Lost Suitcase in a Coin Locker Retrieved and Stored in Japan
Coin lockers in Japan are very convenient, but if you lose the information required to open them, retrieving your belongings can become extremely difficult.
In this case, the traveler left a suitcase in a coin locker but lost the necessary access information and had to return home without retrieving it.
Although the suitcase was still in Japan, daily storage fees continued to accumulate, and there was also a risk that the item could eventually be disposed of.
In addition, the suitcase contained various items such as food, medication, cosmetics, clothing, and a camera, which made international shipping more complicated.
In this case study, we first retrieved the suitcase, then evaluated the available options, and ultimately arranged long-term storage in Japan instead of shipping it overseas.
💬 Customer Review
“We were unable to access our luggage from a coin locker in Shinjuku after losing the QR code and not using an IC card to pay. Since we had to catch the Narita Express to make our flight, we had no choice but to leave the bag behind. After returning home, we contacted Yusuke for help. He was extremely helpful and handled the entire process for us — collecting our luggage and offering several options to send it to Australia. In the end, we decided to keep our luggage stored in Japan and collect it during our next trip, and Yusuke helped arrange everything for us. We truly appreciate all the help. The items inside the bag are very important to us, and recovering them might have been impossible if Japan Lost and Found Service didn’t exist. We were worried we would never see our luggage again. Thank you very much, Yusuke!” — 🇦🇺 C.D., Australia
🚀 Case Overview
Traveler
- Visitor from Australia
Lost Item
- Suitcase
Location Lost
- Coin locker at a train station
When We Were Contacted
- The item was still inside the locker or already transferred to storage
- The traveler had already returned home
Key Challenges
- The access information for the locker had been lost
- Daily fees were continuing to accumulate
- There was a risk of eventual disposal
- The traveler wanted international shipping, but the contents made it difficult
Outcome
- Suitcase successfully retrieved
- Contents reviewed and shipping feasibility assessed
- Long-term storage in Japan arranged instead of international shipping
- The suitcase can be collected on the traveler’s next visit to Japan
✈️ Initial Situation
The traveler had placed their suitcase in a coin locker at a train station.
However, they lost the information required to open the locker and had to leave for the airport without retrieving it.
Later, it was confirmed that the locker would eventually be opened, and the item would be transferred to a storage facility.
At the same time, daily locker fees continued to accumulate, and there was also a possibility that the item could be disposed of after a certain period.
At this stage, the priority was to retrieve the suitcase as quickly as possible and prevent further complications.
🔍 Step 1: Immediate Retrieval of the Suitcase
We first contacted the storage facility to confirm the exact location of the suitcase.
It was confirmed that the item was still retrievable, but daily fees were continuing to accumulate.
To avoid further costs and risks, we covered the initial fees on behalf of the client and proceeded with the retrieval.
As a result, we were able to secure the suitcase and stop additional charges from increasing.
In this case, securing the item quickly was the most important step before considering any shipping options.
🕵️ Step 2: Reviewing the Contents for International Shipping
After retrieving the suitcase, we checked its contents to determine whether international shipping would be feasible.
The suitcase contained a mix of items, including:
- Camera and personal items
- Clothing and shoes
- Medication and supplements
- Cosmetics and perfumes
- Food items
The main issue was Australian import regulations.
We confirmed that items such as food, medication, and perfumes could not be shipped as-is, and even clothing could be subject to restrictions.
This meant that, although the suitcase had been successfully recovered, sending the entire contents overseas was not a straightforward option.
🚚 Step 3: Comparing Shipping vs Storage
Once we understood the limitations, we compared two main options:
- Shipping only selected items overseas
- Keeping the entire suitcase in storage in Japan
While it was possible to ship selected items, many of the contents could not be sent, and the cost would have been relatively high.
As a result, the traveler decided that it would be more practical to keep the suitcase intact in Japan and collect it during their next visit.
This case highlights the importance of reassessing the best option after retrieval, rather than assuming shipping is always the solution.
📦 Step 4: Arranging Long-Term Storage in Japan
We arranged for the suitcase to be transferred to a long-term storage service in Japan.
Before storage, we:
- Disposed of items unsuitable for long-term storage, such as food
- Organized the remaining contents and repacked the suitcase
- Confirmed that the suitcase was securely locked
- Coordinated the storage period and future retrieval method
We also provided the storage ID so that the traveler can easily access the item in the future.
The traveler plans to have the suitcase delivered to their hotel or another location during their next trip to Japan.
In this case, storing the suitcase in Japan was the most practical way to preserve its full value.
✅ Final Outcome
In this case, we successfully:
- Retrieved the suitcase from the coin locker system
- Prevented further cost accumulation
- Reviewed the contents and assessed shipping feasibility
- Chose storage instead of partial shipment
- Arranged long-term storage in Japan for future collection
Not every case requires international shipping.
Depending on the contents, regulations, and costs, storage can sometimes be the most practical solution.
⏱️ Timeline
Day 0
- Inquiry received from Australia
- Confirmed the suitcase was still in the locker system
Day 1
- Contacted the storage facility
- Retrieved the suitcase
- Stopped further cost accumulation
Day 2–3
- Reviewed contents
- Assessed international shipping feasibility
- Checked Australian import restrictions
Day 4–5
- Compared shipping vs storage options
- Decided on long-term storage in Japan
After that
- Arranged storage service
- Transferred the suitcase to storage
- Prepared for future collection
🎯 If You’re in a Similar Situation
This case may apply to you if:
- You left your belongings in a coin locker in Japan
- You have already returned home and cannot retrieve them yourself
- You are unsure whether your items can be shipped overseas
At Japan Lost and Found Service, we assist with:
- Communication with storage facilities
- Pickup on your behalf
- Evaluating shipping options
If your situation is similar, please share any details you have — such as the storage location, reference information, or item description.
We will propose the most practical way to recover your belongings.
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About the Author
Yusuke Baba — Founder, Japan Lost and Found Service
I myself have had the experience of losing my MacBook while on my honeymoon, so I deeply understand the anxiety that comes with it. This experience gave me a strong desire to help those who are truly in trouble and facing language and cultural barriers, which is why I started this service.
I hope this guide can help ease your worries and provide a clear path to getting your lost item back. If you are struggling with a lost item, please feel free to contact us.