If you are staying in Japan for a long period of time or must bring large suitcases with you don’t worry too much it may be uncomfortably getting them to your location but, airport trains, such as the Narita Express and Haruka, have special space for large suitcases near the doors. Shinkansen trains, have very little space for large luggage.

Overhead shelves on shinkansen trains are about 15"(40cm) high and 23" (60cm) deep and cannot accommodate large suitcases. There is usually space for two to three large suitcases behind the last row of seats in each car on most long distance trains. There is usually enough room to put a suit case in front of you but this could be uncomfortable on longer trips.

I always suggest to people who know there destination to mail there suitcases. What? Mail my suitcase! That’s right just walk into any convenience store, such as Lawson, San-Kus, Family-Mart etc. and tell them you want mail by takuhaibin. It is the same as mailing any package they will weigh it　and price it accordingly. Then write the destination, if you don’t have a return address make sure you at least write your telephone number or ask the store to use there address. Fees are about 1,500 yen for next day delivery to any apartment, airports, convenience stores, hotels, service centers and private homes. Just so you know even while living in Japan I always use this service even for small pieces, I just love the freedom. The takuhaibin always comes through perfectly they even tell me to the hour when it will be delivered the next day. You can choose the times.