Tokyo Emergency Numbers and Phrases Every Traveler Should Know

Tokyo Emergency Numbers and Phrases – Tokyo emergency network requires three crucial numbers: 110 for police, 119 for fire and ambulance, and 118 for water emergencies.

Travelers should memorize key phrases like “Tasukete!” (Help!) and “Kyūkyūsha o yonde kudasai” (Please call an ambulance).

The multilingual #7119 hotline provides 24/7 medical consultation in English, while Tokyo’s “Himawari” service connects visitors with English-speaking doctors.

Smart travelers also download the Safety Tips app for real-time disaster alerts and keep these essential phrases accessible for those heart-pounding moments when every second counts.

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Quick Numbers You Should Save Right Now

Before you even step off that plane at Narita or Haneda, these four essential numbers need to find their permanent home in your phone contacts—because knowing them could literally save your life or someone else’s.

The Big Three form Japan’s emergency trifecta: dial 110 for police assistance, 119 for fire departments and ambulances, and 118 if you find yourself in trouble near Tokyo Bay or any waterway where the Japan Coast Guard can swoop in to help.

For those moments when you’re feeling unwell but aren’t sure if it’s truly an emergency, the medical consultation hotline #7119 connects you with healthcare professionals who can guide your next steps before you commit to calling that ambulance.

These hotlines provide support in multiple languages including English, Chinese, and Korean to ensure clear communication during critical situations.

The Big Three: Police 110, Fire/Ambulance 119

Imagine this scenario: you’re standing on a bustling Tokyo street corner when disaster strikes, and suddenly those vital first words you speak into your phone determine how quickly help arrives.

The moment emergency operators pick up calls to 110 or 119, they need to instantly understand whether you’re reporting a crime, fire, or medical emergency—making your opening statement absolutely critical for proper response dispatch.

Smart travelers memorize these essential opening phrases before they need them, because fumbling through language barriers wastes precious seconds when every moment counts.

Emergency services provide third-party interpreters for foreign language support, but knowing key Japanese phrases like 火事です (kaji desu) for fire and 救急 (Kyūkyū) for ambulance can expedite your call significantly.

When Minutes Matter: What To Say First

When disaster strikes in Tokyo, every second counts, and knowing exactly which numbers to dial can mean the difference between swift assistance and dangerous delays.

Smart emergency preparedness means mastering essential communication strategies: dial 110 for police emergencies, 119 for fire or medical situations, and always lead with your ward name for lightning-fast response routing!

Keep your phone on for approximately ten minutes after calling, as emergency responders may need to call you back for confirmation or additional details.

At Sea Or River: Japan Coast Guard 118

Whether you’re cruising Tokyo Bay, paddling down the Sumida River, or simply walking along Odaiba’s waterfront when trouble strikes, Japan Coast Guard’s 118 covers a surprisingly broad range of water-related emergencies that extend far beyond dramatic shipwrecks.

This maritime lifeline handles everything from someone slipping off a pier or getting caught in a riptide, to witnessing suspicious boats, oil spills, or even illegal smuggling operations along Tokyo’s extensive coastline and river systems.

When calling 118, you’ll need to provide the exact location of the incident, what happened, the number of people involved, and your contact information to ensure rescue teams can respond effectively.

Understanding what qualifies as a Coast Guard emergency versus a regular ambulance call can mean the difference between reaching the right responders immediately or wasting precious minutes during a water crisis!

What Counts As A Maritime Emergency

How does one distinguish between a genuine maritime crisis and a simple boating hiccup that doesn’t warrant an emergency response?

Japan’s maritime safety protocols recognize specific situations requiring immediate vessel reporting:

1. Active accidents – vessels taking on water or experiencing mechanical failures
2. Environmental threats – oil spills contaminating waters
3. Security concerns – suspicious activities or illegal operations

When you contact the Japan Coast Guard’s 118 emergency line, they can now send you a text message with a website URL that provides access to instructional videos demonstrating emergency response techniques and first aid procedures.

Medical Advice Lines You Can Call Before 119

Before calling an ambulance and potentially facing emergency room bills, Tokyo offers two essential medical consultation hotlines that can save both money and unnecessary stress.

The citywide #7119 connects callers with trained nurses around the clock, providing professional medical guidance to determine whether symptoms warrant immediate emergency care or can wait for a regular clinic visit.

These 24/7 services ensure medical advice is always available when health concerns arise during your travels.

For parents dealing with children’s mysterious fevers or concerning symptoms outside normal pediatric hours, the specialized #8000 hotline offers expert advice specifically tailored to young patients’ unique medical needs.

