Baggage and reservation

McNeil

Hi, travelling in Japan with 2 adults, 3 kids including baggage and ski gear in late Dec/Jan 2017. Thinking of taking Shinkansen from Tokoyo to Kyoto and also up to shin-Hakodate. If travelling on JR Pass in Economy Class is there enough room next to the seat for 1 suitcase each and 2 big ski bags? or do you pack baggage elsewhere on the train? Are there any trolley's or similar to transport baggage between train platforms? Lastly assume we can reserve seats (see it is incl. in JR Rail pass)

Tenjin

Space with a seat is extremely limited on a bullet train - you really cant squeeze a suitcase in front of your knees and be comfortable at all. Overhead space above your seat is also limited and at best can take a small hand-carry item. There is some space on a train car near the back to put some things like a suitcase, but there is no skiing in Kyoto and it makes no sense to drag all your stuff down the country and then all the way up to Hakodate. It'd be far more practical to use a luggage transport service - they are not expensive and can take your items to someplace like your hotel in Hakodate at a time you designate.
There are no real luggage carts in Japanese train stations either. With a JR Rail Pass though, you can do advance seat reservations - it is a free perk thrown in.

McNeil

Many thanks, will transport ski gear direct, and travel without it in Kyoto/Tokyo.