A common question people ask is how much baggage space is ideal for a trip to Japan. Having traveled here on many occasions, this is my take.
Having been to Japan on several occasions and at different points in my life, the amount of baggage space I’ve allowed for myself has changed according to circumstances and personal growth.
In this post, I’ll try to address the question of how much baggage space is ideal for your trip to Japan based on my own experiences as well as those of those whom I’ve had the pleasure of traveling with.
The Big Anime Merch Factor
For a young Japan enthusiast, there’s a high chance you’ll be into the whole anime pop culture side of the nation.
This was a major factor for my peers and me when it came to our early infatuation with Japan, as popular animated series such as Dragon Ball, One Piece, and Naruto were on the rise.
In particular, you learn of the incredibly affordable anime figures on offer in Japan compared to your home country, and thus make preparations to bring home a suitcase full of them!
In my case, my first trip to Japan with friends ended with us buying an extra suitcase out of necessity as we had purchased too many pieces of anime merchandise to fit in our original suitcases (which were already quite large!).
If you consider yourself an anime fanatic or otaku, then I’d recommend bringing at least one large suitcase and a carry-on and possibly purchasing an additional suitcase toward the end of your trip.
How About A Casual Trip?
Over the years, my infatuation with anime merchandise definitely died down (though I still love the medium) and so from my third trip to Japan, I went with the intention of keeping anime merch to a minimum.
Instead, I prioritized other interesting souvenirs such as banners and posters for my room and clothing items, which were far easier to store in my mid-sized suitcase than the large, space-consuming boxes of anime figurines.
If your main goal in terms of shopping is clothes and souvenirs, then one large suitcase will be enough, so long as you pack light and keep the majority of your suitcase empty.
For The Adventurous…
I’ve met many people from different walks of life in Japan, particularly at budget hostels where many choose low-cost adventures as opposed to luxurious high-life trips.
For those prioritizing activities like hiking, cycling, and mountain climbing in Japan, you won’t be needing more than a backpack with a few changes of clothes!
Japan is a country full of coin laundry facilities everywhere you go, so as long as you have enough clothes to not end up naked on the streets during laundry time, you’re good to go!
So, How Much Baggage Space Is Ideal For A Trip To Japan?
On average, one large suitcase will do the job for most travelers coming to Japan, but luggage, like anything else involving personal needs, is not a one-size-fits-all.
Consider your own travel goals and budget before deciding what the ideal baggage size is for you, and remember to keep yourself flexible to solutions along the way such as purchasing extra luggage or, in less common cases, disposing of existing items to create more baggage space on the go!
Of course, if you are planning to visit Japan, you’ll need a way to get around the country as efficiently and affordably as possible. Japan Rail provides an abundance of travel passes to suit your travel needs. So whether you are traveling individually or as a group, the JR Pass is every traveler’s go-to for getting around and making the most of your time in Japan!