Lost Item Delivery from Japan via EMS — Safe and Reliable Guide
Left Japan and realized you forgot something important — maybe your wallet, iPhone, or personal belongings?
Don’t worry — most lost items in Japan can be safely shipped to your home overseas using EMS (Express Mail Service).
This guide explains why EMS is the safest and most convenient option, along with estimated costs, delivery times, and what to do if EMS isn’t available in your country.
Step 1: Why EMS Is the Safest and Easiest Option
Japan Post’s EMS (Express Mail Service) is the fastest and most reliable method for international delivery.
It’s widely used by businesses and postal facilities across Japan for secure, trackable shipments — and is also the standard method our service uses to send recovered lost items abroad.
✈️ Key Benefits of EMS
- Fast: Usually delivered within 3–12 days, depending on destination
- Trackable: Full tracking from Japan to your home country
- Insured: Compensation for loss or damage
- Widely available: Supported in over 120 countries and regions
Tip: EMS can handle devices containing lithium batteries (like smartphones or cameras), provided they meet packaging and capacity regulations.
EMS Estimated Cost and Delivery Time
| Region | 500g (Wallet, iPhone) | 2kg (Camera, Bag) | Estimated Delivery Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| North America | $27 | $54 | 6–12 days |
| Europe | $22 | $46 | 5–7 days |
| Oceania | $22 | $46 | 8–10 days |
| Southeast Asia | $13 | $31 | 3–6 days |
| East Asia | $10 | $24 | 3–5 days |
| Middle East | $22 | $46 | 9–12 days |
Step 2: When EMS Isn’t Available
In a few countries — such as Russia and China — EMS services are temporarily unavailable or restricted.
In those cases, we use trusted international couriers such as DHL or FedEx to ensure your item arrives safely.
Tip: We’ll automatically choose the best method based on your item type and destination.
Step 3: Preparing for International Shipping
🚫 Restricted Items
Before shipping, confirm your destination country’s import regulations.
Commonly restricted or prohibited:
- Aerosol sprays, alcohol-based liquids (e.g., perfume)
- Food or medicine (depending on country)
- Flammable or sharp items
📦 Packing Tips
- Use a sturdy cardboard box and fill gaps with cushioning
- Protect from moisture using plastic wrapping
- Clearly label fragile items (“FRAGILE”)
🧾 Required Documents
- Shipping label: sender/recipient info, item description
- Customs declaration form (CN22/CN23)
- Invoice: required if total value exceeds approx. 200,000 JPY or for commercial goods
Tip: Incomplete paperwork can cause customs delays or returned shipments — double-check before sending.
Step 4: Let Us Handle the Process for You
If you’re overseas, managing Japanese paperwork and contacting local facilities can be challenging.
That’s where Japan Lost and Found Service comes in.
We take care of:
- Locating and collecting your lost item
- Communicating with hotels, police, or stations in Japanese
- Preparing customs forms and shipping labels
- Packaging and arranging international delivery via EMS
- Using DHL or FedEx when EMS is unavailable
Step 5: Summary — Fast, Secure, and Hassle-Free
- 📦 EMS is the fastest and most reliable shipping method
- 🌍 If EMS isn’t available (e.g., Russia, China), we use DHL or FedEx
- 🔋 Lithium batteries can be shipped with EMS under safety regulations
- 🧾 Proper customs forms are required for smooth delivery
- 🤝 We handle everything from retrieval to delivery
Even after you’ve left Japan, your lost item can safely make its way home — quickly, securely, and worry-free.
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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.