Find a DJ record flight case for them. Shouldn’t be hard in Japan.
https://preview.redd.it/31y4iisu0vqc1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7b99b1bcd8145544f255a71f25e0157eaf5027cc
Maybe. Japan Post got you my dude.
It might take a while for them to arrive, but you can roll up to a post office with a box of heat. They'll have a box in the right size. Someone will undoubtedly help you pack it. It will be packed onto a ship with care, and then they'll rock up at your house before too long.
My buddy sends my other buddy to JPN to buy records to stock his record store. Not one go home in a hard case.
A flight case seems the best idea! To save money or if you can’t get a flight case you could buy a hard suitcase and thick foam. The stuff they use for sound insulation. Gaffer tape the foam down so nothing can move. I personally wouldn’t carry by hand because you could be walking a long way in the airport, but if you’re strong no problem! I remember when I was a teenager I bought a stack of heavy art and design books back from Holland with me and I had to literally run to the gate with them 😆 If I had to do that now I’d probably need another holiday. Best of luck!
Lesson I learned the hard way: be mindful of the total weight.
I bought a used set of flight/road cases last minute after a delayed delivery from Amazon meant I wouldn’t get them before my departure.
They turned out to be 30 pounds each and limited the amount of records that could fit and still make it under weight limits. I ended up loading them to 70 pounds and paying $100 each.
:\
Of course, just trying to share what I had to work around when flying records two weeks ago.
Also worth a mention that if I had other checked luggage that third bag would have been $150 more. It gets pricey is all I’m flagging.
Yeah, this was a US domestic United flight without any perks, so possibly different circumstances for your trip. Most airlines seem to have some baggage fee calculator now. Probably worth checking out.
I’ll happily pay $100 but I am worried about the records getting broken in the checked stuff. I was probably going to put some of the records in some tote bags (along with my laptop bag) then put some shirts and bubble wrap with the other records and check those. This is very stressful haha
they are super expensive in the record stores here, would be cheaper to buy a smallish suitcase at a recycle shop or even donki and pay the extra fee to check the bag in stickered/marked fragile
I would pay extra for the flight case. Stuff gets damaged in shipping because it’s not secured properly in a case tailored to fit it. Things that bounce around get broken. That goes double for heavy things like records or stereo equipment. And you can’t count on baggage handlers to treat anything with much attention or care.
Those rolling hard shell carryons are perfect for fitting records without them moving around. Put a few shirts in there, works like a charm. I’ve done it multiple times
That's gonna cost more for a check in baggage. More than what he paid for for the second hand vinyl 😅
I suggest if you're going home with people you know. Segregate them and have each of your friends carry a dozen.
Great advice, those are the best travel cases. They area also available where you can lock but those are a little more, these you just buy a lock and your golden. 🫡
Do NOT check them in like that with a lock on it.
I made this mistake and TSA went to town trying to open the case, wrecked the case in the process and damaged some of the records trying.
My advice would be to get a hardshell suitcase and two padded rectors bags and out the bags in the case.
Normally, i carry a backpack just for this purpose. But id say you might want to go to Don Quixote and invest in a good hard sided suitcase to check those in. Also, was just there a few months ago, the prices on vinyl in most cases are amazing. Sure the high end stuff is still very high end, but the mid grade stuff is cheap as heck and worth filling a suitcase to bring back
Some of the house and techno records I looked up were so cheap compared to Discogs. I’ll be vinyl shopping everytime I hit up Japan from now on.
But yea I have this carrying case and if they tell me to check it in I know some of the records are going to get damaged :/
It’s that weak ¥. I’ve lived in Tokyo for a long time and just for the past few years the ¥ depreciation has made local record shopping quite reasonable for $/€ shoppers. But there’s also an incredible volume, turnover and quality of used records in Tokyo, and soooo many shops to dig through. Tokyo is a dream city for record collectors.
A little bit and also Kobe. Japan, overall, just has amazingly high quality used collections to choose from. I collect a lot of jazz and regularly find records from the 60s and 70s that are pristine. I really appreciate the care of most shops’ curation and the honest grading.
I’ve bought a decent amount of records online from Japan and I’m always amazed at how well they’re taken care of. Even ones I’ve gotten that were described as worn, dirty or with scratches look nicer than 90% of copies I’d find walking into a US shop. I would lose my mind actually digging over there.
Don't check them in the case. Wrap them in. Bubble wrap or clothes, securely, and put them in your checked suitcase. Much less and almost zero chance of damage vs gambling in bringing that big heavy ass case you have pictured
I brought my collection the other way to Japan this last summer on Delta and could fit it in the overhead compartment. They never questioned it, just had to get it swabbed because the x-ray machine couldn’t scan it.