Tokyo EMS #7119: Nurse Advice 24/7

What happens when that mysterious stomach pain hits at 2 AM and travelers find themselves caught between “Is this serious enough for an ambulance?” and “Should I just tough it out until morning?” Tokyo’s #7119 nurse advice hotline exists precisely for these nerve-wracking moments, operating as a brilliant 24/7 medical triage system that has guided worried residents and visitors through health concerns since 2007.

This emergency protocol connects callers directly with trained professionals who assess symptoms using a sophisticated five-color classification system.

Nurse triage specialists guide conversations through 98 different symptom pathways, determining whether you need immediate ambulance dispatch (red category), urgent care within an hour (orange), or can safely wait until regular clinic hours.

The system uses an ABCD assessment approach, evaluating airway, breathing, circulation, and central nervous system function through structured questions about speech patterns, breathing sounds, and responsiveness.

The system’s genius lies in its three core functions:

1. Immediate escalation – Red-category conditions automatically trigger ambulance dispatch
2. Timeframe guidance – Yellow means seek care within 6 hours, green within 24 hours
3. Alternative pathways – Blue category provides non-urgent care direction and hospital location information

Pediatric After-Hours #8000: For Kids’ Symptoms

When traveling, parents face the terrifying moment of their child spiking a fever at midnight in an unfamiliar city.

Japan’s #8000 pediatric hotline becomes their lifeline to expert medical guidance without the language barriers and cultural confusion that typically plague overseas medical emergencies.

Pediatricians assess pediatric symptoms through proven emergency protocols, determining whether home care suffices or immediate hospital intervention becomes necessary.

The service operates with 24/7 availability through the Emergency Relief Center at #7119, providing multilingual support in English, Chinese, Korean, Thai, Malay, and Russian.

Help In English: Hotlines That Speak Your Language

Finding yourself in a Tokyo emergency without speaking Japanese can feel overwhelming, but several specialized hotlines bridge that language gap with fluent English support.

The JNTO Japan Visitor Hotline stands as your multilingual lifeline, operating around the clock to handle everything from medical crises to police situations.

Tokyo’s “Himawari” medical information service connects you directly with English-speaking clinics and hospitals.

For non-emergency police matters, the advice line #9110 and neighborhood koban help desks provide essential assistance.

US citizens should also contact the nearest Consulate for emergency assistance during serious situations.

Though these resources are invaluable, having a translation app ready never hurts when explaining your situation!

JNTO Japan Visitor Hotline: 24/7 Multilingual Support

When accidents strike or natural disasters unfold, the JNTO hotline transforms into your multilingual lifeline, connecting you with trained operators who can guide you through emergency procedures in English, Chinese, Korean, or Japanese.

These seasoned professionals don’t just offer comfort—they provide concrete assistance by locating nearby medical facilities with foreign-language staff, explaining Japan’s emergency protocols to confused travelers, and coordinating with local authorities when language barriers threaten to complicate critical situations.

The hotline operates 24/7 to ensure assistance is available whenever emergencies occur, regardless of the time of day or night.

Picture having a knowledgeable friend on speed dial who can instantly bridge the communication gap between you and Japanese emergency responders, turning a potentially terrifying experience into a manageable one with clear, step-by-step guidance!

What They Can Do During Accidents Or Disasters

Since emergencies don’t follow business hours, the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) operates their Japan Visitor Hotline around the clock, providing a crucial lifeline for foreign travelers caught in crisis situations.

During accidents or disasters, they expertly coordinate:

1. Direct emergency service connections with real-time translation
2. Medical facility identification with English-speaking staff
3. Embassy contact assistance for documentation crises

However, legal assistance and insurance claims require separate resources.

Tokyo “Himawari” Medical Information: Find Clinics With English

Sometimes you wake up with a splitting headache, twisted ankle, or mysterious rash that clearly needs medical attention but doesn’t warrant racing to the emergency room in an ambulance.

Tokyo’s “Himawari” medical information service becomes your digital lifeline in these moments, connecting you with English-speaking doctors and clinics across the metropolitan area who can squeeze you in for same-day appointments.

This extensive database transforms the intimidating task of finding appropriate medical care into a straightforward search, filtering thousands of healthcare providers by specialty, location, and most importantly for travelers, language capabilities.

The service provides comprehensive details including treatment types and opening hours for each medical facility, ensuring you can find exactly what you need when you need it.

When You Need A Same-Day Doctor, Not An Ambulance

That nagging stomach pain or persistent cough doesn’t warrant an ambulance ride, but finding English-speaking medical care in Tokyo can feel like steering a maze blindfolded!

