Traveling around Tokyo with luggage can be inconvenient, especially before hotel check-in or after check-out. Fortunately, coin lockers are available at most train stations, making it easy to store your bags while you explore the city.
Here’s everything you need to know about using coin lockers in Tokyo.
What Are Coin Lockers?
Coin lockers are secure self-service storage lockers commonly found at train stations, shopping centers, airports, and tourist attractions throughout Japan.
They are perfect for:
- Suitcases
- Backpacks
- Shopping bags
- Carry-on luggage
Using a locker allows you to enjoy sightseeing without carrying your belongings around all day.
Where Can You Find Coin Lockers?
Coin lockers are available at most major stations, including:
- Tokyo Station
- Shinjuku Station
- Shibuya Station
- Ueno Station
- Ikebukuro Station
You’ll usually find them near station exits, ticket gates, or underground passageways.
Typical Coin Locker Sizes and Prices
Prices vary slightly by location, but the following is a good guide:
| Size | Suitable For | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Small | Backpack, handbag | ¥300–¥500 |
| Medium | Carry-on suitcase | ¥500–¥700 |
| Large | Large suitcase | ¥700–¥1,000 |
Most lockers are charged per calendar day.
How to Use a Coin Locker
1. Find an Available Locker
Open lockers are usually marked as available on the screen or have an unlocked door.
2. Place Your Luggage Inside
Put your belongings in the locker and close the door securely.
3. Pay the Fee
Depending on the locker, you can pay using:
- Cash (coins)
- IC cards such as Suica or PASMO
- Credit cards (some newer lockers)
4. Keep Your Receipt or IC Card
Many modern lockers issue a receipt with a QR code or PIN number.
If you use an IC card, you’ll need the same card to retrieve your luggage later.
5. Retrieve Your Luggage
Return to the locker, scan your receipt or tap your IC card, and the door will unlock.
Using Suica or PASMO
Many lockers now accept transportation IC cards.
Benefits include:
- No need for coins
- Faster payment
- Easy retrieval
Simply tap your card when storing and retrieving your luggage.
What If All the Lockers Are Full?
Popular stations can run out of lockers, especially during:
- Cherry blossom season
- Golden Week
- Summer holidays
- New Year’s holidays
If lockers are full, try:
- Another station entrance
- A nearby station
- Luggage storage counters
- Hotel luggage storage services
Important Things to Know
Lockers Are Not Available Forever
Most lockers can be used for up to three days.
Items left longer may be removed by station staff and stored elsewhere.
Do Not Store Valuables
Avoid storing:
- Passports
- Cash
- Jewelry
- Important documents
Always keep valuables with you.
Large Suitcases May Not Fit
Oversized luggage may require:
- Extra-large lockers
- Luggage storage counters
- Hotel storage services
Alternative: Luggage Delivery Services
If you don’t want to carry luggage between cities, Japan’s luggage delivery services can send your bags directly to your hotel.
This is especially useful when traveling between Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.
Pro Tip
If you’re arriving early or leaving late, storing your luggage in a coin locker is often much cheaper than taking a taxi back to your hotel just to drop off your bags.
For many visitors, coin lockers are one of the most convenient travel services in Japan and can make sightseeing in Tokyo much more enjoyable.
Travel light, explore freely, and enjoy your time in Tokyo!
