Japan First Move

What to Do First If You Lose Something in Japan

If you notice that something is missing, act quickly while the last place you had it is still clear.

Start with the shop, station, hotel, or facility where you last remember using or carrying it.

First Move

Go back to the last place you had it, then ask staff right away.

Quick steps

  1. Go back to the last place where you remember having the item.
  2. Ask staff right away and say what you lost.
  3. Tell them when and where you last had it. Show a photo if you have one.
  4. Ask whether there is a lost and found or another place you should check.

Don’t Do This

Don’t wait until the end of the day to ask.

Staff can help more easily when you remember the place and time clearly.

Don’t search staff-only or restricted areas yourself.

Tell staff what is missing and let them check the appropriate area.

Don’t leave without asking where to check next.

The item may be sent to a station office, facility desk, or another lost and found.

Say or show this

Use these phrases to speak or point when you need help.

Use when you need to say that something is missing. Wasuremono o shimashita. I lost something.
Use when your bag is missing. Baggu o nakushimashita. I lost my bag.
Use when you need to find the lost and found desk. Wasuremono sentaa wa doko desu ka? Where is the lost and found?

If You See or Hear This

Nani o nakushimashita ka? It means: What did you lose? Your move Show a photo or describe the item.
Doko de nakushimashita ka? It means: Where did you lose it? Your move Tell them the last place you remember having it.
Todoite imasen. It means: It has not been turned in. Your move Ask where else you can check, or when to check again.

If You’re Stuck

Write down what the item looks like, when you last had it, and where you have already checked. Show this information to staff at the next lost and found desk.

Tiny Culture Note

Lost items may stay at the shop or facility first, then move to another lost and found. Ask staff where and when to check again.

Safety note

If you lost a passport, wallet, phone, or other important item, ask your hotel or local staff what to do next. You may also need to contact the police, your embassy, or your card company.

Stay in the same situation area, or go back to the category page and choose the closest moment.

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