Coin Lockers in Japan: Complete Guide 2026
Note: Prices and availability change frequently. The prices shown in this article are examples as of April 2026. Always verify the latest prices and details on the official provider’s website before booking/purchasing.
Quick Summary
- Cost: Small ¥400, Medium ¥500–¥600, Large ¥700–¥800 per day at most stations
- Payment: IC card (Suica/PASMO) or coins — most lockers now accept both
- Key tip: Lockers at major stations fill up by 10 AM — arrive early or use luggage storage services as backup
- Alternative: Ecbo Cloak and other luggage storage apps reserve space at nearby shops when lockers are full
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How Coin Lockers Work in Japan
Coin lockers (コインロッカー) are self-service storage lockers found in virtually every train station, bus terminal, tourist area, and shopping district in Japan. They let you store your bags for hours or days while you explore hands-free.
Modern coin lockers in Japan come in two types: traditional key-operated lockers and newer touch-screen IC card lockers. Both work the same basic way — deposit your bag, pay, lock the door, and retrieve it later with your key or IC card.
Key-Operated Lockers (Traditional)
- Find an empty locker (the key will be in the door or a green/red indicator shows availability).
- Place your bag inside and close the door.
- Insert coins (¥100 coins required — no change machines nearby in some locations).
- Turn the key and remove it. Keep this key safe — losing it costs ¥1,500–¥3,000 for a replacement.
- To retrieve: Insert the key, turn, and open the door.
IC Card Lockers (Modern)
- Touch the screen and select your language (English available at major stations).
- Choose an available locker size.
- Place your bag inside and close the door.
- Tap your Suica, PASMO, or other IC card on the reader.
- The screen confirms payment and your locker number. Take a photo of this screen.
- To retrieve: Touch the screen, select “retrieve,” and tap the same IC card.
Pro tip: IC card lockers are more convenient because you cannot lose a physical key. If you have Mobile Suica on your phone, you always have your “key” with you.
Coin Locker Sizes and Prices
Lockers come in three standard sizes. Prices vary slightly by location — stations in central Tokyo and Kyoto charge a premium.
| Size | Dimensions (approx.) | Price/Day | What Fits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (S) | 35 × 34 × 57 cm | ¥300–¥400 | Backpack, shopping bags, small duffle |
| Medium (M) | 55 × 34 × 57 cm | ¥500–¥600 | Carry-on suitcase, large backpack |
| Large (L) | 84 × 34 × 57 cm | ¥600–¥800 | Medium suitcase (up to ~70L) |
| Extra Large (XL) | 113 × 34 × 57 cm | ¥800–¥1,000 | Full-size suitcase |
Important: Extra-large lockers are rare and found only at major stations (Tokyo, Shinjuku, Kyoto, Osaka/Umeda). They fill up first. If you have a large suitcase, arrive before 10 AM or use a luggage delivery/storage service instead.
Time limits: Most lockers operate on a midnight reset. If you store your bag at 3 PM, you pay for one day. If you leave it past midnight, the meter resets and you pay for a second day when retrieving. Maximum storage is typically 3 consecutive days — after that, the locker company removes your belongings.
Too big for a locker? Use luggage delivery instead →
Where to Find Coin Lockers
Train Stations
Every major train station has coin lockers, usually located near ticket gates, on platform levels, and in underground passages. Stations with the most lockers include:
- Tokyo Station: Over 4,000 lockers across multiple areas. The largest clusters are near the Yaesu Central exit and Marunouchi side basement. Look for the “To Coin Lockers” signs.
- Shinjuku Station: Thousands of lockers spread across the east, west, and south exits. The east exit area near Studio Alta has the most large lockers.
- Kyoto Station: Lockers on the central concourse, near the Shinkansen gates, and in the underground shopping area. Large lockers fill up by 9 AM during peak season.
- Osaka Station/Umeda: Lockers throughout the station complex and in connected underground malls.
Tourist Areas
Coin lockers are available at major tourist spots including Asakusa (near Senso-ji), Shibuya (near Hachiko exit), Akihabara, Nara Park area, and near Fushimi Inari. These locations have fewer lockers than stations and fill up faster.
Airports
Narita and Haneda airports have coin lockers in terminal buildings. Prices are slightly higher than station lockers. Useful for storing bags during a layover or when making a day trip before checking into your hotel.
