Kyoto - Japan
In one of the strangest repercussions of tourist overcrowding, a large suitcase is no longer just a burden on its owner in the Japanese city of Kyoto, but rather has turned into part of the transportation problem within one of the most visited destinations in the country.

The city officially asks visitors to avoid carrying large bags on its buses, explaining that suitcases occupy limited space in crowded vehicles, and may in some cases lead to residents being unable to use transportation.

The Japanese solution... Leave your bag

Instead of just warning, Kyoto has launched the Hands Free Kyoto system, which allows tourists to drop off their bag at the station and send it directly to the hotel, or deposit it in storage points before setting off to explore the city.

During the spring 2026 season, the city opened a temporary point at Kyoto Station for same-day baggage storage and delivery, with the stated aim of relieving congestion on bus lines heading to tourist sites.

Even banks got in on the line
In an even more unusual move, in May, it began a trial using a MUFG Bank branch in Kyoto as a “bagless tourism” service point, in cooperation with Sagawa Express. The participating parties say that the experiment targets congestion problems associated with the increase in inbound tourism and the movement of travelers with their luggage.

Trains also have their calculations

On Shinkansen trains, a passenger with a bag whose total dimensions range between 161 and 250 centimeters needs to reserve a designated space in advance on a number of lines, while he may pay 1,000 yen when boarding with a large bag without the required reservation.

What does this mean for Arab tourists?

For the Arab traveler visiting Japan with large bags, the message is simple: plan your bag as you plan your route. Transportation services from the station to the hotel may save the hassle of hauling luggage via trains and buses, and give the visitor additional hours to explore Kyoto without his bag turning into a heavy companion on the trip.