I have been planning my first 2-week trip to Japan (in June) for two years and I am trying to pay attention. I am trying to keep my needs as low as possible, and as part of this I was hoping to come in with only a smallish size backpack rather than lots of luggage. I'm a middle-aged man.

Then I saw how-to #11, which seems to equate backpacks with rude Westerners. There is almost nothing I want to appear to be less than a rude Westerner. Should I just go ahead and expect to pack "real" luggage? I was not expecting to "wear" the backpack except when actually walking.

Also, how do I carry things around in Japan? If I go to the onsen and bring a towel, soap and shampoo, where do I carry them? Aside from the backpack idea, I only have my pockets. I would expect to walk or take public transportation to get there.

I feel as though I'm repacking already in my head.

Thanks so much.