For inbound skiers and snowboarders, one of the biggest concerns is what to do with their ski equipment. Most ski resorts in Japan offer equipment rental services. However, many people want to enjoy JAPOW using their own skis or snowboard. Carrying large skis or a long snowboard can be troublesome, and travelers often worry about whether they can bring them on the Shinkansen, airplanes, or buses. This article clearly explains how skis and snowboards are handled on the three major modes of transportation in Japan: the Shinkansen, domestic flights, and highway buses. If you are planning a ski trip, this guide will be very helpful.
1. Bringing Skis or Snowboards on the Shinkansen
■ Can you bring them onboard?
Yes, you can bring them onboard for free. However, because of the size and handling difficulty, JR recommends the following rules.
■ Size rules
| Total size (A + B + C) | Allowed? |
|---|---|
| Up to 160 cm | Allowed |
| 160–250 cm “Oversized luggage” | Reservation required* for seats with oversized luggage space (no extra charge) |
| 250 cm or more | Not allowed |
* Oversized luggage requires advance reservation for seats with an oversized luggage area.
If you bring oversized luggage without a reservation, a handling fee of 1,000 yen will be charged.
* Skis and snowboards are not considered oversized luggage, so no reservation is required.
* While reservations are not required, the storage area may fill up, so making a reservation is recommended.
* Reservations can be made at station ticket machines or online.
■ Recommended storage locations
- Oversized luggage space
- Located at the rear of each car.
- Reservation is recommended.
- Even without a reservation, skis and snowboards can be stored here.
- The best seating option is near the oversized luggage space.
- Front-most seats
- Plenty of legroom.
- For window seats, you can safely stand your gear in the corner.
- No risk of theft.
- Corner of the deck area
- A backup option when other spaces are full.
- However, there is some risk of theft.
■ What about local trains?
- Unlike the Shinkansen, local trains do not have oversized luggage spaces.
- Skis and snowboards can be brought onboard.
- Avoid rush hours (weekday mornings and evenings) for safety and comfort.
2. Bringing Skis or Snowboards on Domestic Flights
Airline policies vary, but the following summarizes the general rules of major Japanese airlines.
■ JAL (Japan Airlines)
● Can you check skis/snowboards?
You cannot bring them as carry-on, but you can check them for free.
● Size and weight
- Even if they exceed the usual size limit (203 cm), skis and snowboards are exceptions and can be checked.
- As long as the length is within 2 meters, they can be checked on any aircraft type.
- Free checked baggage: 20 kg (Economy Class)
- Excess weight will incur additional fees.
● Notes
- Japanese airlines generally handle baggage carefully, but a hard case is recommended.
- During peak seasons, check-in may take longer.
■ LCC (Low-Cost Carriers)
LCCs require special attention.
● Examples: Peach / Jetstar / Spring Japan
- Skis and snowboards are treated as sports equipment and are often subject to extra fees.
- Typical cost: 1,500–4,000 yen per one-way trip.
- Online pre-purchase is cheaper.
● Key points
- Strict weight limits (10 kg / 15 kg / 20 kg, etc.).
- Exceeding weight limits results in high fees.
- For LCCs, make sure to reserve and pay the sports equipment fee in advance.
■ Summary
| Company | Method | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| JR | Carry-on | Free |
| JAL | Checked | Free (up to 20 kg) |
| LCC | Checked | Paid (1,500–4,000 yen) |
3. Bringing Skis or Snowboards on Highway Buses
Highway bus rules vary significantly by company, but the following points are generally consistent.
■ Most highway buses: Allowed (free)
- If the equipment fits into the luggage compartment, it can be stored without additional fees.
- Many ski tour buses have dedicated racks.
■ However, there are important notes
1) Advance reservation may be required
Some bus companies require advance notice when bringing ski equipment. If you fail to notify them, they may refuse to load your gear.
2) Peak-season congestion
During the ski season, luggage compartments often fill up. Arrive early to secure space.
3) Risk of damage
Bus companies generally offer only “loading space” and compensation may be limited. A padded case is essential.
■ Ski tour buses are the easiest option
Ski tour buses from companies such as HIS, Orion Tour, and Big Holiday are designed specifically for skiers and snowboarders. They have wide luggage compartments or dedicated racks and are the most convenient mode of transport for winter travelers.
4. Comparison by Transport Type
| Transport | Cost (bringing equipment) | Comfort | Speed | Damage Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shinkansen | Free | High | Fast | Very low |
| Flight | Free or paid depending on airline | Very high | Nationwide | Medium (checked baggage) |
| Highway bus | Usually free | Average | Slower | Somewhat high |
5. Conclusion: Which Option Is Best?
■ For Honshu (Nagano, Niigata, Tohoku)
→ The Shinkansen is the safest, fastest, and most comfortable option. Free to bring equipment.
■ For Hokkaido or distant ski resorts
→ Flights are the only realistic choice. ANA and JAL are safe and free; with LCCs, pre-booking the sports equipment option is essential.
■ If you want to minimize cost
→ Highway buses are the cheapest. However, be aware of luggage handling and risks.
Summary
When traveling with skis or a snowboard, the rules and costs vary greatly depending on the mode of transportation.
- Shinkansen → Free, easy to bring on board, safest.
- Flights → Major airlines are free; LCCs are paid; protective cases strongly recommended.
- Highway buses → Usually free, but advance notice may be required; risk of damage.
Understanding the characteristics of each mode of transport makes your ski trip more comfortable and smooth.
