What to Do When You’ve Left Something in Japan

In 2024 Japan welcomed a record 36.87 million foreign travelers, surpassing pre-pandemic highs. With that surge came an unprecedented 29.79 million lost property reports filed at police stations, airports, railways and hotels nationwide. Misplacing something in Japan is common—but recovering it is surprisingly straightforward once you know how the country’s highly organized lost-and-found system works.

Below is a step-by-step guide to reclaiming your belongings—plus how Forwarding Service Japan (FSJ) can step in when you’ve already flown home.

Act Fast While You’re Still in Japan

1. Retrace Your Steps
   Return to (or call) the exact place you last had the item—often it’s waiting at the counter already.
2. Contact the Nearest Lost-and-Found Counter
   – Airports & airlines (Narita, Haneda, Kansai, Chubu, etc.)
   – JR & private railways – look for “Lost Property” offices in major stations
   – Subway & bus operators
   – Taxis – note the license plate number or keep the receipt
   – Accommodation & shops – hotels, ryokan inns, Airbnbs, cafés, department stores

Tip: Most organizations keep lost items for up to three months. Bring photo ID and be ready to describe your item in detail.

Already Left Japan? Let FSJ Retrieve Your Lost Items

If you discover the loss after departure, Forwarding Service Japan can manage the entire recovery:

1. Locate & Secure – We confirm the item’s location and arrange for its release.
2. Receive or Pick Up – If the facility can’t post it domestically, our staff can collect it in person.
3. Verify – We send photos to you for confirmation and the condition of the item.
4. Ship Worldwide – We offer EMS (by Japan Post) or DHL for fast, trackable delivery.

Ready to Reclaim Your Belongings?

Contact us through our contact form, and our staff will get back to you about your lost item. We are here to help!