Should I take a large suitcase to Japan?

During rush hour in Japan, it is best to avoid traveling with a large suitcase if possible. However, if you must travel with a big suitcase, aim for the very front or back carriages, where there may be more space.



In 2026, the expert recommendation for Japan is to avoid large suitcases if you plan on using public transport frequently. Most Japanese trains, including the local subways and many buses, have very little space for bulky luggage, and maneuvering a large bag through crowded stations like Shinjuku can be a logistical nightmare. If you must bring a large bag, the "pro" move in 2026 is to use takkyubin (luggage forwarding services). For a small fee (around $15-$25), companies like Yamato Transport will ship your bag from your hotel in one city directly to your hotel in the next, often overnight. If you take a large suitcase on the Shinkansen (Bullet Train), you must now pre-book a specific "Oversize Baggage" seat; failing to do so can result in a fine and the inability to store your bag. Traveling with a carry-on or a medium-sized bag makes the 2026 Japan experience significantly more "seamless" and less physically taxing.

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Japan Airlines Checked Baggage Allowance: No checked bag should measure more than 203 cm (79.9 in) in total dimensions. On domestic flights, passengers may check 20 kg (or 45 kg in First Class), free of charge, across a number of bags. Dimensions must not exceed 50 x 60 x 120 cm.

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Oversized luggage is not allowed in non-reserved cars. Passengers without a reservation for their oversized luggage will be asked to move their luggage to a space specified by the train conductor and pay a 1000 yen surcharge which is not covered by the Japan Rail Pass.

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For longer trips, a full-size suitcase is a must. Most have ample room for two weeks' worth of clothes and may also prove roomy enough to pack for two. But not all large suitcases are alike, with lots of variables including weight, pocket designs and shell construction.

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Large suitcases have a height of around 75cm. These suitcases are ideal for a 2 to 3-week trip, like to the French Riviera. The suitcases have a capacity of about 75 to 91L, which equals to about 15 to 20kg of luggage.

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Four-wheeled spinner suitcases are the most common type of suitcase in Japan. They're easier to keep next to you as you're walking, roll in front of you to get on a train, go up escalators, or get into elevators.

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Narcotics such as opium, cocaine, heroin, MDMA, magic mushrooms, stimulant drugs (stimulant drugs contained in an inhaler or items containing stimulant drug ingredients), cannabis, opium smoking paraphernalia and psychotropic drugs are not allowed in Japan.

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Navigating Japan is much easier when you have a small, easily portable bag or suitcase. Most travelers in Japan rely heavily on Japan's comprehensive and easy-to-use railway networks, but unfortunately Japanese trains and train stations do not cater especially well to travelers with a lot of luggage.

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When traveling on subways and trains in Japan, there is usually no designated space for luggage. It is best to avoid seating near the carriage doors and instead store your bags in the small space between the doors and the seating. For small suitcases and bags, there is overhead storage.

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Items designated as prohibited by the Civil Aeronautics Act cannot be placed inside checked baggage. (Examples include toxic gases, flammable gases, flammable liquids, compressed gases.) Although dry ice, alcoholic liquids, and cigarette lighters fall under the “Prohibition for Carriage of Explosives etc.

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Is it ok to wear a backpack in Japan? Of course you can wear a backpack in Japan. However, there are some tips to keep in mind if you want to have an easy time blending in. Especially if you're in a big city like Tokyo, it can be beneficial to bring a smaller bag.

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Avoid the rush hour Welcome to Tokyo's rush hour, which runs approximately between 7.30am-9.30am and 5.30pm-7.30pm, although the mornings are definitely more of a squeeze. If you're not a fan of crowds or have large luggage, it may be worth outside the peak times.

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Because softshell luggage has more give, a hard shell suitcase can be better at protecting fragile contents, assuming you cushion it well inside. On the other hand, that rigid exterior makes hardshell bags unable to be compressed to squeeze into tight spaces like softsided bags are more apt to allow.

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How big is a large suitcase? Large suitcases are 70 to 79 cm or 27 to 31 inches in height. They have a capacity of 55 L up to 140 L. Just imagine how many clothes and shoes you could fit in these suitcases!

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What is the size of 23kg luggage bag? A suitcase of size M (50 – 80 liters) or L (80 – 100 liters) is suitable for 23 kg of luggage. Choosing the right suitcase size depends on whether you want to pack a lot of light items or a few heavy ones.

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Extra large suitcases: trips longer than 3 weeks Extra large suitcases have a height of around 81cm. These suitcases are ideal for long trips.

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