Welcome to your Tokyo emergency numbers guide, your go-to resource for staying safe and sound in Japan’s bustling capital. Picture this: you’re winding through a side street in Shibuya when you spot someone who needs help. Which number do you dial? In this ultimate guide, you’ll get all the must-know hotlines, step-by-step dialing tips, and multilingual support lines, so you can act fast and stay calm.
You’ll learn:
- The primary numbers for police, ambulance, and fire services
- How to give clear info to dispatchers
- Where to find English, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, and Korean helplines
- Non-emergency contacts and planning hacks
- Handy apps and tools to keep on your phone
Let’s dive in and make sure your Tokyo trip is as safe as it is unforgettable.
Memorize primary emergency numbers
What numbers should you know off the top of your head? In Tokyo, there are three main lines that cover all urgent situations.
| Service | Number | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Police | 110 | Call for theft, assault, or any crime in progress |
| Ambulance and fire | 119 | Dial for sudden injuries, heart attacks, fires, or rescue |
Key points:
- You can dial 110 or 119 from any landline, public phone, or mobile without an area code.
- Public payphones: just press the red emergency button, no coins needed.
- Both services are free to call, but medical care costs apply if you lack Japanese health insurance (Japan Living Guide).
Keep these numbers saved in your phone under “Tokyo police” and “Tokyo ambulance,” and jot them down on paper in case your battery dies.
Call for help effectively
Dialing is just the first step, here’s how to make your call count.
- Stay calm and speak clearly.
- State the number you’re calling (110 or 119).
- Give your exact location: ward, street name, building number, nearest landmark.
- Describe the situation: fire, injury type, number of people involved.
- Provide your callback number.
- Wait for the dispatcher to end the call—don’t hang up first.
Here’s the thing, dispatchers rely on clear details to send help fast. If your Japanese isn’t perfect, don’t panic—speak slowly in English and use key phrases from our japanese phrases for travelers guide.
Common info to share:
- “I’m at Shinjuku-ku, Kabukicho, 1-23-5, 3rd floor.”
- “There’s a person unconscious, not breathing.”
- “Fire on the second floor, two people trapped.”
Pro tip: screenshot your hotel or Airbnb address in Japanese. You’ll save precious seconds when you copy-and-paste or show it on your screen.
Use language support services
Not confident in Japanese? No worries, Tokyo has dedicated lines to bridge the gap.
Emergency medical consultation (#7119)
If you’re unsure whether to call 119, dial #7119 for 24/7 medical advice in English. You’ll connect with the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) call center, run by the Tokyo Fire Department. They’ll help you decide if you need an ambulance or can head to a clinic (Expatica).
Tokyo Fire Department ENS
The English-language Emergency Notification Service (ENS) lets you speak with an interpreter before calling 119. They guide you through symptoms and may even arrange a translator upon ambulance arrival (Japan Living Guide).
Rhetorical question time: ever wish you had a live translator on speed dial? This is the next best thing.
Don’t forget to bookmark #7119 in your contacts under “Tokyo EMS” so you can tap to connect in an instant.
Tap specialized hotlines
Sometimes emergencies go beyond police or ambulance. Tokyo offers a range of support lines for specific needs.
| Hotline | Language(s) | Region | Hours | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inochi No Denwa | English | Tokyo | Daily 9:00–23:00 | eSolia |
| Suicide prevention (Yokohama) | Spanish | Yokohama | Wed 10:00–21:00, Fri 19:00–21:00, Sat 12:00–21:00 | eSolia |
| Suicide prevention (Yokohama) | Portuguese | Yokohama | Wed 10:00–21:00, Fri 19:00–21:00, Sat 12:00–21:00 | eSolia |
| Suicide prevention hotlines | Chinese, Korean | Various | Select days/times since 2018 | eSolia |
| Animal abuse (JAWS) | Japanese | Nationwide | 24/7 | Expatica |
- Inochi No Denwa: a free hotline offering emotional support for those in crisis, available in English across Tokyo.
- Yokohama lines: day-specific Spanish and Portuguese support, handy if you’re exploring Kanagawa Prefecture.
- Chinese and Korean services: limited slots introduced in 2018, call to check availability.
- To report animal cruelty, dial the Japan Animal Welfare Society at 03-6455-7730, or call 110 if it’s urgent.
Here’s a quick tip: if you ever feel overwhelmed, just press redial on the last Inochi No Denwa number—it’s toll-free and confidential.
Keep non-emergency contacts
Emergencies aside, there are other useful lines when you need help but don’t want 119 or 110.
- Police non-emergency (Tokyo): #9110. Report noise complaints, lost property, or suspicious activity (Expatica).
- Medical advice: #7119 (see above).
- Tokyo tourist information centers: call the official visitor hotline at 03-5320-6771 for general support and sightseeing tips (Go Tokyo).
And don’t forget:
- Your country’s embassy or consulate: look up their 24/7 helpline online before traveling.
- Emergency interpretation service: request at the hospital if you need an English interpreter.
By saving these on your home screen, you’ll avoid that panicky scramble when you need quick guidance.
Plan ahead with apps
So how do you keep all these numbers handy? Let’s be honest, your smartphone can be your best first responder.
- Create a “Tokyo help” folder: include contact cards for 110, 119, #7119, JAWS, your hotel, and your embassy.
- Download Google Maps and share your real-time location when calling for help.
- Install translation apps like Google Translate or VoiceTra for instant phrase support.
- Check out tokyo metro app recommendations so you can navigate to the nearest station if you need to head to a hospital.
- Bookmark our tokyo safety tips travelers post for extra peace of mind.
Rhetorical moment: isn’t it nice when your phone actually helps you breathe easier?
Bonus tool: some alarm apps let you attach emergency contacts that receive your GPS coordinates if you trigger a panic alert. Worth checking out before you land.
Frequently asked questions
What number do I dial for an ambulance in Tokyo?
Dial 119 for both ambulance and fire services. That’s the one-stop line for medical emergencies and rescue.
How do I report a fire?
Also dial 119. Be ready to describe what’s burning, your location, and any trapped individuals.
What if I don’t speak Japanese?
Call 119 or 110 in English—operators may be limited. Better yet, ring #7119 first for an English medical consultant or use the Tokyo Fire Department ENS interpreter service (Japan Living Guide).
Is ambulance service free in Japan?
Dialing is free, but hospital treatment costs apply if you don’t have Japanese health insurance. Always carry travel insurance that covers overseas medical bills.
How fast will an ambulance arrive?
Response times average around 10 minutes, though traffic and location can affect this. Sometimes grabbing a taxi is faster for minor injuries, but only do that if you’re certain it’s safe to move.
You’ve now got the low-down on Tokyo’s key emergency lines, language support services, and planning hacks. Keep these numbers at your fingertips, and you’ll turn a potentially scary moment into a handled-like-a-pro scenario. Safe travels—stay curious, stay prepared, and enjoy every pulse-quickening minute of Tokyo.
