Luggage that measures 161 to 250 cm in total needs a seat with an oversized baggage area on the Tokaido, Sanyo and Kyushu Shinkansen. Here are the three ways to get one.
A Japan Rail Pass already covers the two things you need for big luggage: a reserved seat and the oversized baggage area behind it. There is no reservation fee and no separate baggage ticket, so you only have to book the seat.
You can make that booking yourself in about a minute by scanning the QR code on your pass at a Shinkansen ticket machine, or let staff at any JR desk do it for you.
Two ways to do it, and both are free with your pass. Pick whichever you are more comfortable with.
smartEX is JR Central's own booking service for the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen. Book from a laptop or straight from the phone app, before you leave home or on the platform.
No account, no app and no pass required. This works on every line, but the space behind the last row is limited and can be gone before you arrive.
The rule applies to the Tokaido Shinkansen (Tokyo to Shin-Osaka), the Sanyo Shinkansen (Shin-Osaka to Hakata), the Kyushu Shinkansen (Hakata to Kagoshima-Chuo) and the Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen. Other lines such as Tohoku or Hokuriku do not require it, but space is still limited.
Staff may ask you to move the case to an available baggage area, and if they judge it too big you can end up with a penalty. On a full train there may be no space left at all, so book early during Golden Week, Obon and New Year.
Some Tokaido and Sanyo trains also have lockable baggage corners in selected cars. These are reserved separately, so check availability when you book your seat.
Strollers, wheelchairs and musical instruments in cases are exempt. Sports equipment such as ski bags and bicycles in covers still counts toward the size rule.
Local JR lines, the subway and metro do not need a seat or luggage reservation. Just tap in and out with an IC card like Suica, Pasmo or Icoca. Keep an eye on your balance with our free IC card balance checker app.
Yes. Scan the QR code on your pass at a Shinkansen reserved seat ticket machine, choose your train and pick a seat with an oversized baggage area. The seat and the baggage space are included in your pass at no extra cost.
No. smartEX is one of several options. Japan Rail Pass holders can book through a ticket machine or a JR desk, and any traveler can book at the station without an account.
Yes, at a reserved seat ticket machine or a JR ticket desk. The space behind the last row is limited, so on busy days it can already be taken. Booking a few days ahead is safer, especially during Golden Week, Obon and New Year.
No. The seat with the baggage area is a normal reserved seat. Only the seat price applies, and with a Japan Rail Pass even that is covered.
Still unsure about your case? Measure it first. Under 160 cm in total rides freely, 161 to 250 cm needs the baggage seat, and over 250 cm has to be forwarded instead.