Lost Something on a Train or Shinkansen in Japan? Do These 3 Things Before Giving Up
You left your bag on the seat… or forgot something on the overhead shelf of a Shinkansen. By the time you realized, the train was already gone. Losing an item while traveling in an unfamiliar place can be incredibly stressful.
But don’t worry—Japan has one of the highest return rates for lost items in public transit. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the first steps you should take, and how to increase your chances of getting your lost item back quickly and smoothly.
Step 1: Stay calm and talk to the nearest station staff
If you’ve just gotten off the train, the fastest way to act is to speak directly to the station staff at the ticket gate or information window.
They can
✅ Check if the item has already been turned in
✅ Contact the next station or the final stop to check for you
Step 2: Identify the train company and contact them
If you’ve already left the station or didn’t realize the item was lost right away, you’ll need to contact the train company that operates the line you were on.
Helpful details to provide
✅ Approximate time and station where you boarded/disembarked
✅ Where you were sitting (even general info like “near the front of the train” helps)
✅ A detailed description of the item (color, size, brand, contents)
Not sure which train company you used?
- 🪪 If you used an IC card (Suica, PASMO, etc.), check your ride history via the app or at a ticket machine
- 📱 Use Google Maps or a transit app to review your route and identify the operator
Some major stations like Shibuya or Shinjuku are served by multiple operators (JR, private rail, subways), so be specific.
Official Site for Major Operators
| Area | Operator | Major Lines / Stations | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tokyo / Kanto | JR East | Yamanote Line, Chuo Line, Tokaido Shinkansen (Tokyo, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Shinagawa) | https://www.jreast.co.jp/multi/en/ |
| Keisei | Narita Sky Access, Main Line (Narita Airport, Ueno, Nippori) | https://www.keisei.co.jp/keisei/tetudou/skyliner/us/index.php | |
| Tokyo Metro | Ginza, Marunouchi, Hibiya Lines (Ginza, Shibuya, Tokyo Station) | https://www.tokyometro.jp/en/index.html | |
| Tokyu | Toyoko Line, Den-en-toshi Line (Shibuya, Yokohama, Jiyugaoka) | https://www.tokyu.co.jp/global/ | |
| Toei Subway | Asakusa Line, Oedo Line (Asakusa, Shinjuku, Roppongi) | https://www.kotsu.metro.tokyo.jp/eng/ | |
| Keikyu | Keikyu Main, Airport Lines (Shinagawa, Haneda Airport, Yokohama) | https://www.haneda-tokyo-access.com/en/ | |
| Odakyu | Odakyu and Enoshima Lines (Shinjuku, Hakone, Enoshima) | https://www.odakyu.jp/english/index_after/ | |
| Osaka / Kansai | JR West | Osaka Loop, Kyoto Line, Sanyo Shinkansen (Osaka, Kyoto, Shin-Osaka, Kobe) | https://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/ |
| Osaka Metro | Midosuji, Sakaisuji Lines (Umeda, Namba, Shinsaibashi) | https://subway.osakametro.co.jp/en/ | |
| Nankai | Nankai Main, Airport Lines (Namba, Kansai Airport) | https://www.nankai.co.jp/en_railway | |
| Hankyu | Kobe, Takarazuka, Kyoto Lines (Umeda, Kawaramachi, Sannomiya) | https://www.hankyu.co.jp/en/ |
Step 3: Submit a Lost Property Report to the Police
If contacting the train company doesn’t help—or you’re unsure where you lost the item—you can file a Lost Property Report with the local police.
Why it's worth doing
- If someone turns in your item to a police station, they can match it with your report
- It creates an official record of your claim
What happens to lost items
- Found: Someone (a passenger or staff) finds your item.
- Temporarily stored: It’s kept at the station office.
- Moved to the company’s central lost and found center (after 1–2 days)
- Transferred to the police: If unclaimed, it’s handed over in 3–7 days
How to submit a report
- Visit the nearest police station or koban (police box)
- In some prefectures, you can submit the report online.
Final Tip: Time Is of the Essence
Lost items in Japan often make their way through multiple locations: from the train to the station office, then to the train company center, and finally to the police.
The longer it takes, the harder it gets to trace your item. That’s why taking quick action is critical.
Need Help from Overseas?
If the language barrier or process feels overwhelming, we’re here to assist you—even after you’ve returned home.
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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.