Be Careful When Bringing Your Bike on the Shinkansen!

Editor Kyoko Goto

With a background in PR for an outdoor gear manufacturer, I’m now a reporter for a specialized cycling web media. I develop content to promote cycling as travel and sport. As an avid road cyclist, I’ve toured extensively in Japan and abroad.

When enjoying a cycling trip in Japan, combining it with Shinkansen travel—Japan’s high-speed rail connecting major cities—greatly expands your range and is very convenient. However, the Shinkansen has specific rules regarding large luggage such as bicycles, and in some cases, you must reserve a storage space in advance to bring your bike onboard. Below is an explanation of how to transport your bike on the Shinkansen and the key points to keep in mind.

Rules and Etiquette for Bringing a Bicycle on the Shinkansen

In Japan, bicycles must be fully packed in a rinkō bag before being taken on public transportation.

What is “Rinkō”?

“Rinkō” refers to packing your bicycle into a dedicated bike bag so it can be transported on public transit. In Japan, if the bike is inside a bag, you can bring it on the Shinkansen without paying extra fees.The bike must be disassembled—usually by removing the front and rear wheels—and secured to the frame before placing everything inside the bag. Make sure no parts stick out of the bag.

In addition, the Shinkansen has a rule for oversized luggage exceeding 160 cm in total dimensions (length + width + height). In such cases, you may be required to reserve a “seat with oversized baggage space,” which is the last-row seat of the car.

The Shinkansen consists of the following lines. Among them, the Tokaido, Sanyo, and Kyushu Shinkansen require reservations for seats with oversized baggage space.

1. Tokaido Shinkansen (Tokyo – Shin-Osaka)★
   
2. Sanyo Shinkansen (Shin-Osaka – Hakata)★
   
3. Kyushu Shinkansen (Hakata – Kagoshima-Chuo)★
   
4. Tohoku Shinkansen (Tokyo – Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto)
   
5. Hokkaido Shinkansen (Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto – Sapporo)
   
6. Joetsu Shinkansen (Omiya – Niigata)
   
7. Hokuriku Shinkansen (Takasaki – Tsuruga)

How to Reserve

Seats with oversized baggage space must be booked at the same time you purchase your Shinkansen ticket.

You can make a reservation via online booking platforms (e.g., JR Central’s “Smart EX”) or at station ticket counters.

When reserving, select a seat labeled “with oversized baggage space.”

The space itself is free of charge, but if you use it without a reservation, you will be charged an additional 1,000 yen onboard.

For more details…

JR CENTRAL

No Reservation Needed, But Mind Your Manners

On Shinkansen lines without the oversized baggage seat system (e.g., Tohoku Shinkansen), no special reservation is required. Your bike is treated as standard hand luggage.

However, even in this case, it is considered good manners to place your bike behind the last-row seats, where there is extra space.

◇

Shinkansen rinkō travel is a powerful way to efficiently enjoy Japan’s extensive cycling routes. As long as you follow the rules and stay considerate of other passengers, you can travel smoothly and comfortably.

Be sure to plan ahead and make necessary reservations, and fully experience Japan’s railway culture and cycle tourism.