may be used by passengers boarding at later stations.
Families carrying several suitcases are better off having a definite storage plan instead of hoping enough shared space remains available.
Can You Put a Large Suitcase in Front of Your Seat?
Smaller luggage may fit comfortably at your feet, but a large suitcase can make a long journey uncomfortable and must not obstruct the aisle or other passengers.
If a suitcase is too large or heavy for the overhead rack and too awkward for your footwell: Consider reserving a suitable baggage-area seat even when the bag is technically 160 cm or less.
Family Seat Planning With Oversized Luggage
Families should plan their seats and luggage together.
If one traveler requires a seat with an oversized baggage area, try to reserve the remaining family members beside or close to that person.
| Family | Practical Approach |
|---|---|
| 2 adults + 1 child + oversized suitcase | Reserve the baggage-area seat and try to keep the other two family members in the same row or immediately nearby. |
| 2 adults + 2 young children | Keep younger children beside adults while arranging the family around the baggage reservation. |
| Family of 5 + several large suitcases | Reserve early because finding both suitable family seats and baggage space becomes harder as the train fills. |
| Stroller + oversized suitcase | Plan storage for both items before selecting the family’s seats. |
Best booking order: Check your largest luggage → identify any special baggage requirement → choose the appropriate baggage seat → arrange the family around it.
What If the Baggage-Area Seats Are Sold Out?
If you are carrying luggage that requires an oversized-baggage reservation, do not simply book an ordinary seat and bring the suitcase anyway.
Check another car or another departure with suitable availability.
Your Options Include:
✓ Check another eligible reserved car
✓ Take an earlier or later train
✓ Ask JR staff for another suitable option
✓ Forward the suitcase to your destination instead
For families, flexibility helps: Waiting for another Shinkansen with better seating and baggage availability can be much easier than struggling with an unsuitable train.
Should You Reserve a Baggage-Area Seat for a Smaller Suitcase?
If your luggage is 160 cm or less, the special oversized-baggage reservation is not normally required.
However, JR allows travelers who genuinely need additional luggage space — including families carrying items such as strollers — to reserve appropriate baggage-area seating when available.
Use these limited seats thoughtfully: They are particularly valuable to passengers who cannot travel with their baggage without the designated storage.
Our Shinkansen Luggage Strategy for Families
1. Measure the largest suitcase before the trip.
2. Keep child essentials in a separate small bag.
3. Use the overhead rack for manageable luggage.
4. Reserve appropriate baggage space when required.
5. Arrange family seats around the luggage requirement.
6. Forward large bags when carrying everything becomes impractical.
Bottom line: Large suitcases are not a problem on the Shinkansen when you know where they will go before you board. For families, planning luggage and seats together is much easier than trying to solve both after reaching the platform.
Local Trains & Station Transfers With Large Luggage and Kids
Large luggage is usually much more difficult to manage on local trains and during station transfers than it is on the Shinkansen.
The issue is not necessarily whether the suitcase is allowed. It is whether your family can move it safely through crowded platforms, narrow spaces, elevators and ticket gates while also supervising children.
Family rule: If one adult is pushing a stroller or holding a young child, do not assume that same adult can also manage a large suitcase through every transfer.
Local Trains With Large Suitcases
Ordinary local and commuter trains generally do not have dedicated luggage storage like a long-distance train.
You normally keep your suitcase with you and position it where it does not block doors, aisles or other passengers.
| Situation | Best Approach |
|---|---|
| Quiet local train | Keep luggage close and out of the aisle. |
| Busy urban train | Avoid bringing several large bags aboard if another option is available. |
| Stroller + suitcase | One adult manages each where possible. |
| Several suitcases | Consider luggage forwarding before entering the local-train portion of the trip. |
| Short transfer between stations | Allow more time than you would without children and baggage. |
Avoid Rush Hour With Large Luggage
Large-city commuter trains can become extremely crowded, particularly on weekday mornings and during the evening commute.
A family carrying several suitcases can find these trains uncomfortable even when the journey is only a few stops.
