Shin Osaka luggage storage

About the station 

For most travelers, there’s simply never enough time to fully experience Japan. Even with extended stays and some exploration outside of Tokyo, you could spend a year sightseeing through Japan and only have scratched the surface. Japan’s third largest city, Osaka is certainly a top destination, with its magnificent food scene, wonderful temples, theaters, and the inimitable Osaka Castle, this city appeals to sophisticates and history buffs. 

There’s also a scrappiness to Osaka’s cultural offerings. Some of these neighborhoods like Amerikamura and Orange Street have fully embraced a youthful energy, with trendy bars, restaurants, and vintage shopping. The street food scene is especially exceptional, with takoyaki and okonomiyaki being must-try delicacies. 

Osaka’s public transportation network is as efficient as you’d expect of a first-class Japanese city. With a subway network along with buses and long-distance “bullet trains” connecting central Osaka with the airport, Kyoto, Tokyo, and beyond, it’s fairly easy to get around Osaka. One of the Kansai region’s central hubs is Shin-Osaka Station, which is located in the central business district (Yodogawa-ku). 

Most travelers arriving from nearby cities or further destinations will arrive via Shinkansen (bullet train) at Shin Osaka Station, which is served by the Tokaido, Sanyo, and the Hokuriku Shinkansen. These connect Osaka with major cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Hiroshima. There are also local and regional trains connected through the station, so once you step onto the tracks at Shin Osaka Station, the city is your oyster.

Is Shin-Osaka the same as Osaka Train Station?

While their names are similar, these are two distinct stations situated in entirely different parts of the city. Shin Osaka is primarily used for long-distance Shinkansen (or bullet trains) and is situated in the business district on the north side of the river. Osaka Station is the city’s central hub for local trains and multiple subway lines (no long-distance trains stop here). Fittingly, it’s situated in the heart of the city. The two train stations are connected via the Tokaido Sanyo train which only takes four minutes. 

Does Shin-Osaka have luggage lockers?

Shin Osaka Station does offer luggage storage services. The first-floor luggage storage room will be located near the central ticket gates, where you’ll also find other information like the Shin Osaka Station map. Inside the baggage room, you’ll find coin lockers on the second and third floors as well. These lockers come in different sizes, with the smallest costing $3 to rent for the day, and the largest costing about $6 per item. It should be noted that the larger lockers can only accommodate standard luggage sizes, so if you have any specialty pieces of luggage, you’ll want to use a service.  

Can I leave my luggage at Osaka Station?

If you’re taking the subway around town, you’ll be able to store your bags at Osaka Station. There are locker areas at the Sakurabashi Gate, the South Gate, the Midosuji Gate, the JR Bus Terminal, the Bridge Gate, and even a room of secret lockers. It costs between $4 and $15 to store your bags for a 24-hour period, based entirely on the size of the item. It should be noted that not every size of baggage can be accommodated. 

What’s the best way to store luggage in Osaka? 

While certain transportation facilities and attractions will offer luggage storage facilities, the most convenient way to store the bags while you sightsee would be a service like Bounce. The Bounce luggage storage network has partnered with local businesses throughout Japan, especially in Osaka, so you’ll have dozens of secure locations within Osaka city center to drop the bags off. Bounce also vets each storage location and offers $10,000 BounceShield Protection to ensure quality and security. With the Bounce mobile app, you can plan ahead by searching for the closest location or even book on the go. 

Things to do near Shin Osaka Station 

Shin-Osaka Station is situated in the city’s central business district. This part of the city was built up during the economic boom Japan enjoyed in the 70s and 80s, so there isn’t much in the way of attractions and historical landmarks within walking distance of Shin Osaka Station. Luckily, the station is well-connected with the rest of the city, and with the ultra-efficient Japanese subway and train system, you can be at most attractions in no time! Here are a few of the best: 

Osaka Castle 

One of the most cherished places in all of Japan, the importance of Osaka-jō to both Osaka and all of the country cannot be overstated. It was built in the 16th century during a momentous period of feudal Japan’s endless power struggles between factions. Osaka Castle’s seemingly impenetrable walls and defenses (it took 100,00 laborers to build) were seen as a statement of power and intent by the feudal lord Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who raised the castle after unifying Japan.

