How Does Emergency Numbers Work in Japan?
Last verified: 2025-01 · Asia
1The Quick Answer
Police: 110. Ambulance & Fire: 119. Tourist helpline (English): 050-3816-2787.
2What You Need to Know
Japan's emergency services are highly responsive and professional. The police line (110) and ambulance/fire line (119) have basic English operator support in major cities, but response may be slow in rural areas. For tourist-specific help including language support and guidance, use the Japan Tourism Agency's 24/7 multilingual tourist information center. Hospitals will provide emergency care regardless of insurance status, but expect significant bills afterward.
3Practical Tips
Practical Tips
- 1Save 110 (police) and 119 (ambulance/fire) in your phone before you need them
- 2Tourist helpline with English support: 050-3816-2787 (24 hours, free)
- 3For non-emergency police matters, look for a Koban (small police box) — they are everywhere in cities
- 4Japan's postal address system can confuse emergency services — know your hotel's exact address in Japanese
- 5Google Maps works excellently in Japan for sharing your location with emergency services
How does this compare?
Emergency Numbers rules in nearby and similar countries:
Tourist Police: 1155 (English spoken). Ambulance: 1669. Fire: 199. Regular Police: 191.
Police: 999. Ambulance & Fire: 995. Non-emergency police: 1800-255-0000. Singapore has extremely fast emergency response.
Dial 112 for all emergencies — this single universal number (active since 2018) connects to police, ambulance, and fire services nationwide.
Traveling to Japan?
You might also need:
More About Japan
Do not tip in Japan. Tipping is considered rude and may cause embarrassment.
Updated 2025-01
Buy a Suica or Pasmo IC card at any major station. It works on all trains, subways, and most buses nationwide.
Updated 2025-01
Japan has excellent hospitals but they are expensive for uninsured tourists. Always bring travel insurance. Many hospitals do not speak English.
Updated 2025-01
Japan has strict drug laws, zero tolerance for drunk driving, and laws against jaywalking in some areas. Ignorance is not a defense.
Updated 2025-01
Japan is generally relaxed about clothing, but remove shoes when entering homes and many temples. Dress modestly at religious sites.
Updated 2025-01
Drinking age is 20. Alcohol is sold in convenience stores 24/7. Drinking in public is legal. Drunk driving has zero tolerance.
Updated 2025-01
🚨 See Emergency Numbers rules in all countries
Compare all countries →