Same-Day Suitcase Repairs in Japan: Head to MY SUITCASE When It Breaks Mid-Trip
If your suitcase suddenly breaks during your trip, you might think your only option is to throw it away or buy a new one, but you should also consider having it repaired.
A suitcase is a travel companion that stays with you on your journeys. The places you go and the experiences you have gradually leave their mark on it, and the more you use it, the more character it takes on.
Recently, more and more people are using their suitcases for a long time and growing attached to them by putting stickers on them or customizing the parts. That is why it is a waste to let go of your suitcase so easily.
In Japan, there are stores that specialize in suitcase repairs, and in some cases they can fix your suitcase on the same day.
Among them, MY SUITCASE is a team of Japanese craftspeople who have honed their own repair techniques and can offer speedy repairs in as little as 10 minutes, at a lower cost than buying a new suitcase.
This article introduces the features of MY SUITCASE, how to use the service, and store locations you can rely on when your suitcase breaks. If your suitcase breaks during your trip, make the most of this service.
What Should You Do if Your Suitcase Breaks During Your Trip?
You never know when your suitcase will break.
It can happen at unexpected moments, such as when you arrive at the airport, on the way to your hotel, or while you are out and about sightseeing.
First, let’s look at common suitcase problems and first-aid measures, as well as the pros and cons of replacing your suitcase versus repairing it.
Common Suitcase Problems and First Aid
Suitcases tend to experience a lot of strain while you are traveling.
Repeated shocks at the airport combined with traveling over uneven roads can lead to various problems.
If you continue to use your suitcase in that condition, the problem may worsen, so first stay calm, check its condition, and apply first-aid measures.
| Problem | First-Aid Measures |
|---|---|
| Caster has come off / will not turn |
・Temporarily lift and carry the suitcase. ・Use any remaining casters to move it. |
| Handle is broken / will not extend | ・Keep the retractable handle stored and carry the suitcase using the fixed handle. |
| Zipper will not open / close |
・Straighten any fabric caught in the zipper. ・Apply a small amount of soap to make it slide more smoothly. |
First aid is only a temporary measure. While you are still traveling and moving around, the problem can easily get worse, and there is also a risk that your belongings may spill out.
Pros and Cons of Replacing vs Repairing
If your suitcase breaks, you should consider not only replacing it but also repairing it.
As summarized in the table below, throwing away a suitcase requires both effort and money, so repairing it often has more advantages.
| - | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Replacing |
・You can use a brand-new suitcase. ・It can be a nice change of mood. |
・In many cases, it costs tens of thousands of yen. ・You have to dispose of the broken suitcase. ・Your luggage may increase. ・Purchasing a new suitcase takes time. |
| Repairing |
・It is often cheaper than replacing it (from a few thousand yen). ・You can use your suitcase again in as little as 10 minutes. ・You can keep using a suitcase you are attached to. |
・Depending on the problem, repairs may not be possible or may take time. ・The fee varies depending on the part being repaired. |
Skilled Craftspeople Offer Speedy Service: MY SUITCASE, a Suitcase Repair Specialty Store
MY SUITCASE is a suitcase repair specialty store with locations in major cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Fukuoka.
All of the stores are located close to stations, making it convenient to bring in a broken suitcase.
Experienced craftspeople are on staff and can repair casters, handles, zippers, and more for a wide range of suitcases, from brand-name products to no-brand items.
Depending on the problem, repairs can be completed in as little as 10 minutes, and in most cases you can continue your trip on the same day.
Whether you visit the store or contact them in advance, staff can communicate using translation tools, so you can feel at ease even if you are not confident in Japanese.
You can also send photos of the problem in advance to get an estimate, which helps you avoid unnecessary travel.
MY SUITCASE is a reliable service you can turn to right away when your suitcase breaks during your trip.
3 Reasons to Choose MY SUITCASE
Below are three reasons why many travelers choose MY SUITCASE.
1. Drop-Off Repairs in as Little as 10 Minutes: Speedy Service Even During Your Trip
MY SUITCASE is known for its speedy service, with repair times starting from as little as 10 minutes.
For minor repairs such as caster replacement, the work is often completed on the same day, so you can start using your suitcase again right away.
However, depending on the extent of the damage and the availability of parts, same-day service may not always be possible. It is best to contact the store as early as possible so that it fits your travel schedule.
First, send photos to confirm the estimate, then request the repair so that you do not have to travel unnecessarily.
2. Lower Cost Than Buying New: Reduce Your Burden Further by Using Insurance
Buying a new suitcase often costs tens of thousands of yen, and an unexpected expense during your trip can be a heavy burden.
At MY SUITCASE, on the other hand, typical repair costs start from a few thousand yen, which is a major advantage compared with replacing your suitcase.
Depending on your travel insurance or credit card, your repair costs may also be covered.
However, the conditions of coverage differ from one insurance policy or card to another, so you should check the details in advance.
Being able to continue using your suitcase while keeping costs down is one of the reasons MY SUITCASE is chosen.
Close to Stations so Carrying a Broken Suitcase Is Less of a Burden
All stores are located near stations that serve as bases for sightseeing in major cities.
Because many stores are within about a five-minute walk from the nearest station, they are easy to access and reduce the burden of moving around with a broken suitcase.
Experience Japanese Craftsmanship Through Repairs: How to Request a Repair at MY SUITCASE
Here is the process for bringing your suitcase to MY SUITCASE and requesting a repair.
