I've seen some recommendations both for small trolleys and for backpack and having real difficulty to decide...
In general I really like the trolley idea better as it has wheels and I don't have to carry it, also its much easier to get things out of it...
I read that in order to get to certain onsens and temples that we might be potentially staying in quite a long walk is required, is it an option that there will be no asphalt on the way and I will be stuck with a trolley that cannot actually be rolled?
Sorry if this again repeating existing questions....

trolley - small one.

If you think you'll need to haul a sizeable bag around, save your back and send it by takkyubin - http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2278.html

Keep a couple of night's worth of clothing with you (in that small trolley) and imagine yourself as a rich person in the golden age of porters.

It's one of the great perks of travelling around Japan. Indulge!

So there shouldn't be a problem with rolling it, right?
I was thinking of a medium size trolley, as I plan to stay for 3.5 weeks...

And I was thinking of a large bag (which gets delivered for you) and a small trolley.
What problem are you anticipating?

I visited Tokyo last year in a wheelchair and did a considerable amount of travelling this year on a solo convalescence trip despite not being able to carry anything heavier than 8kgs. I packed two bags, a larger one with wheels I never once had to lift, and a small roller bag (Aircraft cabin sized) I took with me everywhere.

Sounds like a good solution, just wondering in case I take a medium size - will I have a problem rolling it outside of Tokyo, as I have been told that Onsens might be located in rural areas, that require a 1.5 KM walk from the train\bus station, and I was wondering how do you roll a trolley there (any size for the matter of fact) in case that there is no asphalt there (could it be that there is no asphalt there?!)

If you decide on a backpack, go for one which opens like a suitcase with a zip around the side when it is lying down.

On our next trip to Japan we will be taking one backpack between both of us for 4 weeks which makes getting around train stations and to and from accommodation (including onsens) a breeze.

A couple of years ago we took suitcases which were sometimes quite cumbersome.

If you haven't bought the item yet, and you're leaning toward a trolley, see if you can find one with wheels that are as large as possible and with as wide a base as possible--that helps it roll if the surface is bumpy.

I haven't been anywhere in Japan where I couldn't roll-drag a suitcase with wheels. Even on mountains, the paths are usually kind of flat and packed down.

But like LapLap says, takkyubin is great--you just have to get used to the idea of traveling being so easy!

Which reminds me of the occassional thump I'd feel through the handle of my rolleraboard luggage and turn back at the occassional obaasan(sp) and bow my head in apology and continue on while they internally cursed me for crossing their foot with the rolleraboard wheel.

Sanosuke!

You know, I don't want to play down your legitimate concerns, but --

Japan is a first world country. They have these things called cabs. Unless you are really headed out into the inaka to some mountaintop temple or somethng, you will be able to just have a cab deliver you right to the front door of virtually anyplace you are likely to stay.

The only place I have ever had a problem with a rolling bag is in some of the larger cities where they don't have crosswalks but rather pedestrian overpasses, some of which don't have elevators. Hauling the bag up those stairs can be a chore. In the very few cases where I did that, if I had it to do again, I would probably take a cab the 2 blocks just to avoid the hassle.

When I backpacked Japan I bought a (kind of big) trolley/backpack which was the coolest thing ever, I bought it at The sports authority for around 70 USD maybe you can find something similar where you are.

I would say that most efficient thing to do is choose a trolley because you know, Japan has designed the country for bicycles (the ramps at the sidewalks, you think they are for disabled? noup, bicycles :P) so you can pretty much roll it everywhere.

But personally I prefer the backpack as I can be looking at the map or doing something with my hands while walking without having to worry about bumping my trolley into something. the thing I hate about them (and may help you decide better) is that it's uncomfortable using it in urban public transportation as you must take it off every time you get in to avoid hitting somebody and the trains are always really crowded to do it or put it on the shelves. Trolleys are easy to control in this case.

I hope my advice helps!

Assuming both of you are able bodied, I would have thought it better to split things into two backpacks. I think it's actually a religious obligation - Doesn't the bible say that each person must bear his own burden? I'm not 100% sure, since I don't tote a bible these days. You can always find one in your hotel room. That's a weight saving tip for you...

Good point jib71!

I didn't mention that our first 2 weeks will be spent skiing so we will initially have the backpack plus a large ski bag on wheels which we will send on to the airport hotel before continuing on with our 4 week sightseeing trip! But dont worry I imagine we'll "take turns" carrying the backpack plus a smaller day pack

...and for that matter, every Japanese inaka mountaintop temple I've stayed in (Mt. Maguro, Mt. Koya, Sounkyo, etc) has been accessible by paved road.

Quite a few older subway and train stations are like this as well. There's often (but not always) a lift lurking somewhere, but rarely in the direction of the exit you're trying to take.