Finding Available Lockers
When lockers at your station are full, try these strategies:
- Walk to a different exit or floor — stations have multiple locker areas
- Check nearby stations on the same line (one stop away often has empty lockers)
- Use the Coin Locker Navi app or website (coinlocker-navi.com) to search for available lockers nearby
- Use a luggage storage service (see below)
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Luggage Storage Services (When Lockers Are Full)
When coin lockers are full — which happens regularly at popular stations during peak hours — luggage storage services offer a reliable alternative.
Ecbo Cloak
An app-based service that partners with cafes, shops, and hotels near stations to store your luggage. Book online, drop your bag at the partner location, and pick it up later. Prices start at ¥400 for bags and ¥700 for suitcases per day. The main advantage: you can reserve storage space in advance, guaranteeing availability.
Luggage Storage at Hotels
Most hotels store luggage for guests before check-in and after checkout at no charge. Even if you are not staying at a particular hotel, some will store bags for a small fee (¥500–¥1,000). Ask politely — this is not a guaranteed service but many hotels accommodate tourists.
Tourist Information Centers
Some tourist information centers near major stations offer temporary luggage storage. Available at select locations in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. Check with staff on arrival.
Coin Locker Tips
- Carry ¥100 coins: Older lockers only accept coins. Keep a supply of ¥100 coins for locker use. Some stations have change machines nearby, but not all.
- Arrive early: At popular stations (Shinjuku, Shibuya, Kyoto, Nara), large and medium lockers fill by 10 AM. Store your bags before sightseeing, not after.
- Photograph your locker location: Stations are massive. Take a photo of the locker area number, floor, and nearest exit sign. Finding your locker again in a 30-exit station is harder than you think.
- Use IC card lockers when possible: No coins needed, no key to lose, and retrieval is faster. Tap the same card you used to lock.
- Check the time cutoff: Lockers reset at midnight. Storing a bag at 11 PM means you pay for two days if you retrieve it after midnight.
- Do not store valuables: While theft from coin lockers is extremely rare in Japan, do not leave passports, large amounts of cash, or irreplaceable items.
- Know the 3-day limit: Bags left beyond 3 days are removed by the locker company. You will need to contact them to retrieve your belongings, which involves fees and paperwork.
More Japan travel hacks to save time and money →
Common Mistakes
- Assuming large lockers are available: Extra-large lockers are scarce. If you have a full-size suitcase, do not count on finding a locker — have a backup plan (luggage delivery or Ecbo Cloak).
- Losing the key: Replacement keys cost ¥1,500–¥3,000 and require finding a station staff member. Use IC card lockers to eliminate this risk entirely.
- Not having coins: Old-style lockers need exact coins. IC card lockers solve this, but not every location has been upgraded.
- Forgetting locker location: Major stations have dozens of locker areas across multiple floors. Always photograph your locker location with nearby landmarks.
- Trying to store oversized luggage: If your bag does not fit, do not force it. Use luggage delivery services or find a larger storage option.
FAQ
Can I use a coin locker for multiple days?
Yes, up to 3 consecutive days. The locker charges per calendar day (resets at midnight). You pay the accumulated daily rate when you retrieve your bag. After 3 days, the locker company removes your belongings.
What payment methods do coin lockers accept?
Modern IC card lockers accept Suica, PASMO, ICOCA, and other IC transit cards — including Mobile Suica on your phone. Older lockers accept ¥100 coins only. Most major stations have been upgraded to IC card lockers, but smaller stations may still have coin-only models.
Are coin lockers safe?
Yes. Theft from coin lockers in Japan is extremely rare. The lockers are sturdy, the locks are reliable, and stations have security cameras. That said, do not store irreplaceable items like passports or large sums of cash — carry those with you.
What if all lockers at my station are full?
Try a different floor or exit area of the same station. Check the next station on the line (often less crowded). Use Ecbo Cloak or another luggage storage app to reserve space at a nearby shop. As a last resort, ask your hotel to hold your bags.
Can I store food or drinks in a coin locker?
Technically yes, but lockers are not refrigerated. Do not store perishable food for extended periods, especially in summer. Short-term storage of sealed drinks or non-perishable snacks is fine.
Do coin lockers have power outlets for charging?
No. Standard coin lockers do not have power outlets. If you need to charge devices, use charging stations at cafes, convenience stores, or rent a portable charger from services available at airports and stations.
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