Tips & Guides
Welcome to our Lost and Found Tips & Guides. Here you’ll find practical information on what to do if you lose something in Japan, who to contact, how lost property is handled, and what options may be available if you have already left Japan.
Quick Q&A – Lost Something in Japan? Start Here.
Who should I contact first — the police or the facility?
Start with the place where you may have lost the item, such as an airport, railway operator, hotel, restaurant, or shop.
If the facility cannot find it, or if you are not sure where it was lost, you can file a Lost Property Report with the police.
👉 Learn more: Lost Item in Japan? What to Do and How to Get It Back
I don’t know exactly where I lost it. Can it still be found?
It may still be possible to locate it. Start by reviewing your travel route, receipts, bookings, photos, and location history to identify the most likely places.
If the location remains unclear, you can also file a Lost Property Report with the police. If contacting likely locations from overseas is difficult, our Search Service can help with local inquiries in Japan.
Are lost items often returned in Japan?
Tokyo Metropolitan Police data for 2025 shows that about 67% of wallets and 83% of mobile phones handled as found property by the police were returned to their owners.
These figures are for found property handled by the police in Tokyo, not all items lost in Japan. Even so, it is often worth checking with the place where you lost the item and with the police.
👉 Learn more: Lost Item in Japan? Return Rates and What to Do Next
I don’t speak Japanese. Can I still inquire about my lost item?
Some facilities offer English support by phone, email, or web form, while others may be difficult to contact without Japanese.
If you need help contacting facilities in Japanese, our Search Service can assist with local inquiries.
Can I get my lost item back after returning home from Japan?
You may still be able to recover your item after leaving Japan. First, confirm where it is being held, the reference number, the pickup or storage deadline, and what collection options are available.
Not every holding facility can ship lost property internationally. If direct return is not available, proxy collection may be another option.
I lost my passport, wallet, or credit card. What should I do first?
If your passport is missing, contact the place where you may have lost it, file a Lost Property Report if needed, and contact your embassy or consulate for instructions.
If your wallet contains credit or debit cards, contact the card issuer as soon as possible to lock, suspend, or cancel them, then check the places where the wallet may have been lost.
👉 Passport: Lost Your Passport in Japan? What to Do Next
👉 Wallet or cards: Lost Wallet or Credit Card in Japan? What to Do
I lost my smartphone, laptop, or tablet. Is there anything special I should know?
Use your device’s remote location and security features as soon as possible. For iPhone, use Find My; for Android, use Find Hub.
If the device is found after you leave Japan, international shipping may be subject to lithium battery restrictions.
👉 Lost phone: Lost Your Phone in Japan? What to Do
👉 Shipping a phone or laptop: Phone or Laptop Found in Japan? Can It Be Shipped Overseas?
How long are lost items kept in Japan?
If an item is being held by the police, it is generally stored for three months.
Storage periods at hotels, airports, railway operators, and other facilities vary, and items may be transferred to the police. Confirm the current holding location and deadline as soon as your item is found.