If your schedule is flexible: Travel outside the busiest commuter periods. Changing your departure time can be much easier than trying to maneuver several suitcases through a packed carriage.
Waiting for the Next Train Can Be Worth It
On frequent urban routes, you do not always need to squeeze onto the first train that arrives.
If a carriage is already packed, waiting a few minutes for the next service may make boarding with children and luggage much easier.
With kids, convenience beats speed: Saving three minutes is rarely worth turning a simple local journey into a stressful one.
Use Wider Ticket Gates
Many larger stations have wider automatic ticket gates or staffed passages designed to accommodate wheelchairs, strollers and passengers with larger baggage.
Look for the wider gate rather than trying to pull a suitcase and guide a child through a narrow opening.
Before Reaching the Gate:
✓ Have tickets, rail passes or IC cards ready
✓ Decide which adult handles the luggage
✓ Keep young children close
✓ Use the wider gate when available
✓ Ask station staff if you are unsure where to go
Avoid stopping directly in front of the gate: Organize tickets and children before entering the flow of passengers.
Elevators Can Add Significant Transfer Time
Large stations commonly have elevators, but the elevator route may be very different from the fastest staircase or escalator route.
You may need to walk farther along the platform, change levels more than once or use a different corridor.
Do not plan connections using minimum transfer times: A route that takes an unencumbered traveler five minutes may take a family with suitcases and a stroller considerably longer.
Follow Accessibility Signs
When you leave a train, look for elevator or accessibility signs before simply following the crowd toward the nearest stairs.
If the route is unclear, ask station staff which elevator will take you to the platform or exit you need.
What About Escalators?
Carrying large suitcases on escalators can be awkward, particularly when you also have young children.
Use elevators when practical rather than balancing luggage while trying to supervise a child at the same time.
Allow enough time: Families are more likely to make unsafe choices when they are rushing for a connection.
Large Stations Can Involve Long Walks
Stations such as Tokyo, Shinjuku, Shin-Osaka and other major interchange stations can require substantial walking between platforms, railway companies or exits.
A suitcase that feels easy to roll through a hotel lobby can feel very different after a long station transfer with tired children.
Allow Extra Time For:
✓ Finding elevators
✓ Changing platforms
✓ Toilet stops
✓ Navigating ticket gates
✓ Buying food or drinks
✓ Children walking more slowly than adults
Changing Between Different Railway Companies
Some transfers involve leaving one railway system, walking through the station and entering another.
These transfers can take longer than a simple platform change, particularly with children and luggage.
Do not assume “same station name” means a simple transfer: Platforms operated by different railway companies can be separated by a considerable walk.
Boarding Local Trains With Suitcases
Let passengers leave the train first, then board calmly.
Once aboard, move away from the doorway if space allows and keep your suitcase under control.
Good Local-Train Luggage Etiquette
✓ Keep the aisle clear
✓ Do not leave luggage where it can roll
✓ Avoid blocking both sides of a doorway
✓ Keep bags close to your family
✓ Move when passengers need to enter or exit
Put your suitcase where you can control it: A wheeled bag can move when a train accelerates or brakes.
Prepare Before Getting Off
With several bags and children, do not wait until the doors open to start gathering everything.
One Stop Before Your Station:
✓ Confirm that you have every bag
✓ Make sure children are ready
✓ Put away loose snacks and toys
✓ Check which side the doors will open when displayed or announced
✓ Decide who handles each suitcase
A simple division of jobs helps: One adult handles the children while the other organizes the luggage, rather than everyone trying to do everything at the doorway.
Smaller and Rural Stations Need More Planning
Smaller stations can have less extensive accessibility infrastructure than major city stations.
Depending on the station, moving between platforms with several large bags may require more effort or a longer accessible route.
For Rural Train Trips:
✓ Keep luggage as light as practical
✓ Check the station layout when useful
✓ Allow extra time
✓ Avoid bringing several large suitcases on short regional side trips
✓ Consider forwarding your main luggage to the next major destination
Consider Leaving Large Bags at a Major Station
If you are making a short side trip and returning through the same station, station lockers or other baggage-storage services can sometimes be useful.
