A mysterious box of sweets caused a major security scare at Kyoto Station on Sunday, leading to the suspension of train services for over two hours. The incident, which initially raised fears of a possible threat, turned out to be a false alarm — but not before disrupting travel across one of Japan’s busiest transport hubs.
A dessert mistaken for danger
The unattended package was discovered near a platform in the central station of Kyoto, prompting authorities to cordon off the area and halt multiple rail lines, including the Shinkansen bullet train services. Bomb disposal teams were called in, and after a thorough investigation, the box was found to contain nothing more than traditional Japanese sweets.
While no threat was ultimately detected, the incident caused delays affecting thousands of passengers and sparked a wave of reactions on social media, with some users ironically dubbing it the “most dangerous dessert of the year.”
Heightened security ahead of Expo 2025
The heightened alert comes as Japan steps up its security measures ahead of the 2025 World Expo, which will open in Osaka, just a short distance from Kyoto. Officials confirmed that security protocols have been tightened at major transport nodes due to the upcoming event and an expected surge in international visitors.
Officials: “Better safe than sorry”
Kyoto police defended their decision to suspend train services, stating that “public safety must come first,” especially in the current climate of heightened vigilance.
> “We understand the inconvenience caused, but in situations like these, caution is essential,” said a police spokesperson.
The sweets — reportedly a gift forgotten by a traveler — were eventually claimed by their embarrassed owner, who had already left the station and was unaware of the chaos.
A sweet reminder
Though the incident turned out to be harmless, it serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between security and daily life in modern, high-density urban environments. As Expo 2025 draws closer, Japan is clearly taking no chances — even when the threat turns out to be a box of mochi.