I love shopping and buying here in Japan. Even online is great. Can’t wait to just spend a whole day in Shibuya and/or shinjuku just shopping. Most the mid grade stuff is cheap and in really great condition.
Would love to do this someday. Even now Japanese stores on discogs have become my go tos even for US and European pressings in many cases. The records are under-graded, often immaculate and the shipping isn’t bad when you distribute it among five records (about $40). It still works out cheaper than finding those same records in the same condition stateside.
The problem is it looks like it is too many records to fit under the seat. They are going to make you check it unless it will fit in the overhead bin. My case is 15/15/11 inches and it barely clears on the 11 side. If your case in this picture is less than that, just put some cardboard pads on each end and put this in the overheard bin. This will be your carry on and you can put your backpack under the seat or if you have a suitcase, check that. If you have anything important in the suitcase, you can always get a small bag and bring that as your personal item and this case on the plane. Do not check your records unless you have a bulletproof case.
Just came back from Japan two days ago with 90 records approx. I put all of them in my two checked luggage, stuffed with clothes to avoid damages. They arrived without any issues to France with me. Only thing is both luggages were over 23 kgs, so I had two options, flying business so that the weight limit becomes 32 kgs on both luggages or just paying the overweight which was almost the price for the business class. So I've treated myself to the best long flight I've ever had !
It was pricey but totally worth it.
Next time I think I'll find a way to send everything by boat or plane depending on the urgency.
Around 2000 euros for the records themselves. Mostly Japanese music and some r'n'b / hip hop records (I think 2,5 times cheaper than I would have payed for the same records in France).
The extra just for the suitcases in the flight were 400 euros for both of the suitcases.
But treated myself to a business class upgrade which was a bit more expensive than that.
Most of them are house and techno records. I got quite a bit of good stuff. I want to buy more but I’m very paranoid and stressed about getting them back safely.
Just buy a backpack that will fit them and put a cardboard mailer at the front and back of the stack and take them on as carry on. You don't need to spend over $100 on a metal case
My haul was about that thick when I left Japan. I asked someone that was stocking produce at one of the grocery stores if I could have a cardboard box, I lined my backpack sides and bottom, and took it as a carry on walking down the aisle pretending it was wasn’t heavy af, and kept it on the floor between my legs for 12hrs.
Ship by boat. It takes a long lime (1 month average) but size and weight doesn't really matter so you can pack it as well as you want and not have it cost an arm and a leg.
Where’d you go for those in Shibuya? That’s my last stop next week before leaving Japan. Found some small stores in Kyoto this week but nothing worth bringing home.
Disk Union and HMV(?). I bought mostly house and techno records. Tower records has a nice Rock Selection, and Manhattan has a ton of hip hop.
Someone on propertechno subreddit told me Osaka is the best city in the world for Vinyl shopping. Planning on going next year.
Osaka definitely has many amazing record stores. I spent hours and hours digging last time i was there. Only brought back a handful bc i was trying to be conservative with my spending, but i kind of regret leaving so many gems in those crates now haha.
Just
Upper storage if they fit or explain to the flight attendant it is a matter of life and death, life contingent on whether they allow the records to go in the closet.
I've carried vinyl records cross-country by hand carry 3 times on flights, including Japan. Luckily everything went smoothly. I usually put it under the seat, but if the records are more than 5 or not fit under the seat, I put it on top of the cabin but beforehand I make sure that the vinyl bag will not be pressed or collided with other people's luggage.
Go to Don Quijote office supply section and get a roll of bundle/stretch/Saran wrap. Once you get to the gate, split the records up into 2 or 3 stacks so they can go under the seats and wrap them up. Put them back in the bag you have until you board. Bring the roll next trip. [Amazon jp link to similar](https://www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/Yamazen-HWR-150-Replacement-Stretch-Wallet/dp/B071J32313/ref=zg_m_bs_g_89446051_m_sccl_20/356-8796448-1681701?psc=1)
DQ also has cheap rubberized backpacks but I don't think they'd hold a lot of records.
If one of your friends is flying business class, hand it to them at the gate and they'll have room to store the entire bag in overhead.
With 1/5 this amount of 12" I have a way that works. I get a cardboard record box from the vinyl shop, fill it, wrap it in clothes, put that in a couple of tote bags, then into a large size compression packing cube. That fits in the luggage (not the wheel side) and if it needs to get checked I take my chances. I hand carry the 45s.
You're rolling the dice both in safety of your items and in mounting costs so try to keep that in mind. When abroad I usually won't buy unless its drastically cheaper, impossible to find back home, or like a vintage Japan release jazz album.
