How Japan's Bullet Train Lost & Found Works
Japan is Safe—Lost Items Usually Come Back to You!
Japan is one of the safest countries in the world, and lost items—especially on the Shinkansen—are almost always recovered, thanks to JR’s efficient lost & found system.
Stay calm and follow these steps to retrieve your belongings.
1. First Step: Contact the JR Lost & Found Center
Lost items on the Shinkansen are managed by the JR company operating your train line. Provide as many details as possible, such as:
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Travel date & train name (e.g., Nozomi No. 123)
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Seat number (if known)
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Boarding & alighting stations
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Description of the lost item (color, size, etc.)
Don’t remember your seat number? No problem!
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Even vague details like "Window seat, Car No. 5" can help track it down.
2. How Lost Items Are Handled
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Cleaning staff collect items at the final stop (most common).
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If another passenger finds it, the conductor takes custody.
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Held at JR’s lost & found center for ~1 week.
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Transferred to police if unclaimed (stored for 6 more months).
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Disposed of if still unclaimed.
※Act fast! Contact JR within a week for the best chance of recovery.
3. Can’t Pick It Up? Arrange for Delivery!
If you can’t return to the station, JR can ship your lost item within Japan (cash on delivery).
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Mention "I’d like it shipped" when contacting the lost & found center.
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If staying at a hotel, staff may assist with arrangements.
4. Which JR Company to Contact?
▼ Check based on your route:
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JR Hokkaido (Shin-Hakodate Hokuto ↔ Sapporo)
🔗 Lost & Found Info -
JR East (Tokyo ↔ Shin-Aomori / Tokyo ↔ Kanazawa)
🔗 Contact -
JR Central (Tokyo ↔ Shin-Osaka)
🔗 Lost & Found Portal -
JR West (Shin-Osaka ↔ Hakata)
🔗 FAQ
※For trains crossing multiple regions (e.g., Tokyo→Hakata Nozomi), contact both JR Central & JR West.
Why Lost Items Are Easily Recovered in Japan
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Honest culture → Most people turn in found items.
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Railway companies’ systematic tracking.
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Police cooperation (longer storage periods).
We know how stressful losing something important can be—but in Japan, there’s a very high chance you’ll get it back! Follow this guide and contact JR as soon as possible.
© 2025 Shinkansen-Ticket.com.
Seat guide
Reserved Seat (Ordinary Reserved Seat)
Your seat is reserved and secured when you book your tickets, allowing you to head to the station with peace of mind.
Think of it as "economy class" seating.
Green Reserved Seat
Enjoy better seats and free blankets. Popular among Japanese business people, executives, and those who prefer a comfortable travel experience.
Consider it "business class" seating.
GranClass
Known as the "First Class" of Shinkansen seats.
Available only on the Hokuriku and Tohoku Shinkansen lines, these seats offer airline-like amenities and meals (only on select trains).
They are the most expensive option.
Unreserved Seat
You can take any open seat in the unreserved cars on the departure date (no departure time will be indicated on your ticket).
This is the best option if cost is your priority and you are traveling during less crowded seasons or times.