Dial 110 for police, 119 for fire and ambulance. Both are free, work 24/7 from any phone — even without a Japanese SIM. Save this page before your trip.
110
Police24/7
Crimes, traffic accidents, theft. Free from any phone, no SIM needed.
119
Fire & Ambulance24/7
Fires and medical emergencies. Say “kyūkyū” (ambulance) or “kaji” (fire) first.
118
Coast Guard24/7
Emergencies at sea — accidents, people in trouble in the water.
#7119
Medical Consultation24/7
Not sure if you need an ambulance? Nurses advise you (major cities, some English).
0570-000-911
Japan Visitor Hotline (JNTO)24/7
24/7 tourist hotline in English, Chinese, and Korean — illness, accidents, disasters.
171
Disaster Message Board24/7
Leave or check voice messages for family when disasters cut phone lines.
03-5774-0992
TELL Lifeline
English-language mental health support line (daily, hours vary).
| English | Japanese | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Help! | 助けて！ | Tasukete! |
| Please call an ambulance. | 救急車を呼んでください。 | Kyūkyūsha o yonde kudasai. |
| Please call the police. | 警察を呼んでください。 | Keisatsu o yonde kudasai. |
| It hurts here. | ここが痛いです。 | Koko ga itai desu. |
| I don't speak Japanese. | 日本語が話せません。 | Nihongo ga hanasemasen. |
| Where is the hospital? | 病院はどこですか？ | Byōin wa doko desu ka? |
Print this page and keep it in your wallet or day bag — phones run out of battery at the worst moments.
Japan has two main emergency numbers: 110 for police and 119 for fire and ambulance. Both are free, work 24/7, and can be dialed from any mobile phone — even without a Japanese SIM card.
110 and 119 operators in major cities can usually arrange interpretation, but response varies. Speak slowly, state your location first, and use simple words. Tourists can also call the 24/7 Japan Visitor Hotline (0570-000-911) for English support.
Yes, the ambulance ride itself is free for everyone, including tourists. However, the medical treatment you receive at the hospital is not — travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Yes. Emergency calls work from any phone with signal, including phones without a SIM card, roaming phones, and public payphones (press the red emergency button — no coins needed).
Drop, cover your head, and hold on until shaking stops — do not run outside. Afterward, follow instructions from staff or local authorities, and check the NHK World app for English alerts. Japan's buildings are engineered for earthquakes; panic causes more injuries than most quakes.