Lost Item in Japan? Return Rates and What to Do Next
If you lose something in Japan, it may still be worth checking with the place where you lost it and with the police. Japan has a formal lost property system, and many items that are handed in are eventually returned to their owners.
This guide explains what the available data shows, how the system works, and what to do next if your item is still missing.
1. What Do Tokyo’s Lost Property Return Rates Show?
Tokyo Metropolitan Police publishes annual data on found property handled in Tokyo.
In 2025, Tokyo Metropolitan Police data shows:
- 337,601 wallets, of which 226,993 were returned to the person who lost them — about 67%.
- 144,064 mobile phones, of which 119,516 were returned — about 83%.
These figures do not mean that 67% of all lost wallets or 83% of all lost phones in Japan are recovered. They show the return rate among found items that were reported and handled by the police in Tokyo.
Even so, the data shows that it is often worth checking whether your item has been handed in.
2. How Japan’s Lost Property System Works
Found property may first be held by the place where it was found, such as an airport, railway station, hotel, restaurant, or store. Depending on the facility and the item, it may later be reported or transferred to the police.
If an item is being held by the police, it is generally stored for three months. Contact the police as soon as possible if you think your item may have been handed in.
The National Police Agency provides links to prefectural police lost property pages, including online reporting and search services where available.
3. Contact the Place Where You Think You Lost It
If you remember where you last had the item, start there.
- Airport or aircraft: Contact the airport Lost & Found or the airline, depending on where you left it.
- Train, Shinkansen, or station: Contact the railway operator that operates the train or manages the station.
- Hotel: Contact the front desk or the department handling lost property.
- Restaurant or store: Contact the business directly.
When you contact them, provide the date and approximate time, location, item type, brand, color, identifying features, and any photos or serial numbers you have.
4. If You Are Not Sure Where You Lost It
If you do not know where the item was lost, file a lost property report with the police. In many prefectures, online reporting is available, although procedures vary.
A lost property report does not mean the police will actively search every possible location. It creates a record that can help match your report with property that is later handed in.
If you have tried the appropriate contacts but the item is still missing, our Search Service can help with local inquiries in Japan. If you want support from the search stage through collection and return after the item is found, our Full Service is also available.
5. Already Left Japan?
If your item is found after you leave Japan, first confirm:
- Where the item is currently being held
- The lost property or reference number
- The pickup or storage deadline
Collection procedures vary depending on the facility. Some places may allow collection by another person or delivery within Japan, while others use different procedures.
6. If the Item Has Been Found but You Cannot Collect It
Even after an item is found, collection and return arrangements can vary depending on the facility, the item, and where it needs to be sent.
If your item has already been located but you do not have anyone in Japan who can collect it, our Pickup & Delivery Service may be able to help when proxy collection is permitted.
We can assist with local communication, collection when permitted, and return arrangements.
Summary
If you lose something in Japan:
- Contact the place where you think you lost it.
- If the location is unclear, file a lost property report with the police.
- Give detailed information that can help staff identify the item.
- If the item is still missing and continuing the search is difficult, consider the Search Service or Full Service depending on how much support you need.
- If you have already left Japan, confirm the holding location, reference number, and deadline.
- If you cannot collect the item yourself, confirm what collection options are available.
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About the Author
Yusuke Baba — Founder, Japan Lost and Found Service
I once lost my MacBook during my honeymoon, so I know how stressful it can be to lose something important while traveling. That experience is one of the reasons I started Japan Lost and Found Service—to help travelers who are dealing with the same situation, especially when language and distance make recovery difficult.
I hope this guide helps you understand what to do next. If you need help recovering something you lost in Japan, please feel free to contact us.