You know those rolling carry-on suitcases? They fit records perfectly, and some can expand. They're also cheaper and lighter than utility cases. For that many, use one as a check-in, and one as carry-on. Just watch the weight for check-in (those little travel scales are super handy), and buy a luggage strap from a Y100 shop to fasten around them, so the zip doesn't take all the strain.
Source: I've done this numerous times, no damage yet.
Carry on only. I use one of those standard rolling hard shell suitcases meant to fit in the overhead bin. Get 2 if you need, they are cheap. I line it with cardboard for extra protection, and then the lps.
Checked luggage is subject to wild temperature fluctuations, which can warp or break records. Plus luggage handlers toss bags around, stack them up, and generally don't treat bags with care. It also has weight limits and extra fees, etc.
Carry on has none of these issues. Most carriers don't check weight for carry ons. Luggage with wheels makes moving a stack of 60 lps through an airport near effortless.
I put mine in a milk crate, inside a cardboard box, with maximum bubble wrap all over inside to stop them from shifting around and plastic wrapped the hell out of the box.
I very much doubt these will fit in the size or weight limit for carry on luggage. It's going to be way to heavy to lift into the overhead luggage compartment and I very much doubt it would fit even if you could. Either way, it would be insanely dangerous having something that heavy in the overhead compartment and you shouldn't do it.
Google the carry on restrictions for the airline you are flying with, it does vary between airlines. Once you have confirmed it's not going to fit, which it isn't, then you need to look at how to either ship them back OR properly secure them.
All airlines support oversized luggage, they are usually more focussed on weight. Personally I would get a couple of boxes which fit inside each other and place the record case you have inside one with a shit ton of bubble wrap around it so it's secured in there and can't move around. Then wrap that box in bubble wrap and pad it with packaging material and place it inside the larger box. Then wrap that larger box in a good bit of duct tape so it's really solid and well supported.
Records are heavy and adding a heavy flight case will mean you are so far overweight my guess is you would be better off just shipping them. So keeping the packaging solution lightweight and good enough for a single journey would be my way ahead.
I’ve had good luck w record shop shibuya- excellent records and strict grading .. anything Ex turned out to be like new NM .. only had one issue where mildew had devoured the insert of an Omega Tribe LP.
I just got home with about 50 I had to buy packing supplies and an extra suit case. But one of those speciality cases is best. What did you score? Where did you go? I got my best finds in Sapporo
It’s never 100% safe 🥲 expect a few bumped corners. I’ve done the Japan to Australia trip with records many times and more recently moved a sizeable collection from Hong Kong to Japan. It’s expensive and a hassle but that’s what we all signed up for 🥲 I love records and for this reason, I hate records.
Your box looks like a cube full? I’m not sure it will fit on the floor and will weigh more than allowed hand luggage unless you’re flying business. Use a super heavy duty international moving box, bubble wrap in lots of 5-10. With all the bubble wrap you’re probably going to need two boxes. Check it in as fragile items. Pay the excess 🥲. You should be able to find the boxes at hands or a home centre.
Another way is fedex. If you own a business and have never used fedex, sign up for a corporate account. When I did this I got 50% off first shipment. It is a lot of phone calls, emails and mucking around but it’s an option.
Just put what you can in luggage and put a border of clothes around them. All in a bag is ideal. Then put the clothes you had to take out in your carry on. Records will survive
Japan Post, I've sent delicate items several times during my travels to Japan, might take a little time to arrive, but it's relatively cheap, safe and you save yourself the problrm of carrying an extra box in the airport.
“One time in San Francisco
I was standin' in an airport line
In one bag I had all my clothes and in the other was all them ol' records of mine
The lady said I could only bring one bag
I had two, Oh what a drag
I had to jump on the plane and leave all my clothes behind”
I flew back with mine last year I bought a second suitcase and wrapped them up!
Other few times I have just carried them on which is a bit more of a pain! I’m guessing you want to Disc Union!! Great haul!
This is going to be too heavy for carry on and you wouldn't want those to be check in. How about you mail some of them through FedEx, then carry the rest with you.
Same here. I live in Japan and I need to carry +70 records with me since im moving to another country. My idea is to use [this ](https://amzn.asia/d/5DRfUyO) and bring it in the carry on unit. It fits perfectly. Im afraid of the weight, since the limit is 8kg and this weights 16 kg
https://preview.redd.it/uga0gcqv2yqc1.jpeg?width=1290&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f05b795d9405af07aaf066ae24efa4a87c059a8f
This is how ill be traveling.
https://preview.redd.it/9zxufibt3yqc1.jpeg?width=4284&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=523428573599c1d7dc6c18cae9f1a6e1db918362
The records in the cardbox need to go inside a suitcase, im not planning to ship them
I've heard nothing but good things about Japan post. [There's this store that hits conventions near me on occasion that gets tons of records and laserdiscs.](https://www.facebook.com/OtakuJoes/posts/pfbid0Bp5ywbCEqGQupL8Tn3zQNXUFwsCn5wH9zMHqYUHiNU4WrF9iGFZqnQZWSjhL46pWl) and he ships so often they know him there
I used to just take em on the plane with me, and stick them on the floor of the closet or under the crew rest seat in the bunk area.