The skilled, efficient work of the craftspeople is very much a uniquely Japanese experience and a reassuring service when you are in trouble.
1. Bring Your Suitcase to the Nearest Store and Pay the Fee
First, bring your broken suitcase to the nearest store.
Staff will check the problem and explain the repair details, fee, and time required on the spot.
If you agree to the details, you pay and the repair starts right away.
If parts are needed, they may have to be ordered, so it is best to consult the store as early as possible.
2. Suitcase Repair
A craftsperson carefully repairs the damaged area of your suitcase. For minor repairs such as caster replacement, the work can sometimes be completed in as little as 10 minutes.
While the repair is being done, you are free to spend your time walking around the area or taking a break at a cafe.
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Caster repair: before/after
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Body repair: before/after
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Handle repair: before/after
3. Suitcase Pick-Up
Once the repair is finished, you check the condition of the suitcase on the spot. If there are no problems with its operation, you can resume your trip immediately.
Staff will also explain the repair details so that you can continue to use your suitcase with peace of mind.
Suitcase Buyback Service to Use When You Decide to Replace Yours
Even if you decide to replace your suitcase, you should consider MY SUITCASE’s suitcase buyback service before throwing your old one away.
A broken suitcase is treated as bulky waste, and disposing of it often requires time and money.
At MY SUITCASE, no matter how damaged the suitcase is, it can still be eligible for buyback, and they will also appraise no-brand suitcases.
After contacting the store in advance, you bring in your suitcase, and the service proceeds through appraisal and payment.
We recommend consulting them at least once before you throw your suitcase away.
Store Information for MY SUITCASE Locations in Major Japanese Cities
MY SUITCASE has 18 stores nationwide, mainly in major cities and popular sightseeing areas.
If your suitcase breaks, first look for the nearest store.
Hokkaido Store List
- 店舗名
- MY SUITCASE Sapporo
- Address
- 1-1-27 Minami 9-jo Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo City, Hokkaido 064-0809
- Access
- About a 4-minute walk from Exit 2 of Nakajima-koen Station on the Namboku subway line.
Tokyo Store List
| Store name | Address | Access |
|---|---|---|
| MY SUITCASE Shibuya Ekimae | Dai 8 Toto Building 1F, 15-19 Sakuragaoka-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0031 | About a 3-minute walk from the West Exit of JR Shibuya Station. |
| MY SUITCASE Ueno Ekimae | Ando Building 1F, 3-16-8 Higashi-Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-0015 | About a 1-3-minute walk from JR Ueno Station and Ueno Station on the Hibiya and Ginza subway lines. |
| MY SUITCASE Shinjuku Ekimae | Shinjuku Komuro Building Room 903, 4-1-22 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0022 | About a 1-minute walk from the Shin-Minami Exit ticket gate of JR Shinjuku Station. |
| MY SUITCASE Ikebukuro Ekimae | Honda Building 3F, 1-17-5 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 170-0013 | About a 3-minute walk from the East Exit of JR Ikebukuro Station. |
| MY SUITCASE Kitasenju Ekimae | 39-10 Senju Asahi-cho, Adachi-ku, Tokyo 120-0026 | About a 3-minute walk from the East Exit (Denki Daiguchi) of Kitasenju Station. |
Osaka Store List
| Store name | Address | Access |
|---|---|---|
| MY SUITCASE Osaka Umeda | Osaka Ekimae Dai 2 Building 1F, 1-2-2 Umeda, Kita-ku, Osaka City, Osaka 530-0001 | About a 4-minute walk from the South ticket gate of Umeda Station on the Midosuji subway line. |
| MY SUITCASE Osaka Namba | Okada Wien Building 1F, 1-5-15 Motomachi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka City, Osaka 556-0016 | About a 2-minute walk from Exit 21 of Namba Station on the Midosuji subway line. |
Kyoto Store List
- Store name
- MY SUITCASE Kyoto Kawaramachi
- Address
- Asahi Building 4F, 619 Sada-chomae-no-cho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto 600-8031
- Access
- About a 2-minute walk from the Central ticket gate of Kyoto-kawaramachi Station on the Hankyu Line.
Fukuoka Store List
| Store name | Address | Access |
|---|---|---|
| MY SUITCASE Hakata Ekimae | Hakata Pearl Building Room 806, 1-3-8 Hakataeki Minami, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka 812-0016 | About a 4-minute walk from the Chikushi Exit of JR Hakata Station. |
| MY SUITCASE Kokura Ekimae | 1-2-15 Kyomachi, Kokurakita-ku, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka 802-0002 | About a 4-minute walk from JR Kokura Station. |
Stores in Other Areas
In addition to the areas introduced so far, MY SUITCASE also has the following stores.
There are stores in major sightseeing destinations throughout Japan, so if your suitcase breaks, be sure to look for a nearby MY SUITCASE.
Wrap-up
A suitcase is more than just a way to carry your belongings; it is a companion that shares your travel memories.
Even if it breaks, remember the option of repairing it before you decide to replace it.
At MY SUITCASE, depending on the type of repair, your suitcase can be fixed on the same day in as little as 10 minutes. The cost is also easier to keep down than replacing your suitcase, and you do not have to waste your travel time.
Because there are stores in front of stations in major cities, it is also convenient to stop by between sightseeing activities.
If your suitcase does break, don’t panic-just consult the nearest MY SUITCASE store.