Availability, locker size and storage options vary considerably by station, so this works best as a convenience rather than something you should assume will always be available.
For very large suitcases: Luggage forwarding is often more dependable for a multi-day journey than relying on finding a large empty coin locker at a busy station.
A Practical Two-Adult Family System
| Adult | Main Responsibility During Transfers |
|---|---|
| Adult 1 | Young children or stroller |
| Adult 2 | Main suitcases and route navigation |
You can switch roles throughout the trip, but clearly dividing responsibilities during busy transfers helps prevent forgotten bags and unnecessary confusion.
Solo Parent With Kids and Luggage
If one adult is traveling with children, reducing luggage becomes even more important.
Solo Parent Strategy
✓ Keep large luggage to one manageable suitcase where possible
✓ Use luggage forwarding between major destinations
✓ Keep essentials in one backpack
✓ Avoid tight transfers
✓ Use elevators and wider gates
✓ Ask station staff for assistance when needed
Bottom line: Large luggage is usually easiest on long-distance trains and hardest during the journey to and from them. For families, minimizing the number of bags you carry through local trains and station transfers can make the entire trip much easier.
Takkyubin: Luggage Forwarding for Families
One of the easiest ways to travel Japan by train with children is to avoid carrying every large suitcase on every travel day.
Japan has an extensive luggage delivery system that can send suitcases between hotels, airports, delivery counters and other supported locations.
You will often hear this called Takkyubin or TA-Q-BIN, the service operated by Yamato Transport. The more general Japanese term for parcel delivery is takuhaibin.
For families: Luggage forwarding can be more valuable than simply finding the perfect Shinkansen luggage space. It removes the suitcase from local trains, elevators, station transfers and crowded platforms as well.
How Luggage Forwarding Works
In a typical hotel-to-hotel journey, you leave your suitcase with the hotel or another participating delivery counter, complete the delivery information and send the bag to your next accommodation.
You then travel by train with only the bags you actually need during the journey.
| Step | What to Do |
|---|---|
| 1 | Confirm that your current hotel can arrange luggage delivery. |
| 2 | Confirm that the next accommodation can receive and hold the luggage. |
| 3 | Provide the destination accommodation details and your check-in information. |
| 4 | Allow enough delivery time for the route. |
| 5 | Keep an overnight or day bag containing everything you need until the suitcase arrives. |
Do not assume every accommodation participates: Check with both the sending and receiving properties, particularly if you are staying at an apartment, vacation rental or small accommodation without a staffed front desk.
How Long Does Luggage Delivery Take?
Luggage forwarding is not an instant service.
Yamato Transport says ordinary TA-Q-BIN delivery is commonly the next day or two days later depending on the route. For luggage being sent to a hotel or ryokan, Yamato recommends sending it sufficiently early — generally at least two days before check-in, with three days sometimes needed for longer-distance routes.
Family planning rule: Never assume a suitcase sent in the morning will automatically be waiting at your next hotel that evening.
Same-Day Delivery Is Limited
Some specific luggage counters offer same-day delivery within limited areas, but this should not be treated as the normal luggage-forwarding service.
For a multi-city family itinerary, plan around next-day or later delivery unless the specific counter confirms a same-day service for your route.
Safest approach: Build at least one overnight bag into your luggage plan rather than depending on same-day delivery.
What Should You Keep With You?
Once your suitcase has been handed over, you will not have access to it until delivery.
Keep anything essential with your family.
Never Send These in Your Main Suitcase If You Need Them During the Journey
✓ Passports and travel documents
✓ Medication
✓ Wallets and valuables
✓ Child essentials
✓ Diapers and wipes
✓ Formula or other necessary baby supplies
✓ Chargers you will need
✓ Clothing for at least the next night
Think of luggage forwarding as temporarily saying goodbye to your suitcase: Pack your carry-on bag as though the large suitcase will not be available until the following day or later.
