Emergency Contacts in Japan (2026 Guide for Tourists)
While Japan is one of the safest countries in the world, it’s always a good idea to know who to contact in an emergency.
Save these important numbers on your phone before your trip—you’ll hopefully never need them, but being prepared can give you peace of mind.
Emergency Numbers
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
| Police | 110 |
| Ambulance | 119 |
| Fire Department | 119 |
| Coast Guard | 118 |
| Medical Advice Hotline* | #7119 |
*Available in many areas, including Tokyo. Use this number if you’re unsure whether you need an ambulance.
Police: 110
Call 110 if you need police assistance.
Examples include:
- Theft or robbery
- Traffic accidents
- Lost passport
- Suspicious activity
- Personal safety concerns
Emergency calls are free and available 24 hours a day.
Ambulance and Fire: 119
Call 119 for:
- Serious illness or injury
- Medical emergencies
- Fires
- Rescue situations
If you need an ambulance, simply say:
“Ambulance, please.”
or
“English, please.”
Many emergency dispatch centers can arrange interpretation services for foreign visitors.
Japan Visitor Hotline (24 Hours)
The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) operates a multilingual tourist support hotline.
Phone: +81-50-3816-2787
They can assist with:
- Medical emergencies
- Translation support
- Lost passports
- Transportation problems
- Natural disasters
If You Lose Your Passport
If your passport is lost or stolen:
- Report it to the police by calling 110.
- Obtain a police report.
- Contact your embassy or consulate.
- Follow their instructions for obtaining a replacement passport.
Most embassies in Tokyo can provide emergency assistance.
Useful Emergency Phrases
| English | Japanese |
|---|---|
| Help! | Tasukete! (助けて！) |
| Call an ambulance! | Kyūkyūsha o yonde kudasai! (救急車を呼んでください！) |
| Call the police! | Keisatsu o yonde kudasai! (警察を呼んでください！) |
| I don’t speak Japanese. | Nihongo ga hanasemasen. (日本語が話せません。) |
What Information Should You Give?
When calling emergency services, try to provide:
- Your current location
- Nearby landmarks
- What happened
- How many people are involved
- Your phone number
Knowing your hotel name and address can be extremely helpful.
I recommend taking a screenshot of your hotel’s name, address, and phone number before you head out each day.
If you ever need help, you can simply show the information to a police officer, taxi driver, or emergency responder. It also makes it much easier to explain where you’re staying if you don’t have an internet connection.
Quick Reference
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
| Police | 110 |
| Ambulance | 119 |
| Fire Department | 119 |
| Coast Guard | 118 |
| Medical Advice Hotline | #7119 |
| JNTO Visitor Hotline | +81-50-3816-2787 |
Final Thoughts
Japan is one of the safest countries in the world, and most visitors never experience an emergency.
Still, it’s worth saving these important numbers before your trip. A little preparation can make a stressful situation much easier to manage and help you enjoy your time in Japan with greater confidence.
