Rising Tourist Luggage Abandonment Poses Operational Strain Across Japan
In recent months, Japan has witnessed an unexpected side effect of booming international tourism: a growing number of travelers are leaving behind their suitcases at hotels, airports, and popular tourist districts. This trend is causing significant headaches for hospitality and transport hubs, which now must manage the financial and logistical burdens of these abandoned belongings.
The Growing Problem of Discarded Luggage
According to a survey conducted by the Osaka Convention and Tourism Bureau in June and July 2025, over 80% of hotels reported issues with tourists leaving luggage behind. At the Best Western Hotel Fino Osaka Shinsaibashi, staff encounter up to three or four forgotten suitcases daily. These abandoned items are held in lost-and-found storage for up to three months, yet most remain unclaimed, forcing hotels to bear disposal costs that reached approximately 300,000 yen ($2,000) in the previous year.
Hotel staff face the arduous task of contacting guests post-checkout and removing luggage from rooms, disrupting daily operations. "It places a heavy burden on our staff," said Kentaro Kaneko, general manager of the Best Western Hotel Fino Osaka Shinsaibashi. As a solution, the hotel now collaborates with a cleaning company to handle unclaimed suitcases.
Airports Caught in the Crossfire
The trouble extends beyond hotels—major airports are also grappling with abandoned baggage. Narita International Airport, near Tokyo, recorded 1,073 discarded suitcases in fiscal 2024, more than double the figures from before the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019. Kansai International Airport reported a similar surge, exceeding pre-pandemic levels.
Safety concerns further complicate matters. In July 2025, a man was prosecuted for leaving a suitcase unattended at Chubu Centrair International Airport after transferring his belongings to another bag. Such incidents demand comprehensive security screenings to rule out threats like explosives, involving coordination among several officers and adding strain on airport resources.
The Human Angle: Fear and Safety Concerns
Abandoned luggage in public areas can unsettle local residents and workers. For example, a 19-year-old karaoke bar attendant in Osaka’s bustling Minami district expressed apprehension after encountering a mysterious suitcase left on the street: "I don't know what might be inside, so it's scary." This unease underscores the broader community impact beyond just operational challenges.
Why Tourists Are Discarding Their Luggage
Experts suggest that relatively low suitcase prices in Japan contribute to this phenomenon. Tourists often purchase larger, sturdier suitcases for their return journeys laden with souvenirs and then abandon their old luggage, choosing convenience over carrying bulky bags back.
Professor Daisuke Abe of Ryukoku University emphasized the need for coordinated action between public authorities and private businesses: "We need to build a system for proper disposal and provide sufficient information to tourists to manage this issue responsibly." This could involve designated disposal or exchange points and clearer guidance for travelers on handling unwanted luggage.
Broader Implications and Policy Considerations
This growing dilemma highlights a nexus of tourism management, urban safety, and waste disposal policy challenges. With Japan reinforcing its position as a top global destination, sustainable and safe tourist practices become critical.
- Environmental Concerns: Discarded suitcases contribute to urban waste and require responsible disposal to minimize environmental impact.
- Security Risks: Unattended luggage can cause alarm and necessitate costly security interventions at transport hubs.
- Operational Strain: Hotels and airports face increased workload and financial burdens managing abandoned property.
Looking ahead, travel stakeholders in Japan—and potentially other nations experiencing surges in inbound tourism—may consider collaborative strategies such as:
- Implementing convenient luggage disposal or recycling centers near popular tourist areas and airports.
- Launching information campaigns in multiple languages educating tourists on luggage management.
- Exploring partnerships with luggage retailers for buy-back or exchange programs that encourage responsible disposal.
Editor’s Note
Japan’s surge in inbound tourism paints a hopeful picture for economic recovery, but the overlooked issue of abandoned luggage reveals underlying strains on infrastructure and community safety. This phenomenon invites deeper reflection on how global travel can balance convenience with responsibility. As countries worldwide reopen to tourists, Japan’s experience serves as a timely case study in proactive tourism management and urban custodianship.
For travelers, awareness and personal responsibility regarding luggage use can play a crucial role in mitigating these challenges. For policymakers and industry leaders, embracing innovative disposal solutions and educational outreach is key to addressing the ripple effects of tourism beyond the excitement of arrival.