Himawari transforms your medical appointment hunt into a breeze with targeted searches for:

1. Specialty clinics matching your symptom description
2. English-speaking staff verification
3. Same-day availability filtering

The service operates under the Tokyo Metropolitan Health Medical Information Center to ensure comprehensive support for foreign patients navigating Japan’s healthcare system.

Police Advice Line #9110 And Koban Help Desks

When language barriers create confusion during police consultations, travelers can request interpreter assistance using the simple phrase “Tsuyaku onegai shimasu” (츠야쿠 오네가이 시마스), which means “Please provide an interpreter.”

This essential phrase works at both the #9110 police advice hotline and local koban police boxes, where officers can arrange multilingual support for non-emergency situations like reporting suspicious activity or seeking safety guidance.

The service provides confidential guidance in Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean to ensure travelers can communicate effectively regardless of their native language.

Smart travelers memorize this phrase alongside emergency numbers, ensuring they can access professional interpretation services even when their Japanese vocabulary falls short during stressful encounters with law enforcement.

Asking For An Interpreter: “Tsuyaku Onegai Shimasu

How can travelers bridge the language gap during critical moments when every word matters?

The phrase “Tsuyaku onegai shimasu” (通訳お願いします) becomes your lifeline, requesting interpreter services when language barriers threaten effective communication.

Emergency interpretation access includes:

1. Hospital emergency interpretation – English-language guidance available upon request
2. GCI Global Community Interaction – Free interpreter dispatch for police visits
3. Professional services – Private interpreters for complex medical emergencies

When calling emergency services, speak clearly and slowly in Japanese to ensure dispatchers understand your situation, as English speakers are limited in the emergency response system.

Phrases That Work On The Phone (With Romaji)

When that vital moment arrives and you need emergency help in Tokyo, having the right Japanese phrases ready can literally save your life!

The key is keeping your opening line crystal clear—start with “Kyūkyūsha o yonde kudasai” (ambulance please) or “Keisatsu o yonde kudasai” (police please), then immediately follow with your most critical symptom using simple, direct language like “Mune ga itai desu” (chest pain) or “Hone o oreta to omoimasu” (broken bone suspected).

These essential phrases, delivered with confidence and clarity, will cut through any language barrier and get you the emergency assistance you desperately need.

If you find yourself in immediate danger and need urgent help, simply shout “tasuke te!” which is the universal emergency cry for help that any Japanese person will instantly recognize and respond to.

Opening Line: “Help, I Need An Ambulance/Police

When panic strikes and you need emergency help in Tokyo, the right opening phrase can literally save precious minutes that might determine life or death outcomes.

Master these essential conversation starters: “Tasukete!

Kyūkyūsha o yonde kudasai!” (Help!)

Please call an ambulance!) or “Tasukete!

Keisatsu o yonde kudasai!” (Help!)

Please call the police!) – both delivered with clear, deliberate pronunciation that cuts through language barriers instantly.

Remember that both fire department and ambulance services share the same emergency number 119, so don’t hesitate to dial this number for any medical emergency or fire-related situation.

The key lies in immediately following these urgent requests with your precise location using recognizable landmarks, station exits, or building details that emergency responders can quickly identify and reach.

Sharing Location: Landmarks, Station Exits, Floor Numbers

The crucial moment when emergency responders need to find someone in Tokyo’s labyrinthine urban maze demands crystal-clear location communication that cuts through language barriers with surgical precision.

Landmark navigation and station exit signs become your lifeline when seconds count!

Master these essential location markers:

1. Station exits: “[Station Name] eki A banguchi” (A exit)
2. Floor numbers: “San kai” (3rd floor)
3. Major landmarks: Department stores, ward offices, parks

When using public phones for emergency calls, remember that these phones connect to emergency services completely free of charge, making them reliable backup options when your mobile phone fails.

Symptoms And Injuries: Short, Clear Sentences

When emergency responders ask about your condition, three critical pieces of medical information can literally save your life: allergies, current medications, and blood type.

These details help paramedics and doctors make split-second treatment decisions without accidentally triggering dangerous reactions or drug interactions.

Smart travelers keep this information written in Japanese on a card or phone note, because fumbling through translation apps while experiencing a medical crisis isn’t exactly anyone’s idea of fun!

Remember to report exact location and nearby landmarks when calling 119, as this helps emergency services find you quickly in an unfamiliar area.

Allergies, Medications, And Blood Type

How quickly can a traveler communicate critical medical information when every second counts during a Tokyo emergency?

