Hiratsuka Station luggage storage

Hiratsuka is a moderately large city located in the Kanagawa Prefecture of Japan, situated on the eastern coast of Honshu Island. It is a relatively small city with a population of around 200,000 people when compared to a megatropolis like Tokyo, but it has a lot to offer visitors.

Hiratsuka and its parks and gardens draw scores of tourists every year in spring when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. Hiratsuka is also a deeply spiritual city. It's home to a number of historic temples and shrines, including the Kanaoka Shrine and the Myohon-ji Temple. These sites offer a glimpse into Japan's rich cultural and religious history and are a must-visit for anyone fascinated by Japanese culture and architecture. The city hosts a few festivals throughout the year, which bring massive crowds to this otherwise tranquil town. The Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival, which celebrates the traditional Japanese holiday of Tanabata with parades, music, and fireworks, is the most popular with domestic and international travelers.

Anyone traveling to this coastal town from abroad will likely fly into Tokyo and take the train through Hiratsuka Train Station. It's an easy connection, but you'll want to plan ahead. Here’s everything you need to know: 

About Hiratsuka Station 

Hiratsuka Station is located in the Hiratsuka city center in Japan. It is operated by the East Japan Railway Company (JR East) and is a major transportation hub for the area. The station is served by multiple train lines, including the Tokaido Main Line, Shonan-Shinjuku Line, and Sagami Line, providing easy access to Tokyo and other cities in the region. The station has featured amenities like restaurants, free Wi-Fi, shops, and limited luggage storage facilities. It's a perfectly serviceable train station, but hardly a bad place to spend a few hours or even an entire day.

There are coin-operated luggage lockers and manned luggage storage counters where you can leave your luggage for an average price of around $5. The coin-operated lockers come in various sizes. This service is limited to the train station’s front desk, so if you need flexibility when you’re traveling around Hiratsuka, it’s advisable to find luggage storage in town where you'll get the lowest price.

Top attractions near Hiratsuka Station

Hiratsuka Hachiman gu Shrine luggage storage

This Shinto shrine located in Hiratsuka dates back to the 12th century. It's famous for its annual festival, held in September, which features a parade of portable shrines and a traditional drumming performance. This is a deeply spiritual event, so make sure to respect the local customs when attending. And this is no place for excess baggage, so store luggage before you arrive conveniently with Bounce.

Shonandaira luggage storage 

This hill overlooks Hiratsuka and Sagami Bay and provides incredible views. It offers great views of the surrounding area and is a popular spot for hiking and picnics. Since no one wants to hike with their stuff, visit a nearby Bounce location and let us keep everything secure while you explore.

Hiratsuka Museum of Art luggage storage

This museum features a collection of modern and contemporary Japanese art. There are also temporary exhibitions showcasing international and up-and-coming Japanese artists.

Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival luggage storage

This annual festival is held in August and celebrates the Tanabata, a traditional Japanese festival that celebrates the meeting of two lovers separated by the Milky Way. While the importance of this festival might be lost on international travelers, you'll enjoy the colorful decorations and traditional music and dance performances.

Sagami Lake luggage storage

This large man-made lake is located just outside of Hiratsuka and offers various recreational activities, such as fishing, boating, and camping. There is no place to store luggage here, so unless you want to hang out with your bags all day, store luggage at Hiratsuka Station or nearby.

Oiso Long Beach luggage storage

This is a very popular beach located in nearby Oiso town. Its clear water and wide sandy beach make it a popular destination for families. This is an activity where you’ll want to store luggage with Bounce before heading to the lake. 

Transportation Options for Hiratsuka Station 

There are several ways to get around the city center of Hiratsuka from Hiratsuka Station.

Train luggage storage

Japan's hyper-efficient train system is a marvel, so this might actually be the most convenient method of transit. Hiratsuka Station is a major railway station in the area, and there are several train lines that pass through it. You can take a train to various destinations within the city or to neighboring towns and cities. This is the best way to get to Hiratsuka from Tokyo. Luckily, there are luggage storage options at the station and nearby to make train travel even more convenient.

Bus luggage storage

There are several bus routes that operate from Hiratsuka Station to various neighborhoods in the city. Buses can take you to various destinations within the city or even nearby towns that may not be reachable by train. If you’re going to rely on public transportation, you’ll want to invest in a luggage storage service to make things more convenient. 

Walking and cycling 

Hiratsuka is a walkable city, and a good portion of its attractions are located within walking distance of Hiratsuka Station, especially some of the popular hotels. Additionally, there are several bike rental services in the city, allowing you to explore the city by bike. It's mostly flat, so you won't have to work those quads too much.

Local tips and insider info 

• This place is ultra crowded during rush hour. Hiratsuka Station can get very crowded during rush hour, especially during the morning and evening commutes. Be prepared for long lines and crowded trains. Arranging baggage storage ahead of time will make it easier to navigate the crowds. 
• English signage is available at the airport. Phew! While Japanese is the primary language used in the station, there are English signs and announcements available to help guide non-Japanese speakers. While it's polite to learn a few phrases of Japanese, learning the alphabet is not realistic unless you're a regular visitor to Japan.
• Visit during the autumn. Nearby natural area Shonandaira offers great views year-round, but it is especially beautiful during the autumn when the leaves change color. This is second only to spring, when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom.
• Take a day trip. Hiratsuka is conveniently located near several other popular attractions, such as Kamakura and Enoshima. Consider taking a day trip to these nearby destinations to make the most of your visit to the area.
• Rent a bicycle. Hiratsuka is mostly flat and great for cycling. There are several cycling routes that take you through the city's scenic spots and countryside, and bike lanes for getting around town safely.

Conclusion

While it may not get the headlines like its neighbor Tokyo, visiting Hiratsuka is a wonderful experience. In fact, Hiratsuka is a great escape from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, offering a relaxing and authentic Japanese experience. There are trains available to the city from Tokyo's Shibuya Station and Shinjuku Station. Whether it's Hiratsuka's beautiful parks, historic temples, and shrines or the city's lively arts and culture scene, you won't regret visiting this hidden gem. Don’t weigh yourself down by lugging bags all over this city, look into a Bounce luggage storage using our app to keep things simple.