[Shinkansen] Points to note when traveling with a suitcase

Do you know about seats with extra-large luggage space?

Did you know that when you bring large luggage onto the Shinkansen, you need to reserve a seat with extra-large luggage space? Specifically, oversized baggage is one whose total three sides are between 160cm and 250cm.

It's easy to imagine that it's a size that can't be carried on board on an international flight. The problem was that luggage of these sizes could not be placed on shelves or aisles, and would get in the way.

Therefore, in May 2020, seats with extra-large luggage space were introduced. The rear seats of reserved seat cars have space for luggage in the back. Previously, people sitting far away could leave large luggage in this space, but there was a risk of it getting in the way of other people or theft.

With seats with extra-large luggage space, you don't have to worry about your luggage being stolen because you place it behind the reserved seat you reserved. When placing luggage, be sure to secure the casters of suitcases and other items so that they do not move.

What is a seat with an oversized luggage corner?

From May 2023, ``seats with oversized baggage corners'' will be installed on 16-car trains of the Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen. This service allows you to use the luggage rack on the deck closest to the applicable seat.

The luggage rack is divided into two levels: an upper level and a lower level. On the top shelf, you can store items with three sides of 80cm or less x 60cm x 50cm, and on the bottom shelf, you can store items with three sides of 80cm or less x 60cm x 40cm. If your luggage is larger than that, please use a seat with extra large luggage space.
When making a reservation, the "aisle seat" will be specified in the upper row, and the "window seat" will be specified in the lower row, so be careful not to make a mistake if you want to specify an upper or lower row.

It also has a locking function to prevent theft, so you can feel safe even when you are away. To lock and unlock the door, use your own contactless IC card such as a transportation IC card. However, some IC cards and mobile devices may not be compatible, so if you are unsure, please check in advance.

Please note that if you bring oversized baggage without making a reservation for a seat with space or a seat with a corner in advance, you will be charged a 1,000 yen carry-on fee.
Additionally, the large baggage rule does not apply to sports equipment such as strollers, bicycles, and musical instruments.

Precautions when storing on luggage racks

What precautions should I take when using the luggage racks above the seats on the Shinkansen? The size of the luggage rack varies depending on the type of vehicle, but it is said that it may be occupied by one person if it has a depth of approximately 40cm to 45cm, a height of approximately 30 to 35cm, and a width (length) of approximately 80cm per person. .

Since it is possible to store items even if the depth is slightly exceeded, the luggage on the luggage rack can be considered to be up to a width of 50cm x 30cm x 80cm.
When loading and unloading luggage, it is safer to be careful of those around you and to do so while the Shinkansen is stopped.

Also, if your luggage is heavy and difficult to lift and lower by yourself, don't force yourself to do so; instead, place it somewhere else, such as at your feet, or ask a flight attendant for advice.
The luggage rack has a slope to prevent luggage from falling. Shinkansen trains also rarely shake or brake suddenly.

However, in order to prevent the items from falling due to shaking, be sure to place them in a stable manner when placing them on the shelves, and make sure that they do not protrude too far from the shelves.

Precautions when placing it at your feet

It would be helpful if you could provide an explanation as the sizes are different for regular seats and green cars. If the luggage rack is full or is too heavy to place on the luggage rack, you can place it at your feet.

JR Tokai has stated that it is possible to store luggage in the footwells of regular cars as long as it is approximately 120cm on three sides (55cm x 40cm x 25cm). If your luggage is about this size, it might be a good idea to place it at your feet.

However, because you have to place your feet and luggage in a small space, your lower legs tend to be under pressure. Remaining in the same position for a long time in a cramped seat can impede blood flow and form blood clots, which can cause pain and swelling, or in the worst case scenario, cause a pulmonary embolism.
So-called. Economy class syndrome is common on long airplane flights, but you should also be careful on the Shinkansen. We recommend that you occasionally stand up from your seat and stretch your legs.

Also, if you are placing luggage on wheels, be sure to lock the casters and support them with your feet to prevent them from moving on their own to prevent the luggage from shifting due to the shaking of the Shinkansen.

If there are people sitting next to you, please be careful not to disturb them.
In the case of a green car, the seats are wide, so it won't be a nuisance even if you have large luggage, and there will be plenty of space so you can spend your time comfortably.

Prepare in advance when carrying oversized luggage

We have introduced some things to keep in mind when traveling on the Shinkansen with a suitcase.
When traveling, many people prefer suitcases because they can hold a lot of luggage and are easy to move around.

Depending on the size, suitcases can be placed on the luggage rack or at the foot of the seat, but if the total length of the three sides is 160 cm or more, it is considered oversized luggage. If you wish to bring oversized baggage onto the Shinkansen, you will need to make a reservation in advance. Please note that if you bring in items without making a reservation in advance, you will be charged a 1,000 yen carry-in fee.

Strollers, musical instruments, etc. do not qualify as extra-large luggage even if they are over 160cm long, but if you wish to store them in the extra-large luggage space instead of placing them at your feet or on a shelf, you will need to make a reservation.

This seat setting is not available for unreserved seats and some reserved seat cars.
Therefore, if you have an unreserved seat ticket and bring oversized baggage onto the train without making a reservation in advance, please be aware that in addition to the 1,000 yen carry-on fee, you will also be required to pay a fee to change to a seat with an oversized baggage area.

Reservations can be made at Midori no Madoguchi, Express Reservation, and Smart EX.

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