Japan’s Luggage Problem

Storing Your Stuff While on the Go

It’s a common scenario. You’ve just arrived in Japan (or in a new destination) and want to start exploring but it’s still too early to check-in to your hotel or Airbnb. Alternatively, check-out for the previous place was at the ungodly hour of 10 AM but your transportation onward doesn’t depart until much later in the day. Talk about a massive headache!

Unbeknownst to most first time travelers, the problem of what to do with baggage is one of the most daunting challenges that they will face. While hotel check-ins in Japan usually start around 3–4 PM, some places will let you to leave your luggage before. Doing so is often the least painful option but it can often be inconvenient due to location (if it’s even allowed).

What’s a traveler supposed to do? Contrary to what you might think, carrying around large luggage while exploring the city is not a particularly good idea. In the crowded streets where people are going about their daily lives, you’ll only end up slowing down pedestrian traffic.

Bringing large luggage (including big backpacks) inside shops can be hazardous too as it can prevent other…