The Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) is a fantastic, cost-effective rail pass for long-distance train travel in Japan, similar to the Eurail Pass for Europe. 

JR Passes are valid for either 7, 14, or 21 consecutive days, and can be used across all JR Lines and Shinkansen bullet trains except for Nozomi and Mizuho Shinkansen trains. Nozomi trains are the fastest trains running on the Tokaido Sanyo Shinkansen line between Tokyo and Hakata, while Mizuho trains run on the Kyushu line between Shin-Osaka and Kagoshima. Fares for these trains are not covered by the JR Pass. For further details on what the JR Pass covers, see this link:  https://japanrailpass.net/en/about_jrp.html#anchor04

In order to activate your JR Pass, you will need to exchange your JR Pass voucher for the actual  JR Pass at a JR office. You must bring your passport with you in order to do so. These offices can be found at the airport or at major train stations. For a list of offices and opening hours, see this link:  https://japanrailpass.net/en/exchange.html

You can also make your seat reservation at the vending machine: https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/downloads/pdf/mv_operation_e.pdf

For an overview of how to use the JR Pass and reserve seats on express trains or bullet trains,  see this link: https://www.jrailpass.com/blog/how-to-use-japan-rail-pass

LUGGAGE STORAGE ON THE TRAIN

If passengers are carrying a suitcase larger than a certain size on the Tokaido/Sanyo/Kyushu Shinkansen (Tokyo - Nagoya - Kyoto - Shin-Osaka - Hiroshima - Hakata - Kagoshima - Chuo), they are required to make an advance reservation for both their seat and their luggage.

This reservation is available and free of charge for all JR Pass holders. It can be made on the day of departure (though not recommended in high season) or several days prior (upon exchanging the JR Pass or later on).

Advance booking is required for luggage with a total measurement (length + width + height) greater than 160 cm and less than 250 cm*.

* Luggage with a total length of less than 160 cm can be stored on the luggage rack above the seat.

Passengers who have not made this reservation in advance may be asked to pay 1,000 yen per suitcase by a train staff. The suitcase will then be placed in a dedicated space.

For more details, click on the following link:

https://global.jr-central.co.jp/en/info/oversized-baggage/