When Is Luggage Forwarding Most Useful?
| Travel Situation | Why Forwarding Helps |
|---|---|
| Stroller + children + suitcases | Frees adult hands for the stroller and children. |
| One-night stop | Lets you send large luggage directly to the destination after the stop. |
| Multiple local train transfers | Removes large bags from crowded local trains and stations. |
| Rural destination | Makes smaller stations and local transport easier to manage. |
| Solo parent | Reduces the number of large items one adult must control. |
| Several oversized suitcases | Can eliminate the need to coordinate multiple Shinkansen baggage reservations. |
Example 1: Tokyo → Hakone → Kyoto
This is an excellent example of when forwarding luggage can make a family trip much easier.
| Stage | Luggage Strategy |
|---|---|
| Last morning in Tokyo | Send the large suitcases ahead to Kyoto. |
| Tokyo → Hakone | Travel with the stroller, backpacks and one small overnight bag. |
| Hakone sightseeing | Use local transport without dragging large suitcases through the area. |
| Hakone → Kyoto | Continue with only the luggage you carried overnight. |
| Kyoto | Collect the forwarded luggage from your accommodation when available. |
Why this works: Instead of handling large suitcases on trains, buses and other local transport around Hakone, the family effectively skips one luggage-heavy travel day.
Example 2: Tokyo → Kyoto → Hiroshima
You do not necessarily need to forward luggage for every Shinkansen journey.
If Tokyo to Kyoto is a simple direct journey and your bags are manageable, carrying them may be perfectly reasonable.
Later, if you plan a one-night side trip before Hiroshima, that may be the better time to send the large suitcases ahead.
Use luggage forwarding strategically: The goal is not to send every suitcase every day. Use it on the travel days where it removes the most difficult transfers.
Example 3: Kyoto → One-Night Stop → Tokyo
Suppose your family is leaving Kyoto, spending one night in another destination and then continuing to Tokyo.
Instead of checking a large suitcase in and out for one night, consider sending it directly from Kyoto to Tokyo and packing one small overnight bag for the intermediate stop.
Carry Only What You Need for the Stop
✓ One change of clothes
✓ Toiletries
✓ Child essentials
✓ Medication
✓ Electronics and valuables
This strategy is particularly useful when the intermediate destination involves buses, smaller trains or considerable walking from the station.
Can Your Hotel Send the Luggage?
Many hotels and ryokan can help arrange domestic luggage delivery, but the exact service available varies by property.
Ask the front desk whether they can send your bags to the next hotel and how early you need to hand them over.
Useful Questions for the Front Desk
“Can you send my luggage to this hotel?”
“What day will it arrive?”
“When do I need to leave the luggage with you?”
Have the destination details ready: Showing the next hotel’s name, address and reservation information on your phone can make the process much easier.
Confirm the Receiving Hotel First
Yamato can deliver luggage to hotels and ryokan that agree to receive it.
Most full-service hotels are familiar with luggage delivery, but accommodation arrangements vary.
Be especially careful with: vacation rentals, private apartments, unattended accommodations and properties without a permanent reception desk. Confirm that someone can accept the luggage before sending it.
Can You Send Luggage From Somewhere Other Than a Hotel?
Yes. Depending on the service and location, luggage can also be accepted at Yamato service counters and participating agencies.
Some convenience stores also accept TA-Q-BIN parcels, although size limits and available services can differ.
For families: A hotel front desk is usually the simplest place to start because staff can often help with the waybill and delivery details.
How Much Does Luggage Forwarding Cost?
The price depends on factors such as the size of the luggage and the delivery route.
Rather than building your itinerary around one fixed price, check the current rate for your actual bag and destination when arranging the shipment.
Think beyond the delivery fee: For a family, the value can include avoiding oversized-baggage planning, easier station transfers, less stress on local trains and having more hands available for the children.
Should You Forward Every Suitcase?
Not necessarily.
