Japan is consistently ranked as one of the safest countries in the world for tourists. Low crime rates, helpful locals, and excellent infrastructure make it a dream destination. But no trip is without risk — accidents happen, health issues arise, and emergencies occur even in the safest places. Knowing what to do before something goes wrong is the smartest thing any traveler can do.
This guide covers everything you need to handle emergencies in Japan confidently — from calling the right number to finding English-speaking doctors.
Know the Emergency Numbers
Japan has two primary emergency numbers, and knowing both could save your life:
- 110 — Police (Keisatsu). Call this for crimes, accidents, suspicious activity, or if you feel unsafe.
- 119 — Ambulance and Fire (Kyuukyuu/Shoubou). Call this for medical emergencies, fires, or if someone is injured.
Operators may not speak English fluently, but they are trained to handle international calls. Stay calm, say “I need help” and your location clearly. Many local governments now have English interpretation services connected to these lines. In Tokyo, for example, you can call #7119 for non-emergency medical consultation in multiple languages.
Finding Medical Help: Hospitals and Clinics
Japan has world-class medical facilities, but navigating them as a foreigner can be challenging without preparation.
Hospitals with English Support
Major cities have hospitals with English-speaking staff or international patient departments. Some well-known options include:
- Tokyo: St. Luke’s International Hospital (Tsukiji), International University of Health and Welfare Mita Hospital
- Osaka: JCHO Osaka Hospital, Sumitomo Hospital
- Kyoto: Kyoto City Hospital, Japan Baptist Hospital
Before your trip, search “international clinic near [your destination]” and save the address and phone number. The AMDA International Medical Information Center (03-6233-9266) provides multilingual medical consultation and can help you find appropriate facilities across Japan.
What to Bring to a Hospital
Always carry your passport and travel insurance card. Japan does not have a universal healthcare system for tourists — you will be charged for treatment, typically upfront. Costs can range from ¥3,000 for a basic clinic visit to tens of thousands of yen for emergency treatment. Travel insurance with medical coverage is not optional — it is essential.
Keep a simple medical card in your wallet listing your blood type, any allergies, medications you take, and emergency contact information. A Japanese translation helps enormously.
Dealing with Police in Japan
Japan’s police are generally professional and courteous. If you’re the victim of theft, a traffic accident, or any crime, visit the nearest Koban (police box — small neighborhood police stations found throughout cities). They can help you file a report, which you’ll need for insurance claims.
If something is stolen, report it immediately. Japan has an impressive lost-and-found culture — wallets, phones, and bags are frequently turned in to police. Check the nearest Koban or the lost-and-found at the last train station you used.
In serious situations, ask for an interpreter. Police are obligated to provide one. You have the right to contact your country’s embassy or consulate if you are detained.
Contacting Your Embassy or Consulate
Your embassy is your lifeline in a serious emergency — lost passport, serious legal trouble, or a family crisis abroad. Save your embassy’s emergency contact number in your phone before you travel.
- US Embassy Tokyo: +81-3-3224-5000
- UK Embassy Tokyo: +81-3-5211-1100
- Australian Embassy Tokyo: +81-3-5232-4111
- Canadian Embassy Tokyo: +81-3-5412-6200
Visit your government’s travel advisory website before departure and register your trip if that service is available. This allows your government to contact you in case of a national emergency or natural disaster in Japan.
Natural Disaster Preparedness
Japan sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, making earthquakes a real possibility. Here’s what to do:
Earthquakes
- If indoors: drop to your hands and knees, find cover under a sturdy table, and hold on.
- If outdoors: move away from buildings, utility poles, and glass facades. Head to an open area.
- Do not use elevators after an earthquake.
- After shaking stops, follow evacuation instructions from local authorities or hotel staff.
Japan has an excellent earthquake alert system. You’ll often hear a loud warning sound from your phone seconds before shaking begins — this is the J-Alert system. Don’t panic; use those seconds to protect yourself.
Typhoons and Floods
Typhoon season runs roughly from June to October. If a typhoon is approaching your area, stay indoors, stock up on water and food, and monitor official NHK World broadcasts for English-language updates. Follow evacuation orders from local authorities without hesitation.
Travel Insurance: Don’t Skip It
We cannot emphasize this enough: get comprehensive travel insurance before arriving in Japan. A policy that covers emergency medical treatment and hospitalization, medical evacuation, trip cancellation and interruption, and lost or stolen luggage and documents can mean the difference between a recoverable situation and a financial catastrophe. Keep your insurance company’s 24-hour international helpline number saved in your phone.
Useful Apps and Resources
- Safety tips app (Japan Tourism Agency): Free app providing disaster alerts and safety information in multiple languages.
- NHK World: English-language news and emergency broadcasts.
- Google Maps: Works well in Japan and can help you locate the nearest hospital or police station.
Quick Reference Emergency Card
Screenshot or print this and keep it accessible:
- Police: 110
- Ambulance/Fire: 119
- Non-emergency medical consultation (Tokyo): #7119
- AMDA Medical Info Center (multilingual): 03-6233-9266
- Japan Tourism Agency helpline: 050-3816-2787 (24 hours, multilingual)
Japan is a wonderful, welcoming, and remarkably safe destination. With a little preparation, you can travel with confidence knowing that help is always within reach.
Try Japan Travel Concierge — a free GPS-powered travel toolkit: https://japan-travel-concierge.net/app/
コメント