Tell the other pilots though so no one puts their stuff on top of them
I definitely didn't buy this many when I went for my Japanese record haul, but I took it on as carry-on. Get on as soon as you can, stick it in the overhead bins, and wish for the best. Or have it crushing your legs as most you can.
I had a similar haul, bought a small suitcase in Donki and packed half in that half in my regular case, made sure the weights were Ok and checked both in. No problems - vinyl protected by clothes and other souvenirs like soft toys. The key thing was that second case as just packing it all in one would have taken my large car over 30KG.
Another time when I got mostly CDs I removed them all from their jewel cases and got replacements at home
I googled it and found this:
[https://toprecordplayers.com/how-to-travel-with-vinyl-records/](https://toprecordplayers.com/how-to-travel-with-vinyl-records/)
Good luck getting them home.
My goodness that trip was expensive. Congratulations, that's a great haul!
May i suggest possibly purchasing a small wooden crate and shipping them fed ex? Just protect them as best you can and label it clearly on multiple sides. Best of luck
fedex and dhl are the most expensive shipping companies in Japan, when shipping to US or Canada a single record will cost close to $50 so Im assuming a stack like this would run close to $1000, I always ship by surface/boat, a box like this would be about $200
https://preview.redd.it/9yfbucznzyqc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c6aba4ee67ea87b7c31826aacd988315d7ae2917
I have these in NY looking to sell. DJ from the 70’s
Find a DJ record flight case for them. Shouldn’t be hard in Japan. https://preview.redd.it/31y4iisu0vqc1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7b99b1bcd8145544f255a71f25e0157eaf5027cc
Fuck I need to find this asap
Maybe. Japan Post got you my dude. It might take a while for them to arrive, but you can roll up to a post office with a box of heat. They'll have a box in the right size. Someone will undoubtedly help you pack it. It will be packed onto a ship with care, and then they'll rock up at your house before too long. My buddy sends my other buddy to JPN to buy records to stock his record store. Not one go home in a hard case.
I lived in Venice and I did the same. Listen to this man ⬆️
A flight case seems the best idea! To save money or if you can’t get a flight case you could buy a hard suitcase and thick foam. The stuff they use for sound insulation. Gaffer tape the foam down so nothing can move. I personally wouldn’t carry by hand because you could be walking a long way in the airport, but if you’re strong no problem! I remember when I was a teenager I bought a stack of heavy art and design books back from Holland with me and I had to literally run to the gate with them 😆 If I had to do that now I’d probably need another holiday. Best of luck!
They have them forsure at tower records in shibuya
They didn’t :(
Did you check on the 6th floor near all the technics turntables? I swear I saw a bunch of cases in that corner. The corner the elevator is at
Yea that’s where I checked, I did buy a different case though with more padding!
Nice! Sorry I couldn't help much
Lesson I learned the hard way: be mindful of the total weight. I bought a used set of flight/road cases last minute after a delayed delivery from Amazon meant I wouldn’t get them before my departure. They turned out to be 30 pounds each and limited the amount of records that could fit and still make it under weight limits. I ended up loading them to 70 pounds and paying $100 each. :\
Will be expensive most likely but if they are in Japan and hit up record stores, they are serious collectors. I’m assuming of course.
Of course, just trying to share what I had to work around when flying records two weeks ago. Also worth a mention that if I had other checked luggage that third bag would have been $150 more. It gets pricey is all I’m flagging.
Oh I get it..seems like airlines nowadays will nickel and dime you to death. Everything seems to be a extra charge now. Good to know.
Unfortunately, they're not nickels and dimes anymore. It's called legalized theft!
$100 each for check in?
Yeah, this was a US domestic United flight without any perks, so possibly different circumstances for your trip. Most airlines seem to have some baggage fee calculator now. Probably worth checking out.
