Japan’s coin lockers (coin rokka) are one of the most useful facilities available to tourists. They are found at virtually every major train station and airport, allowing you to store bags for a few hours or up to 3 days while you explore hands-free.
Here is how to find them, how to use them, what they cost, and the practical rules every visitor should know.
Quick Answer: Coin lockers: Automatic storage lockers at train stations and airports. Small size (for backpacks and laptop bags): 300 to 400 yen per day. Medium (carry-on sized): 500 to 600 yen per day. Large (full suitcase): 700 to 900 yen per day. Maximum storage: 3 days at most stations. Pay with coins, IC card (Suica card guide), or credit card depending on the machine. For overnight bag forwarding between cities, see the luggage forwarding guide.
Where to Find Coin Lockers
Major Train Stations
Virtually all JR and metro stations in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and other major cities have coin lockers. At large stations (Tokyo Station, Shinjuku Station, Kyoto Station), lockers are located in multiple areas and can be hard to find on your first visit. Ask station staff or look for the ‘Coin Locker’ sign.
Airports
Narita, Haneda, Kansai, and New Chitose airports all have coin lockers in the arrivals and departure areas. Particularly useful when arriving early or departing late. See the Narita to Tokyo guide and the Haneda to Tokyo guide for context on Narita and Haneda.
Finding Available Lockers
The Coin Locker Searcher website (coinlocker.jp) and some Google Maps listings show locker availability at major stations. At the station itself, look for indicator lights on locker banks: usually green means available, red means occupied.
How to Use a Coin Locker
Standard Process
- Find an available locker (green light). Place your bag inside. Close and lock the door.
- Insert coins or tap your IC card (some newer machines also accept credit cards). The machine will issue a receipt or display a PIN code.
- Note the locker number and your PIN or receipt. Keep them safe.
- To retrieve your bag, find your locker, enter the PIN or scan your receipt, and pay any additional time charges if you have stayed beyond the initial period.
IC Card Payment
Many newer coin locker systems in Tokyo and major cities accept Suica card guide and PASMO IC cards for payment. Touch your card to lock; touch again to open. No coins needed. Simpler and faster than coin payment.
Sizes and Costs
- Small (S): Approximately 30 x 35 x 57cm. Fits a small daypack or laptop bag. 300 to 400 yen per day.
- Medium (M): Approximately 35 x 35 x 82cm. Fits a carry-on suitcase. 500 to 600 yen per day.
- Large (L): Approximately 35 x 57 x 82cm. Fits a large checked-bag suitcase. 700 to 900 yen per day.
- Extra Large (LL or XL): Available at major stations. Fits oversized items or ski bags: 1,000 yen or more per day.
Prices are per day (per 24-hour period), not per hour. If you use a locker for 3 hours, does it cost the same as using it for 23 hours?
Maximum Storage Time
Most coin lockers allow storage for up to 3 days. After 3 days, uncollected items are removed by station staff and stored separately. You can retrieve them by contacting the station’s lost and found, but there may be additional fees. Do not leave bags for longer than 3 days.
When Lockers Are Full
At very popular stations (Kyoto Station during cherry blossom season, Shinjuku Station on weekends), all coin lockers may be occupied by mid-morning. If this happens, look for locker banks on different floors of the station, at nearby convenience stores (some 7-Eleven locations have locker services), or use a dedicated luggage storage service (ecbo cloak, accessible via app, offers drop-off at convenience stores and shops).
Coin Lockers vs Luggage Forwarding
Use coin lockers when you need your bags back the same day: exploring a city for a few hours before a train, storing bags on arrival morning before hotel check-in. Use luggage forwarding guide (takkyubin) when moving between cities and want to travel without bags overnight. Both services are widely available and complement each other on a Japan itinerary.
Nearby Guides
- luggage forwarding guide
- tax-free shopping in Japan guide
- Suica card guide
- JR Pass guide
- Japan travel tips
- Narita to Tokyo guide
- Haneda to Tokyo guide
FAQ
Can I use a coin locker at Kyoto Station?
Yes. Kyoto Station has extensive coin locker banks in multiple locations, including near the central gates, in the Isetan department store section, and in the basement. The lockers fill quickly during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons, so arrive early or use the station’s designated baggage storage counter as a fallback.
Do coin lockers in Japan accept credit cards?
Some newer machines do, but many still require coins or an IC card (Suica, PASMO). Carry at least 1,000 yen in coins as a backup when using coin lockers. The IC card option is the most convenient when available.
What happens if I lose my locker key or receipt?
Go to the station’s lost-and-found (mitsukebako or wasuremono center). Show your IC card (if you used IC payment, the transaction is traceable) or describe the locker number and your bag. Station staff can open the locker with a master key. There may be a small handling fee.
