Lost Something in Japan? A Complete Guide to Getting It Back from Overseas
Did you lose something important while visiting Japan?
It’s totally normal to feel anxious or overwhelmed especially when something goes wrong in a foreign country. I know that feeling all too well, because it happened to me.
Honestly, I panicked at first.
And to be real with you… I even snapped at my wife a few times before I finally got my Macbook back (sorry again, honey 😅).
But here’s the thing:
Japan has one of the most reliable lost-and-found systems in the world.
There’s actually a high chance you’ll get your item back.
This guide will walk you through exactly what to do whether you’re still in Japan or already back home.
Step 1: Stay Calm and Act Quickly
What you do in the first 24–48 hours matters. So let’s start with the basics.
🧐 Think: Where Did You Last See It?
Was it on a train? In your hotel room? At a restaurant or shop?
Trying to pinpoint the location will help you take the next step faster.
📞 Contact the Facility Directly
Start by reaching out to the place where you think you lost it. Most places will hold lost items for a short period before handing them over to the police.
- ✈️ Airport
- Contact the terminal or airline’s lost & found.
- 🚃 Train / Bullet train (Shinkansen)
- Reach out to the railway company (like JR, Tokyo Metro).
- 🏨 Hotel
- Call the front desk or message them via your booking app (like Booking.com).
- 🍽️ Restaurant or Store
- Ask the staff or look for a customer service desk.
You might be thinking:
“Will they even speak English?”
Well, not always. But in my experience, Japanese staff are incredibly kind and will try their best to help even if communication is tough.
If available, use email. It’s often easier (and cheaper) than calling from abroad.
👮♂️ Step 2: File a Police Report
If the facility couldn't find your item, or if you don't know where you dropped it, the next step is to file a police report. This creates an official record that can help get your item back.
You can visit a nearby koban (police box) or a police station and ask to file a “ishitsubutsu todoke” (遺失届).
It’s all in Japanese, but don’t—worry many travelers successfully manage it using a translation app.
💻 Can't go back to the location in person?
If you are unable to visit a police station in person, you might be able to submit a report online. However, please note that not all prefectures offer an online submission system.
You can find a link to the lost and found systems for each prefectural police department on the National Police Agency's website. Some of these pages may offer guidance in English.
Step 3: Understanding Japan’s Lost & Found System
Here’s why you shouldn’t lose hope:
- ✅ High Return Rate
- About 68% of wallets and 83% of phones are returned to their owners.
- 💴 Even Small Items Get Turned In
- In Japan, it’s not uncommon for people to turn in a lost 100 yen coin. Yes, really.
- 🗓️ Items Are Held for 3 Months
- Facilities and police hold onto items for up to 3 months. After that, they’re either claimed by the finder or discarded. So act soon!
Step 4: The Biggest Challenge — Retrieving from Overseas
You might be thinking:
“Okay, but I’m already back home… so now what?”
Here’s where most people hit a wall.
🚫 The Main Problem: No International Shipping
This surprises a lot of travelers—police and most facilities in Japan won’t ship your item overseas.
In many cases, they won’t even ship within Japan unless you're the owner and can visit in person.
🗣️ The Language Barrier
Even if someone finds your item, most communication must be in Japanese—especially for police paperwork, identity confirmation, and shipping discussions.
💡 That’s Where We Come In
I've been through this myself—and that's why we built our service to help people like you.
Here’s what we do:
✅ Contact the facility or police on your behalf
✅ Negotiate retrieval (all in Japanese)
✅ Collect your item in person
✅ Safely ship it to your home abroad
✅ Save you time, money, and stress
Step 5: Special Notes for Certain Items
📱 Smartphones, Laptops & Other Electronics
- 🔐 Security First
- Use remote lock or data erase features (e.g. “Find My iPhone”) right away.
- 🚫 Shipping Restrictions
- Batteries may be classified as hazardous goods, so international shipping may not be possible in some cases.
🛂 Passports, Credit Cards, and IDs
Immediately contact your embassy or consulate and card issuer to report the loss and arrange cancellation.
Unfortunately, these documents typically cannot be shipped, even domestically.
Final Thoughts: You’re Not Alone
Losing something abroad can make you feel helpless—but you don’t have to go through it alone.
In Japan, your chances of recovery are better than almost anywhere in the world.
If you’re facing language issues, complex procedures, or strict shipping rules… we’re here to help.
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About the Author
Yusuke Baba | Japan Lost and Found Service Founder
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.