i travel quite often with my guitar
both domestically and internationally
i've done this a few times, to japan actually
and every time i put my guitar in a hardshell case and checked it in
airport security, well, is always going to be airport security
but the main problem is, depending the security issues at the airport that day
they will restrict your carry on to 1 item.
so if you have a backpack and a guitar
you have to choose, which to take
you can't take both
i went to london last year with my electric in a gig bag
and on the way there, carry on was okay
but on the way back, carry on was not allowed
so for me, its usually going to be hardshell, and check in
as for people in japan buying things they don't need and then realizing it later
this is true; it's one of the most commercial places on the planet
there is an abundance of used gear, but keep in mind, it is an island so there is alot of humidity so you'll know what to look for when choosing
have fun!
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