Japanese residents are identifying tourists on public transport not just by loud behaviour, but by a specific luggage habit. Tokyo resident Chieki Ikemoto has highlighted the 'reserved seat with oversized baggage area' policy as something visitors should learn about before travelling.
Luggage Policy Advice for Visitors
'One thing I'd love travellers to know about is the “reserved seat with oversized baggage area” policy,' Ikemoto said. 'Long-term travellers usually have a lot of luggage. To keep the aisles clear, I'd highly recommend they book the seats at the very back of the car where there's extra space for large bags.'
The policy mainly applies to routes on bullet train lines, or Shinkansen. Japan's high-speed trains serve around 432,000 passengers a day, and the Tokyo to Osaka journey takes just two hours, compared to 8-10 hours on local trains.
Survey Shows Low Tolerance for Oversized Bags
A study commissioned by the Japan Private Railway Association surveyed 5,202 people. It found 69% said loud behaviour on trains bothers them in a major way, while 42% said they have low tolerance for tourists carrying oversized suitcases and bags.
On TikTok, videos show tourists struggling with luggage squashed against their legs or blocking the aisle. Seasoned travellers have called it a 'rookie mistake', and one regular bullet train user said: 'Look around you and can see most of those people with big luggage are foreigners.'
How the Oversized Baggage Tickets Work
These tickets are marketed for anyone travelling with luggage whose total three dimensions are between 161 and 250 cm. They cost the same as reserved seats in ordinary cars but are in high demand, with an average of just five seats available per train.
Tickets can be purchased online or from a JR station ticket office. Located behind the back row of seats, signage on the floor shows where ticket holders can place luggage. However, the system can be confusing about who is entitled to use the space.
To avoid awkwardness, travellers should check their ticket, which will say 'Your reservation is seats with an oversized baggage area'. If no reservation is made, luggage can still be stored in baggage racks, footwell spaces, and deck baggage storage areas.
