With so many tokyo luggage storage options, you can ditch the heavy bags and explore the city hands-free. In this ultimate guide, you’ll find every practical way to stash your suitcases, from coin lockers at train stations to door-to-door delivery services. By the end, you’ll know which solution fits your itinerary, budget, and packing style—so you can focus on cherry blossoms, neon streets, or that perfect bowl of ramen.
Understand storage choices
Before you pick a storage method, it helps to know what’s out there. Tokyo offers multiple ways to secure your bags, each with its own perks and limits.
Why use luggage storage?
- Save energy and stress so you’re not lugging suitcases on crowded platforms
- Jump straight into sightseeing after you arrive
- Keep valuables safe while you explore freely
When to pick each option
- Short stopovers (1–4 hours): coin lockers, airport counters
- Full-day or multi-day stints: private storage apps, hotel forwarding
- Door-to-door convenience: takuhaibin (luggage delivery)
Ever found yourself dragging a heavy suitcase across Shibuya Station during rush hour? Timing your storage choice around busy periods can be a game changer—check our guide on rush hour times tokyo avoid for more.
Explore coin lockers
Coin lockers are a fast, budget-friendly choice. You’ll spot them at almost every train station, tourist attraction, and shopping mall.
Locker locations and sizes
- Small (300–400 yen): fits a backpack or small tote
- Medium (400–500 yen): holds a carry-on suitcase
- Large (500–800 yen): fits a checked bag or bulky item
Major hubs like Tokyo Station, Shinjuku, and Shibuya have hundreds of lockers. Be aware that popular spots fill up quickly midday. If you can’t find one, consider private storage (see Book private storage).
How to use coin lockers
- Slide in coins or tap an IC card (Suica, Pasmo)
- Close the door until it clicks
- Keep your key or ticket safe—losing it means extra fees
Tip: Payment by IC card helps you avoid fumbling for change. Learn more about cash and card options in our japan cash or card payments guide.
Visit airport counters
If you’re landing or departing from Narita, Haneda, or Kansai, airport luggage counters let you drop bags for a few hours or days.
Airport service highlights
- Narita Airport: baggage storage counters in terminals 1 and 2
- Haneda Airport: lockers and staffed counters in Terminals 1, 2, and 3
- Kansai Airport: centralized storage near arrival lobbies
Rates and time limits
- Coin lockers: 500–1,000 yen per day (same-day pick-up only at some stations)
- Staffed counters: 800–1,200 yen per piece per day (multi-day OK)
- Compensation for lost or damaged items varies by carrier (Japan Travel)
Airport storage is ideal if you want to start exploring right after you touch down. No need to haul your bag to the city first.
Try door-to-door delivery
Door-to-door delivery (takuhaibin) ships your luggage from point A to B—your hotel, the airport, or even a ryokan. It’s perfect for multi-city trips.
How takuhaibin works
- Drop off your bag at a courier counter (Yamato Transport, Sagawa, etc.)
- Provide delivery address, date, and payment
- Your luggage arrives the next day (up to three days for remote areas)
Courier staff will ask about size and weight. Most services cap dimensions at 160 linear cm and 25–30 kg. Contents valued over ¥300,000 or hazardous items aren’t allowed (Japan Travel).
Costs and restrictions
- Standard Tokyo-to-Tokyo delivery: ~1,000–1,500 yen per item
- Hotel-to-hotel transfers: similar rates (ask your accommodation to arrange)
- Fragile items, perishables, and valuables typically prohibited
Door-to-door delivery frees you from station crowds and gives you extra time to wander. Just pack light for the day, and let your bigger bags travel separately.
Book private storage
Private luggage apps like Radical Storage let you reserve space in local shops, cafes, or lockers—all without coins or check-in waits.
Radical Storage and alternatives
- Radical Storage: flat ¥600 per bag per day, 24/7 access, no size/weight surcharges (Radical Storage)
- Bounce: US-based provider with Tokyo locations, app-based booking
- Stasher: similar model, fee based on location
Booking tips
- Reserve in advance to secure spots near your train station or hotel
- Check opening hours—some host venues close early or on holidays
- Review host cancellation policies in case plans change
App-based storage often offers more flexibility than coin lockers. If crowds or locker shortages worry you, this might be your best bet.
Leverage hotel services
Many hotels, ryokans, and hostels in Tokyo will hold your luggage before check-in or after check-out at no extra cost.
Hotel luggage transfers
- Major chains (Shinjuku, Ginza, Asakusa) usually include free short-term storage
- Smaller inns may charge a nominal fee—ask when booking
- Some hotels will forward bags to your next stay for a delivery fee
Staying two nights or more? Ask at reception if they can ship your luggage onward via takuhaibin. It blends hotel convenience with courier ease.
Convenience store drop-off
Certain convenience stores partner with couriers for baggage forwarding. You can:
- Hand your bag to staff at a counter (look for Yamato, Sagawa logos)
- Fill out a slip, pay in cash, and track via online system
See our japan convenience store guide for tips on using konbini (combini) services.
Compare storage solutions
A quick table helps you weigh cost, convenience, and suitability.
| Option | Cost per day | Access hours | Size/weight limits | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coin lockers | 300–800 yen | Varies by station | Small-large; max ~80 L, 25 kg | Short stopovers, cheap fix |
| Airport counters | 800–1,200 yen | 8 AM–8 PM (approx) | Max 160 cm linear, 30 kg | Arrivals/departures |
| Takuhaibin (courier) | 1,000–1,500 yen | Drop-off hours vary | 160 cm linear, 25–30 kg | Multi-city transfers |
| Private app storage | ~600 yen | Host venue hours | No strict limits* | Flexibility, 24/7 needs |
| Hotel holding | Often free | Hotel lobby hours | Dependent on hotel policy | Guests, early/late hours |
*Check with your chosen provider for any size or weight caps.
Prepare for storage
A few proactive steps will make your experience smooth, saving time and money.
Pack and size tips
- Aim for backpacks or carry-ons under 160 cm linear total
- Keep valuables in a daypack you carry with you
- Use lightweight luggage straps to secure zippers
Payment and etiquette
- Carry coins or an IC transit card for lockers
- Learn basic Japanese phrases for labeling and instructions (japanese phrases for travelers)
- Don’t leave perishable or prohibited items (liquids, fresh food, valuables)
- Respect host venue rules and pickup deadlines
Need internet to confirm your bookings? Check our tips on tokyo wifi internet access.
FAQs
What’s the cheapest way to store luggage in Tokyo?
Coin lockers are the most budget-friendly, costing 300–800 yen per day. Seek out medium or large lockers at less busy stations for best availability.
Can I leave my bag overnight in a coin locker?
Many lockers allow overnight stays, but some railway stations require same-day pickup. If you need multi-day storage, use airport counters or private apps.
How do I pay for coin lockers without exact change?
Most lockers accept IC transit cards (like Suica or Pasmo). You can also buy prepaid cards at ticket machines in stations.
Are there size and weight limits for delivery services?
Yes, most couriers cap luggage at 160 cm linear dimensions and 25–30 kg. They also prohibit valuables, perishables, and hazardous materials (Japan Travel).
What happens if I lose my locker key or ticket?
You’ll face a lost-key fee (around 1,000–2,000 yen) plus an extra storage charge. Keep your receipt safe or snap a photo of your locker number.
