In time for the spring tourist season, Kyoto City and the City Tourism Association will open a temporary baggage storage facility at Kyoto Station Plaza (Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto City) for five days, March 20-22 and March 30-31, 2024. As part of the measures to combat overtourism, the aim is to alleviate congestion on city buses by bringing in large luggage. Advance reservations are accepted.
Overcrowding on city buses has become a problem due to tourists bringing large carry-on bags and other items onto city buses. Kyoto City recommends ''empty-handed sightseeing'' and will set up temporary storage facilities. Temporary baggage storage facilities have been set up during the spring and autumn tourist seasons, but this is the first time that reservations are being made in advance. The Kyoto City Tourism and MICE Promotion Office said, ''We have heard that the location of the storage center is difficult to find, so we will make efforts to publicize the location in advance and further promote empty-handed tourism.''
Advance reservations will be accepted on a dedicated website, and staff will be able to speak English and Chinese, and will have staff available on-site who can speak English. Hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. The weight of checked baggage is up to 20 kg. The fee is 800 yen for advance reservations, 1,000 yen for same-day registration.