While the walls are made of concrete at the moment, having been rebuilt in the 1930s, the castle is as toneless and beautiful as you’ll find anywhere in the world. The tranquil gardens and beautiful moat somehow make the place seem peaceful, although there is nothing peaceful about the ruthless defenses, or the massive collection of medieval armor and weaponry showcased in the museum. This is as close to a “must-visit” as you’ll find in Japan, especially if you’ve ever been enthralled by the depictions of samurai in the movies. 

Dōtombori 

Osaka’s nighttime scenery may pale in comparison with the endlessness of Japan’s bright signage, but you won’t find a livelier place than Dōtombori, the pedestrianized walkway named for the canal it runs along. Bathed in neon lights from the hundreds of ads and signs, Dōtombori is a spectacle to stroll through. It’s also a spectacle to drink and eat through, as there are hundreds of hole-in-the-wall pubs and traditional Izakaya. 

Umeda Sky Building 

If you want a view of Osaka’s skyline, ride the short distance from Shin Osaka Station to the Umeda Sky Building, which has a wonderful observation deck along with its 40-story ‘floating garden.’

Shop around Amerika-Mura 

One of the more curious remnants of the American occupation of post-war Japan, this micro-neighborhood sprang up around the numerous stores catering to soldiers stationed in Osaka. At first, they were selling American goods to Americans. Over time, these shops were selling American goods to Japanese locals, specifically teenagers and twenty-somethings. Since then, it’s morphed into the coolest and trendiest retail stretch of Osaka. You’ll find vintage shops, indie boutiques, unique cafés, and other hipster cornerstones. You’ll also find a human-sized replica of the Statue of Liberty, in case you need Amerika-Mura to prove its namesake.

Airport travel from Shin Osaka Station 

While few travelers head directly to Shin Osaka Station from Kansai Airport, it is a common route for travelers flying in and then immediately hopping on a train to the surrounding cities. The best way to get to Shin Osaka Station from Kansai Airport is to take the Haruka Express. It costs about $20 for a one-way ride, but you can invest in a JR (Japan Rail) Pass that’ll help with savings if you’re going to be taking the train quite a bit. The trip takes 50 minutes and includes luggage.  

Getting around the city from Shin Osaka Station

How to get to Osaka Castle from Shin Osaka Station  

Shin Osaka’s subway connections make it easy to reach the historic city center, including the tranquil oasis that Osaka Castle calls home. If you’re getting off the bullet train and can’t wait to get to the castle, simply follow signs and transfer to the subway via the Midosuji Line (Red Line). You take that for a few stops to Hommachi Station and then transfer to the Chuo Line (Green Line). You will take the Green Line to Tanimachi-Chome station outside the castle grounds. The trip takes about 30-40 minutes and costs less than $5. 

How to get to Dotonbori from Shin Osaka Station 

This is as easy as it gets. The Midosuji Line (Red Line) is one of the busiest subway lines in the city, and it runs directly from Shin Osaka Station. You can take the Red Line directly to Namba Station and walk less than five minutes right up to Dotonbori. The whole trip should take between 15-20 minutes and cost less than $5. It’s even quicker than a cab ride, which can take up to half an hour due to traffic. 

Luggage storage near Shin Osaka Station 

While there are certainly cabs and rideshare available, most travelers leverage the highly efficient Japanese public transportation network to get around Osaka. This is the most cost-effective and sometimes even efficient way to get around, but it’s not always the most comfortable or convenient.

If you have your bags and want to sightsee around Osaka on a travel day, you can always rely on the dozens of Bounce luggage storage locations throughout Osaka. Not only are these located in the most convenient spots, but they come with value-added features and functionality that’ll make your whole experience a breeze. Shin Osaka luggage storage isn’t the only place to store things with Bounce, so download the app and see how this service can help you on your next trip.