Japan Emergency Phone Numbers and Services Guide

When living in or visiting Japan as a foreigner, knowing the right emergency phone numbers can make the difference in a crisis. Japan's emergency services are efficient and well-organized, but the language barrier can be a real challenge. This comprehensive guide covers every emergency number you need in Japan, English-language support options, and practical tips to help you navigate urgent situations with confidence.

!Emergency services in Japan - ambulance and police

Core Emergency Numbers in Japan

Japan uses three primary short-code emergency numbers that are active 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. These work from any phone — mobile, landline, or public payphone — at no charge.

How to Call 110 (Police)

Dial 110 for any police emergency: robbery, assault, traffic accidents, lost passports, or suspicious activity. The operator will answer in Japanese. Stay calm and say "Eigo ga hanasemasu ka?" (Can you speak English?) or simply "English, please." Many major city police centers have access to interpreter services.

When calling, be ready to state:

• Your location (address or nearby landmarks)
• What happened
• Whether anyone is injured

How to Call 119 (Fire & Ambulance)

Dial 119 for fires, serious injuries, heart attacks, stroke, or any life-threatening medical emergency. Say "Kyuukyuusha wo onegaishimasu" (救急車をお願いします) to request an ambulance, or "Kaji desu" (火事です) to report a fire.

Important: Ambulance transport in Japan is free of charge. You will only be billed for hospital treatment once you arrive at a medical facility. If you are ever unsure whether a situation requires an ambulance, call the medical advice line #7119 first.

English-Language Emergency Support

One of the most valuable resources for foreigners in Japan is the Japan Visitor Hotline, operated by the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO).

Japan Visitor Hotline: 050-3816-2787

• Available 24 hours, 365 days a year
• Languages: English, Chinese, Korean, Japanese
• Services: Emergency assistance, medical facility referrals, disaster support
• International callers: +81-50-3816-2787

This hotline can help you find English-speaking hospitals, connect you with the right authorities, or provide guidance during a natural disaster. Save this number in your phone before you need it.

!Japan emergency guide for foreigners living in Japan

Medical Consultation Lines

Not every health situation requires calling 119. Japan has dedicated medical consultation lines that can help you assess the situation:

#7119 — Non-Emergency Medical Consultation

The #7119 line (available in major cities including Tokyo) provides free medical advice from trained nurses and dispatchers. Use it when you're unsure whether a situation is serious enough for an ambulance. This reduces unnecessary ambulance use and ensures emergency vehicles are available for true life-threatening cases.

HIMAWARI (Tokyo Metropolitan Medical Information Service)

Phone: 03-5285-8181 Hours: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM daily

HIMAWARI introduces foreign-language-compatible medical institutions and explains Japan's medical system. If you're in Tokyo and need to find a doctor who speaks English or another language, this is the right call.

For more on navigating Japanese healthcare, see our Complete Guide to Healthcare in Japan for Foreigners.

Expat Support Centers by Region

Beyond emergency lines, Japan has a network of international resident support centers staffed with multilingual advisors who can assist with legal issues, visas, housing disputes, and daily-life emergencies.

These centers are particularly useful if you face a non-life-threatening emergency such as landlord disputes, workplace abuse, or immigration-related stress. Learn more about daily life support at Living in Nihon.

Mental Health and Crisis Support

Emergencies are not always physical. Japan can be an isolating place, especially for newly arrived foreigners dealing with language barriers, culture shock, or work pressure.

TELL Lifeline

Phone: 0800-300-8355 (toll-free)

• Available for English-speaking residents across Japan
• Provides telephone counseling for emotional crises
• Also offers face-to-face therapy sessions in Tokyo

Ministry of Justice Human Rights Hotline

Phone: 0570-090-911 Hours: Weekdays 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

This line handles complaints about discrimination, harassment, or human rights violations. It is important for foreigners who may face unfair treatment in the workplace or housing. See our guide to Working in Japan as a Foreigner for more context on workplace rights.

For workers looking to build a career in Japan, For Work in Japan provides practical employment guidance including workplace safety awareness.

Disaster Preparedness Resources

Japan is one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world. Foreigners need to be prepared for natural disasters in addition to standard emergencies.

171 — NTT Disaster Emergency Message Dial

After a major earthquake or disaster, mobile networks often become overloaded. Dial 171 to:

• Record a voice message confirming your safety
• Listen to safety messages from family or friends

Recommended Apps

Download these apps before any emergency. The Safety Tips app in particular is endorsed by Japan's government for foreign residents and tourists. For a full overview of disaster preparedness, see our Complete Guide to Safety and Emergency Preparedness in Japan.

Practical Phrases for Emergencies

The ability to communicate even a few words in Japanese can dramatically improve response times during an emergency.

Keep a printed or digital copy of these phrases in your wallet or phone notes.

Medical Costs and Insurance

While ambulance transport is free, hospital treatment is not. Japan has a public health insurance system that all registered foreign residents must enroll in. If you have National Health Insurance, you typically pay 30% of medical costs.

Tourists and short-term visitors should carry valid travel insurance. Important warning from JNTO: Foreign visitors who fail to pay their medical expenses may be denied re-entry to Japan in the future. Always carry travel insurance when visiting Japan.

For a deeper look at financial planning in Japan, visit Ittenshoku for job and career resources that can help you understand workplace benefits and coverage.

Also see our Complete Guide to Banking and Finance in Japan for information on health insurance enrollment and payment options.

Summary Checklist

Before or immediately after arriving in Japan, take these steps:

1. Save 110, 119, and 050-3816-2787 (JNTO Hotline) in your phone
2. Download the Safety Tips app for disaster alerts
3. Enroll in National Health Insurance (for residents)
4. Purchase travel insurance (for tourists)
5. Locate your nearest expat support center (FRAC, OFIX, YOKE, etc.)
6. Learn the key emergency phrases in Japanese
7. Know your home address in Japanese to give to emergency dispatchers

Japan is an extremely safe country, and emergency services are highly professional. With a little preparation and the right phone numbers saved, you can handle almost any situation confidently.

For more guidance on settling into life in Japan, explore our Complete Guide to Daily Life in Japan for Foreigners.

Additional resources:

• JNTO Emergency Guide for Foreigners
• Japan Handbook: Emergency Numbers and Expat Support