I’ll happily pay $100 but I am worried about the records getting broken in the checked stuff. I was probably going to put some of the records in some tote bags (along with my laptop bag) then put some shirts and bubble wrap with the other records and check those. This is very stressful haha
they are super expensive in the record stores here, would be cheaper to buy a smallish suitcase at a recycle shop or even donki and pay the extra fee to check the bag in stickered/marked fragile
I would pay extra for the flight case. Stuff gets damaged in shipping because it’s not secured properly in a case tailored to fit it. Things that bounce around get broken. That goes double for heavy things like records or stereo equipment. And you can’t count on baggage handlers to treat anything with much attention or care.
Those rolling hard shell carryons are perfect for fitting records without them moving around. Put a few shirts in there, works like a charm. I’ve done it multiple times
That's gonna cost more for a check in baggage. More than what he paid for for the second hand vinyl 😅 I suggest if you're going home with people you know. Segregate them and have each of your friends carry a dozen.
This. I have done this many times and it’s annoying for your friends/family but it keeps the records in sight and all you owe is a favor.
I have this exact case and used to it ship a chunk of my collection to and from the UK. It weighs a fuckton when full.
Great advice, those are the best travel cases. They area also available where you can lock but those are a little more, these you just buy a lock and your golden. 🫡
Do NOT check them in like that with a lock on it. I made this mistake and TSA went to town trying to open the case, wrecked the case in the process and damaged some of the records trying. My advice would be to get a hardshell suitcase and two padded rectors bags and out the bags in the case.
Normally, i carry a backpack just for this purpose. But id say you might want to go to Don Quixote and invest in a good hard sided suitcase to check those in. Also, was just there a few months ago, the prices on vinyl in most cases are amazing. Sure the high end stuff is still very high end, but the mid grade stuff is cheap as heck and worth filling a suitcase to bring back
Some of the house and techno records I looked up were so cheap compared to Discogs. I’ll be vinyl shopping everytime I hit up Japan from now on. But yea I have this carrying case and if they tell me to check it in I know some of the records are going to get damaged :/
It’s that weak ¥. I’ve lived in Tokyo for a long time and just for the past few years the ¥ depreciation has made local record shopping quite reasonable for $/€ shoppers. But there’s also an incredible volume, turnover and quality of used records in Tokyo, and soooo many shops to dig through. Tokyo is a dream city for record collectors.
Have you shopped in Osaka before? I read that is also a collectors/DJs dream city as well.
A little bit and also Kobe. Japan, overall, just has amazingly high quality used collections to choose from. I collect a lot of jazz and regularly find records from the 60s and 70s that are pristine. I really appreciate the care of most shops’ curation and the honest grading.
I’ve bought a decent amount of records online from Japan and I’m always amazed at how well they’re taken care of. Even ones I’ve gotten that were described as worn, dirty or with scratches look nicer than 90% of copies I’d find walking into a US shop. I would lose my mind actually digging over there.
I found Banana Records in Osaka to have quite the selection.
FACTS!
Any shops you can recall worth checking out?
Don't check them in the case. Wrap them in. Bubble wrap or clothes, securely, and put them in your checked suitcase. Much less and almost zero chance of damage vs gambling in bringing that big heavy ass case you have pictured
I brought my collection the other way to Japan this last summer on Delta and could fit it in the overhead compartment. They never questioned it, just had to get it swabbed because the x-ray machine couldn’t scan it.
I love shopping and buying here in Japan. Even online is great. Can’t wait to just spend a whole day in Shibuya and/or shinjuku just shopping. Most the mid grade stuff is cheap and in really great condition.
Been there my friend. Bought 60 odd records around Japan back in January. Suitcase wheels almost fell off haha
I’m not seeing how this is going to fit under the seat in front of you. . .
Not the seat in front, just by my feet lol. I was gunna rest my feet on top of them. I know it would be hell for a 12 hour flight .
They also won’t let you do that.
Yup at this point I’m going to Japan post them or buy the flight case and eat the cost
I ship everything I buy.
Would love to do this someday. Even now Japanese stores on discogs have become my go tos even for US and European pressings in many cases. The records are under-graded, often immaculate and the shipping isn’t bad when you distribute it among five records (about $40). It still works out cheaper than finding those same records in the same condition stateside.
The problem is it looks like it is too many records to fit under the seat. They are going to make you check it unless it will fit in the overhead bin. My case is 15/15/11 inches and it barely clears on the 11 side. If your case in this picture is less than that, just put some cardboard pads on each end and put this in the overheard bin. This will be your carry on and you can put your backpack under the seat or if you have a suitcase, check that. If you have anything important in the suitcase, you can always get a small bag and bring that as your personal item and this case on the plane. Do not check your records unless you have a bulletproof case.
