You've decided to come to Japan. Now what should you bring?

What should I bring to Japan? Well this really depends on your personality and comfort level. Although no matter who you are I highly recommend that you travel lightly! Trains in Japan have little or no room for large suitcases Also many station platforms are not equipped with escalators or elevators, lugging that huge suitcase up and down platform stairs will quickly diminish your experience of Japan. Coin lockers are an option for storing midsized luggage, In large stations like Shinjuku or Shibuya station. Large coin lockers are available for large suitcases, but they are in high demand and the chance of finding an empty one slim.

Staying In Japan For Long Periods

If you are staying in Japan for a long period of time or must bring large suitcases with you don’t worry too much it may be uncomfortably getting them to your location but, airport trains, such as the Narita Express and Haruka, have special space for large suitcases near the doors. Shinkansen trains, have very little space for large luggage.

Shinkansen Luggage

Overhead shelves on shinkansen trains are about 15"(40cm) high and 23" (60cm) deep and cannot accommodate large suitcases. There is usually space for two to three large suitcases behind the last row of seats in each car on most long distance trains. There is usually enough room to put a suit case in front of you but this could be uncomfortable on longer trips.

I always suggest to people who know there destination to mail there suitcases. What? Mail my suitcase! That’s right just walk into any convenience store, such as Lawson, San-Kus, Family-Mart etc. and tell them you want mail by takuhaibin. It is the same as mailing any package they will weigh it　and price it accordingly. Then write the destination, if you don’t have a return address make sure you at least write your telephone number or ask the store to use there address. Fees are about 1,500 yen for next day delivery to any apartment, airports, convenience stores, hotels, service centers and private homes. Just so you know even while living in Japan I always use this service even for small pieces, I just love the freedom. The takuhaibin always comes through perfectly they even tell me to the hour when it will be delivered the next day. You can choose the times.