Mastering Japanese allergy terms and blood type phrases becomes absolutely essential when facing life-threatening situations.

Essential medical communications include:

1. Allergy declarations: “Watashi wa arerugī ga arimasu” alerts responders immediately
2. Medication needs: “Chuei yakuhin ga hitsuyou desu” requests emergency treatment
3. Blood type identification: “Watashi no ketsueki gata wa [type] desu” provides vital transfusion information

When describing symptoms or injuries to emergency operators, always speak slowly and use simple Japanese phrases to ensure accurate understanding.

Remember that clear communication can be the difference between receiving appropriate care and dangerous medical delays.

Share Your Location Fast: Tips That Save Time

When every second counts during a Tokyo emergency, three powerful location tools become your lifeline: distinctive landmarks that locals instantly recognize, digital mapping systems that pinpoint your exact coordinates, and building names that emergency responders can quickly locate.

Smart travelers master the art of combining train station exits with nearby convenience stores or department stores, creating unmistakable reference points that cut through language barriers like a hot knife through butter.

Whether you’re clutching your smartphone displaying What3Words coordinates or frantically describing the towering Shibuya Sky building above your head, these location strategies transform a potentially chaotic emergency call into a precise, efficient rescue operation.

Keep the Japan Visitor Hotline number (050-3816-2787) saved in your phone as backup support, since they provide 24/7 multilingual assistance for tourist emergencies and can help communicate your location to local responders.

Using Landmarks, What3Words/Maps, And Building Names

Understanding Tokyo’s unique address system becomes vital when every second counts during an emergency, as the city organizes locations through a hierarchical structure of ward (ku), numbered districts called chome, specific blocks, and individual building identifiers rather than the street-based system most travelers expect.

This systematic approach means that knowing you’re in “Shibuya-ku, Shibuya 2-chome, block 15, building 3” provides emergency responders with pinpoint accuracy to reach your exact location.

Mastering these four essential components—ward, chome, block, and building—transforms confusing Japanese addresses into a logical navigation tool that can literally save your life when communicating with emergency services.

Japanese Address Basics: Ward, Chome, Block, Building

Japanese addresses operate like an intricate puzzle where the pieces don’t always fit together the way Western minds expect!

Understanding address hierarchy helps emergency responders locate you quickly:

1. Ward (ku) – Administrative divisions like Shibuya-ku or Minato-ku
2. Chome – Numbered districts within wards (1-chome, 2-chome)
3. Block/Building – Specific location markers

The address sequence starts from larger divisions and narrows down to your exact location, which is the reverse of Western addressing conventions.

Master address formatting for faster emergency assistance!

Disaster Tools You’ll Actually Use

When disaster strikes Tokyo, smart travelers rely on two essential digital lifelines that actually work when you need them most.

The NTT Disaster Message 171 service becomes your family’s communication hub during major emergencies, allowing loved ones to leave voice messages even when regular phone lines collapse under overwhelming demand.

Meanwhile, downloading the Safety Tips app and Tokyo’s official disaster prep application before trouble hits transforms your smartphone into a multilingual emergency command center, complete with real-time alerts, evacuation routes, and shelter locations that could literally save your life.

NTT Disaster Message 171 For Family Check-Ins

The Web171 platform extends disaster messaging beyond traditional phone lines, allowing travelers to post safety updates online using any internet connection—a vital backup when cellular networks crash during major earthquakes.

Public payphones scattered throughout Tokyo’s streets and train stations become lifelines during emergencies, accepting coins and phone cards to access the 171 system when personal devices fail.

NTT activates this emergency network only during actual disasters or designated practice days, transforming an otherwise dormant system into Japan’s primary family communication hub when regular networks buckle under crisis demand.

The US Embassy in Japan provides emergency assistance and maintains updated contact information for American citizens who need consular support during disasters.

Web171, Public Payphones, And When The System Activates

How does Japan guarantee families can reconnect when cell towers collapse and internet networks fail during major disasters?

The government activates Web171 and maintains strategic public payphone networks through meticulous payphone maintenance and standardized activation procedures.

Essential disaster communication tools:

1. Web171 online messaging platform
2. Strategic payphone positioning throughout cities
3. Free emergency calling capabilities during crises

Apps Worth Installing: Safety Tips And Tokyo Disaster Prep

Smart travelers download essential safety apps before disaster strikes, transforming their smartphones into powerful emergency command centers equipped with real-time alerts, detailed evacuation maps, and all-encompassing offline checklists.

