Lost Something in Japan? Complete Guide to Getting Your Lost Items Back from Overseas
Losing something during your trip in Japan can be stressful — especially if you’ve already left the country.
But don’t worry. Japan’s lost and found system is among the most efficient in the world, and with the right steps, you have a high chance of getting your belongings back.
This guide explains everything you need to know — from reporting your lost item to retrieving it safely, even from overseas.
Step 1: What to Do Immediately After Losing an Item in Japan
The first 24–48 hours are crucial. Acting quickly increases your chance of recovery.
🧐 Try to Remember Where You Lost It
Think carefully — was it on a train, at an airport, in your hotel, or maybe at a restaurant?
The more accurately you can identify the location, the easier it will be to contact the right place.
📞 Contact the Facility Directly
Start by contacting the facility where you think you lost the item.
Most places will hold lost items for a short period before sending them to the police.
| Location | Where to Contact |
|---|---|
| Airport | Contact the airport’s Lost & Found or your airline. |
| Train / Shinkansen | Contact the railway company (e.g., JR, Tokyo Metro). |
| Hotel | Call or message the front desk (via email or your booking app). |
| Restaurant / Store | Ask the staff directly or check with the customer service counter. |
Tip: Japanese staff are generally polite and helpful, even if English communication is limited. If possible, email instead of calling — it’s easier and more reliable.
Step 2: File a Police Report
If you can’t locate the item at a facility or don’t know where you lost it, file a police report.
This creates an official record that increases the chances of your item being returned.
Visit a nearby koban (police box) or police station and say:
“I would like to file a lost property report.”(“Ishitsubutsu todoke o dashitai desu.” / 遺失物届を出したいです。)
If you can’t visit in person, some prefectures allow online reports via the local police website.
Step 3: How Japan’s Lost and Found System Works
Here’s why you shouldn’t give up — Japan’s lost and found process is remarkably efficient.
✅ High Return Rate
According to official statistics:
- Around 68% of wallets
- And 83% of mobile phones are successfully returned to their owners.
💴 Even Small Items Are Reported
In Japan, even a 100 yen coin or a single glove may be handed in.
People take lost property seriously, and honesty is deeply rooted in the culture.
🗓️ Storage Period: About 3 Months
Most facilities and police departments store items for up to three months.
After that, ownership may transfer to the finder or the item may be disposed of.
Tip: Contact the facility as soon as possible before the storage period expires.
Step 4: Retrieving Your Lost Item from Overseas
Here’s where most travelers struggle — you’ve gone home, but your item is still in Japan.
But even from overseas, recovery is still possible.
🚫 The Main Problem: No International Shipping
Japanese police, airports, and hotels generally cannot send lost items overseas.
In many cases, they require in-person verification and Japanese-language forms
making it almost impossible to complete the process from abroad.
🗣️ The Language Barrier
Most communication must be done in Japanese, especially for ID verification or retrieval paperwork.
This can make it difficult to proceed if you’re not in Japan or don’t speak Japanese.
💡 Our Solution
That’s exactly why Japan Lost and Found Service exists.
We act locally on your behalf and handle the entire process from start to finish:
- Contacting the facility or police in Japanese
- Verifying and collecting your item in person
- Preparing safe international shipping
- Sending progress updates in English
Step 5: Special Notes for Specific Items
Certain items have specific rules under Japan’s Lost Property Law.
| Item Type | Notes |
|---|---|
| Smartphones / Laptops / Electronics | Use remote lock or “Find My” features immediately. Some devices with lithium batteries may have international shipping restrictions. |
| Passports / Credit Cards / IDs | Passports cannot be shipped internationally. However, credit cards, bank cards, and ID cards can sometimes be shipped via registered or insured mail, depending on the destination country. Check with us before shipping. |
| Cash or Valuables | Certain countries allow registered or insured mail, but restrictions vary. Check with us before shipping. |
Step 6: Summary — You’re Not Alone
Losing something abroad can feel overwhelming,
but Japan’s organized lost and found system gives you a real chance to get it back.
If you’re struggling with the language, procedures, or shipping restrictions,
our team is here to help — safely, quickly, and professionally.
“It’s not just about recovering your item — it’s about restoring peace of mind.”
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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.