【Japan Travel Hack】A Complete Guide to Using Coin Lockers & What to Do When They’re Full

Japan is a fantastic country to explore, but dragging your luggage around can quickly become a hassle.

Coin lockers are a traveler’s best friend, allowing you to store your bags and sightsee freely.

This guide covers how to use them and, more importantly, what to do when you can’t find an empty one.

Table of Contents

You can typically find coin lockers at most train stations, subway stations, and some tourist attractions.

Key Lockers: The traditional type. You put your luggage in, insert coins, and turn the key to lock. You take the key with you.
Electronic/IC Card Lockers: The modern type. A central touchscreen panel operates these. You can pay with cash or, more conveniently, with an IC card like Suica or Pasmo.

Tip: Take a photo of the locker number and location so you don’t forget!

In major hubs like Tokyo Station or Shinjuku Station, coin lockers can fill up quickly, especially during peak travel seasons.

You might also find that your large suitcase doesn’t fit in the available sizes.

So, what’s the backup plan?

Instead of just storing your luggage, why not send it directly to your next destination?

Luggage delivery services are a game-changer for smart travelers in Japan.

You can have your bags picked up from your current hotel and delivered to your next hotel or even to the airport.

This service frees you up for an entire day of unburdened travel, making your trip significantly more comfortable and efficient.

For a reliable and easy-to-book option, consider using a service like Klook.

Once your luggage is sorted, the next step is navigating Japan’s amazing public transport.

Learn how to master the train system with an IC card.

If you found this guide helpful, please give it a like!