The Safety Tips app stands out as Japan’s premier multilingual disaster companion, delivering instant notifications about earthquakes, typhoons, and tsunamis while guiding users to the nearest evacuation centers through interactive maps that function even when cellular networks fail.

Tokyo’s dedicated disaster preparation app takes emergency readiness to the next level with 3D earthquake simulations, preparedness checklists, and detailed information about the city’s 4,000+ designated evacuation sites spread across the metropolitan area.

Alerts, Evacuation Maps, And Offline Checklists

When disaster strikes in Tokyo, having the right digital tools downloaded and ready can mean the difference between confusion and confident action.

Smart travelers prepare these essential resources:

1. NHK WORLD-JAPAN app – Real-time emergency broadcasting
2. Safety Tips APP – Offline multilingual guides
3. Tokyo evacuation maps – Downloaded before emergencies

Your emergency kit pairs perfectly with disaster insurance for complete protection!

Smart Safety Moves For Busy Areas

Tokyo’s bustling districts present unique situations where travelers must quickly decide whether to contact emergency services or seek help from nearby staff members.

Smart visitors recognize that hotel concierges, station attendants, and shop employees often resolve minor issues faster than official channels, while genuine emergencies require immediate police or medical response.

Understanding this distinction prevents unnecessary panic calls while ensuring serious situations receive proper attention from trained professionals.

The city’s widespread police presence adds an extra layer of security and accessibility for travelers who need immediate assistance.

When To Call, When To Ask A Staff Member

Tokyo’s 24-hour konbini (convenience stores) serve as unexpected lifelines for travelers who find themselves in confusing or uncomfortable situations after dark.

These brightly lit sanctuaries, staffed by helpful employees and equipped with basic amenities, offer a perfect middle ground between handling minor issues yourself and making emergency calls.

Whether you’re lost, feeling unsafe, or simply need directions back to your hotel, ducking into a Family Mart or 7-Eleven provides immediate safety while you assess your next move!

Late-Night Convenience Stores As Safe Havens

Despite the recent reduction in 24-hour operations across Tokyo’s convenience store landscape, thousands of konbini still serve as brilliant safe havens for travelers steering the city’s bustling districts after dark.

These Convenience Store Security sanctuaries offer essential Nighttime Safety Tips:

1. Bright lighting and security cameras deter troublemakers
2. Staff can assist with emergency calls or directions
3. Clean restrooms and climate control provide comfortable refuge

With nearly 12% of major stores now operating with reduced hours due to labor shortages, it’s wise to identify multiple nearby locations during your evening explorations.

Keep This Mini Cheat Sheet In Your Phone

Smart travelers know that fumbling through translation apps during an emergency wastes precious seconds, so creating a screenshot-ready contact list transforms your phone into a lifeline.

This compact digital cheat sheet should live prominently on your home screen, featuring essential numbers like 110 for police and 119 for fire emergencies alongside those vital Japanese phrases that cut through language barriers instantly.

Think of it as your pocket-sized safety net—because when adrenaline kicks in, you’ll thank yourself for having everything organized in one glanceable spot!

One-Screen List Of Numbers And Phrases

Smart travelers know that fumbling through contacts during an emergency wastes precious seconds, which is why creating a quick-access home screen shortcut transforms your phone into a lifeline.

Most smartphones allow users to capture this essential information as a screenshot, then convert it into a widget or shortcut that appears instantly when needed—no scrolling, no searching, just tap and access.

The process takes less than thirty seconds to set up, but those few moments of preparation could prove invaluable when stress levels spike and clear thinking becomes challenging.

How To Make A Home-Screen Shortcut In 30 Seconds

The fastest emergency preparation any Tokyo traveler can make involves creating a lightning-quick home screen shortcut that puts life-saving numbers and phrases literally at their fingertips.

This digital Emergency Kit beats traditional Safety Drills:

1. Long-press your home screen and select “Widgets”
2. Choose direct-dial widgets for 110, 119, and Japan Visitor Hotline
3. Add emergency phrases like “Kyūkyū desu” for instant communication

Access to medical assistance specifically designed for foreign visitors ensures proper healthcare guidance when language barriers might otherwise complicate emergency situations.

Wrapping Up

Armed with these emergency essentials, travelers transform from vulnerable tourists into prepared explorers who navigate Tokyo’s bustling streets with confidence.

These numbers and phrases become lifelines when chaos strikes, turning potential disasters into manageable bumps in the road.

Like a safety net woven from knowledge, this emergency toolkit guarantees that language barriers crumble and help arrives swiftly, allowing adventurers to embrace Tokyo’s wonders while staying protected and connected.