First time experiencing accommodation in Tokyo, JapanAirbnb.TsukijiAndAirbnb.HamamatsuchoWhen staying in two rooms, with limited stay time and lack of hotel luggage storage service, I really realized the usefulness of lockers. Lockers can be seen everywhere in Japanese train stations and department stores. When traveling to Japan, they are completely ignored. In fact, lockers are really a good helper for independent travel!
Quick Facts: A basic introduction to Japanese station lockers
Coin Locker (Coin Locker) is called "コインロッカー" in Japanese. It is usually installed in stations, department stores, underground shopping malls and other places. If it can be used wisely, it can be true for backpackers and free travellers. It's so helpful!
- Change the slot of accommodation: People who are used to go to the next hotel to put their luggage first, since they can’t stay in the hotel, may wish to use the lockers to store their luggage first, and then arrange other itineraries such as shopping nearby. Airbnb or homestays are less able to keep their luggage. Lockers can also be used to solve gaps in changing accommodations.
- Arrange the period of travel in the suburbs: if there are people planning mountain hiking, one park and two meals in the suburbs, if they cannot walk long distances with their luggage, they can store their luggage at the station first, and then return to the remote area after the small trip. Pick up your luggage at the station and move on to your next journey easily.
- Itinerary consideration: The necessary lockers at the station are designed to facilitate travellers to arrange the itinerary. According to the consideration of the itinerary, the luggage is directly placed in the station, and the luggage is collected after the journey is completed. Time and money are not going well, it is better to spend on the locker rent.
How to check the location of lockers in Japan
Now that you understand the usefulness of coin-operated lockers, remember to make good use of this facility that can be found everywhere in public places. Of course, for those who plan their itinerary very carefully, they can use the Japanese locker search website to check the location of the lockers in advance and make complete preparations beforehand, which will make them feel more at ease.
コインロッカーなび
It also provides information on the location and quantity of locker facilities across Japan. Currently, it is cooperating with JR East to provide a good online inquiry on the usage status of lockers.
- コインロッカーなび:http://www.coinlocker-navi.com/
▲ The map on the homepage indicates the locations that can be queried across Japan. You can query by clicking on the location and selecting the station.
▲ Click on the name of the station you want to inquire, and then you can inquire about the detailed settings in the station area.
▲ The map indicates the location of the locker and the location of the locker in the table below. After clicking on a specific location, you can query for detailed information.
▲ The type and quantity of lockers are listed directly below the map, and the number of empty lockers will be displayed in some locations.
Types of coin lockers and suitable storage sizes
The common types of coin-operated lockers in Japan can be divided into five specifications and prices based on the size. The configuration of each location is different. The actual accurate size is still based on website information.If you are carrying a large suitcase, it is recommended that when planning your itinerary beforehand, it is best to check online first, so as not to drag the large suitcase with you wherever you go, which means you cannot move forward or retreat.
In the early days of Japanese lockers, they were all coin-operated lockers that used cash. Later, many stations gradually introduced IC card payment and touch screen user interfaces. As the popularity of tourism increased, online reservation services began to appear. , it is recommended to use online reservation services during peak tourist seasons and at large stations.
If you really need to use lockers for the itinerary, but you are worried that you will not be able to find a large locker temporarily, it is recommended to bring two medium-sized suitcases with a shoulder bag, and try to avoid the configuration of one large and one small suitcase.
- 特小(257×355×575mm)：200-300円租金/個，適合隨身物品、購物袋等。
- Small size (310×355×575mm): 300 yen rent/piece, suitable for briefcases, shoulder bags, etc.
- 中型(550×355×575mm)：400円租金/個，適合20吋以下行李箱。
- 大型(840×355×575mm)：500円租金/個，適合29吋以下行李箱。
- Extra large (1200×355×575mm): 600 yen rent/piece, suitable for extra large suitcases and golf bags.
Practical experience of Tokyo coin lockers
This time I went to Tokyo to stay in two consecutive rooms in Hamamatsucho and Tsukiji. On the day of the change of accommodation, the itinerary was arranged to go to Odaiba for a day trip. In the case of not wanting to trouble the owner, I did not ask whether it is possible to check in early, and I went directly to Shimbashi Station. Looking for lockers, but that day falls on a week and holiday, the locker business is booming. Fortunately, Xinqiao Station is a station with multiple railway lines, and there are underground streets and department stores in the area. Lockers.
▲ Drag the suitcase and walk to Hamamatsucho Station.
▲ A 24-inch suitcase needs to be accommodated in a large locker, and the rental fee is 500 yen each time. There are usually few large lockers, so you have to be mentally prepared to look around.
▲ Remember to prepare coins beforehand, and put them in according to the amount indicated on the locker. Some locations will provide a banknote-for-coin machine.
▲ After inserting the coin, you can turn the key to lock the locker, remember to keep the key!
▲ For small white boarding cabinets, you can choose medium-sized storage cabinets. Usually there are a large number of them, and it is easy to find vacancies.
▲ There is still room for shopping bags or backpacks beside the main board of the board. By the way, it’s easier to put things you don’t need.
▲ The usable time of each coin insertion is usually within one day, and it is usually set to be the next day after overnight. At this time, you have to insert coins again to take out your luggage.
▲ The use of lockers is also risky. If you have valuables and important items, remember not to put them in.
▲ Most of the lockers have a time limit, usually during store opening hours or during the first/last shift of the train. If you are too late, you have to get it the next day!
▲ After disposing of the large suitcases, walk to Shimbashi Station with ease and take the Yurikamome to Odaiba.
▲ No need to worry about luggage and check-in time, you can start the whole day's trip early in the morning. The lockers are easy to use!
Special recommendation: Japanese locker online reservation service
The lockers in popular tourist areas in Japan are always full, and it is often difficult to find an empty locker. In this case, you need reservation services such as To Locca and Ecbo cloak!
To Locca
If you are traveling to the Kanto region, it is recommended to use the "To Locca" locker reservation service. This service was launched on March 2020, 3. The service area covers Tokyo, Yokohama, Maihama, as well as Kamakura, Atami, Sendai, etc. , providing Japanese and English interfaces.
To Locca provides hourly reservation fee services, all using web services, and there is no need to download the APP to make reservations. After completing the reservation on the web page, the system will send an email to provide the reservation number 15 minutes before the reservation time. After entering the reservation number, the locker can be opened.
- Official website:https://www.to-locca.com/
- Service area: East Japan area stations
Ecbo cloak
Ecbo cloak is a company that provides luggage storage services. It adopts the concept design of space sharing services and invites many stores to join in cooperation. The locker locations include stations, post offices, restaurants, shops and rental stores, etc. Some locations can even store large items such as strollers. , better to use than lockers.
Ecbo cloak provides mobile app downloads, online reservations and credit card online payment services, and a friendly Traditional Chinese interface. The service base not only covers all of Japan, but also has cooperative stores in Taiwan.
- Official website:https://cloak.ecbo.io/
- Software download:iOS | Android
- Service area: Japan, Taiwan
