I think this common question needs its own blog post as many people ask me what kind of luggage or what kind of suitcase to take to Japan.
PLEASE NOTE: This article contains some affiliate links. If you purchase something or book accommodation through one of these links, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.
What kind of luggage should I use for my trip to Japan?
I think it is best to travel like a local and locals in Japan almost always use a hardshell suitcase with 4 wheels.
A hardshell suitcase with 4 wheels is easy to roll along the streets and on to elevators and also doesn’t cause the owner any pain to move around.
Spot my hand luggage and suitcase there?
Since this is the most commonly used suitcase type, it also means that luggage forwarding companies are also most familiar with this type of luggage in Japan.
Also taxi drivers will be used to accommodating this type of luggage and this style of luggage is easiest for hotels to store and keep safe and easy to access (from someone who used to work in a Japanese hotel – trust me on this one.)
Why not large hiking style backpacks instead of suitcases when travelling in Japan?
I speak a bit about this in my blog post called “How to not look completely clueless when you arrive in Japan” but.. Japan has small hallways, small restaurants and small shops. Wearing a big backpack will not only limit where you can go but it is also considered to be rude to be taking up that additional space – especially on public transport (polite thing is to take it off or wear on your front.)
And what about hand luggage?
I also recommend a hard case smaller suitcase style rolly bag. Then, when you are shipping your luggage around, you can still wheel around a smaller version with another bag on top (and you don’t need to physically deal with the weight of your bag as it is on wheels.)
You can also see my white hand luggage roller suitcase and black softer bag in the back of this beautiful tatami room at Tokujiro no Yado in Osaka.
This isn’t a luggage type recommendation but I find that, when possible, I think it’s easiest if only adults have hand luggage (this gets harder as kids get older.)
I know, in theory, it sounds perfect that everyone has their own backpack or shoulder bag to carry their own stuff, right?
But I find with kids it’s just more things to get lost and forgotten and often adults end up having to carry their child’s belongings as well as their own.
So, while you can – keep it to one or two adults holding the toys and flight entertainment and snacks for the plane etc – handing them out as you go.
See here if you’d like to know what medical and other practical items I also put in my hand luggage.
Pack an extra bag inside your suitcase
I highly recommend an extra bag inside your suitcase for additional shopping purchases but, basically, when I travel with my kids I like to have an ikea style zip up bag with me for when we are on trains and go into restaurants- everyone peels off their jackets and gives them to me and I return them to the fam once we are outside again. This style of bag can also be used for additional items (particularly if it has a zipper) you have accumulated along your travels.
Should I give each of my kids their own suitcases to roll along in Japan?
Of course every family is different but, for us, I say this is a no. It sounds so lovely – in theory. But, in reality? Kids get tired or sick or whatever. That makes it so hard. When I travel alone with my two children (even now they are bigger) I still take one big suitcase with all of our clothing and toiletries inside. The kids have a light backpack they are responsible for but the bulk of it all is on me. Then I can also just know where everything is and, if we get to stairs or literal bumps in the road, it’s just me who has to manage those logistics (and it’s my fault if I lose the suitcase or damage it or something as I don’t want the kids to have to worry.)
Where to buy suitcases while in Japan?
If it’s just a light acrylic style bag you need to buy in Japan (robust enough to check in but not a full suitcase) I recommend googling “3 Coins near me”. This shop has items that are 300, 500, 1000 or 1500 yen (some items are cheaper or slighty more expensive than these prices ) and they always have lots of light bag options.
I recommend looking at Don Quijote, a store called Ginza Karen, your closest Aeon Mall or discount stores like this one called “Olympic” in Koenji (short train ride from Shinjuku.)
How many suitcases should I take for a family trip to Japan?
I think it’s best to imagine you taking a taxi to a hotel in Japan. Most of the cabs in the big cities are those English style taxis that usually fit one big suitcase and a couple of medium sized suitcases. I encourage you to imagine taking a cab with the luggage you have. For example, when I travel with my children on my own, I use one large suitcase and two small-medium rolling style suitcases. This is because I can’t put my kids in one cab and myself in another.
When I travel with my husband – we can do two big suitcases because, if we needed to split up (just for a trip to a hotel ) we can manage one large suitcase in each cab.
Have a good passport wallet
In Japan you are required to keep your passport on you at all times. I have a family passport wallet like this (I have a link here but it’s not an affiliate or anything- just an example. I think it’s important for it to have a zip so nothing falls out in your bag and it’s harder for it to get water on your passport in the rain etc too. I also keep a pen and any frequent flyer cards and keys for any suitcase padlocks there too.) I find it easier if the passport holder is a completely different colour to my wallet- just easier to find in my handbag.
Which handbag or backpack do I like to use while getting around everywhere in Japan?
I’m not an affiliate or anything (although they are welcome to send me a free bag anytime if they want to!!!) but I love my Vestirsi bag for getting around Japan – including at Disneyland. I love how it can be a shoulder bag or a backpack. I own two now! I have the Bella in Black and the XL Bella in Brown.
I have more handbag content type tips here.
I took this picture on my bed while staying at Cocoyo Otsuka.
THIS IS HOW MUCH LUGGAGE GENERALLY LOOKS WHEN I’M FORWARDING LUGGAGE TO EVERY SECOND HOTEL
A rolly suitcase means that I never need to worry about how heavy my suitcase is (as I never have to deal with the weight as it just rolls along beside me.
PLEASE NOTE: This article contains some affiliate links. If you purchase something or book accommodation through one of these links, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.
See here for my month by month what to pack for a holiday in Japan advice here.
