Using Luggage Lockers in Japan
Traveling to Japan is an amazing experience, there’s so much to see and so many places to visit. As you travel about the country you may find yourself faced with the prospect of dragging around heavy luggage. There is luggage shipping / forwarding services you can hire, but they can be pricey and often take longer than to deliver than is convenient. Luckily, there’s a practical and secure solution for storing your belongings while you explore. Luggage lockers, found in train stations, airports, and major tourist areas, provide an easy and convenient storage option.
Convenience and Accessibility
Electronic Luggage Lockers in Japan
One of the best things about the luggage lockers is their widespread availability throughout Japan. You can find lockers in train stations, subway stations, airports, shopping malls, and even some tourist attractions. This makes it easy to store your bags no matter where you are. Additionally the lockers often come in a variety of sizes. With some locations having options from a small backpack to large (or multiple) suitcases sizes. Keep in mind that the size and availability will differ from location to location. Lockers also have varying rental periods that can range from a few hours to several days.
User-Friendly Operation
Using these lockers is straight forward. Most lockers have clear instructions in multiple languages, including English. You can easily follow the step-by-step process to store your bags securely. Some storage facilities also have touch screens that allow you to select the desired locker size and make the payment conveniently using cash or electronic payment methods like credit cards or mobile payment apps. Others are coin operated and require you to insert a set value, typically with 100 yen coins.
Cost and Value
Prices will vary depending on the locker size and the duration of use. Typically, you can expect to pay a few hundred yen for a few hours or a day of storage. While it may seem like an additional expense, the value of being able to move around freely and explore unencumbered is well worth it. Compared to the cost and hassle of shipping your bags, using luggage lockers is also an attractive option.
Tips for Using Luggage Lockers in Japan
Coin Lockers In Japan
Check Locker Availability: Before relying on luggage lockers, it's a good idea to check their availability, especially during peak travel seasons or in popular tourist areas. With popular locations, you may find limited to no availability. Make sure you have a backup plan.
Have Coins Ready: While many lockers accept electronic payments such as credit cards or mobile payment apps, many others do not. Some smaller stations or older locker systems may only accept cash. It can also be hard to find a place to change paper currency to coins, so it’s a good idea to be prepared ahead of time.
Choose the Right Size: Luggage lockers in Japan come in various sizes to accommodate different bag dimensions. Check if the lockers will fit your bags before you choose a particular size. Conversely don’t waste your money on a locker that’s too big for your needs.
Pack Essentials in a Daypack: Before storing your main luggage in a locker, make sure your essentials like your wallet, passport, and other important items are packed in a bag you are keeping with you. This way, you can keep them with you at all times and have easy access to your valuables while your larger bags are safely stored.
Securely Store Valuables: Luggage lockers in Japan are generally safe, but it's still a good practice to secure your valuable belongings. Use a small lock or cable ties to secure zippers or wrap your bags to deter any potential tampering. Additionally, consider keeping valuable items like electronics or important documents in a separate bag that you can carry with you.
Keep Locker Tickets / Keys Safe: When you use a luggage locker in Japan, you'll receive a ticket or receipt with a unique code or a physical key. Keep these safe throughout the duration of your storage period. Losing them can lead to complications when retrieving your bags, and in some cases, you may even be required to pay a fine or have difficulty proving ownership of the stored items.
Monitor Storage Time: Be mindful of the duration for which you rent a locker. Most lockers have a maximum rental period, usually 24 to 72 hours. Exceeding the allotted time may result in additional fees or the removal of your belongings from the locker. Set reminders or alarms to ensure you retrieve your bags on time.
Check Opening Hours: Take note of the opening and closing hours of the locker facility. Some lockers may have specific operating hours, especially in smaller stations or rural areas. Plan your storage and retrieval times accordingly to avoid any inconvenience.