When I planned my two-week trip to Japan, I kept going back and forth between two packing choices. Should I take a wheeled suitcase or go with a large travel backpack? Both had their pros. I’d traveled with each before. But Japan is a different kind of destination—urban, efficient, sometimes crowded, and full of walking.
I finally decided to test both. For the first half of my trip, I used a carry-on suitcase. For the second half, I switched to my travel backpack. After trains, temples, city streets, and countryside walks, it became crystal clear which one worked better for Japan.
Why I Started With a Suitcase
Let’s be honest. Rolling a suitcase through the airport is easier. No pressure on the back. Everything is neatly folded. My suitcase had smooth wheels and just the right amount of space. So I figured I’d be fine. But Japan quickly challenged that logic.
The Problem With Wheeled Suitcases in Japan
Train Stations Are Multi-Level Mazes
I arrived at Tokyo Station expecting signs and simplicity. What I got were stairs, escalators, and people rushing in every direction. My suitcase became a burden. I had to carry it up steps when escalators were full or out of reach. Elevators were slow or far off. In Kyoto, it was even worse in smaller stations with fewer facilities.
Narrow Streets and Uneven Pavement
Japan is walkable, yes. But walkways can be narrow, sloped, and uneven, especially in older districts like Gion or parts of Nara. Rolling a suitcase behind me felt clunky. In tight alleys or climbing stairs at temples, I had to pick it up constantly.
Public Transport Is Crowded
When I boarded trains or subways, space was limited. My suitcase didn’t fit well in overhead racks, and it felt awkward in the aisle. Japanese commuters value efficiency and minimal disruption. My bulky luggage was not helping.
Why the Backpack Made Everything Easier
Halfway through my trip, I repacked into my travel backpack. I had my doubts. Would it be too heavy? Would I get tired faster? But almost immediately, the experience improved.
Hands-Free Travel Is Underrated
With the backpack on my shoulders, my hands were free. Navigating stations, grabbing a quick snack from a vending machine, checking maps, or tapping my Suica card—all became easier. I could move through crowds without dragging anything behind me.
Stairs and Transfers Became Effortless
The weight was balanced and secure. Going up and down stairs no longer felt like a chore. I walked faster and didn’t have to wait for elevators. Moving between platforms was smooth. In places like Osaka’s Umeda Station, that made a big difference.
Easier Storage on Trains and Buses
The backpack fit snugly in overhead racks. I didn’t have to worry about blocking aisles or finding space in designated luggage zones. On buses and local trains, I could keep it close without feeling like I was in the way.
Ideal for Day Trips and Short Stays
I visited places like Hakone and Miyajima, where travel days were short and plans were flexible. A backpack made it easier to check in and out of hotels, hop on and off transport, and store essentials quickly.
Some Downsides to the Backpack
Of course, it wasn’t perfect. By the end of a long day, my shoulders felt sore. If I overpacked or didn’t organize properly, digging through clothes became a hassle. I had to be smarter about what I brought each day and use packing cubes to stay organized.
A Note on Japan’s Travel Culture
Japan has excellent luggage delivery services (like Yamato or JAL ABC) that can send your bag ahead to the next hotel. This is perfect for people using larger suitcases. But if you’re moving frequently or visiting small towns and guesthouses, the backpack still wins for sheer mobility.
Verdict: The Backpack Wins for Japan
After two weeks of city streets, train rides, countryside strolls, and hotel hopping, the winner was clear. The backpack gave me more flexibility, comfort, and speed. It helped me blend in better and made daily transitions smoother.
If I were staying in one hotel for a week and doing day trips, a suitcase might be fine. But for travelers covering multiple cities, using Japan’s fast-paced train system, and exploring on foot, the backpack is the better choice.
Tips for Choosing the Right Backpack
- Size: 40 to 50 liters is ideal. Big enough for clothes, small enough to carry comfortably.
- Fit: Try before you buy. Get padded straps and a waist belt.
- Access: Look for a front-loading (not top-loading) backpack so you can reach things quickly.
- Support: Use packing cubes to organize and reduce weight shift.
- Weatherproofing: A rain cover or built-in waterproof layer helps with unexpected showers.
Final Thoughts
Japan rewards travelers who pack light and move smart. While a suitcase offers structure and style, the backpack wins when the trip is active and full of transitions. It matched the pace of Japan and helped me enjoy each destination with less stress.
