Tips & Guides
Welcome to our Lost and Found Tips & Guides — your complete resource for how to retrieve lost items in Japan. Whether you misplaced something at an airport, on a train, at a hotel, or even with the police, you’ll find clear answers and step-by-step advice on what to do next.
Quick Q&A – Lost Something in Japan? Start Here.
I lost something in Japan. Is there a high chance it will be found?
Yes — Japan’s lost and found system is one of the most reliable in the world.
According to the Tokyo Metropolitan Police, about 68% of wallets and 83% of smartphones are returned to their owners.
If you act quickly, there’s a very good chance you’ll get your item back.
Who should I contact first — the police or the facility?
Start by contacting the place where you may have lost it, such as an airport, train station, hotel, or shop.
If the staff cannot find it, or if you’re unsure where it was lost, file a lost property report (ishitsubutsu todoke) at the nearest police station or koban.
👉 See details: Before You Give Up on Your Lost Item in Japan
I don’t speak Japanese. Can I still inquire about my lost item?
Most facilities and police stations in Japan handle communication in Japanese only.
Some may respond in English via email or web forms, but this isn’t guaranteed.
If language becomes a problem, we can contact them directly in Japanese on your behalf.
Can I get my lost item back after returning home from Japan?
Yes — even if you’ve already left Japan, it’s still possible to retrieve your item.
However, most facilities and police stations do not offer international shipping.
That’s where we come in: we pick up your item in Japan and arrange safe overseas delivery.
I don’t know exactly where I lost it. Can it still be found?
Absolutely.
Even if you’re not sure where you lost your item in Japan, we’ll review your travel route, hotels, and possible stops to identify likely locations.
Then, we contact each facility directly in Japanese and follow up persistently until we get an answer.
I lost my passport, wallet, or credit card. What should I do first?
If you lost your passport or wallet in Japan, please act immediately:
- Contact your embassy or consulate (for passport replacement)
- Notify your credit card company or bank to block or cancel the card
We can also confirm with local police or facilities if your item has been found.
I lost my smartphone, laptop, or tablet. Anything special I should know?
Yes — if you lost your smartphone or laptop in Japan, lock it remotely using “Find My iPhone” or “Google Find My Device.”
Devices containing lithium batteries are restricted for international shipping, so special handling may be required.
How long are lost items kept in Japan?
In most cases, lost items are stored for about three months at the facility or police station.
After that, unclaimed property may be disposed of or transferred to the person who found it.
Contact them as soon as possible to protect your claim rights.
Is my lost item covered by travel insurance?
It depends on your policy.
Many travel insurance and credit card insurance plans cover lost or stolen personal items in Japan.
Please contact your insurer for specific coverage details.
If you need proof of loss, we can help with police report documentation.
If I use your retrieval service, how long will it take to get my item?
With our lost item retrieval service in Japan, once your item is confirmed, it usually takes 1–3 weeks to reach you overseas.
We’ll keep you updated throughout the process — in English.