Tokyo, Japan and Kansai International Airport Tackling Surge of Abandoned Luggage Left by Travelers: Read More To Know

Written By: Minal Aditi Lakra

Minal Aditi Lakra

I graduated with a degree in Finance from the University of Calcutta and further strengthened my financial expertise by pursuing both the Chartered Accountancy (CA) and Certified Financial Planner (CFP) programs. Over the past decade, I have dedicated myself to building a career aligned with my long-term professional aspirations, combining analytical thinking with strategic communication. Currently, I work as a Public Relations Strategist at Travel And Tour World (TTW), a global travel media platform that connects industry leaders with travelers worldwide. My role involves translating the vision, insights, and innovations of tourism stakeholders—including governments, tourism boards, airlines, hospitality brands, and event organizers—into compelling stories that inform, inspire, and influence global travel audiences. Through strategic storytelling and media engagement, I help bridge the gap between industry leadership and evolving traveler expectations.

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August 26, 2025 11:39 AM

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Tokyo, Japan facing an unusual problem amid a rise in foreign tourism: abandoned travelers luggage is becoming a growing issue at airports and hotels. According to recent reports, over 80% of hotels in Japan have noticed a spike in tourists leaving behind their old luggage, creating unnecessary challenges for hotel staff. This issue isn’t just confined to hotels; Kansai International airport and other airports are also grappling with an increase in discarded suitcases, significantly affecting the logistics of operations.

Growing Problem for Hotels in Japan

As Japan sees a surge in foreign visitors, the issue of discarded suitcases is becoming more prominent. In Osaka, the Best Western Hotel Fino Osaka Shinsaibashi, a popular hotel with 161 rooms, has reported that on certain days, guests leave behind three to four suitcases in their rooms. Hotel staff members are responsible for transporting the abandoned luggage to the lost and found, which remains stored for three months. However, most of it is never claimed. Last year, the disposal of unclaimed luggage cost the hotel nearly 300,000 yen (approximately $2,000).

The hotel’s general manager, Kentaro Kaneko, shared that managing this problem is a significant strain on the hotel employees. They need to reach out to the guests and take the suitcases out from the rooms, which complicates their already busy schedule.

Hotels across Osaka and Tokyo are facing similar challenges. A survey conducted by the Osaka Convention and Tourism Bureau in June and July showed that more than 80% of the hotels reported abandoned luggage as a significant issue.

Airports Struggling with Luggage Abandonment

Airports are also heavily impacted by the rising number of abandoned bags. Narita International Airport, located near Tokyo, reported a staggering 1,073 dumped suitcases in the fiscal year 2024, more than double the number of abandoned bags in 2019. Kansai International Airport has also surpassed pre-pandemic figures, dealing with a similar surge in discarded luggage.

This growing problem forces airports to divert resources for luggage recovery and security. Empty suitcases that are left unattended require comprehensive security checks to ensure they do not contain explosives. This process often involves several officers and considerable time, straining airport resources.

The Rise of Luggage Discarding: Why Is This Happening?

One key reason behind the rise in abandoned luggage is the cost of suitcases. Professor Daisuke Abe of Ryukoku University suggests that many tourists in Japan discard their old luggage because it is relatively inexpensive to buy new, larger suitcases. Tourists often purchase larger bags to accommodate their shopping hauls and souvenirs. Once their trips are over, they opt to leave their old luggage behind rather than carry it back home.

Individuals purchasing new luggage for a trip might not consider the environmental ramifications, along with the operational burdens, waste bags pose for hotels and airports. This brings to light the concern of how the tourism sector plans to tackle this problem. Perhaps the Japanese government and local enterprises should devise a more streamlined approach to recycling suitcases or find ways to reduce the number of bags travelers ditch.

The Cost of Disposing of Abandoned Luggage

The financial impact of abandoned luggage is not limited to hotels and airports. The disposal costs associated with unclaimed luggage are significant. For instance, the Best Western Hotel Fino Osaka Shinsaibashi spends about 300,000 yen annually on disposing of abandoned suitcases. These costs are a burden for small businesses and hotels already facing tight margins in the competitive tourism market.

The cost of safely discarding luggage is high, as hotels must either store it for months or pay for professional services to dispose of it. The practice of storing luggage in lost and found areas also ties up valuable space and resources.

A Call for Solutions

Experts agree that a solution is needed to address this growing problem. Professor Daisuke Abe emphasized the importance of both public and private sectors working together to create a system that allows tourists to dispose of their luggage properly. Such a system would help to alleviate the logistical strain on hotels, airports, and other tourism-related businesses.

At this finding stage, airports and hotels are taking steps to mitigate the problem. Some are partnering with janitorial services to manage left-behind luggage, and others are working to enhance their waste removal and storage systems for luggage. Moreover, the Osaka Convention and Tourism Bureau is considering strategies aimed at educating tourists on the proper methods for luggage disposal prior to departing Japan.

Government and Industry Collaboration

The Japanese government and tourism bodies could play a crucial role in addressing this issue. Offering tourists more information about how to dispose of luggage or providing alternatives such as luggage pickup services could be beneficial. These initiatives would help minimize the environmental impact of discarded suitcases and reduce the burden on local businesses and airport authorities.

Bottom Line

The issue of abandoned luggage in Japan highlights the problems that come with the increase in foreign tourists. Airports and hotels are facing increasing operational and financial burdens related to abandoned baggage. There is a need for new methods to ease the burden on the tourism sector while optimizing the business traveler experience. Japan’s tourism industry must manage the increasing tourist footfall while keeping the ecosystem functional.