Coin Lockers and Luggage Storage in Tokyo and Osaka: A Complete Comparison of Fees, How to Use, and Operating Hours! [Latest 2025 Edition]

In Japan, coin lockers are commonly found inside train stations or near the entrances of major tourist attractions. Recently, coin lockers have evolved with features like app-based reservations and keyless access through smartphone apps. Additionally, the number of staffed counters offering temporary luggage storage has increased, making travel even more convenient.

This article provides a detailed guide on the types, sizes, and usage of coin lockers, as well as information about luggage storage services.

What’s the Difference Between Japan’s Coin Lockers and Luggage Storage Services?

In Japan, coin lockers typically operate with either cash (coins) or cashless payment options. These fixed-size lockers allow users to store luggage within a designated time frame, and some even permit usage across multiple days. Many modern coin lockers now offer online or app-based reservation features. You’ll find them in train stations, near ticket gates, at popular amusement parks, at the entrances or throughout tourist attractions, and in large shopping malls or outlet centers.

On the other hand, luggage storage services involve leaving your belongings temporarily with staff at airports, train stations, or commercial facilities near tourist spots. Users can pick up their luggage at the same location after sightseeing. However, these services require you to store and collect your items during the facility’s operating hours, so time management is necessary.

Another option is the "JAPAN Hands-Free Travel" service, which allows you to travel without carrying your luggage. This service delivers your luggage from the airport to your hotel or a tourist spot, or from your hotel to the airport, making it especially convenient on arrival or departure days. For domestic travel within Japan, luggage delivery services are ideal if you want your items sent to another location or accommodation the next day. This allows you to enjoy long-distance travel without the burden of carrying your bags.

How to Use Coin Lockers in Japan

Coin lockers in Japan are broadly categorized into two types: "key-operated" lockers and keyless "touchscreen-operated" lockers. In recent years, the touchscreen type has become the mainstream, especially in train stations.

For payment methods, key-operated lockers generally require ¥100 coins. Some touchscreen lockers allow payment with transportation IC cards like PASMO or Suica.

(1) For Key-Operated Lockers

• 1. Find a coin locker with a key.
• 2. Place your luggage inside and close the door.
• 3. Insert the required payment into the slot (in some cases, payment is made when retrieving your items).
• 4. Turn the key to lock the locker.
• 5. To retrieve your luggage, turn the key again to unlock and open the door.

(2) For Touchscreen Lockers

The usage process is mostly the same as key-operated lockers.

• 1. Look for a locker with a green light, indicating it is available.
• 2. Place your luggage inside and close the door.
• 3. Follow the instructions on the touchscreen to select the "locker number" and "payment method."
• 4. If paying in cash, a receipt with an access code for retrieval will be printed.
• 5. When retrieving your luggage, either enter the access code from the receipt or tap the IC card you used for payment on the reader to unlock the locker.

*Payment may be required either before or after retrieving your items.

Coin Locker Sizes and Fees in Japan

Coin lockers typically come in four sizes: small, medium, large, and extra-large. However, not all locations have all four sizes available.

* Dimensions are listed as height × width × depth. Actual sizes may vary depending on the location.

Next, we will introduce four services offering coin lockers or temporary luggage storage. Each service will include an overview, key features, pricing, and operating hours.

(1) Multi-Ecube WEB: A New Locker Service with Four Functions

"To Locca" is a service provided by the JR East Group that allowed users to reserve coin lockers in advance by selecting the desired date, time, and location through a dedicated website. It displayed available lockers and enabled direct reservations. This service was highly convenient for travelers, particularly around JR stations in the Kanto area.

However, "To Locca" ended its operations on January 16, 2025. It has been replaced by "Multi-Ecube WEB," a new service that offers even more features. In addition to locker reservations like "To Locca," it also provides:

Size & Basic Fee (Locker Service)

*A reservation fee of ¥500 is charged if the reservation function is used. 

*Fees may vary in certain cases.

How to use

• 1. Register: Sign up by providing your email address and payment information.
• 2. Search & Reserve: Choose your desired locker size, location, and usage period, then make a reservation.
• 3. Confirm Reservation: On the day of use, a reservation number and QR code will be sent to you via the website or email.
• 4. Store Luggage:
  (1) At the reserved locker, select "Reservation Storage" on the control panel.
  (2) Enter the reservation number or scan the QR code to unlock the locker.
  (3) Place your luggage inside, close the door.
  (4) Lock it by lowering the lever.
• 5. Retrieve Luggage:
  (1) At the locker, select "Reservation Storage" > "Deposit/Send" > "Retrieve" on the panel.
  (2) Enter the reservation number or scan the QR code to unlock the locker.

