Kyoto Station serves as the gateway to exploring Kyoto.
This massive transportation hub brings together the Shinkansen, JR lines, Kintetsu Railway, subway, and city buses—but it's also a place where many travelers struggle with finding luggage storage during their visit.
Kyoto Station has numerous coin lockers both inside and around the station, with the Hachijo Exit side alone offering over 1,500 lockers. Since lockers range from small to extra-large at various locations, it's crucial to choose based on your luggage size and travel route.
This guide will help you understand exactly where to store your bags based on your sightseeing itinerary and departure plans.
[1] Choosing the Right Locker Based on Your Destination
■ Heading to Kintetsu/Southern Areas (Nara, Fushimi)
→ Prioritize lockers on the Hachijo Exit side
- Kintetsu Kyoto Station is located in the southern area on the Hachijo Exit side.
- This consolidates access to the Shinkansen, Kintetsu, and JR Nara Line, minimizing transfer distances.
Recommended locations
- Large locker area at Hachijo Exit (approximately 1,500 units) *Extra-large sizes available
→ Easy to navigate with color-coded flower markers for different sections.
Pricing, Sizes & Payment Methods
- Small to large lockers: approximately ¥400–¥700
- Extra-large sizes available (around ¥1,000)
- Many lockers accept transportation IC cards (Suica/ICOCA, etc.)
■ Exploring Central Kyoto by City Bus
→ Choose lockers on the Main Entrance (Karasuma Exit) side
The main entrance side of Kyoto Station (Karasuma Exit) offers easy access to city buses and the subway, connecting directly to major sightseeing routes.
Key locker areas include
- Lockers near the central Karasuma Exit
- Around the station building (near Kyoto Theater, etc.)
- Along the 2nd floor North-South Free Passageway
*The Karasuma Exit area has several hundred lockers, making it convenient for tourists using buses.
■ Using JR Local Lines (Saga-Arashiyama area, etc.)
→ Use lockers near JR gates/inside the station
If you're primarily traveling by JR local lines, lockers near the gates offer the smoothest flow.
Lockers are available both outside and inside the ticket gates.
[2] Where NOT to Store Based on Departure Time & Retrieval Plans
■ Returning by Shinkansen the Same Day
→ Hachijo Exit side lockers recommended
- The Hachijo Exit side is close to the Shinkansen gates, making post-sightseeing retrieval and departure easy.
- Since Kyoto Station stretches north to south, storing bags at the Karasuma Exit (main entrance) means a longer walk back.
■ Late Night/Midnight Retrieval
→ Choose 24-hour accessible lockers
Prioritizing locations with 24-hour lockers gives you peace of mind.
Examples of 24-hour accessible locations
- Large-scale lockers at Hachijo Exit (outdoor/IC-compatible)
- Karasuma Exit area lockers (some locations offer 24-hour access)
Examples with limited hours (caution)
- Some lockers inside the station building (nighttime restrictions apply)
- Lockers in underground shopping areas/commercial zones (check operating hours)
■ Storing Overnight
→ Watch out for additional charges
Coin lockers at Kyoto Station typically allow storage for several days, but fees are added at specific cutoff times.
Since the cutoff times and how "one day" is calculated can vary by locker management company, it's best to check in advance.
[3] Practical Decision-Making for Kyoto Station Lockers
When choosing a coin locker, deciding these three points first will help you avoid mistakes:
-
Your main travel route and departure method
→ Determine location based on whether you'll mainly use trains or buses -
Retrieval time (night, next day, etc.) → Prioritize 24-hour accessible options
-
Luggage size and potential for additional items → Choose a larger size or consider alternative services if needed
[4] Checking Locker Availability
At Kyoto Station, you can check locker availability in real-time using an availability search service.
Locker Concierge
- Check availability from your smartphone or station terminals
- See vacancy information for ICOCA and Suica-compatible lockers
- Save time searching for available lockers
Checking availability in advance and targeting lockers near your intended exit makes the process more efficient.
Locker Concierge
[5] Locker Pricing and Sizes
General pricing guidelines for Kyoto Station lockers:
- Small: ¥400
- Medium: ¥500
- Large: ¥700
- Extra-large: Available in some locations (approximately ¥1,000)
Size range accommodates everything from small bags to large suitcases.
Many IC card-compatible lockers are available, allowing cashless usage.
[6] Alternatives When Coin Lockers Are Full
During peak tourist seasons and weekends, lockers often fill up. These alternatives can help:
- Staffed luggage storage services: Available inside and around the station
- Delivery services: Services that can send luggage to your accommodation
- Private temporary storage (ecbo cloak, etc.): Reserve storage at shops near the station
These are effective options for oversized luggage or when lockers are unavailable.
[7] Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Just using whatever locker is available
→ Choose location based on your travel flow - Storing in time-limited lockers when planning late-night retrieval
→ Target 24-hour accessible areas - Choosing small sizes to save money, then finding your bag doesn't fit
→ Consider larger sizes from the start
Summary | Choose Kyoto Station Lockers Based on Your Route
Coin lockers at Kyoto Station aren't just places to stash your bags.
Selecting a location with your sightseeing itinerary and return route in mind is the ultimate travel hack for saving time and effort.
Enjoy your comfortable Kyoto adventure!