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 numbers on your phone before your trip.
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:
- 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 dispatch centers can connect interpreters for foreign visitors.
Japan Visitor Hotline (24/7)
The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) operates a multilingual tourist support hotline.
Phone Number
+81-50-3816-2787
Available 24 hours a day.
They can help with:
- Medical emergencies
- Translation assistance
- Lost passports
- Transportation problems
- Natural disasters
If You Lose Your Passport
- Contact the police (110) and obtain a police report.
- Contact your embassy or consulate.
- Follow embassy instructions for obtaining a replacement passport.
Most embassies in Tokyo can provide emergency assistance.
Useful Emergency Phrases
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, be ready to provide:
- Your location
- Nearby landmarks
- What happened
- How many people are involved
- Your phone number
Knowing your hotel name and address can be extremely helpful.
Quick Reference Card
🚔 Police: 110
🚑 Ambulance: 119
🔥 Fire: 119
🌊 Coast Guard: 118
🏥 Medical Advice: #7119
🌏 JNTO Visitor Hotline: +81-50-3816-2787
Final Tip
Save these numbers in your phone before arriving in Japan. Hopefully you’ll never need them, but being prepared can make a stressful situation much easier to handle.
