Japan Trains & Luggage
 

We will be going from the Tokyo Ginza Station to the Tobu train station midweek, mid-morning to go to NIkko. Will we have difficulty with our luggage at the Ginza Station/train. We each have 1 carry on size (20'-21" suitcases). Should we ship our luggage from our hotel in Tokyo to the one in NIkko? Thanks!

I traveled solo on Japanese trains with a 22 inch two wheeler and a day pack and don't remember any problems. I was not at Ginza, but Japanese train stations are well organized.

Thanks! Does this include the subway/metro or just the train portion?

My last trip I was not in Tokyo and did not use a metro. My previous trip, with a similarly sized backpack, I did use the metro.

I have never used the luggage forwarding system, but there are posters who have and who recommend it.

Because my trips are longer and I spend an extended amount of time in one place I usually do send my 21 inch suitcase by takuhaibin (I have an 18" I take with me), but if your luggage is not too heavy and you are ready for the possibility of stairs then there should be no problem. You can probably find the station maps online and look for escalators or elevators. Luggage is not delivered until the next day.

Right, that's why I don't use it. I don't want to try to cram everything I would need overnight in my day bag (which is fit under the seat in front with room to spare size).

Thanks everyone! I hadn't thought about the trains where we have transfers. Compared to European trains is it much faster? --the get off or get on for that matter.

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I dont think so.

In terms of buying tickets - do we need to have destinations and info in Japanese or can we print off the website info and use that?

As best I remember I just used English. Always helps to write down what you want in a simple format.

The big stations will have machines, also with English.

Besides the japan-guide website, you might want to read this: https://www.seat61.com/Japan.htm

As long as you know where you are going, you will not have trouble buying tickets. People may say, "Oh, I don't speak English, but they usually can communicate, especially if you write down things (14:30 hr train to Kyoto 2 seats).

I travel with an approx 22 inch wheelie and a small school style backpack. Most trains have luggage shelves at one or both ends of each car, (and the long distance trains often have strap locks with set-it-yourself combinations) and racks overhead. Just pay attention or set your phone alarm for a few minutes before your expected arrival and go stand by the door.

As long as you can take your suitcase up the occasional staircase, you do not NEED to send your luggage ahead. It's a really nice service on those occasions when I've overpacked, have a bag without wheels, or need to be doing a lot of walking with my suitcase, but I prefer to have my stuff with me!

"Besides the japan-guide website, you might want to read this: https://www.seat61.com/Japan.htm"
Thanks for the info. I'm a big fan of the maninSeat 61. He provides great info. I was interested in hearing the experiences people have had, thus my question on Fodors..

lcuy -- thanks for your info!

In the morning of the day before you leave Tokyo send one bag to Nikko so that it arrives on the day you arrive. On the day you leave for Nikko send the other bag from Tokyo to Kanazawa. Send the first bag from Nikko to Kanazawa on the day you leave Nikko.

Well, that certainly is a strategic way of packing. I'd have to think about that.

I have to admit that I absolutely fell in love with the Japanese luggage forwarding system. We paid about $14 per suitcase. I find it so liberating to travel without luggage! But you wouldn't have a problem taking your suitcase on the train. I would note that you need to be ready to jump off the train when it arrives at your station. The stops are quite brief.