Japan doesn't use a single emergency number like 911 in the US or 112 in Europe. Each type of emergency has its own number, and calling the wrong one in a panic can cost you precious time. Before you go, save these in your phone. In an emergency, how fast you can access the right information really does matter.
110 — Police
Call 110 to report a crime, traffic accident, lost belongings, or any situation that needs police involvement. It's active 24 hours and operators can connect you to an English interpreter if needed. For non-urgent matters like consultations or minor reports, use #9110 instead so the emergency line stays clear.
119 — Ambulance and Fire
119 covers two things at once: calling an ambulance for a medical emergency, and reporting a fire. When you call, immediately state whether you need an ambulance (救急, kyūkyū) or are reporting a fire (火事, kaji) so the operator can respond appropriately. Ambulance services in Japan are free — but hospital treatment will still cost you.
118 — Japan Coast Guard
118 is specifically for maritime and waterway emergencies: boat accidents, drowning at a beach or river, suspicious activity on the water. It's a number a lot of tourists overlook, but it's pretty important if you're heading to coastal destinations or planning any water activities in Japan.
#7119 — Non-Emergency Medical Consultation
If someone is sick or injured but you're not sure whether an ambulance is actually needed, #7119 is the right number to call first. The service helps you figure out whether to go to a hospital or handle it yourself. Keep in mind it's generally only available in Japanese — so tourists are better off using the Japan Visitor Hotline as an alternative.
050-3816-2787 — Japan Visitor Hotline (JNTO)
This is the most important number for foreign tourists. The Japan Visitor Hotline is run by the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and is available in English, Mandarin, Korean, and Japanese. Call it if you're dealing with an accident, illness, natural disaster, or just need help finding the nearest medical facility. Calling from outside Japan: +81-50-3816-2787.
Tips for Calling Emergency Numbers in Japan
Emergency operators in Japan generally speak Japanese, though interpreters can be connected. A few basic phrases that are worth knowing:
- Tasukete kudasai (助けてください) — Please help me
- Kyūkyūsha onegaishimasu (救急車をお願いします) — Please send an ambulance
- Kaji desu (火事です) — There's a fire
- Keisatsu wo yonde kudasai (警察を呼んでください) — Please call the police
Beyond the phrases, give your location as clearly as possible — building name, block number, or the nearest station. Don't hang up until the operator tells you to, since the dispatcher needs complete information to send the right help.
Quick Reference: Numbers and When to Use Them
| Number | Function | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| 110 | Police | Crime, accidents, lost items |
| 119 | Ambulance / Fire | Medical emergencies, fires |
| 118 | Coast Guard | Maritime or waterway emergencies |
| #7119 | Medical consultation | Not sure if you need an ambulance |
| 050-3816-2787 | Japan Visitor Hotline | Multilingual assistance for tourists |
Before heading to Japan, also download the official Safety Tips app from JNTO, it sends real-time disaster alerts in five languages, covering earthquakes, extreme weather warnings, and tsunamis.