Many families benefit from forwarding the largest suitcases while keeping one smaller bag with them.
| Item | Possible Strategy |
|---|---|
| Large suitcase | Forward to the next major destination. |
| Second large suitcase | Forward if carrying it adds unnecessary difficulty. |
| Small rolling bag | Keep for an overnight stop if manageable. |
| Backpack | Keep family essentials with you. |
| Stroller | Usually keep with the family if the child needs it during sightseeing. |
Our Family Luggage-Forwarding Strategy
1. Look at each major travel day separately.
2. Identify days with multiple transfers, local transport or one-night stops.
3. Forward the largest bags around those difficult journeys.
4. Keep one small overnight bag with the family.
5. Confirm the receiving accommodation before sending.
6. Allow enough delivery time rather than assuming same-day arrival.
Bottom line: Luggage forwarding is one of the simplest ways to make a multi-city Japan train trip easier with children. You do not need to use it for every journey — just use it strategically when carrying the bags would complicate the trip.
Family Packing Strategy for Train Travel in Japan
The easiest way to travel Japan by train with children is not to pack up to the maximum luggage allowance.
Instead, pack around what your family can realistically move through stations, elevators, local trains and hotel transfers.
Our rule: Every large item should have a person responsible for it. If you have more large bags than available adult hands, the travel day will usually become harder.
How Many Suitcases Should a Family Bring?
There is no perfect number for every family, but fewer large suitcases are almost always easier for a rail-focused itinerary.
| Family Setup | Practical Starting Point |
|---|---|
| 2 adults + 1 young child | 1–2 manageable suitcases plus one small day bag |
| 2 adults + 2 children | 2 larger bags shared by the family is often easier than 4 separate suitcases |
| Family with stroller | Reduce the number of large rolling bags because one adult may already be managing the stroller |
| Solo parent + child | Keep luggage to what one adult can control independently |
| Large family | Use a combination of shared suitcases, backpacks and luggage forwarding |
Think in terms of mobility, not volume: Two well-packed family suitcases can be much easier than five smaller rolling bags if everyone is also carrying backpacks and supervising children.
Use Shared Family Suitcases
Instead of giving every family member a separate large suitcase, consider sharing luggage by category or by adult.
Example for a Family of Four
Suitcase 1: Adult clothing + toiletries
Suitcase 2: Children’s clothing + family extras
Backpack 1: Travel documents, medication and electronics
Backpack 2: Snacks, child supplies and activities
This makes it easier to assign one main suitcase to each adult while keeping essential items accessible.
Keep a Dedicated Travel-Day Bag
Do not pack everything your children may need into the bottom of a large suitcase.
Keep one small bag accessible throughout the journey.
Useful Travel-Day Items
✓ Passports and tickets
✓ Medication
✓ Water and snacks
✓ Diapers and wipes if needed
✓ Small toys, books or tablets
✓ Charging cable or power bank
✓ Light jacket
✓ One emergency change of clothes for younger children
Good packing test: You should be able to complete a three-hour train journey without opening your large suitcase.
Pack One Overnight Bag for Forwarding Days
If you plan to forward your large luggage, designate one compact bag as the family overnight bag.
This is especially useful for one-night stops between major cities.
Overnight Bag Essentials
✓ One change of clothes per person
✓ Toiletries
✓ Child sleepwear
✓ Medication
✓ Chargers
✓ Essential baby or toddler supplies
Do Laundry Instead of Packing for Every Day
For a longer Japan trip, planning one or two laundry stops can reduce the amount of clothing you need to carry.
Many hotels have guest laundry facilities, and coin laundries are common in Japanese cities.
For a two-week trip: Packing roughly one week of clothing and doing laundry can be much easier than carrying fourteen days of outfits for the entire family.
Avoid Packing “Just in Case” Items in Large Quantities
Japan is easy to shop in, particularly in major cities.
Families often carry far more toiletries, snacks and daily supplies than they actually need.
| Often Overpacked | Better Approach |
|---|---|
| Large amounts of toiletries | Bring essentials and buy replacements locally if needed. |
| Two weeks of snacks | Carry a small supply and restock during the trip. |
| Too many shoes | Prioritize comfortable walking shoes and one backup pair if necessary. |
| Large collections of toys | Bring a few compact activities for train journeys. |
| Full-size baby supplies for the entire trip | Bring enough for the first stage and restock where practical. |
Leave Space for Shopping
Many families return from Japan with more luggage than they arrived with.
