Need advice! If a person was travelling in japan is it better to have a 4 wheel suitcase or a backpack?

Not all train stations have escalators or elevators. But if you can carry it up stairs, you are fine.
And youd really stand out with a giant backpack.
Pro tip: every train station has coin lockers, and can fit your bags/suitcase. Use them in between hotels or if doing halfdays in some cities or generally if you want to be free of ur stuff for a few hours.

Sorry, going to piggy back off this post. Brian - is it a negative to use a backpack?

It's just a very western thing.
Plus I prefer not to tire myself out by carrying it if I am going to to walking around so much (especially in the nippon summer heat)
And by backpack I mean like a big MEC travel bag. As opposed to a hershell book bag

You guys are doing it all wrong... the key is to show up with nothing but a towel and toothbrush.

^ business hotels provide that all for you already! Also new dress shirts if you ask / pay

You're spending too much money for those fancy places... find a train, get on it, go to sleep... wake up somewhere new!

Business hotels are generally budget.
But like your nomad style!

I'm packing a backpack but only inbetween destinations. Thanks for info guys.

Depend on when u go. If you go during summer time like we did, backpack was horrible. All our backs were drenched by midday. I think wheeled suitcase+small daypack. U can always put suitcase at the locker in the train stations and carry the daypack when you walk around the city. But then it's my preference.

^excellent point about the sweat! I had forgotten about that

I've traveled in both situations and it really depends on what you want to do. I've managed to reduce my travel needs down to a 23L day pack. Even when stuffed full, I've never had issues with it as a carry-on. The benefits of this, for me, is less time waiting at the baggage carousels and my luggage will never get lost. A suitcase of equivalent size (carry-on sized) doesn't work for me because they have less capacity due to the frame and handles etc.
However, a suitcase will almost always be more convenient once you're at your destination. It's never fun to root through a backpack while you're in a hostel or hotel. If you're comfortable with bringing minimal supplies (slightly more than a towel and toothbrush!) and hate checking your luggage, go with a mid-sized pack. If you absolutely cannot go with anything smaller than a 50-75L pack, bring a suitcase.

We just got back from Japan!!! For sure bring a four bag roller and carry on size is key. You'll have a great trip!!!

I only took a backpack to Japan and i found it more convenient. Depends how long and what ur traveling for. And how much in a hurry you are in. Backpacks are more convenient when in a hurry. And traveling from place to place often. Suitcases are less strain on you but awkward to lug around.

Four months in Asia with a backpack that has wheels as well. A hi-bred. Never used the backpack part of it, except getting off of small boats to get to remote islands in Thailand. Definitely wished I took a proper suitcase.

I was told a 4 wheel suitcase is really not better than a two wheel one because when it is full you can't pivot as easily nor pull it as easily. 4 wheels are also heavier.

Enjoy Japan! My suggestion is, because of train and subway stations and ferry terminals, a backpack is easier to move through crowds. I say this because I took a suitcase to England because I was renting a car, however, it caused so many problems in the train/subway stations!

I saw a young Japanese girl backpacking around Australia with a backpack slightly larger than a day pack because she used those vacuum bags that you can buy at Yoko Yaya or similar $2 store. If you are going to Japan during the heat of summer, make sure you go to Tokushima for Awa Odori, the largest dance festival in Japan. The Awa Odori dancers have performed in the old SeaFestival/PNE parade and at the Rio Carnival.