Coin lockers are everywhere in Japan. Train stations, shopping areas, tourist spots, and entertainment districts all have banks of lockers in various sizes. They are the easiest way to stash your bags for a few hours while you explore, especially on day trips or between check-out and your next train.
Sizes and costs
| Size | Fits | Cost (per day) |
|---|---|---|
| Small (S) | Backpack, small bag | ¥300–400 |
| Medium (M) | Carry-on suitcase, large backpack | ¥500–600 |
| Large (L) | Full-size suitcase (up to 70cm) | ¥700–800 |
| Extra Large (XL) | Oversized suitcase | ¥900–1,000 |
These are daily rates. The locker resets on a calendar-day basis (typically around 1:00–2:00 AM), so if you store your bag at 3pm and retrieve it at 10am the next day, you pay for two days. Store early, retrieve early to avoid the double charge.
How to use them
IC card lockers (newer): Tap your Suica, Pasmo, or other IC card on the reader. Put your bags in. Close the door. The locker locks automatically. To retrieve, tap the same IC card. Payment is deducted when you open it. These are the easiest option and increasingly common in major stations.
Coin lockers (older): Insert coins (typically ¥100 coins), put your bags in, close the door, and take the key. Do not lose the key. To retrieve, insert the key and open. If you do not have enough ¥100 coins, some locker areas have change machines nearby.
Storage time limit: Most lockers allow up to 3 consecutive days. After that, station staff may remove your belongings. For longer storage, use luggage forwarding instead.
How to find empty lockers
At major stations (Tokyo, Shinjuku, Kyoto, Osaka), large lockers fill up by mid-morning, especially during peak tourist season and holidays. Small lockers are usually available throughout the day.
Tips for finding one:
- Check basement levels and less obvious exits first. The lockers near main gates fill fastest.
- Look for digital display boards near locker areas that show availability by size.
- Ask station staff. They know where the overflow locker banks are.
- If your station is full, try the next station down the line. One or two stops away often has plenty of availability.
When lockers are full: alternatives
Hotel front desk: Most hotels store luggage for free, both before check-in and after checkout. This is often the simplest solution. Drop your bags at your hotel in the morning, explore, and pick them up before your train.
Luggage storage services: Companies like ecbo cloak operate through an app. You reserve storage space at a participating shop, cafe, or business near your location. Prices run ¥500 per bag or ¥800 per suitcase per day. Book in advance during peak periods.
Station baggage rooms: Some major stations (Tokyo Station, Kyoto Station) have staffed luggage storage counters where you can leave bags for a daily fee. These tend to have more capacity than coin lockers and accept larger items.
Common situations
Day trip from your hotel: Leave bags at your hotel. This is always free and always easier than finding a locker.
Arriving early, hotel not ready: Drop bags at the hotel front desk (they expect this), then explore. Come back after check-in time.
Between checkout and evening train: Ask your hotel to hold your bags after checkout (free at almost every hotel in Japan), go sightsee, return for your bags before heading to the station.
Day trip to a new city: Use a large locker at the destination station. Stash your bag, explore, retrieve before your return train. Budget ¥700–800 for this.
The best approach: avoid needing lockers at all. Travel with a small enough bag that you can carry it comfortably. If you are on a multi-city trip with a large suitcase, ship it ahead with takkyubin and travel with just your day bag.