Thank you, Tokyo Metro

It was the last leg of my whirlwind Golden Week trip to Tokyo. I was standing on my homeward-bound train, weighed down with an excessive amount of baggage: a carry-on suitcase with wheels; my trusty gray Gap shoulder bag; a paper bag filled with overpriced Tokyo chocolates; and finally, a medium-sized overnight bag containing my boots and assorted souvenirs.

In the window's reflection, I saw a lady sitting behind me and peering at my bags. She leaned over to her friend, whispering "Sugoi ne..." Loosely translated? She was commenting on my excess baggage. I couldn't agree more.

Earlier that day, I hopped into a subway car bound for Tokyo Station. I did a quick count - 4 bags. But then I felt uneasy, so I hopped back onto the platform and confirmed directions from the stationmaster. He pointed me to another train, which would head in my desired direction. So, I sat down. But then... 1, 2, 3. I think my heart dropped for a second.

Not because I lost my fourth bag. In my experience, lost items eventually find their way back to their rightful owners in Japan. I know this sounds complacent, but it has rung true for me on more than one occassion.

In fact, I was overwhelmingly concerned that this obstacle would stop me from catching my highway bus bound for home. Weird, eh. Back in Canada, I'd definitely be more concerned about losing my bag forever.

Anyways, I rushed back to the platform and told the stationmaster with slight panic that I had lost my bag on the 3:36 p.m. Using his radio, he was able to track my bag at a nearby station within 10-15 minutes. I don't know who brought it back. An honest commuter who saw it lying on the floor? One of the subway staff? I'll never know. Bottom line - I was happy to get my stuff back. There was lots of bowing, "sumimasen deshita!" and "domo arigatou gozaimasu!" I hopped on another subway, in the hopes of being reunited with my bag.

When I got there, I thought the stationmaster told me to walk outside and look for the Lost and Found Office. (I really need to amp up my Japanese!) So, there I was wandering around the sidewalk. A few minutes later, some staff emerged outside and were obviously looking for me. As we walked downstairs together, they insisted on grabbing my bags for me. Such kind people!

I filled out some paperwork, which involved writing my address in terrible kanji. The clerk looked over my efforts with amusement, haha. He then helped me carry my bags to the other platform, bound for Tokyo Station. More bowing and "domo arigatou gozaimasu" followed on my part. He kindly smiled, telling me to take care: "気をつけて!" 

Can't believe I almost left my bag in Tokyo. Thank you, Tokyo Metro!