Japan is one of the safest countries in the world for tourists. But it's earthquake-prone, and knowing what to do in an emergency before you arrive is always worth a few minutes.
Contents
1. Emergency phone numbers
2. Medical emergencies
3. Earthquakes
4. Typhoons
5. Lost items & theft
6. Apps to download before you go
π¨ Emergency Phone Numbers
110
Police
119
Fire & Ambulance
#7119
Medical Consultation
These numbers work from any phone including foreign SIM cards. No country code needed. English-speaking operators are available, though response may take a moment.
Japan Visitor Hotline (24/7, English)
050-3816-2787
JNTO Tourist Information Center
03-3201-3331
Tokyo English Lifeline (TELL)
03-5774-0992
Your home country embassy
Look this up before you travel
π₯ Medical Emergencies
Japan has excellent healthcare β but it is expensive for foreigners without travel insurance. A typical hospital visit starts at Β₯5,000β15,000 and serious treatment can cost hundreds of thousands of yen.
βLife-threatening emergency β Call 119. Ambulances are free to dispatch, but hospital treatment is not.
βNon-emergency illness β Visit a clinic (γ―γͺγγγ―). Search "clinic English" in Google Maps to find English-speaking doctors.
βAMDA International Medical Center β Provides medical interpretation: 03-6233-9266
βPharmacies (drugstores) β Open until 10β11pm. Staff can recommend medication for minor symptoms even without a prescription.
β οΈ Travel insurance is strongly recommended. A single ambulance ride and ER visit can easily cost Β₯100,000+. Most comprehensive travel insurance costs just Β₯2,000β5,000 for a 2-week trip.
π Earthquakes
Japan experiences thousands of minor earthquakes per year. Most are barely noticeable, but knowing what to do is important.
During an earthquake:
1Drop, cover, and hold on. Get under a sturdy table or desk.
2Stay away from windows β shattering glass is the main injury risk.
3Do not run outside during shaking β falling debris is dangerous.
4If near the coast, immediately move to higher ground (tsunami risk).
After an earthquake:
βCheck for gas leaks β open windows and evacuate if you smell gas
βDownload the Safety Tips app (official Japan earthquake alert app for tourists)
βMajor train services may suspend temporarily β wait for official updates
π Typhoons
Typhoons hit Japan primarily JuneβOctober. Most are manageable, but large ones cause flight cancellations and train shutdowns.
βMonitor Japan Meteorological Agency (jma.go.jp) for forecasts
βStay indoors during a typhoon β do not go sightseeing
βTrains and flights may cancel 1β2 days before a major typhoon β check in advance
βStock up on food and water from a convenience store the day before
π Lost Items & Theft
Japan has remarkably low theft rates. Lost wallets and phones are frequently turned in and returned. That said, it helps to know the process.
βLost item on a train β Report to station staff immediately. Items are held at the nearest station lost & found (ochimono center).
βLost item on the street β Take it to the nearest police box (koban). Japanese law requires turning in found items.
βStolen passport β Report to the nearest police station and contact your country's embassy immediately.
βLost credit card β Call your card issuer's international number immediately.
π± Apps to Download Before You Go
App
Purpose
Safety Tips (Japan Tourism Agency)
Official earthquake, tsunami, and weather alerts in English