How to Use Coin Lockers in Japan: A Simple Guide for Tourists 2025

If you’re traveling around Japan with luggage or shopping bags, you’ve probably wondered, “Where can I store my stuff while I explore?” That’s where coin lockers come in. As a native Japanese who lives near Osaka and often sees confused tourists struggling to find or use coin lockers, I’m here to guide you through it all — simply, clearly, and with real-life tips you won’t find in guidebooks.

Whether you’re navigating Tokyo Station’s maze-like layout or trying to find a locker in a countryside train stop, this guide will walk you through how to use coin lockers in Japan with confidence.

Coin lockers are safe, affordable, and available almost everywhere in Japan.
Most lockers can be used with coins, IC cards (like Suica or Pasmo), or QR payment.
Locker sizes and prices vary depending on the station and region.
You don’t need to speak Japanese — many machines offer English instructions.

Table of contents

Coin Lockers in Japan: The Ultimate Guide for First-Time Tourists
Final Tips, FAQs, and Local Advice on Coin Lockers in Japan

Coin Lockers in Japan: The Ultimate Guide for First-Time Tourists

What Are Coin Lockers in Japan and When Tourists Actually Need Them

Coin lockers are self-service storage boxes commonly found in train stations, malls, and tourist areas. They’re perfect for temporarily storing your suitcase, backpack, or shopping bags — typically for up to 3 days.

Tourists often use them when exploring the city before hotel check-in, during short stopovers, or when their luggage becomes too much to carry.

Where and Why Coin Lockers Are Everywhere in Japan

Japan’s fast-paced train culture means travelers need short-term storage all the time. You’ll find coin lockers in major train stations (like JR and Shinkansen), airports, malls, and popular tourist attractions.

Coin Locker vs. Other Luggage Storage in Japan Train Station

Feature	Coin Lockers	Luggage Storage Counters
Availability	24/7 at most stations	Limited to business hours
Price	¥300–¥700 per day	¥800–¥1200 per item
Self-service	Yes	No
Max Duration	Usually 3 days	Up to 7+ days
Payment Methods	Coins, IC cards, QR	Cash, sometimes IC cards

Coin lockers are ideal for short-term storage. For oversized luggage or long-term needs, counters are better.

When I visited Tokyo, my suitcase didn’t fit into even the largest coin locker, so I ended up having to use a manned luggage counter. It’s helpful to know both options just in case.

How to Use Coin Lockers in Tokyo and Other Big Cities

In big cities like Tokyo and Osaka, you’ll find both key-operated and modern touchscreen lockers. Touchscreen types usually offer multiple languages including English.

They’re often located near station exits or around restrooms, usually in less noticeable spots.

How to Use Touchscreen Lockers with English Instructions

Touchscreen lockers are simple to use:

Choose an available locker (green means available, red means in use).
Place your luggage inside.
Push the lever down to lock it (you’ll hear a click).
Select English (or another language) on the touchscreen.
Select the locker you placed your luggage in (make sure the locker number matches the one shown on the screen).
Choose your payment method (coins, IC card, or QR code). Note: Payments cannot be refunded or canceled even if made by mistake.
Take the printed receipt.

The way to use coin lockers may vary depending on the machine, but in most cases, there are illustrations and instructions in Japanese. Even if there are no English instructions, the illustrations usually make it easy to understand how to use them.

Using Coin Lockers with IC Card: Suica, Pasmo, and ICOCA

Using an IC card is the most convenient method. Just tap to lock and tap to open later.

Suica/Pasmo: For eastern Japan (e.g., Tokyo)
ICOCA: For western Japan (e.g., Osaka, Kyoto)

Even if you use an IC card to store your luggage, it’s highly recommended to keep the receipt or usage slip you receive after payment. In case you lose your IC card, you will need the receipt or slip to retrieve your belongings.

Japan IC Card Guide 2025: How to Use Suica, Pasmo, and ICOCA as a Tourist

Japan Coin Locker Size and Price Guide: What Fits Where?

Size	Fits	Price (Per 24hr)
Small	Handbag, shopping bag	¥300–¥400
Medium	Backpack, carry-on	¥500
Large	Suitcase, large backpack	¥700–¥900

In busy areas like Shibuya or Shinjuku in Tokyo, or Umeda and Namba in Osaka, the locker fees may be higher.

What to Do If the Locker Is Full or Broken

It’s common for lockers to be full at peak hours. If that happens:

Look for other banks of lockers nearby
Try different exits or floors (many stations have multiple locker areas)
Ask people nearby using the word “locker” or “rokkaa” (they usually understand!)
Use apps like ecbo cloak to find available lockers

Coin Locker Japan Station Tips: How to Find the Nearest One

Check station maps for locker icons
Look for コインロッカー or “Coin Locker” signs
Search near major exits, behind convenience stores, or near tourist info centers

Final Tips, FAQs, and Local Advice on Coin Lockers in Japan

My Pro Tips for Using Coin Lockers Smoothly

Keep a few ¥100 coins handy, just in case
Take a photo of your locker number and receipt
Don’t store anything valuable or irreplaceable
Share a large locker with friends to save money
Set a phone alarm to remember pickup time

Coin Locker Etiquette in Japan: What Tourists Often Miss

Use lockers only as long as needed
Don’t block walkways while unloading
Clean up after yourself — no trash left behind
Don’t store food, liquids, or anything that could leak

Japanese people are quite considerate in shared spaces, so leaving a clean locker is expected.

Can I Store Luggage Overnight or Long-Term?

Yes, most lockers allow storage for up to 3 days. After that, they automatically open and items are removed. For longer storage, use luggage counters or hotel services.

Is It Safe to Leave Valuables in a Coin Locker?

Generally yes, but avoid storing passports, electronics, or large sums of cash. Lockers are best for clothes, gifts, or personal items.

What If I Lose My Locker Key or Forget the Code?

Go to the nearest help desk
Show ID and your receipt if you have it
You may be charged a small fee (~¥500)

Summary: Why Coin Lockers in Japan Make Travel So Much Easier

They’re cheap, convenient, and found all over the country. Once you start using coin lockers, you’ll wonder how you ever managed travel in Japan without them.

Coin Lockers in Japan: Common Questions from Tourists

Are coin lockers open 24/7?Yes, most coin lockers in train stations are accessible 24 hours a day. However, lockers inside department stores or malls may follow the facility’s business hours, so be sure to check the location.

Can I store multiple bags in one locker?It depends on the size of your bags and the locker. A large locker can usually fit two carry-on sized bags or one big suitcase. I often share a large locker with friends when we’re traveling together — it’s a great way to save money.

Can I pay with a credit card?No, most coin lockers do not accept credit cards. You can usually pay with coins, IC cards (like Suica, Pasmo, or ICOCA), or QR payment apps like PayPay. Having a few ¥100 coins just in case is a good idea.

What’s the best app to find empty lockers?Apps like ecbo cloak and Coin Locker Navi help you locate nearby lockers or luggage storage spots, especially useful during peak seasons or in busy stations like Tokyo or Shinjuku.

Do I need exact change to use them?Not always. Many lockers have built-in change machines or allow IC card payment. But for older models, you may need exact coins. I always carry a few ¥100 coins just in case — it’s saved me more than once.