The Ultimate Guide to Easily Pack and Transport All Your Souvenirs Back Home After Traveling Japan

Going home from the enchanting Japan is undoubtedly bittersweet. As you bid farewell to the sights, delectable cuisine, and warm hospitality, you’re left with cherished memories and, well, perhaps a slight dilemma – What to do with all the treasures you’ve accumulated during your stay?

From cool souvenirs to yummy treats and everything in between, it’s no wonder your luggage is bulging at the seams.

Now, as you stroll the streets one last time, you may find yourself pondering the logistics of transporting your newfound treasures back to your homeland.

Will your luggage withstand the weight of your souvenirs, or will you need to find some creative solutions to avoid excess baggage fees? It’s a conundrum faced by many adventurers before you.

But no worry, I’ve got you covered. From clever packing strategies to convenient shipping options and everything in between, choose whichever works best for your needs and preferences.

Packing Strategy : Tips & Tricks to Make the Most Out of Your Luggage Space

Efficient packing is the most straightforward and inexpensive when it comes to maximizing the space in your luggage, and ensuring that you can bring back all your cherished souvenirs from Japan.

Some practical tips and tricks to help you make the most out of every inch of your suitcase are :

1 . Throw away old clothes

If you previously packed some older clothing to bring to Japan with you, pat yourself on the back. Good job, you, for thinking ahead!

Those old clothes have now done their duty, and can be thrown away, freeing up precious luggage space for cool goodies to be brought home.

2 . Roll, Don’t Fold

Instead of folding your clothes, try rolling them up. Rolling not only minimizes wrinkles but also saves space by allowing you to fit more items into your suitcase.

T-shirts, pants, dresses, and other soft garments are ideal for this.

3 . Get Rid of Remaining Toiletries at the End of Your Trip

Toiletries can quickly take up precious space in your luggage. Minimize or get rid of the remaining items to free up space.

4 . Consider Compression Bags

Compression bags are a game-changer when it comes to saving space in your luggage. These airtight bags allow you to compress clothing by removing excess air, reducing their volume significantly.

Just be mindful of airline luggage limit, as compressed items can become denser and heavier.

5 . Utilize Every Nook and Cranny

Don’t overlook the space inside your shoes or the gaps between larger items.

Stuff socks or small items into shoes to make use of every available space. Fill any empty spaces with smaller items or rolled-up garments to maximize efficiency.

6 . Use Packing Cubes

Invest in packing cubes to keep your clothes or belongings organized and compact. These handy organizers not only help prevent your clothes from shifting during transit but also compress them, maximizing available space.

Make sure to sort items by category (shirts, bottoms, underwear) or your personal preferences, to make unpacking and choosing outfits a breeze when you reach your destination.

7 . Layering

Place heavier items, such as shoes or bulky souvenirs, at the bottom of your suitcase (toward the suitcase wheels). Then, layer lighter items on top, such as clothing or soft accessories.

This distribution of weight helps maintain balance and prevents your luggage from becoming top-heavy and falling over easily, overall making it easier to maneuver.

8 . Wear Your Bulkiest Items

When possible, wear your bulkiest items, such as heavy jackets or boots, while traveling. This not only frees up space in your luggage but also helps you stay within weight limits imposed by airlines.

9 . Weigh Your Luggage Beforehand

Avoid surprises at the airport by weighing your luggage before you leave for the airport. Invest in a portable luggage scale, or ask your hotel staff to lend you one to ensure that your suitcase doesn’t exceed airline weight limits.

This proactive step allows you to redistribute things, or identify and remove non-essential items in your checked luggage if necessary.

Buying Extra Luggage : For When You Have Lots of Souvenirs and Goods to Bring Back

I don’t know anyone who went to Japan and did not bring back a mountain of souvenirs and snacks. OK, “mountain” is an exaggeration, but you know what I mean.

I mean, it’s Japan! There are so many cool things to buy, eat, or stock up to enjoy and reminisce some more after you return home.

A lot of times, this means you will need extra luggage space to store all those goodies and bits of Japan that remind you of the wonderful time you spent in this country.

Depending on the amount of extra space needed, the nature of your items, and your travel preferences, getting a smaller carry-on or a larger suitcase could be the perfect solution to your dilemma.

Tote or Duffel Bag (Carry-on Luggage)

Smaller carry-on bags are ideal for valuables, light or fragile items, or things you might need during your flight.

However, they come with limitations in terms of space and weight. Make sure to look into airline restrictions to avoid any surprises at the gate.

Consider getting a foldable duffel bag or tote for overflow items, and use it as a carry-on or personal belonging to take on the plane with you.

