Overview
Koban (交番) — small neighborhood police boxes — are one of the most useful resources for travelers in Japan. Found on almost every major street corner in Kanagawa's cities, these mini police stations serve as information centers, lost property offices, and first-response emergency points. Officers are generally helpful and accustomed to assisting foreign visitors.
This guide explains how to use koban effectively, what services they offer, and how to navigate common situations where you might need their help.
What Is a Koban?
A koban is a small police box staffed by 1-3 officers, typically operating 24 hours a day. Unlike larger police stations (keisatsusho), koban are neighborhood-level facilities designed for:
- Community safety — visible police presence deters crime
- Directions — officers know the local area intimately
- Lost property — found items are brought here first
- Emergency first response — initial incident reporting
- General assistance — helping tourists with problems
In Kanagawa, you will find koban at:
- Every major train station entrance
- Shopping district intersections
- Tourist areas (Kamakura, Enoshima, Hakone)
- Residential neighborhood corners
Common Reasons to Visit a Koban
1. Asking for Directions
Officers at koban are excellent sources for local directions. They know:
- How to find specific temples, shrines, or museums
- Which bus to take and where the stop is
- Shortcuts and pedestrian paths
- Current road closures or event detours
Tips for getting directions:
- Show the officer a map or address in Japanese
- Point to your destination on Google Maps
- The officer may walk outside to point you in the right direction
- Some koban have area maps you can take for free
2. Reporting Lost Property
Lost something? Koban are the first place to check:
Items commonly recovered:
- Wallets and purses
- Phones and cameras
- Umbrellas
- Bags and luggage
- Identification documents
What to bring:
- Your identification (passport)
- A description of the lost item
- Where and when you think you lost it
- Any receipts or photos showing the item
3. Reporting a Minor Incident
For non-emergency situations — minor theft, harassment, noise complaints — visit a koban to file a report:
- The officer will take a statement
- You will receive a report number for insurance claims
- For theft, ask for a "Claim Certificate" (hanko or signature needed — your own signature is usually acceptable)
For emergencies, always call 110 instead of walking to a koban.
How to Communicate at a Koban
Useful Japanese Phrases
| English | Japanese | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| I lost my bag | カバンをなくしました | Kaban wo nakushimashita |
| I need help | 助けてください | Tasukete kudasai |
| Where is...? | ...はどこですか？ | ...wa doko desu ka? |
| Can I file a report? | 届け出を出せますか？ | Todokede wo dasemasu ka? |
| Do you speak English? | 英語を話せますか？ | Eigo wo hanasemasu ka? |
What If the Officer Does Not Speak English?
Most koban officers in Kanagawa have basic English phrasebooks. For more complex matters:
- Use Google Translate on your phone
- Call the English Police Hotline: 045-211-1100 (Yokohama Police)
- Wait — the officer may call an English-speaking colleague
- Visit a larger police station (keisatsusho) instead
Koban vs. Police Station
| Koban (交番) | Police Station (警察署) | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small (1-3 officers) | Large (many departments) |
| Hours | 24/7 | 8:30-17:15 (some 24/7) |
| Services | Directions, lost property, first response | Formal reports, investigations, longer procedures |
| English | Basic phrasebook | Dedicated foreign affairs section |
| Wait time | Immediate | May need appointment |
When to go to a police station instead:
- Reporting a serious crime
- Applying for a police certificate
- Extending your visa (requires certificate)
- Reporting a major traffic accident with vehicles
Major Police Stations in Kanagawa
| Station | Address | Phone | English Support |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yokohama Police Station | 1-2 Yamashitacho, Naka-ku | 045-211-1100 | ✅ Dedicated foreign affairs |
| Kawasaki Police Station | 2-1 Fujimi, Kawasaki-ku | 044-244-0110 | ⚠️ Limited |
| Kamakura Police Station | 1-1 Komachi, Kamakura | 0467-23-0110 | ⚠️ Limited |
| Fujisawa Police Station | 1-1 Tsujido, Fujisawa | 0466-52-0110 | ⚠️ Limited |
| Hakone Police Station | 65 Hakone, Hakone-machi | 0460-85-0110 | ⚠️ Limited |
Practical Notes on Koban Culture
- Always be polite — bow slightly when entering and leaving
- Koban are safe — female travelers should not feel intimidated; officers are professional
- No appointment needed — just walk in during operating hours
- Bring ID — your passport is the most useful identification
- Lost wallets are often returned — Japan has one of the highest lost-property return rates in the world, with over 70% of cash being returned to owners
- Koban can call a taxi — if you are lost or stranded, the officer can help arrange transportation
🇯🇵 Quick Reference Card
Print or save this section to your phone:
Emergency numbers:
- Police: 110
- Ambulance/Fire: 119
- English Police Hotline: 045-211-1100
Key phrases:
- "Tasukete kudasai" — Please help me
- "Kaban wo nakushimashita" — I lost my bag
- "Keisatsu wo yonde kudasai" — Please call the police
- "Eigo onegaishimasu" — English please
Practical notes for visitors
Koban officers in Kanagawa are accustomed to foreign visitors, especially in tourist areas like Kamakura, Hakone, and Enoshima. Many have basic English skills and carry phrasebooks. For complex situations, the officer will call the Prefectural Police Foreign Affairs section, which has dedicated English-speaking staff available by phone.
If you lose your passport, visit a koban first to file a lost-property report, then go to your embassy with the report number. The police report is required for emergency passport applications. Most embassies in Tokyo can issue emergency travel documents within 1-3 business days.
Found items in Japan are tracked through a centralized lost-property system. If you lose something on a train, check with the station's lost-property office (eki-nanagashi) — they have a higher recovery rate than koban for items left on public transport. JR East operates a 7-day centralized lost-property system at major terminals.