Overview

• Name: Multi-Ecube WEB (formerly To Locca)

• Services: Lockers, delivery services
• Supported Languages: English, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Korean
• Operating Hours: From the first to the last train (hours may vary based on facility operations)
• Main Locations: Primarily in the Kanto region, including JR stations in Tokyo, Yokohama Station, Kamakura Station, Atami Station, and more.
• Website:https://info.multiecube.com/

(2) SPACER: Cashless Coin Lockers with Advance Reservations

SPACER allows you to check availability, make reservations, and pay cashlessly using a dedicated smartphone app. No keys are required, as the lockers can be locked and unlocked via your phone. You can also share access by sending a URL, making it possible to receive items or send packages.

Registration requires a phone number, and a verification code is sent via SMS. Therefore, only users with a Japanese phone number can register. However, foreigners can still use the lockers without registering through touch-panel-operated options. Payments at touch-panel lockers are limited to transportation IC cards (cash not accepted).

Size & Basic Fees

	Small	Medium	Large
Size	Approx. 330mm×570mm×210mm	Approx. 330mm×645mm×525mm	Approx. 330mm×570mm×808mm
Fee per 180 minutes	¥300	¥400	¥600
24-Hour Maximum Fee	¥900	¥1,200	¥1,800

* The first hour is free.
* Fees may vary by location. The above rates are based on "Seibu Shinjuku Station Main Entrance."

How to Use

• 1. Register: Download the dedicated app and complete registration.
• 2. Reserve: Open the app's "Map" and select the locker you wish to reserve.
• 3. Store Luggage:
  (1) Place your luggage in the locker.
  (2) On the app, select "Use the locker in front of you". 
  (3) Enter the locker number of the locker where you put your luggage.
• 4. Retrieve Luggage:
  (1) Open the app near the locker and select "Pay and Open Locker."
  (2) Make the payment.
  (3) Press "Open Locker" and slide to unlock.

Overview

• Name: SPACER

• Services: Lockers
• Supported Languages: English, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Korean
• Operating Hours: Varies by location; some operate 24/7, while others have restricted hours. Check the app for details.
• Main Locations: Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka, and more.
• Website: https://spacer.co.jp/

(3) ecbo cloak: Deposit Your Luggage at Stores!

ecbo cloak is a service that lets you leave your luggage at stores near stations instead of using coin lockers. Partner stores include cafés, guesthouses, coworking spaces, shared offices, karaoke shops, manga cafés, kimono rental shops, and even shrines. Many locations are easily accessible, with some open 24 hours.

You can reserve storage space online, and larger items like musical instruments, sports equipment, strollers, and foldable bicycles—too big for standard lockers—can also be stored. The service includes insurance covering up to ¥100,000 for loss, damage, or theft, although valuables are prohibited.

Size & Basic Fees

* Fees may vary by location.

* For standard stores, fees are calculated per calendar day.

* For 24-hour stores, fees are calculated per 24-hour period from check-in.

How to Use

• 1. Register: Sign up on the website and search for a storage location on the map.
• 2. Reserve: Select the date and time for drop-off and pick-up, and the number of items to store.
• 3.Store Luggage:
  (1) Bring your luggage to the reserved location.
  (2) Show the reservation details on the app or email to the staff.
  (3) Staff will take a photo of your luggage and upload it to the reservation page.
• 4. Retrieve Luggage: Show the photo or other proof to the staff when picking up your luggage.

Overview

(4) Bounce: A Luggage Storage Service with Online Reservations

Similar to ecbo cloak, Bounce offers a service where you can store your luggage at designated locations rather than using coin lockers. You can easily check the availability of storage spaces and make reservations through their app. Unlike ecbo cloak, Bounce operates not only in Japan but also worldwide. It is available in over 4,000 cities and at more than 15,000 locations globally. If you've used it in another country, you can rest assured that it will be just as reliable in Japan.

Bounce also provides 24-hour customer support, making it easy to store your luggage safely without the hassle of searching for a coin locker. This convenience is particularly useful for sightseeing or business trips.

Size & Basic Fees

Luggage sizes:

• Bounce offers three size categories: small (e.g., handbags, tote bags), standard (e.g., suitcases, backpacks), and special (e.g., surfboards, bicycles, golf bags).

About fees:

• The cost depends on the size of the luggage and the storage location. Prices typically start at around ¥400.
• Charges are calculated per 24 hours, not by the hour (so whether you store your luggage for a few hours or a full day, the cost remains the same).

How to Use

• 1. Make a Reservation: Use the app or website to choose a storage location and specify the dates and times you want to use it.
• 2. Drop Off Your Luggage:
  (1) Bring your luggage to the reserved location.
  (2) Show the confirmation receipt to the staff.
  (3) The staff will take a photo of your luggage, completing the process.
• 3. Pick Up Your Luggage: Show the confirmation receipt to the staff to retrieve your luggage.

Overview