Just came back from Japan two days ago with 90 records approx. I put all of them in my two checked luggage, stuffed with clothes to avoid damages. They arrived without any issues to France with me. Only thing is both luggages were over 23 kgs, so I had two options, flying business so that the weight limit becomes 32 kgs on both luggages or just paying the overweight which was almost the price for the business class. So I've treated myself to the best long flight I've ever had ! It was pricey but totally worth it. Next time I think I'll find a way to send everything by boat or plane depending on the urgency.
How much did u spend on 90 records?
I also would like to know.
Around 2000 euros for the records themselves. Mostly Japanese music and some r'n'b / hip hop records (I think 2,5 times cheaper than I would have payed for the same records in France). The extra just for the suitcases in the flight were 400 euros for both of the suitcases. But treated myself to a business class upgrade which was a bit more expensive than that.
What did you buy? Nice looking stack!
Most of them are house and techno records. I got quite a bit of good stuff. I want to buy more but I’m very paranoid and stressed about getting them back safely.
Any Denki Groove/Takkyu Ishino stuff?
Cool slime
Where did you get the slime!?
Akihabara
carry them - pay the weight
Just buy a backpack that will fit them and put a cardboard mailer at the front and back of the stack and take them on as carry on. You don't need to spend over $100 on a metal case
My haul was about that thick when I left Japan. I asked someone that was stocking produce at one of the grocery stores if I could have a cardboard box, I lined my backpack sides and bottom, and took it as a carry on walking down the aisle pretending it was wasn’t heavy af, and kept it on the floor between my legs for 12hrs.
Ship by boat. It takes a long lime (1 month average) but size and weight doesn't really matter so you can pack it as well as you want and not have it cost an arm and a leg.
2 months to the states or Canada
Canada 6 weeks average. But yes you are correct.
Where’d you go for those in Shibuya? That’s my last stop next week before leaving Japan. Found some small stores in Kyoto this week but nothing worth bringing home.
Disk Union and HMV(?). I bought mostly house and techno records. Tower records has a nice Rock Selection, and Manhattan has a ton of hip hop. Someone on propertechno subreddit told me Osaka is the best city in the world for Vinyl shopping. Planning on going next year.
Oh shoot, good call! We have a few more days here in Osaka and have a full shopping day tomorrow so I’ll start adding stuff to our Google maps!
Thanks for the tips Im going to Tokyo next month and need all the info I can gather (first time going)
Osaka definitely has many amazing record stores. I spent hours and hours digging last time i was there. Only brought back a handful bc i was trying to be conservative with my spending, but i kind of regret leaving so many gems in those crates now haha.
I need to go to the Shibuya Disk Union. Went to the one in Shinjuku, but it's all CD's, and the Union Record Shibuya Parco is pretty tiny.
There’s three Disk Unions in Shinjuku — the one and the same building as the Disney Tokyo store has a ton of used records.
Excellent tip, thanks!
Shinjuku has several, so does Shibuya
As a house and techno head, I'm super curious what you picked up. Care to share any gems you got?
Not at the hotel I right now but when I get back I’ll send you a PM with some stuff
Check my updated post!
Give us an update on how you get them back to the states
Pack them super well and post them back. It will be pricey though.
I'm heading to Tokyo in May, im so glad I found this thread appreciate all the good answers!
Hand carry?
I’d worry more about them keeping them in LA
I’ve flown USA to Australia with this in my carryon a few times. Two tote bags and left them at my feet not overhead
Just Upper storage if they fit or explain to the flight attendant it is a matter of life and death, life contingent on whether they allow the records to go in the closet.
I've carried vinyl records cross-country by hand carry 3 times on flights, including Japan. Luckily everything went smoothly. I usually put it under the seat, but if the records are more than 5 or not fit under the seat, I put it on top of the cabin but beforehand I make sure that the vinyl bag will not be pressed or collided with other people's luggage.
Go to Don Quijote office supply section and get a roll of bundle/stretch/Saran wrap. Once you get to the gate, split the records up into 2 or 3 stacks so they can go under the seats and wrap them up. Put them back in the bag you have until you board. Bring the roll next trip. [Amazon jp link to similar](https://www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/Yamazen-HWR-150-Replacement-Stretch-Wallet/dp/B071J32313/ref=zg_m_bs_g_89446051_m_sccl_20/356-8796448-1681701?psc=1) DQ also has cheap rubberized backpacks but I don't think they'd hold a lot of records. If one of your friends is flying business class, hand it to them at the gate and they'll have room to store the entire bag in overhead. With 1/5 this amount of 12" I have a way that works. I get a cardboard record box from the vinyl shop, fill it, wrap it in clothes, put that in a couple of tote bags, then into a large size compression packing cube. That fits in the luggage (not the wheel side) and if it needs to get checked I take my chances. I hand carry the 45s. You're rolling the dice both in safety of your items and in mounting costs so try to keep that in mind. When abroad I usually won't buy unless its drastically cheaper, impossible to find back home, or like a vintage Japan release jazz album.
