Japan Emergency Guide 2026: What to Do If Something Goes Wrong

Updated June 2026 · 5 min read

Japan is one of the safest countries in the world for tourists, with very low crime rates and an extremely efficient emergency response system. However, natural disasters (earthquakes, typhoons) do occur. Here's everything you need to know to stay safe and know what to do if you need help.

1. Emergency Phone Numbers

• Tourist Emergency Helpline (JNTO): 050-3816-2787 — 24 hours, multilingual assistance for tourists in distress.
• Japan Helpline: 0570-000-911 — 24-hour English-language support for emergencies and general assistance.
• Operators may not speak English on 110/119 — stay calm and state your location clearly. Most major cities have English-speaking staff available.

2. Earthquake Safety

Japan experiences thousands of earthquakes per year, though most are minor. Buildings are engineered to strict seismic codes and are extremely safe. Here's what to do if you feel significant shaking:

• Indoors: Drop to the floor, take cover under a sturdy table or desk, and hold on. Stay away from windows and large furniture that could fall.
• In a kitchen: Turn off the stove if safe to do so quickly. Gas leaks are a post-earthquake hazard.
• Outdoors: Move away from buildings, power lines, and walls. Crouch down in an open area.
• After shaking stops: Check for injuries, check for fire/gas smell, evacuate building if necessary, go to the nearest designated evacuation site (公共避難所).
• Tsunami: If near the coast and shaking is severe, immediately move to high ground — don't wait for an official warning.

3. Medical Care for Foreigners

• Hospitals: Japan has excellent hospitals. In major cities, many hospitals have international departments with English-speaking staff. For emergencies, call 119 for an ambulance.
• Travel insurance: Strongly recommended. Medical costs in Japan without insurance can be significant — a hospital visit runs ¥5,000–30,000, emergency hospitalization much more.
• Clinics: For minor illness, visit a small clinic (クリニック). Show your insurance card or pay out of pocket (relatively affordable — ¥3,000–8,000 for a consultation and basic treatment).
• Pharmacies (薬局): Well-stocked. Staff may not speak English, but Google Translate works well. Japanese over-the-counter medicines are highly effective.
• AMDA International Medical Information Center: 03-6233-9266 — Medical interpretation and referrals in multiple languages.

4. Crime & Personal Safety

Japan consistently ranks as one of the world's safest countries. Violent crime against tourists is extremely rare. Common concerns for visitors are minor:

• Lost/stolen items: Japan has an extraordinary lost and found system. Items left on trains or in restaurants are almost always returned. Go to the nearest koban (small police box) or station office.
• Scams: Very rare. Be cautious of hostess bar touts in Kabukicho (Shinjuku) and some areas of Osaka who approach tourists.
• Night safety: Cities are extremely safe at night. Walking alone is fine in virtually all tourist areas.

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