How to bring back a koshirae from Japan on the plane as checked luggage?

[Zachary]

Hello,

 

I am going to Japan soon this summer and wanted to bring back a koshirae (with a tsunagi) as a souvenir. Something around 1 meter in length.

 

I was wondering what is the proper way to bring it back home? What kind of luggage can I get there (in Tokyo specifically) to bring it on the plane as a checked bag? My airline allows 1.6 meter (L+W+H) bag dimensions.

 

Furthermore, just to be sure, my understanding is that since it isn't a weapon and will be less than 200k yen I don't need papers or anything like that. Is that correct?

[Bugyotsuji]

Just wrap it really carefully (against a splint if necessary) and put it inside your suitcase. In the unlikely event they ask at check-in to see it, open your suitcase for them and explain that it is a ‘wall decoration’, with no blade.

[Zachary]

17 minutes ago, Bugyotsuji said:

Just wrap it really carefully (against a splint if necessary) and put it inside your suitcase. In the unlikely event they ask at check-in to see it, open your suitcase for them and explain that it is a ‘wall decoration’, with no blade.

It's 1 meter long, doesn't fit in any regular suitcase unfortunately even in diagonal.

[Lexvdjagt]

You will need to have a proper case for the koshirae in your checked luggage. I use a hard plastic long weapons case with foam padding to protect the swords I transport out of Japan. You will need to take the measurements of the case into account for the airline's checked baggage rules. The case will likely be classified as oversized luggage as it is too long for the normal conveyor belt they use for luggage. You will need to bring it as oversized luggage when you check it in. This can be more expensive depending on the airline. I suggest either arranging to buy such a case in Japan or bringing it with you on your way to Japan, as they can be quite affordable. 

 

Greetings,

Lex van der Jagt

 

[Brian]

Brought back a koshirae from San Francisco to SA. Also was frustrated that no matter how I tried, it would not fit in the luggage. So had to go buy one of those shipping cardboard tubes from a stationary store and some bubble wrap. Then had to declare it as a separate item of luggage and pay about $100 for it. Second airline (was a multi stop trip) I explained to the lady what it was, and she checked it in without the charge. So depends on the person at the desk, but this is the way. It arrived with no damage. Except there was the panic when we arrived that it didn't come through with the luggage...and after an hour we thought it was missing. At the missing luggage station, someone asked if we had checked the separate pile of luggage where they unload oversized packages and luggage. After finding this unknown area, there it was.
 

[Tohagi]

I use an archtect hard tube with foam.

Works perfectly for me.

[Matsunoki]

Thick cardboard tube from the core of a roll of carpet is cheap and strong. Pack open ends with bubble and seal with duck tape. Cheap and easy. 

[eternal_newbie]

I've seen people use a large segment of PVC pipe as well (you can get endcaps used for sealing the pipes to use as covers for both ends)

[zanilu]

3 hours ago, eternal_newbie said:

I've seen people use a large segment of PVC pipe as well (you can get endcaps used for sealing the pipes to use as covers for both ends)

I used once a PVC tube, checked it in as extra size luggage, it arrived broken. PVC is fragile if hit too hard will broke. I switched to pipes used for underground electric lines. These kind of pipes are made of black plastic and are resistant to hits. This kind of pipes are able to even resist hits from a digger. You can find them in stores selling construction stuff. I have fitted it with a handle, hooks for a shoulder strap and a set of removable wheels to drag it around.

 

Regards

Luca

[eternal_newbie]

35 minutes ago, zanilu said:

I used once a PVC tube, checked it in as extra size luggage, it arrived broken. PVC is fragile if hit too hard will broke. I switched to pipes used for underground electric lines. These kind of pipes are made of black plastic and are resistant to hits. This kind of pipes are able to even resist hits from a digger. You can find them in stores selling construction stuff. I have fitted it with a handle, hooks for a shoulder strap and a set of removable wheels to drag it around.

 

Regards

Luca

 

Useful advice. I haven't had one break yet but that's good to know.

[Kanenaga]

I brought a full-length Tensho koshirae back from Tokyo. Got a heavy-duty cardboard cylinder from HANDS (fabulous hardware store in Shinjuku area, they have different lengths and diameters) packed it with popcorn (they have this too) and newspaper, checked it in with the luggage. Arrived safe.

[Toryu2020]

Tokyu Hands!