Pre-booking required for bags over 160cm total
On the Tokaido, Sanyo, and Kyushu Shinkansen lines, passengers with "oversized luggage" (total of 3 dimensions exceeding 160cm) must reserve a seat with oversized luggage space in advance. A ¥1,000 fee applies for unreserved oversized items.
If you bring oversized luggage without a reservation, the conductor will charge a ¥1,000 fee (tax included). You'll also be asked to move to an available oversized luggage space.
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Source: JR CentralDec 30, 2026 – Jan 4, 2027: Hokkaido Shinkansen trains passing the Seikan Tunnel before about 3:30 p.m. run at 260 km/h instead of 160 km/h, cutting travel time by five minutes. Check which trains qualify.
Japan's MLIT approved JTA on Oct 23, 2026 to operate at congested Osaka (Itami) Airport: Itami–Naha, two round trips a day on a Boeing 737-800, starting Oct 25.
MLIT approved Japan's winter 2026 international flight schedule (Oct 25–Mar 27): 6,094.5 flights a week, down 2%. China routes drop 49%; 11 new routes open.