Originally Posted by
Keyser
Unfortunately we are not light travelers. My wife travels as if we are moving so I've gotten used to lots of heavy suitcases. This is another reason I was keen on getting a rental car since luggage on trains, planes & taxis will be a problem.
There are luggage delivery services (takkyubin) you can use to send bags ahead to your next destination. Prices are very competitive and I wouldn't worry about bags getting lost. I've shipped bags to/from inns deep in the countryside without any issues. IMO, renting a car just to haul bags between Tokyo and Kyoto adds unnecessary time and logistics to your schedule.