Luggage Storage Offices in Japan – Travel Light for Short Trips and Treks

Making use of Japan’s excellent luggage storage offices is one of the best travel hacks in Japan. If you’re heading into the countryside for an overnight in a ryokan or for a few days on the Kumano Kodo or Nakasendo, these offices are a genius solution.

Kyoto Station luggage storage office interior – image © Jun Kitayama

The Takeaway

• Japan’s luggage storage offices will store your luggage for a few days (up to 30 days) whenever you want to travel light.
• They’re located in most major train stations.
• The cost is usually around ¥800 per day for a standard suitcase or backpack.
• They’re safe, secure and reliable.
• You might use a luggage storage office when you want to do a trek (Nakasendo etc), stay overnight at a ryokan in the country, or head to an island for a few nights.
• Another option is shipping your bags to the next destination after your trek/overnight trip.
• In order to use this system, you need a two-piece luggage system: one day bag and one big bag (backpack or suitcase).

Luggage storage sign at Kyoto Station – image © Chris Rowthorn

What Are Luggage Storage Offices?

Luggage storage offices (荷物一時預かり所, “nimotsu ichiji azukarisho” in Japanese), are places where you can leave your luggage for a few hours or a few days. In some places, you’ll see them identified in English signs as “baggage rooms.” Note, luggage storage offices are different from coin lockers. Most coin lockers will be emptied at the end of each day, making overnight luggage storage impossible.

Baggage room sign – image © Chris Rowthorn

Where Can You Find Luggage Storage Offices?

Almost all of Japan’s large train stations have at least one luggage storage office. This includes Tokyo Station, Kyoto Station, Osaka Station, and many more. If you are looking for one, just ask at the information counter in the station. If necessary, show the Japanese above to the person working there.

Temporary baggage storage sign – image © Chris Rowthorn

How Much Does It Cost to Use a Luggage Storage Office?

It usually costs ¥800 per day to store one standard suitcase or backpack in a luggage storage office. Rates will be clearly shown on a sign near the entrance. You normally pay one day’s charge at a vending machine, which is usually staffed by a person who can speak some English. You’ll be given a receipt that you should keep safely with you. When you return to pick up your bag(s), they will calculate the additional fee that you will usually pay at a vending machine (but occasionally in cash to the attendant).

Luggage storage fees sign – image © Chris Rowthorn

Are Luggage Storage Offices Safe and Secure?

I’ve used luggage storage offices many times in Japan and I’ve never had any issues with them. Likewise, I’ve never heard of any problems from the many tour guests and consulting clients I’ve dealt with over the years. After all, this is Japan we’re talking about and things are super-efficient and theft is vanishingly rare. Obviously, you should still keep your passport, credit cards and other valuables on your person and not leave them in luggage storage offices.

Chris Rowthorn traveling light in Japan – image © Chris Rowthorn

When Should You Use Luggage Storage Offices?

You should consider using a luggage storage office whenever you want to travel light in Japan. For example, if you’re leaving Tokyo or Kyoto for an overnight at a nearby ryokan. Or, if you’re going to spend a few days trekking on a route like the Kumano Kodo or Nakasendo, or climbing in the Japan Alps. Likewise, if you’re flying down to Okinawa for a few days and you can make do with one or two changes of light clothes.

The ideal luggage combo for Japan – image © Chris Rowthorn

You Need a Two-Piece Luggage System to Make This Work

In order to take advantage of luggage storage offices, you need a two-piece luggage system: a day bag or knapsack to carry your essentials (passport, meds, valuables and a change of clothes) and a bigger backpack or suitcase to carry the rest of your kit (clothes, souvenirs, books, anything heavy). See our Best Luggage for Japan page for more details.

Kyoto Station luggage storage office – image © Chris Rowthorn

Where is the Luggage Storage Office in Kyoto Station?

The main luggage storage office in Kyoto Station is on the north side of the station (Karasuma entrance). Go to the main ticket office and then look for the escalator in the middle of the concourse that leads down to the B1 Floor. The entrance to the luggage storage office is visible near the bottom of the escalator. Note, there’s another office on the Hachijo-guchi (shinkansen) side of the station.

Tokyo Station luggage storage office – image © Chris Rowthorn

Where is the Luggage Storage Office in Tokyo Station?

The main luggage storage office in Tokyo Station is outside the Marunouchi North Gate, between the two JR East Travel Service Centers. There are a few others scattered around, including one in the underground concourse on the Marunouchi side.

Another Option: Luggage Forwarding/Delivery Services

Another great option to take heavy luggage off your hands is a luggage forwarding/delivery service (takkyu-bin). This is a great option if you are NOT doing an out-and-back trip (ie, if you are going to finish your trip in a different city from where you start it).

Yamato Kyubin truck – image © Chris Rowthorn

For example, starting in Tokyo, you could ship your luggage to a hotel in Kyoto and then you go and walk the Nakasendo and when you’re done, take the train down to Kyoto and your luggage will be waiting for you. Most hotels will store luggage for a few days for guests free of charge, but you should have the arranging hotel confirm this. See our Luggage Shipping page for more details.

A great foreign-friendly luggage forwarding service is offered by Klook. They’ll make all the arrangements and come pick up at your hotel and keep you posted about the whereabouts of your luggage.

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