Hi there!

 

You will find “coin lockers” at train stations all over Japan.

These lockers are highly convenient if you want to explore a few hours before you head to your next destination!

At coin lockers, you can store your luggage like a suitcase or a backpack.

You can expect them at major train stations in Japan, and you may also find them at train stations in tourist towns.

And this includes Iseshi Station!

Isheshi Station is the main train station in Ise City.

While there are different types of coin lockers that operate in slightly different ways, these types of luggage storage lockers are generally pretty easy to use.

There will be pretty clear instructions.

They started as “coin-operated” lockers, so that’s why they are called coin lockers.

Nowadays, there are also coin lockers that you can make payment with bills using a machine too.

Iseshi Station has both kinds of coin lockers.

There are coin lockers that operate with 100 yen coins only, and there are coin lockers that you can pay using the machine in case you don’t have enough 100 yen coins.

 

How to use a coin locker at Iseshi Station

I checked out of my Ise hostel in the morning, and then headed to Iseshi Station to store my luggage so I could explore Ise luggage-free for the day.

Once you walk into Iseshi Station, if you look off to the left you will see the coin lockers.

There are a number of different sizes of lockers depending on what size luggage you’re looking to store.

Although I don’t think even the biggest coin locker will fit a mega huge suitcase.

 

How much does a coin locker cost at Iseshi Station?

The price of the coin locker will depend on how big of a locker you get.

So in the case of these Iseshi Station coin lockers, to store a carry-on suitcase or big backpack it was 500 yen (less than US$5), and to store a larger suitcase was 600 yen (less than US$6).

If you are traveling with even lighter (smaller) luggage, there are also smaller lockers that are 400 yen (less than US$4).

 

How to store your luggage in a coin locker

So once you find an open locker…

Put your luggage that you want to leave behind into the locker!

I had a carry-on suitcase and this fit into the 500 yen locker.

I used the coin-operated locker at Iseshi Station.

For this type of coin locker, you insert the exactly number of 100 yen coins into the coin slot.

Then once you have inserted the proper amount, you will be able to put the key into the LOCK position to remove it.

Put the key somewhere safe so you don’t lose it!!

If you want to use the machine to pay for a coin locker, you will simply follow the prompts on the screen. Although I did not use the machine, these kinds of machines usually have an English button, so be sure to look for that.

And then…

Luggage locked, and off to explore Ise!

Don’t miss the Meoto Iwa (wedded rocks) at Futamiokitama Shrine in Ise!

 

How to get your luggage back

Once you return to Iseshi Station, use your key to open up the locker with your luggage in it!

You don’t need to do anything else!

 

More luggage storage in Ise

My Ise hostel did offer free luggage storage.

But since I would be leaving for my next destination from Iseshi Station, I thought it would be more convenient to leave the luggage there instead of having to return back to the hostel.

I stayed at Ise Guesthouse Kazami within walking distance of Iseshi Station. They have both dorm beds and private rooms. In a private room, you will sleep on the floor Japanese-style. It’s very basic.

There is also a luggage storage spot near Iseshi Station where you check in your luggage with a real person if you want to use that. (map)

But you will have to be mindful of the hours. They operate during normal business hours, so if you plan to stay out until late evening, it won’t work.

 

HAPPY STORING LUGGAGE AT ISESHI STATION!

 

I do have pictures from Iseshi Station coin lockers which I plan to post up at some point in the future. But if you are curious now, feel free to email me and I can send you some pictures! (“contact” at very bottom of page)

I have also used other coin lockers which can give you an idea of what they are like:

 

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