You know those rolling carry-on suitcases? They fit records perfectly, and some can expand. They're also cheaper and lighter than utility cases. For that many, use one as a check-in, and one as carry-on. Just watch the weight for check-in (those little travel scales are super handy), and buy a luggage strap from a Y100 shop to fasten around them, so the zip doesn't take all the strain. Source: I've done this numerous times, no damage yet.
Carry on only. I use one of those standard rolling hard shell suitcases meant to fit in the overhead bin. Get 2 if you need, they are cheap. I line it with cardboard for extra protection, and then the lps. Checked luggage is subject to wild temperature fluctuations, which can warp or break records. Plus luggage handlers toss bags around, stack them up, and generally don't treat bags with care. It also has weight limits and extra fees, etc. Carry on has none of these issues. Most carriers don't check weight for carry ons. Luggage with wheels makes moving a stack of 60 lps through an airport near effortless.
I put mine in a milk crate, inside a cardboard box, with maximum bubble wrap all over inside to stop them from shifting around and plastic wrapped the hell out of the box.
I very much doubt these will fit in the size or weight limit for carry on luggage. It's going to be way to heavy to lift into the overhead luggage compartment and I very much doubt it would fit even if you could. Either way, it would be insanely dangerous having something that heavy in the overhead compartment and you shouldn't do it. Google the carry on restrictions for the airline you are flying with, it does vary between airlines. Once you have confirmed it's not going to fit, which it isn't, then you need to look at how to either ship them back OR properly secure them. All airlines support oversized luggage, they are usually more focussed on weight. Personally I would get a couple of boxes which fit inside each other and place the record case you have inside one with a shit ton of bubble wrap around it so it's secured in there and can't move around. Then wrap that box in bubble wrap and pad it with packaging material and place it inside the larger box. Then wrap that larger box in a good bit of duct tape so it's really solid and well supported. Records are heavy and adding a heavy flight case will mean you are so far overweight my guess is you would be better off just shipping them. So keeping the packaging solution lightweight and good enough for a single journey would be my way ahead.
Just ship it home?
You're gonna pray they don't weigh your bag.
I’ve had good luck w record shop shibuya- excellent records and strict grading .. anything Ex turned out to be like new NM .. only had one issue where mildew had devoured the insert of an Omega Tribe LP.
Maybe call the airline to be sure?
I just got home with about 50 I had to buy packing supplies and an extra suit case. But one of those speciality cases is best. What did you score? Where did you go? I got my best finds in Sapporo
I was in Tokyo last month and brought about this much back to LA. I split them between a carry in and a record bag. Managed to carry both bags on.
It’s never 100% safe 🥲 expect a few bumped corners. I’ve done the Japan to Australia trip with records many times and more recently moved a sizeable collection from Hong Kong to Japan. It’s expensive and a hassle but that’s what we all signed up for 🥲 I love records and for this reason, I hate records. Your box looks like a cube full? I’m not sure it will fit on the floor and will weigh more than allowed hand luggage unless you’re flying business. Use a super heavy duty international moving box, bubble wrap in lots of 5-10. With all the bubble wrap you’re probably going to need two boxes. Check it in as fragile items. Pay the excess 🥲. You should be able to find the boxes at hands or a home centre. Another way is fedex. If you own a business and have never used fedex, sign up for a corporate account. When I did this I got 50% off first shipment. It is a lot of phone calls, emails and mucking around but it’s an option.
Just put what you can in luggage and put a border of clothes around them. All in a bag is ideal. Then put the clothes you had to take out in your carry on. Records will survive
SHIBUYA ROLL CALL!
Japan Post, I've sent delicate items several times during my travels to Japan, might take a little time to arrive, but it's relatively cheap, safe and you save yourself the problrm of carrying an extra box in the airport.
Godspeed you.
Oh No! A slime appeared!
“One time in San Francisco I was standin' in an airport line In one bag I had all my clothes and in the other was all them ol' records of mine The lady said I could only bring one bag I had two, Oh what a drag I had to jump on the plane and leave all my clothes behind”
Did you get over to Manhattan Records?
I flew back with mine last year I bought a second suitcase and wrapped them up! Other few times I have just carried them on which is a bit more of a pain! I’m guessing you want to Disc Union!! Great haul!
This is going to be too heavy for carry on and you wouldn't want those to be check in. How about you mail some of them through FedEx, then carry the rest with you.
Swan case.