Souvenirs, snacks, clothing and character goods can quickly fill a suitcase.
Do not begin the trip at 100% capacity: Leaving some empty suitcase space can prevent you from needing to buy and carry an additional bag halfway through the journey.
Consider a Foldable Extra Bag
A lightweight foldable duffel can be useful near the end of the trip for souvenirs or extra clothing.
Keeping it folded inside your main suitcase is usually easier than carrying an empty additional rolling suitcase throughout Japan.
Use this mainly near the end of the trip: An extra bag becomes another item to manage on every train once you start using it.
Plan Your Packing Around the Hardest Travel Day
Look through your itinerary and identify the day with the most difficult combination of trains, transfers and children.
That day should determine how much luggage you are comfortable carrying.
Example
Easy day: Tokyo hotel → taxi to Tokyo Station → direct Shinkansen → Kyoto hotel
Hard day: Hotel → local train → major station transfer → Limited Express → bus → walk to accommodation
Pack for the hard day, not the easy one.
Practical Multi-City Packing Example
Imagine a family of four traveling:
Tokyo → Hakone → Kyoto → Hiroshima → Osaka
| Journey | Suggested Luggage Strategy |
|---|---|
| Arrival in Tokyo | Keep the main luggage with you while based in one hotel. |
| Tokyo → Hakone | Forward large bags to Kyoto and take only an overnight bag. |
| Hakone → Kyoto | Travel light and reunite with the main luggage in Kyoto. |
| Kyoto → Hiroshima | Take manageable luggage on the direct journey or forward again if carrying several large bags. |
| Hiroshima → Osaka | Carry luggage if straightforward, or forward to the final hotel if another side trip is planned. |
The goal is not luggage-free travel: It is choosing the few travel days when sending the largest bags ahead will have the biggest impact.
Family Packing Checklist Before Leaving Home
✓ Measure the largest suitcase
✓ Make sure each adult can control their assigned luggage
✓ Keep child essentials in one accessible bag
✓ Bring a compact overnight bag for forwarding days
✓ Plan laundry during longer trips
✓ Leave room for souvenirs
✓ Identify which travel days may benefit from luggage forwarding
✓ Avoid starting the trip with more luggage than the family can comfortably move
Bottom line: The best family packing strategy for Japan is not to bring as much as the railway allows. Bring what your family can comfortably move, and use luggage forwarding to simplify the hardest travel days.
Common Luggage Mistakes Families Make in Japan
Most luggage problems are not caused by Japan’s train rules themselves. They usually come from overpacking, poor timing or trying to manage too many large items at once.
| Common Mistake | Better Approach |
|---|---|
| Bringing one large suitcase per person | Share luggage where practical and reduce the total number of rolling bags. |
| Not measuring the largest suitcase | Check length + width + height before the trip. |
| Assuming any last-row space is free luggage storage | Reserve the appropriate baggage-area seat where required. |
| Planning minimum-time station transfers | Add time for elevators, gates, children and luggage. |
| Carrying large luggage through every side trip | Use luggage forwarding strategically. |
| Packing essentials inside forwarded luggage | Keep medication, documents and overnight items with you. |
| Traveling at rush hour with several suitcases | Shift local-train travel outside peak commuter periods where practical. |
| Starting the trip with completely full suitcases | Leave room for souvenirs and purchases. |
Mistake #1: Bringing Too Many Rolling Suitcases
Four family members do not necessarily need four large suitcases.
The more rolling bags you have, the harder it becomes to manage elevators, ticket gates, local trains and station transfers.
Better approach: Use shared family suitcases where practical and keep the number of large bags below the number your adults can comfortably control.
Mistake #2: Not Measuring Your Luggage Before Japan
Families sometimes discover at the station that their largest suitcase exceeds the 160 cm threshold used for special baggage reservations on certain Shinkansen lines.
