Lost Your Smartphone in Japan? Here’s What to Do Right Away
Losing your phone while traveling can feel like a nightmare — it’s not just about the device, but your photos, messages, and personal data.
Take a deep breath.
Japan has one of the highest recovery rates for lost phones in the world — 83% are returned to their owners.
Follow these simple steps to protect your data and maximize your chances of getting your phone back safely — even if you’ve already left Japan.
Step 1: Locate and Lock Your Phone Remotely
Your first priority is protecting your data.
Use your phone’s tracking feature to locate and lock it.
🍎 iPhone Users
- Open the Find My app on another Apple device
- Or sign in at iCloud.com/find
🤖 Android Users
- Visit Google Find My Device and log in with your Google account
Tips
- You can lock your phone even without a passcode
- Apple automatically disables Apple Pay
- You can display a custom message or contact info on the lock screen
Step 2: If You See the Location — Contact or Visit the Place
If tracking shows the phone’s location, act immediately.
| Location | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Hotel | Call the front desk |
| Restaurant / Café | Contact them during business hours |
| Train or Station | Call the Lost & Found counter |
| Taxi | Contact the taxi company or dispatch center |
If someone has already turned it in — great news!
Confirm ownership and retrieve it as soon as possible.
Step 3: If No Location Appears — Retrace Your Steps
If the map doesn’t show a signal, don’t give up yet.
Think back through your recent stops — restaurants, train rides, shops — and contact each place.
The earlier you reach out, the higher your recovery chances.
Step 4: File a Lost Property Report with the Police
Filing a Lost Property Report (Ishitsubutsu Todoke) ensures you’ll be contacted if your phone is found later.
Why it matters:
- 🧾 You’ll receive a report number needed for insurance or replacement claims
- 🔍 If someone turns it in, police will match it to your report
- 📱 Bring your IMEI number (found on the phone box or contract) to make identification easier
Step 5: Take Additional Security Precautions
Even after reporting the loss, protect your accounts and personal data.
- 🔐 Change passwords for Google, Apple, social media, and email
- 💳 Suspend linked cards (Apple Pay, Google Pay, banking apps)
- 📶 Suspend your SIM card with your carrier
- ☁️ Check your cloud backup (iCloud, Google Drive, or Photos)
- 🚫 Log out of all devices remotely if possible
Step 6: Need Help Locating Your Phone from Overseas?
If you’ve already left Japan or can’t contact local facilities in Japanese,
Japan Lost and Found Service can take care of it for you.
We handle everything on your behalf:
- Contacting police, stations, or stores in Japanese
- Verifying and retrieving your device in person
- Safe packaging and international delivery
- English updates every step of the way
Summary
- Locate and lock your phone immediately
- If visible, contact or visit the location
- If not, retrace your steps and contact recent places
- File a police report and keep the receipt
- Secure your data by changing passwords and suspending cards
Even if you’ve already left Japan, recovery is still possible.
Stay calm — and if it feels overwhelming, let Japan Lost and Found Service handle the process for you.
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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.