Originally Posted by oldfolky

Most Japanese don’t travel with anything bigger than an airline carryon. If they need to take more then they are typically shipping their luggage with takkyubin. As a result trains and stations aren’t typically well adapted to those with big luggage. If it won’t fit in the overhead rack, ship it or book the last row.

Shipping is very economical and you’ll enjoy your train journey much more not having to schlep luggage through a busy Japanese station.