Myself and three friends are off to Japan for 2 weeks in May. Our itinerary looks like this:
Haneda Airport -> 4 nights in Tokyo(Shinjuku) -> 1 night in Kawaguchiko -> 4 nights in Osaka (Namba) -> 4 nights in Kyoto (Higashiyama) -> 1 night in Tokyo (Hamamatsucho) -> Haneda Airport
I’m going with a small rucksack about the size of a school bag and a plan to do two sets of laundry. Friend 1 is going to bring a wheeled suitcase and a small rucksack. Friends 2 & 3 may have a more expansive luggage collection. We plan to use trains, Shinkansen and monorail for all luggage-carrying trips.
I have heard excellent things about luggage delivery services in Japan. I also am nervous about the prospect of navigating any busy foreign language railway network whilst heavily laded – not least of which because there are few things that annoy me more than *being in the way.* I spoke to my friends about the luggage delivery services and it was clear that there was a certain amount of trepidation. It seemed obvious to me that it was the way forward, but then it isn’t my luggage we’re talking about.
I accept that doing a two week holiday on hand luggage is not for everyone, and so I also accept that whatever luggage the rest of the party brings is their choice (although inevitably size and free hands mean I shall end up carrying it!). So while I secretly wish everyone would also come with a backpack, that is not going to happen.
How have people’s experiences been in this regard? Did you use luggage services? Did you take your luggage on trains? I know the Shinkansen rules but I’m more thinking about navigating Shinjuku with the cases when we’re coming and going. All suggestions welcome.
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by Kjaamor
1 comment
Bringing luggage onto local trains is a non-issue outside of rush hour. Just try to keep it to one large luggage per person and you should be fine.
Luggage delivery services are more about the convenience as lugging your luggage around is tiring.