Measure at home: Add the suitcase’s length + width + height before you travel so you know whether special Shinkansen baggage planning may be required.
Mistake #3: Assuming Oversized Baggage Space Is First Come, First Served
On applicable Shinkansen services, the space behind designated last-row seats is linked to specific reservations.
You should not rely on finding an empty rear-row space after boarding.
If you need the space: Reserve the appropriate baggage-compatible seat before the journey.
Mistake #4: Booking Tight Connections
Large luggage slows down almost every part of a family transfer.
You may need elevators instead of stairs, wider ticket gates and additional time to gather children before getting off the train.
Family transfer rule: A timetable’s minimum connection should not automatically become your planned connection.
Mistake #5: Taking Every Suitcase on Every Side Trip
A one-night stop in Hakone, a rural town or another smaller destination does not mean every suitcase needs to come with you.
Better strategy: Forward the large bags to the next major destination and travel to the intermediate stop with a small overnight bag.
Mistake #6: Forwarding Things You Need Immediately
Luggage delivery can take until the following day or longer depending on the route.
Do not put essential medication, passports, children’s necessities or your only change of clothes inside a forwarded suitcase.
Keep With You:
✓ Passports
✓ Medication
✓ Valuables
✓ Child essentials
✓ Chargers
✓ Clothing for the next night
Mistake #7: Assuming Same-Day Luggage Delivery
Some specialized counters offer limited same-day services, but ordinary luggage forwarding should not be planned on the assumption that bags will arrive within a few hours.
Plan conservatively: Keep an overnight bag with you and allow sufficient delivery time.
Mistake #8: Traveling During Rush Hour With Several Bags
Large suitcases can be particularly difficult on packed urban commuter trains.
If your schedule is flexible, shifting the journey outside the busiest period can make a major difference.
With kids and luggage: A slightly later train is often much easier than squeezing into the busiest service.
Mistake #9: Using Large Suitcases as Mobile Storage Closets
If every snack, toy and child essential is buried inside your main suitcase, you may find yourself opening it repeatedly during the journey.
Keep one travel-day bag: Everything you expect to need on the train should be accessible without opening the main luggage.
Mistake #10: Packing for the Entire Trip Without Planning Laundry
Carrying two weeks of clothing for every family member can create a lot of unnecessary luggage.
Planning a laundry stop can reduce the amount of clothing you need to carry throughout the trip.
For longer trips: Pack less, wash once or twice, and save the luggage space for things that are harder to replace.
Mistake #11: Filling Every Suitcase Before Leaving Home
Japan is an easy place to accumulate souvenirs, snacks and shopping.
Starting with completely full suitcases can leave you needing another bag after only a few days.
Leave spare capacity: Empty space at the start of the trip is often more useful than another “just in case” item.
Mistake #12: Thinking “Allowed” Means “Practical”
JR may allow a certain amount of luggage, but the maximum allowance is not necessarily a sensible target for a family.
The real test is whether your family can move everything safely and comfortably between trains, hotels and stations.
Bottom line: Pack for mobility, not for the maximum railway allowance. Fewer large bags, realistic transfer times and selective luggage forwarding make family train travel much easier.
Traveling Japan by Train With Large Luggage and Kids: FAQ
Can I take large suitcases on trains in Japan?
Yes.
Large luggage can generally be brought onto JR trains as long as it stays within JR’s baggage limits and you can store and manage it safely.
How much luggage can I take on JR trains?
JR generally allows each passenger to bring up to two pieces of baggage, with each item weighing no more than 30 kg.
Each piece must generally measure no more than 250 cm when length, width and height are added together, with a maximum length of 2 metres.
What is the Shinkansen 160 cm luggage rule?
On the Tokaido, Sanyo, Kyushu and Nishi-Kyushu Shinkansen, ordinary luggage measuring more than 160 cm and up to 250 cm in total dimensions generally requires an appropriate oversized-baggage reservation.
Measure the bag by adding its length + width + height.
Does the 160 cm rule apply to every Shinkansen?
No.
