Coin Locker and Luggage Storage
Coin lockers in Japan are nothing more than common lockers for a fee. They can be found in all major train and bus stations. They can also be found in smaller stations, shopping centres and places of interest.
Coin lockers found in stations cost between 300 and 700 Yen, depending on size.
Costs and dimensions
As mentioned before, the price varies depending on the size of the coin locker. There are usually three sizes (approximate dimensions height x width x depth)
- Small (35cm x 34cm x 57cm) 300 Yen
- Medium (57cm x 34cm x 57cm) 500 Yen
- Large (117cm x 34cm x 57cm) 600-700 Yen
The price is calculated per day and you may keep your belongings inside for no more than 3 days. After the 3 days have passed, the lockers are emptied by the attendants at the stations.
Coin locker with IC Card reader (Suica, Pasmo, Icoca, etc.) for payment.
Photo by Japanforeveryone.com
How they are used
There are two types of coin lockers, key-operated and electronic.
Coin locker with a key
First look for an empty locker and insert your backpack, bag or luggage. Close the locker door and turn the key. Insert coins (usually 100 Yen coins) according to the amount indicated. Once you have paid, take the key. To open the locker, simply insert the key.
In case you want to use the coin locker for 2 or 3 days, pay on the first day as indicated. The next day, you will have to pay the fee again in order to open the locker.
Electronic coin lockers
Again, place your luggage in the locker and close the door. Then follow the instructions on the monitor on the lockers. At these coin lockers you can pay with a prepaid card such as Suica/Pasmo/Icoca or with cash.
If you pay with an IC Card, simply follow the instructions and pay by placing the card on the reader. If you pay with cash instead, you will be printed a receipt with a PIN.
When you need to collect your case, either place the card on the reader or enter the PIN you will find on the receipt you were given at the beginning.
Coin locker with key
Uploader; Vantey, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Where to find them
You will find coin lockers at all large stations (for large lockers) and almost certainly also at smaller stations. Just follow the signs as in the picture below.
Luggage storage
Luggage lockers are good alternatives to coin lockers, especially for large suitcases. Several can be found scattered around the city. You can book them via the app ECBO Cloack.