Japan Emergency Numbers and Safety: What to Do in a Crisis

Emergency Numbers

Dial 110 for police and 119 for fire and ambulance. Ambulance service is free. Operators may have limited English; stating your location clearly is the most important information. The Japan Visitor Hotline at 050-3816-2787 provides 24-hour multilingual assistance for tourists experiencing emergencies, accidents, or trouble. The TELL Lifeline at 03-5774-0992 provides English-language counseling and crisis support.

Koban police boxes, small street-corner stations staffed by officers, exist throughout urban and residential areas and serve as the first point of contact for non-emergency situations including lost items, directions, and reporting minor incidents. Officers are generally helpful and patient with foreign visitors despite language barriers. Lost items turned in to koban or train station lost-and-found offices have a remarkably high return rate in Japan.

Natural Disasters

Japan experiences earthquakes, typhoons, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis. Hotel rooms contain emergency cards with evacuation instructions in multiple languages. The J-Alert national emergency warning system sends notifications to all mobile phones during major earthquakes and tsunami warnings, producing a distinctive alarm sound. Move away from buildings during earthquakes, and if indoors, shelter under sturdy furniture. In tsunami zones, move to high ground immediately when warnings sound or when you feel sustained strong shaking near the coast.

The NHK World app provides emergency broadcasts in English. Most Japanese smartphones receive earthquake early warnings seconds before shaking arrives. Convenience stores and public buildings serve as emergency refuges. Carry travel insurance that covers natural disaster disruptions, and register with your embassy’s notification system for alerts.

Emergency Numbers and Procedures

Dial 110 for police and 119 for ambulance and fire. Operators may not speak English, so stating the emergency in simple terms or your location helps. The Japan Helpline at 0570-000-911 provides 24-hour English-language assistance for non-life-threatening emergencies and general help. Many smartphones automatically connect to Japanese emergency services when dialing the local numbers. Police koban stations found at major intersections and near train stations provide directions, lost-and-found assistance, and emergency help from officers who may speak basic English. For earthquakes, move under a sturdy table or desk, cover your head, and hold on. After shaking stops, check for fires, gas leaks, and structural damage before evacuating. Tsunami warnings broadcast through outdoor speakers, TV, and smartphone alerts; move immediately to high ground or the nearest tsunami evacuation building marked with blue signs. Hospitals with English-speaking staff include St. Luke’s International in Tokyo, Kobe Adventist Hospital, and AMDA International Medical Information Center.

Medical Emergencies

For serious medical emergencies, call 119 for an ambulance (kyuukyuusha). The dispatcher may not speak English but will respond to the address or location name. Ambulance service is free in Japan regardless of nationality or insurance status. Emergency rooms at major hospitals operate 24 hours but may have limited English capability outside major cities. Hospitals with English-speaking staff include St. Luke’s International Hospital in Tokyo (Tsukiji), Tokyo Medical and Surgical Clinic (Shiba Park), and Kobe Adventist Hospital. The AMDA International Medical Information Center at 03-5285-8088 provides English-language medical consultation and hospital referrals.

Natural Disaster Response

Japan’s earthquake early warning system sends smartphone alerts (via the J-Alert system) seconds to minutes before shaking arrives, producing a distinctive alarm sound. The Yurekuru Call app provides English-language earthquake warnings. For tsunamis, immediately move to high ground or a tsunami evacuation building marked with blue signs showing a wave and an arrow pointing up. Evacuation sites (hinan-jo) are marked with green signs at schools and parks in every neighborhood. The 171 Disaster Message Dial allows leaving voice messages when phone lines are overwhelmed, and the web-based version works from any internet connection. Convenience stores and designated disaster vending machines release free water and supplies during declared emergencies.

This content is for informational purposes only and reflects independent research. Details may change — verify current information before making travel plans.