How to Use Coin Lockers in Tokyo

Finding Coin Lockers

Coin lockers (コインロッカー) are in every major Tokyo station. Look for:

• Near station exits
• Near ticket gates (改札)
• In underground passages connecting stations
• Near restrooms

Signs say “コインロッカー” or show a key icon. If you can’t find them, ask station staff: “コインロッカーはどこですか？” (koin rokkaa wa doko desu ka — where are coin lockers?).

Best stations for lockers:

• Tokyo Station: 1,000+ lockers across multiple floors
• Shinjuku Station: 800+ lockers, but fills up fast
• Shibuya Station: 500+ lockers near Hachiko exit
• Ueno Station: 400+ lockers near Panda Bridge exit

Sizes and Prices

Lockers come in three sizes. Prices vary by location but typical rates are:

Small (小型): 35cm × 34cm × 57cm
Price: ¥300-¥400 per day
Fits: Backpack, small bag, handbag

Medium (中型): 57cm × 34cm × 57cm
Price: ¥400-¥600 per day
Fits: Carry-on suitcase (up to 50L)

Large (大型): 117cm × 34cm × 57cm
Price: ¥600-¥800 per day
Fits: Large suitcase (70L+), multiple bags

Premium locations (Tokyo Station, Shinjuku) charge more. Large lockers at Tokyo Station cost ¥700. Regional stations charge less.

Green light = available. Red light = occupied.

How to Use

Step 1: Find an Empty Locker

Look for a green light or open door. Large lockers fill up first — if you have a big suitcase, go early (before 10am on weekdays, before 9am on weekends).

Step 2: Put Your Luggage Inside

Open the door, place your bag inside, close the door firmly. Make sure it latches.

Step 3: Pay

IC Card (recommended):

1. Tap your Suica/PASMO on the card reader
2. Locker locks automatically
3. Screen shows your locker number and retrieval code
4. Take a photo of the screen — you’ll need the number

Coins:

1. Insert exact change (¥100 coins work best)
2. Turn the key or press the lock button
3. Remove the key — don’t lose it
4. Key has the locker number on it

Step 4: Retrieve Your Luggage

IC Card:

1. Find your locker
2. Tap the same IC card on the reader
3. Door unlocks automatically

Key:

1. Insert key into lock
2. Turn key
3. Door opens
4. Take your luggage and the key (some lockers keep the key)

Time Limits

Most coin lockers operate on a midnight reset system:

• You pay for “1 day” = until midnight that night
• Store at 2pm → retrieve by 11:59pm = ¥400
• Store at 2pm → retrieve at 1am next day = ¥800 (2 days)
• Store at 11pm → retrieve at 1am = ¥800 (2 days)

Maximum storage: Usually 3 days. After 3 days, station staff remove your luggage and take it to the lost and found. You’ll pay storage fees plus a retrieval fee (around ¥2,000).

Exception: Some 24-hour lockers charge per 24-hour period from when you lock it, not midnight. Check the screen.

What to Do When All Lockers Are Full

This happens often on weekends, holidays, and during peak travel seasons (Golden Week, New Year, cherry blossom season). Don’t panic.

Option 1: ecbo cloak (Best Alternative)

ecbo cloak is a luggage storage app that partners with cafes, shops, and hotels near stations.

How it works:

1. Download ecbo cloak app (English available)
2. Search for storage near your location
3. Book and pay in app (¥500/bag, ¥800/suitcase per day)
4. Drop off luggage at the shop
5. Show QR code to retrieve

Advantages:

• Book in advance (no “full” problem)
• Often cheaper than large lockers
• Longer hours than coin lockers
• Can store oversized items (skis, golf bags, strollers)

Locations: Shinjuku, Shibuya, Tokyo Station, Ueno, Asakusa, Ikebukuro — anywhere tourists go.

Option 2: Station Luggage Counters

Major stations have staffed luggage storage counters (手荷物預かり所).

Locations:

• Tokyo Station: Marunouchi North Exit, Yaesu North Exit
• Shinjuku Station: South Exit, East Exit
• Shibuya Station: Hachiko Exit

Price: ¥500-¥800 per item per day
Hours: Usually 8am-8pm (not 24 hours)
Advantage: Staff can handle large/odd-shaped items

Option 3: Hotel Luggage Storage

Most hotels will store luggage for guests even after checkout. Some will store it even if you’re not staying there (for a fee).

After checkout: Free for same-day pickup. Just ask front desk.
Before check-in: Free if you’re checking in later that day.
Not a guest: Some hotels charge ¥500-¥1,000 per bag.

Business hotels (Toyoko Inn, APA Hotel) usually allow this. Ask: “荷物を預かってもらえますか？” (nimotsu wo azukatte moraemasu ka — can you store my luggage?).

Option 4: Try a Different Station

If Shinjuku is full, try nearby stations:

• Shinjuku → Yoyogi (5 min walk)
• Shibuya → Harajuku (one stop)
• Tokyo → Yurakucho (one stop)

Smaller stations have fewer lockers but also fewer people using them.

Troubleshooting

Problem	Cause	Solution
Locker won’t open with IC card	Wrong card or card error	Check locker number, try tapping again, ask station staff
Lost the key	Key is gone	Go to station office (駅事務室), bring ID, pay ¥1,000-¥3,000 fee
Forgot locker number	Didn’t write it down	Check your IC card transaction history in station ticket machine
Luggage too big for large locker	Oversized bag	Use ecbo cloak or station luggage counter
Locker ate my money but didn’t lock	Machine malfunction	Press the help button (呼出) or go to station office immediately

FAQ

Q: Can I use a different IC card to retrieve my luggage?
A: No. You must use the same card you used to lock it. If you lose the card, go to the station office.

Q: Are coin lockers safe?
A: Yes. Theft is extremely rare. Don’t store valuables (passports, cash, electronics) just to be safe.

Q: Can I extend my storage without opening the locker?
A: No. You must retrieve your luggage and re-store it (and pay again).

Q: What if I need to store luggage for 5+ days?
A: Use a luggage delivery service (宅配便 takkyubin). Yamato Transport and Sagawa Express deliver luggage between hotels, airports, and addresses. Costs ¥1,500-¥2,500 per bag.

Q: Do lockers have power outlets for charging?
A: No. Coin lockers are just storage. Some stations have charging stations nearby.

Last verified: February 2026