One of the best things about traveling Japan is the ability to drop your luggage at a coin locker and explore a city completely unburdened. One of the most frustrating things is arriving at a major station during obon week, golden week, or a holiday weekend to find every large locker already full by 9am.
This guide gives you the size chart, the prices, the payment options, and the strategies that experienced Japan travelers use to store luggage without hassle — including what to do when the lockers are full.
1. Locker Sizes and Prices
Japan's station coin lockers come in three standard sizes, with most major stations also offering extra-large options. Prices are charged per day (a calendar day, not per 24 hours), and most lockers allow storage for up to 3 days before the contents are automatically transferred to a staffed lost-and-found.
35 × 31 × 64 cm
Backpacks, handbags, small day packs
¥300–400 / day
35 × 54 × 64 cm
Carry-on bags, 20-inch suitcases
¥500–600 / day
57 × 54 × 64 cm
Full-size suitcases up to 26 inches
¥700–900 / day
Available at major stations only
28-inch+ suitcases, ski bags, sports equipment
¥900–1,200 / day
2. Coin Lockers vs. IC Card Lockers
Japan has two types of station lockers, and knowing the difference saves frustration:
| Type | Payment | How to Use | Where Found |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coin Locker | 100-yen coins only | Insert coins → put bag in → turn key → keep key to retrieve | Older stations, smaller facilities |
| IC Card Locker | Suica, Pasmo, IC cards; some accept credit cards | Tap IC card on reader → locker locks. Tap same IC card to retrieve. No key to carry. | Major JR stations, airports, large shopping centers |
3. How to Use a Coin Locker Step by Step
- Find an empty locker. Look for the green indicator light — green means vacant, red means occupied. Walk around the bank of lockers; empty ones are rarely all in one place.
- Check the size fits your bag. Open the door and test it before paying. A 26-inch suitcase often does not fit in a "large" locker if the bag is soft-sided and bulging.
- Place your luggage inside and close the door. Do not force it — overfilling prevents proper locking.
- Insert coins or tap your IC card. For coin lockers, use 100-yen coins only — insert the full amount, then the door will lock and dispense the key. For IC card lockers, follow the touchscreen (usually has an English option).
- Keep your key or remember your locker number. Coin locker keys are small plastic fobs. IC card lockers record the transaction on your card — no physical key. Note your locker number in either case.
- Retrieve before station closing time. Most lockers are only accessible during station operating hours (roughly first to last train). Airport lockers are usually 24-hour.
4. Where to Find Lockers: Best Locations
Lockers are positioned near ticket gates — both inside the paid zone and outside in the free area. They are also found in underground passages, near specific exits, and in connecting corridors between train lines. Signage is usually yellow with a suitcase icon.
| Location | Availability | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo Station | Very large locker banks, multiple locations | Check both Marunouchi and Yaesu sides; large lockers fill by 10am on busy days |
| Shinjuku Station | Large banks near major exits | South Exit underground area has the most large lockers |
| Kyoto Station | Extensive locker area on B1 | Fills early during cherry blossom and autumn leaf season |
| Osaka (Namba / Shin-Osaka) | Multiple banks | Namba lockers near the tourist areas fill fastest |
| Narita / Haneda Airport | 24-hour lockers, all sizes | Most expensive (¥400–¥1,000+) but always available and accessible |
| Asakusa (Senso-ji area) | Limited lockers near the gate | Uses coin lockers only; fills by 9am on peak tourist days |
5. When Lockers Are Full: Your Options
During obon (mid-August), golden week (late April to early May), and cherry blossom season, large lockers at tourist-heavy stations can be entirely full by mid-morning. Do not panic — there are reliable alternatives:
- Check nearby stations — one stop away often has available lockers. The Coin Locker Navi app shows real-time vacancy at major stations across Japan.
- Cloak room (クローク) — major stations (Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka) have staffed luggage storage offices near the main exits. Prices are similar to lockers (¥500–¥800/bag/day). No size restrictions. Open during station hours.
- Ecbo Cloak (エクボクローク) — an app that lets you store luggage at local shops, cafes, and convenience stores near tourist areas. Book online from ¥500/day per bag. Very useful near crowded shrines like Fushimi Inari or Asakusa.
- Luggage forwarding (takkyubin) — send your bag directly to your next hotel. Services like Yamato Transport deliver next-day for ¥1,500–¥2,500 per bag. Drop off at any convenience store or arrange hotel pickup. See our full luggage forwarding guide.
6. Useful Apps and Tools
- Coin Locker Navi (コインロッカーナビ) — the most useful app for locker hunting. Shows real-time availability at major stations, locker sizes, prices, and exact locations within the station.
- Google Maps — search "coin locker" near your location. Many lockers are now listed with photos and opening hours.
- Ecbo Cloak (ecbo.jp) — web booking for alternative luggage storage at shops and cafes. Available in English.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I pay for a coin locker with a credit card?
Old coin-only lockers accept cash exclusively. Modern IC card lockers at major stations accept Suica, Pasmo, and some accept Visa/Mastercard tap-to-pay. Always carry 100-yen coins as backup at smaller stations.
Q: What happens if I lose my locker key?
Report it immediately to the station staff office (みどりの窓口 or an information booth). They can open the locker using a master key after verifying your identity. There is usually a small fee (¥500–¥1,000). Keep a note of your locker number.
Q: Are there lockers at tourist attractions, not just stations?
Yes. Major attractions — Senso-ji, Tokyo Skytree, teamLab, Disneyland, Universal Studios Japan — have their own locker facilities, often near the entrance. These are generally smaller and fill up faster than station lockers. Prices are similar (¥300–¥600).
Q: My suitcase is 28 inches — will it fit?
Not in a standard large locker. Extra-large lockers (available at Tokyo, Shinjuku, Osaka, Kyoto, and airports) can accommodate 28-inch hard-shell cases. If your bag is soft and flexible, compress it before testing. When in doubt, use the staffed cloak room — they have no size restrictions.
Q: What is the cheapest way to store luggage for a full day?
A small locker at a less central station (¥300/day) is the cheapest. If you are sightseeing in one area, look for lockers one or two stops from the main tourist hub — they are usually cheaper and have better availability.
Conclusion
Japan's coin locker network is one of the most practical things about traveling the country — the ability to drop bags and walk freely makes a genuine difference to how much you can see. Plan ahead during busy seasons (download Coin Locker Navi before you arrive), carry some 100-yen coins for older stations, and know that the cloak room and Ecbo Cloak always exist as backup. You will never be stuck carrying a suitcase through Fushimi Inari.
Related: Luggage Forwarding Guide · Japan Train Etiquette · Suica IC Card Guide
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