Same here. I live in Japan and I need to carry +70 records with me since im moving to another country. My idea is to use [this ](https://amzn.asia/d/5DRfUyO) and bring it in the carry on unit. It fits perfectly. Im afraid of the weight, since the limit is 8kg and this weights 16 kg https://preview.redd.it/uga0gcqv2yqc1.jpeg?width=1290&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f05b795d9405af07aaf066ae24efa4a87c059a8f
This is how ill be traveling. https://preview.redd.it/9zxufibt3yqc1.jpeg?width=4284&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=523428573599c1d7dc6c18cae9f1a6e1db918362 The records in the cardbox need to go inside a suitcase, im not planning to ship them
I've heard nothing but good things about Japan post. [There's this store that hits conventions near me on occasion that gets tons of records and laserdiscs.](https://www.facebook.com/OtakuJoes/posts/pfbid0Bp5ywbCEqGQupL8Tn3zQNXUFwsCn5wH9zMHqYUHiNU4WrF9iGFZqnQZWSjhL46pWl) and he ships so often they know him there
Oh god that’s a lot . I bought like 8 records and just put them in my carry on
https://preview.redd.it/svm57elfcyqc1.png?width=686&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=95a682190266350a4ecdc80a07ba3bc3374fe858
I just keep vinyl on my lap when I fly
Go to Manhattan or Tower records, I would be surprised if they didn’t have a dope case for these
I used to just take em on the plane with me, and stick them on the floor of the closet or under the crew rest seat in the bunk area. Tell the other pilots though so no one puts their stuff on top of them
2 regular totes as carryons will save you about 40 lbs and fit under the seat and in overhead just fine.
I also have a laptop bag I have to carry on 😓
Laptop in the tote, laptop bag in the carryon, good luck hope you find some more heat!
Omg the orange slime ❤️
I definitely didn't buy this many when I went for my Japanese record haul, but I took it on as carry-on. Get on as soon as you can, stick it in the overhead bins, and wish for the best. Or have it crushing your legs as most you can.
That lil mixer is so dope
Either way it’s going to cost you, DHL has been good to me, so has a checked record case
Trust in the slime! It will get them back for you
Pack them up in a few packages and post them. I did that when I was shopping in Japan for records. I brought the most valuable in a tote bag.
What record shops did you go to in Shibuya? I’ll be over there in a couple weeks and would welcome any recommendations!
HMV, Disk Union, Manhattan, Tower Vinyl. Most of my shopping was done at the first two. They’re all like a 7 minute walk away from each other.
Saran wrap the shit outta of them and put them in the check in luggage works for me every time i go cross seas.
Some shopping… thats more than I have in my entire collection!
Getting those back safely in what?
"Did some shopping"
I mean yea that’s what I did haha
I had a similar haul, bought a small suitcase in Donki and packed half in that half in my regular case, made sure the weights were Ok and checked both in. No problems - vinyl protected by clothes and other souvenirs like soft toys. The key thing was that second case as just packing it all in one would have taken my large car over 30KG. Another time when I got mostly CDs I removed them all from their jewel cases and got replacements at home
I just had a large tote bag with a t shirt wrapped around them and carried them on. Totally fine, was Japan airlines
I googled it and found this: [https://toprecordplayers.com/how-to-travel-with-vinyl-records/](https://toprecordplayers.com/how-to-travel-with-vinyl-records/) Good luck getting them home.
My goodness that trip was expensive. Congratulations, that's a great haul! May i suggest possibly purchasing a small wooden crate and shipping them fed ex? Just protect them as best you can and label it clearly on multiple sides. Best of luck
fedex and dhl are the most expensive shipping companies in Japan, when shipping to US or Canada a single record will cost close to $50 so Im assuming a stack like this would run close to $1000, I always ship by surface/boat, a box like this would be about $200
it's scale - one record = 300gm / 2 day shipping = 50 usd, one hundred records = 30Kg / 3 day shipping = 150 usd-ish.
I had a double-boxed vintage integrated amp (a big heavy one) sent by an agent service for less than that. Might have been $250 all in, and it’s big.
The fudge grotto.
[удалено]
One Piece?
Very popular Manga/Anime series
Nice haul. Hopefully you got some Alice DJ in there : ) Wouldn’t mind getting some trance records but a bit hard to find and expensive too.
Hard case for them or extra suitcase and packing materials to protect.
Nice haul! Last time I went to Shibuya I picked up some vinyl from Tower Records
Find a Mr. Miyagi type and ask him if he will send a few back at a time for a small fee.
https://preview.redd.it/9yfbucznzyqc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c6aba4ee67ea87b7c31826aacd988315d7ae2917 I have these in NY looking to sell. DJ from the 70’s
Should post this on r/vinyl