Where Can I Buy a Tote or Duffel Bag in Japan?

If you are already in Japan, and did not bring an extra bag with you, you can buy a cheap tote or duffel bag at any Daiso store (the Japanese version of America’s Dollar Tree store).

These can also be found in any big retail store (such as Bic Camera or Yodobashi Camera), or any department store around you.

This way, you’ll avoid the stress of trying to cram everything into an already packed suitcase.

Large Suitcase (Extra Checked Luggage)

If it turns out that you really went to town with your credit card or wallet, and ended up with a sizable mound of souvenirs, a small carry-on is not going to do it for you.

In this case, consider getting an extra suitcase as a second checked bag for your flight. This would offer more space and flexibility, allowing you to bring back larger items or additional souvenirs.

While an extra checked bag may involve a bit more hassle at the airport, it can be a convenient option for heavier purchases.

Depending on your flight’s checked baggage allowance, an additional checked bag weighing 50 lb (or 23 Kg) or less could be added for free, or would cost extra.

So make sure you check with your airline ahead of time to see if adding an extra checked bag is worth the fees.

It is very possible that you might have to bite the bullet and pay for the one-time additional checked bag fees if you want to bring all those Japanese goodies back with you to your country.

Where Can I Go to Buy a Suitcase in Japan?

Some of the best places you can get good-quality suitcases at a reasonable and great price is Ginza Life or Ginza Karen in the Asakusa neighborhood of Tokyo, Japan.

They have a variety of suitcase styles and sizes for your choosing, with prices ranging from 6,600 yen to 20,000 yen.

Tax-free shopping is also available when you present your passport.

The staff here are also very helpful and can communicate sufficiently in English.

If you are not close to Asakusa, or don’t plan to visit that area, you can still purchase suitcases easily in any major retail stores or large department stores, such as Bic Camera, Yodobashi Camera, Loft, etc. Just know the price might be a bit higher.

How to Easily and Smoothly Transport Luggages to Narita International Airport (or Haneda Airport) for Your Returning Flight

Navigating Japan’s bustling streets and efficient transit system with heavy and bulky luggage might seem daunting.

But don’t worry – there are several hassle-free options available to ensure a smooth journey to the airport.

Option 1 : Luggage Forwarding and Delivery Services

Want to know more about Yamato Transport Luggage Transfer and Forwarding Service, what they offer, step-by-step guide on how to use it, and pretty much anything you need to know about it? Find the answers to all your questions here in my “Yamato’s Luggage Transfer Service : Travel Hands-Free and Heavy-Luggage-Free in Japan” post.

One of the most convenient ways to transport your luggage to the airport is by using a luggage forwarding and delivery service such as Yamato Transport.

These services allow you to arrange for your bags to be picked up directly from your hotel and delivered straight to the airport, saving you the hassle of hauling heavy luggage through crowded train stations and streets.

To use this service, simply contact your hotel staff, or go to a Yamato counter, or any convenience store a day or two before your departure to schedule a pickup time.

They will assist you with filling out necessary forms, collect your luggage and fees, and provide you with a tracking number for reference, and ensure that your bags will be waiting for you at the airport when you arrive.

Some services even offer luggage storage options at the airport, allowing you to drop off your bags before your flight and explore the city unburdened.

Want to know more about Yamato Transport, what they offer, step-by-step guide on how to use the service, and pretty much anything you need to know about them? You can find the answers to all your questions here in my “Yamato’s Luggage Transfer Service : Travel Hands-Free and Heavy-Luggage-Free in Japan” post.

Option 2 : Airport Limousine Buses

Do you need an easy, convenient, and economical way to get from Narita International Airport to central Tokyo with luggages ? Read my “Airport Limousine Bus – The Convenient Way to Get from Narita Airport to Central Tokyo” post here. Going to Haneda airport instead? Read this post.

Another convenient option for transporting luggage from/to the airport is by taking an Airport Limousine Bus from major train stations or popular tourist areas.

• These buses offer spacious seating and ample luggage storage compartment, making them an ideal choice for anyone with heavy bags, oversized items, so multiple luggages.

• The Airport Limousine Buses run many times daily, operate on fixed schedules, and offer direct routes to all Narita and Haneda airport terminals, ensuring a convenient and smooth journey, without the need for transfers or navigating complex train networks.

• These buses also provide luggage assistance at boarding time, with the driver helping load and unload all your bags into the huge luggage compartment underneath the bus, allowing you to relax and enjoy the ride while your bags are all taken care of.

