Carry-on with a backpack is the way to go for a trip to Japan. I learned the hard way on a previous trip. I learned that I can do just fine with about half of what I thought I needed. Especially if you have access to do laundry during your trip (which almost everyone does). The Shinkansen is a nightmare sometimes if you have a lot of people attempting to put luggage in the oversize area behind the last row when trying to get off the train and your bag in under everyone else's that stacked their bag on top of yours.
A Japanese friend recommended taking a 40l backpack instead of a suitcase. She says it’s neater on public transport and easier to carry when lifts are not avsilable.
That works. You’ll need to take your back pack on and off to ride local trains. I personally find a 21 inch spinner easier to maneuver and easy to keep out of the way on a crowded train. In the end it’s your call. We’re just saying that this is what works for us.
Some great points! Thanks! I definitely see the benefit of the soft-shell suitcase for smaller size hotels. I wouldn't go out and buy one for that purpose, since many of the hardshell do have a zipped divider that allows you to open your luggage halfway without the other half's contents spilling out. But if you're buying luggage for Japan, or you have a choice, I definitely see the wisdom in your recommendations!
thanks, looking to go this July to japan, we are thinking to only do backpack + carryon for the majority of the trip since I feel a little inconvinient for the suitcase for moving around , and then on the last shopping days just buy one or two suitcases over there and pack there all shopping. Since the cost of baggage handling + stress is almost the same as a brand new cheap suitcase.
Not a bad idea. Don Quixote is a great place to pickup cheap suitcases to use for trip back. There is a Mega Don Quixote in Shibuya with a wide selection of luggage.
Yamato Transport is the service most hotels use. I’m not sure if you can choose the delivery company. You can read more about it here: japanandmore.com/luggage-free-travel-japan/
Good to know - thank you! I'm also considering trying to do the 'carry on challenge' and pack in a 21" Txravelpro. I plan on checking my bag either way, but the more I think about negotiating busy streets and train stations, the more I'm attracted to the idea of a smaller suitcase! @@JapanandMoreTours
@@KateVan-sd3oz Many people who come on our tours often bring just a carry on. Some hotels have coin operated washers and dryers. Keep an eye out, or ask when you check in to each hotel.
hello, I have a quick question. How difficult would it be to travel with a carry on and a single checked in luggage? I am planning to travel with a group of friends and we are hoping to bring a checked in luggage the two of us. Would this be feasible?
When you say 25 in luggage, do you mean including wheels or no? I have a suitcase that is marketed as 25 inches but with the wheels is 26. I'll be heading to japan in 3 months (2nd time but first time solo and leaving Tokyo) and want to be prepared and courteous!
You can take both. I always travel with a backpack and a suitcase. We recommend no more than a 25 inch suitcase. We also recommend 4 wheels. This size will fit in the space above your seat.
I finally bought a 32-liter backpack with 2 wheels which we want to use for sight-seeing within Japan. Some reasons for buying it -- my shoulders can't hold heavy weight for long periods of time, we could be buying small knick-knacks which we can easily throw inside, we can back carry it if there is no elevator. I contemplated for few weeks whether it will be helpful. When I finally paid for the backpack, I realized, (just like what you mentioned), oops.. it will take 1 meter of space behind me and might be hazardous for people behind me. There are backpacks with 4-wheels but they very heavy and bulky already. What are your thoughts? Should we still bring it with us?
the rest of our luggages are all 4-wheeled hardshell. Only this backpack is 2-wheeled, just for the purpose of not tiring our shoulders from a long day of sight-seeing and what not. 😄
We were just in Asukusa (Sensoji) today and it was VERY crowded. So I think you’ll want to be careful, and mindful while using the wheel option. As long as you’re aware of your bag, it should be ok. Obviously 4 wheels are better, but if you’ve already purchased it… Just be mindful of others, would be my best suggestion.
are all hotels available to have luggage delivered to them? ive got a large suitcase i dont want to carry around, online i saw that yamato delivers to hotels but how do i know whether they deliver to my hotel ? (tokyo plaza)
When you get to the airport, go to the delivery counters to your right when you come out of customs. There are two to choose from. I’ve had luggage delivered to my home many times, so I can’t imagine your hotel would be an issue. I would recommend having a printout of your reservation and the address in Japanese. If you can’t get the address in Japanese, have it at least in English. This will help everything run smoother. Do note, you may not get that luggage until the following day. So keep that in mind.
A 26 inch suitcase should be fine. It can’t be larger than a sum of 62 inches. So take the width + depth + height of your suit case (including wheels) and if the sum is 62 or less, you’re good to go! You can read more here: japanandmore.com/what-to-do-with-your-luggage-on-a-japanese-train/
@@Aurora689 The luggage transfer option is really difficult when staying at an Airbnb. We cover this in this article: japanandmore.com/luggage-free-travel-japan/ If the Airbnb is run like a hotel, they may have staff that can assist you. Try asking the Airbnb owners about this option.
Keep in mind that this is an overnight service in most cases, so you will need to take an overnight bag with you. It's convenient, and we use it on our tours, but it's not a same-day service. Be ready for that.