The special oversized-baggage reservation system applies to specific Shinkansen lines, including the Tokaido, Sanyo, Kyushu and Nishi-Kyushu Shinkansen. Other JR services can have different luggage arrangements.
Can I take luggage larger than 250 cm on the Shinkansen if I make a reservation?
Generally, no.
Ordinary baggage measuring more than 250 cm in total dimensions exceeds JR’s normal carry-on limit. An oversized-baggage seat reservation does not remove that maximum-size restriction.
Does an oversized-baggage reservation cost extra?
There is generally no separate baggage fee when the appropriate seat is reserved correctly in advance.
However, bringing qualifying oversized baggage onto an applicable Shinkansen without the required reservation can result in a ¥1,000 baggage fee.
Where do I put a large suitcase on the Shinkansen?
Smaller and medium-size luggage may fit on the overhead rack or, if practical, near your seat.
Qualifying oversized luggage on applicable Shinkansen services should use the storage arrangement associated with the appropriate baggage reservation.
Can I put my suitcase behind the last row of seats?
Not automatically.
On trains using the oversized-baggage system, space behind designated rear-row seats can be reserved for passengers holding the corresponding baggage-area seats.
Does a stroller count as oversized baggage?
Strollers are treated as a special exception and do not automatically require an oversized-baggage reservation simply because their measurements exceed 160 cm.
If you want to use a designated oversized baggage area for the stroller, however, reserve the appropriate seat providing access to that space.
Can JR Pass holders reserve oversized-baggage seats?
Yes, where the train and pass coverage allow it.
When making your seat reservation, select or request the appropriate seat for passengers traveling with oversized baggage.
Is large luggage allowed on local trains?
Generally, yes, within the railway’s baggage rules.
The bigger issue is practicality. Local and commuter trains usually have much less dedicated luggage space than the Shinkansen, so several large suitcases can be difficult during crowded periods.
Should families avoid rush hour with luggage?
If possible, yes.
Large suitcases, strollers and young children can be difficult to manage on crowded commuter trains. Traveling outside the busiest periods can make local journeys considerably easier.
What is Takkyubin luggage forwarding?
Takkyubin, or TA-Q-BIN, is Yamato Transport’s luggage and parcel delivery service. Similar domestic delivery services are commonly referred to as takuhaibin.
Families can often send large suitcases between hotels and other supported locations instead of carrying them on every train.
Can I send my luggage from one hotel to another?
Often, yes.
Many hotels and ryokan can help arrange luggage forwarding, but confirm that your next accommodation can receive and hold the bags before sending them.
Will forwarded luggage arrive the same day?
Do not assume so.
Standard luggage delivery commonly takes until the following day or later depending on the route. Limited same-day services exist in some locations, but they are not the normal option for every journey.
What should I keep with me when forwarding luggage?
Keep passports, medication, valuables, electronics, child essentials and anything you need for the next night with you.
A small overnight bag is particularly useful when you are sending the main suitcases ahead.
Is luggage forwarding worth it for families?
It can be extremely useful, especially when you have young children, a stroller, several large bags or a one-night stop between major destinations.
You do not need to forward luggage on every travel day. Use it strategically where it removes difficult transfers.
What is the best luggage strategy for a family traveling around Japan by train?
Bring fewer large bags than the maximum railway allowance, keep child essentials in one accessible day bag, measure your largest suitcase before traveling and use luggage forwarding on complicated travel days.
Bottom line: Japan’s trains can handle family luggage, but the easiest trip usually comes from carrying less rather than testing the maximum allowance. Plan where your largest bags will go, leave extra time for station transfers and use luggage forwarding when it makes the journey simpler.
Related Guides
Complete Guide to Traveling Japan by Train With Kids
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Japan Train Seat Reservations for Families
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About Train Travel Japan
Train Travel Japan is written from firsthand experience traveling throughout Japan by rail. I am a Japanese native based in Canada and have traveled to all 47 prefectures of Japan over more than 30 years.
My goal is to make Japan train travel easier to understand, especially for international visitors planning JR Pass trips, regional rail journeys and independent itineraries.