Here’s exactly where to go from Koto-ku (Kitasuna) and how to apply for a lost Residence Card re-issue.
Where to apply (Tokyo)
Tokyo Regional Immigration Services Bureau – Main Office (Shinagawa)
- Address: 5-5-30 Konan, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8255
- Hours (counter): Mon–Fri, 09:00–16:00 (closed weekends/holidays)
- Phone (general info center): 0570-013904 (from IP/overseas: 03-5796-7112)
These details (address & hours) are the official standard for the Tokyo main office. (city.shibuya.tokyo.jp)
There is also an Odaiba Branch (Aomi, Koto-ku), but it’s mainly published as the postal return address for old cards. For a lost-card reissue, go to the Shinagawa main office. (JPSS)
What to bring
- Application form “Application for reissuance of residence card due to loss, etc.” (fill at counter or print in advance)
- 1 ID photo (4 cm × 3 cm, taken within 3 months)
- Passport
- Police loss/theft report certificate (from where you lost it; if unavailable, a written explanation)
- (If late) A brief reason letter if applying after 14 days
Reissue after loss must be applied within 14 days of discovery (if abroad, within 14 days of your first re-entry to Japan). Fee: ¥0 for loss/theft reissue. (moj.go.jp)
Step-by-step at the Shinagawa office
- Take a numbered ticket for “Residence Card (Reissuance)” at the lobby.
- Fill the application (or hand over your pre-filled printout) and attach the photo.
- Submit documents at the counter when called.
- Wait for processing; many cases are issued same-day (depends on crowd/verification). You’ll either receive the new card or a pickup/return notice. (kobe-u.ac.jp)
Getting there from Koto-ku (easy route)
- Go to JR Shinagawa Station (Konan/East Exit) → Bus stop 24 → take Toei bus 品99 (Shina 99) toward “Tokyo Immigration Bureau.”
- Get off at: 東京入国管理局 (Tokyo Regional Immigration Bureau) stop (the bus loops via the Bureau). This is the standard access route published widely. (blog.gaijinpot.com)
After you apply
- Keep any receipt or temporary paper you’re given until the new card is in hand.
- If the loss occurred abroad, ensure your police loss certificate is kept with your passport for a while; the bureau can copy it. (moj.go.jp)
Quick reminders (legal basics)
- 14-day deadline applies (starts on re-entry day if you discovered the loss while abroad). (moj.go.jp)
- Lost-card reissue fee is not charged (loss/theft category). (kobe-u.ac.jp)
🟩 Is a Police Report Mandatory?
✅ Not strictly mandatory — but strongly recommended.
According to the Immigration Services Agency of Japan (ISA):
“If your Residence Card was lost or stolen, please report it to the nearest police station and bring the loss/theft certificate.
If you cannot obtain such a certificate, you must submit a written explanation (理由書 / riyūsho) instead.”
— Source: ISA official guidance – 在留カード再交付申請書 procedure page
🟨 What Each Case Means
| Situation | What You Must Submit | Accepted by Immigration? |
|---|---|---|
| Lost/stolen in Japan | Police “Lost Property Report” (遺失届受理証明書 / Ishitsu todoke juri shōmeisho) | ✅ Yes |
| Lost/stolen abroad (e.g., Malaysia) | Police “Loss Report Certificate” from that country | ✅ Yes (translated to English or Japanese if possible) |
| You can’t get a police report (e.g., airport didn’t issue one) | A written explanation letter (理由書 / Reason Letter) describing when, where, and how it was lost | ✅ Accepted |
📝 Example of a Simple “Reason Letter” (if you couldn’t get police report)
To: Tokyo Regional Immigration Services Bureau
I, Rajesh Kumar (Indian citizen), lost my Residence Card while traveling
from Malaysia to Japan on October 13, 2025. I discovered the loss at
Kuala Lumpur International Airport after passing immigration. I could not
obtain a police report because I was in transit. I request reissuance of my
Residence Card as soon as possible.
Date: October 16, 2025
Signature: Rajesh Kumar
Address in Japan: [Your Address in Koto-ku, Tokyo]
🟩 Summary
| Requirement | Mandatory? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Police loss report | ❌ Not strictly mandatory | But preferred if easily obtainable |
| Written explanation | ✅ Accepted alternative | Required if no police report |
| 14-day deadline | ✅ Mandatory | Apply within 14 days of return/discovery |
| Fee | 💴 Free | Reissuance for loss/theft has no charge |