• During peak travel seasons, in order to make your journey even smoother, consider booking your airport limousine bus ticket in advance online. This will guarantee that you have a reserved seat on your desired departure time, and eliminates the risk of buses being fully booked during the busiest times of the year.

Have many questions about the Airport Limousine Bus at Narita or Haneda airport as a transport mode going from the airport to Tokyo? And if it’s a good fit for your travel needs? Have all your questions answered here in my “Taking the Airport Limousine Bus to/from Narita or Haneda Airport to Tokyo – All your Questions Answered” article.

Option 3 : Taxi or Ride-Sharing Services

For ultimate convenience and flexibility, consider taking a taxi or using a ride-sharing service (like Uber) to transport your luggage to the airport.

While this option may be much more expensive than public transportation, it offers door-to-door service, and allows you to travel directly from your accommodation to the airport without any hassle or inconvenience of dragging baggages through the streets, train stations, and with train transfers.

• When booking a taxi or Uber, be sure to request a vehicle large enough to accommodate your luggage comfortably.

• Communicate your departure time and any specific requirements, such as assistance with loading and unloading bags.

• If you are staying in Tokyo area and need to get to Haneda International Airport, getting a taxi or Uber straight to the airport will be reasonable enough, compared to dragging all those luggages everywhere with you.

• If you are staying in Tokyo and need to get to Narita International Airport, which is much further away from Tokyo, it will be much more expensive to go directly to the airport (up to 250 USD, depending on time of day).

• If this is you, consider getting a taxi or Uber to the closest Airport Limousine Bus stop (costing 10-20 USD). From there, buy an Airport Limousine Bus ticket to Narita International Airport (around 21 USD), and ride it straight to the airport.

• The entire trip (taxi to bus stop + bus ride) costs around 40 USD total – much cheaper than the 250-USD taxi ride. Cnvenient and awesome, right?

Shipping Goods Back Home

If you have gone a little overboard with your shopping, and now are overwhelmed by the thought of lugging everything through the airport, or worried about exceeding baggage limits, shipping your goods home might be the ideal solution.

Not only does it alleviate the burden of carrying heavy bags, but it also ensures that your precious purchases arrive safely at your doorstep.

1 . Choosing a Shipping Service

When it comes to shipping goods from Japan, you have several options to consider. One of the most popular choices is Japan Post, which offers a variety of shipping methods and sizing to suit your needs.

From standard international mail to expedited delivery services, Japan Post provides reliable and affordable shipping options for packages of all sizes.

Alternatively, international courier services like FedEx, DHL, and UPS offer fast and efficient shipping solutions with tracking capabilities for added peace of mind.

While these services may come at a higher cost compared to traditional postal services, they often provide expedited delivery and comprehensive insurance coverage for your shipments. So choose what the shipping courier and shipping method which suits your personal preferences and needs.

2 . Packaging and Customs Forms

See these essential tips when it comes to packing and completing customs forms for shipping goods abroad :

• The first and most important thing before shipping items to your country is to make sure you understand customs regulations and restrictions regarding transported goods.

• Then, be careful and properly package them to ensure they arrive intact.

• Use sturdy boxes or packaging materials sold at the Japanese post office to protect fragile items and prevent damage during transit. You could also use old clothes as cushions.

• Securely tape all seams and corners to reinforce the integrity of the package.

• Make sure to complete any required customs documentation accurately and thoroughly. Include detailed descriptions of the contents, their value, and the purpose of shipment to expedite the customs clearance process and avoid any delays or additional fees.

• If you have questions while filling out the forms, don’t hesitate to ask the staff, who will be able to help provide clarification and assistance.

3 . Timing and Delivery

Consider factors such as urgency, delivery times, and potential delays when choosing to ship stuff to your address from Japan.

While express shipping services offer faster delivery times, standard shipping methods may take longer, especially for international destinations.

To minimize the risk of delays, schedule your shipment well in advance of your departure date. Allow ample time for processing, transit, and customs clearance, particularly during peak holiday seasons or busy seasons.

4 . Shipping Fees

While shipping goods home from Japan provides convenience and peace of mind, it’s very important to factor in the associated costs.

• Shipping fees vary depending on the size, weight, and destination of your package, as well as the selected shipping method and delivery speed.

• If you have a budget, don’t forget to compare shipping rates from different carriers and services to find the most cost-effective option that meets your budget and timeline requirements.

• Also be mindful of any potential customs duties or taxes that may apply to your shipment upon arrival in your home country.

If you have any questions or just want to share your own travel stories, I’d love to hear from you! Please feel free to reach out to me at evelyn@japanoncloudnine.com, and let’s chat.

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