Japan Emergency Numbers & What to Do 2026

Note: Prices and availability change frequently. The prices shown in this article are examples as of April 2026. Always verify the latest prices and details on the official provider’s website before booking/purchasing.

Essential Emergency Numbers

Japan’s emergency system is reliable and fast — ambulance response times average 8–9 minutes in urban areas. However, most emergency operators speak limited English. Knowing what to say and having backup resources makes a critical difference.

All emergency calls (110, 119, 118) are free from any phone — including locked phones with no SIM, payphones (press the red emergency button), and hotel room phones.

Read the full Japan safety guide →

How to Call 110 (Police)

Call 110 for crimes in progress, traffic accidents, suspicious activity, or if you feel threatened. You can also use 110 to report lost property, though visiting a koban (police box) in person is faster for non-urgent reports.

What to Say

1. “Jiko desu” (事故です) — “There is an accident”
2. “Dorobo desu” (泥棒です) — “There is a thief”
3. “Tasukete kudasai” (助けてください) — “Please help me”
4. State your location — the nearest landmark, station name, or address. If you do not know, describe what you can see.
5. Say “Eigo onegaishimasu” (英語お願いします) to request English support — operators can connect to interpretation services, though it takes a few minutes.

Koban (Police Boxes)

Small police stations called koban are located near major train stations and intersections throughout Japan. Officers staff them 24/7. Koban are ideal for non-emergency reports: lost property, directions, or reporting a minor incident. Most officers speak limited English but will use translation apps or call for interpreter support.

Japan has an extraordinary lost-and-found system. Wallets, phones, and bags left on trains or in restaurants are frequently turned in to koban or station offices. If you lose something, report it at the nearest koban — there is a realistic chance of getting it back, even if it contained cash.

How to Call 119 (Fire & Ambulance)

Call 119 for medical emergencies and fires. When the operator answers, they will ask:

1. “Kaji desu ka, kyuukyuu desu ka?#8221; — “Is it a fire or an ambulance?#8221;
2. Answer: “Kyuukyuu desu” (救急です) for ambulance, or “Kaji desu” (火事です) for fire
3. State your location as precisely as possible — address, building name, floor number, nearest intersection or landmark
4. Describe the situation — “Someone collapsed” = “Hito ga taoremashita” (人が倒れました)
5. Request English: “Eigo onegaishimasu”

Ambulance Facts

• Ambulance service is free in Japan — no charge for the ride
• Average urban response time: 8–9 minutes
• Paramedics provide basic stabilization but have limited authority compared to some countries — they transport to the nearest accepting hospital
• You may not get to choose which hospital you go to — ambulances take patients to whichever hospital has availability
• Carry your passport and insurance card — hospitals will ask for identification

When NOT to Call 119

Non-life-threatening issues — a cold, minor cuts, mild stomach problems — should be handled at a walk-in clinic, not by ambulance. Japan’s ambulance system is under strain in major cities, and misuse is a documented problem. For non-urgent medical needs, visit a clinic during business hours or ask your hotel reception for the nearest appropriate facility.

Find English-speaking hospitals in Japan →

JHELP and Multilingual Support

The Japan Helpline (JHELP) at 0570-000-911 provides multilingual emergency assistance. If you cannot communicate with 110 or 119 operators in Japanese, call JHELP first — they will relay your emergency to the appropriate service in your language.

JNTO Japan Visitor Hotline

The Japan National Tourism Organization operates a 24/7 hotline at 050-3816-2787 for tourists. This line handles:

• Emergency guidance and translation relay
• Tourist information and travel advice
• Natural disaster information
• Lost property assistance
• Medical facility referrals

Available in English, Chinese, Korean, and Japanese. This should be your first call for any non-critical situation where language is a barrier.

What to Do in Specific Emergencies

Earthquake

1. Drop to the ground, take cover under a sturdy table, hold on
2. If outdoors, move away from buildings, power lines, and vending machines
3. After shaking stops, check for tsunami warnings (coastal areas)
4. Follow evacuation signs (green and white) to designated shelters
5. Check the Safety Tips app (NHK) for updates in English

Typhoon

1. Stay indoors — do not attempt to travel during the storm
2. Stock up on water and food from convenience stores before the storm hits
3. Check train suspension announcements on the JR East, JR West, or private railway apps
4. Move to upper floors if flooding warnings are issued for your area
5. Monitor NHK World for English-language updates

Medical Emergency

1. Call 119 and say “kyuukyuu desu” (ambulance)
2. If the patient is unconscious, begin CPR — AEDs are widely available in train stations, convenience stores, and public buildings (look for the heart-shaped green sign)
3. Have your passport and insurance information ready for the hospital
4. Contact your travel insurance provider’s emergency hotline after stabilization

Lost or Stolen Passport

1. File a police report at the nearest koban — you will need the report number
2. Contact your country’s embassy or consulate in Japan
3. Apply for an emergency travel document — processing takes 1–5 business days depending on your embassy
4. Keep a photocopy or photo of your passport on your phone as backup

Practical Tips

• Screenshot this page: Save the emergency numbers table as a screenshot on your phone for offline access.
• Learn your hotel address in Japanese: Ask your hotel for a business card with the address in Japanese — show this to taxi drivers or emergency operators.
• Download offline maps: Google Maps allows offline downloads. Download maps for your travel areas in case you lose data connectivity during an emergency.
• Know your blood type: Japanese hospitals routinely ask for blood type. If you know yours, write it on a card in your wallet.
• Carry your insurance card: Print or save your travel insurance policy number and emergency hotline number on your phone and in your wallet.
• Register with your embassy: Most embassies offer travel registration services that send emergency alerts to registered citizens. Takes 5 minutes online before departure.

Common Mistakes

• Not saving emergency numbers before arrival: Do it now, not when you need them.
• Calling 119 for non-emergencies: Ambulance misuse strains the system. Use walk-in clinics for minor issues.
• Not carrying your passport: Japanese law requires foreign nationals to carry their passport at all times. Police can request to see it.
• Panicking during earthquakes: Minor tremors are routine. Stay calm, follow the drop-cover-hold procedure, and wait for official information.
• Not knowing your location: In an emergency, you need to tell operators where you are. Check the nearest address on Google Maps or look for landmarks.

FAQ

Can I call 110 or 119 from a phone without a SIM card?

Yes. Emergency calls work from any phone, including locked phones without a SIM card. Payphones have an emergency button (red button) that connects you without inserting coins.

Do Japanese ambulances charge a fee?

No. The ambulance ride is free. However, hospital treatment upon arrival is not free — costs depend on the treatment provided. Travel insurance covers these medical expenses.

What if I do not speak Japanese in an emergency?

Call JHELP at 0570-000-911 for multilingual relay, or the JNTO hotline at 050-3816-2787. Emergency operators (110/119) can also connect to interpretation services, though this takes a few minutes.

Where do I report lost items?

Report to the nearest koban (police box) or the lost-and-found office at the relevant train station. Japan’s return rate for lost items is remarkably high — wallets with cash are frequently returned intact.

Is travel insurance necessary for Japan?

Strongly recommended. While ambulance rides are free, hospital treatment is not covered for tourists. An ER visit can cost ¥30,000–¥100,000+ without insurance. Travel insurance also covers trip cancellations due to natural disasters.

Related Articles

• Japan Safety Guide for Tourists 2026
• Japan Hospital Guide for Tourists 2026
• Is Japan Safe for Tourists 2026