Abdominal Pain in Japan: What to do (and when to call 119)

Last updated: 2026-03-03

TL;DR (30-second decision)

Call 119 now if the pain is sudden and severe, you have blood in vomit/stool, you cannot keep fluids down, you feel faint/confused, or your belly is swollen and very tender.
If you’re unsure whether it’s an emergency: Call #7119 (if available) for advice on whether you need an ambulance and where to go.
If you also have fever or infectious symptoms, some clinics may require calling ahead and may ask you to follow special instructions; bring a mask.
For children: pediatric abdominal pain is different—use a child-specific guide (link).

Call 119 immediately (red flags)

Call 119 right away if you have any of these:

Sudden severe abdominal pain, or pain that is getting worse quickly
Your abdomen is hard/swollen or very tender to touch
Vomiting blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
Black, tarry, very smelly stool or bloody stool
Severe dizziness, fainting, confusion, or you “feel seriously wrong”
You cannot pass urine, or you cannot pass stool/gas with severe pain
Severe abdominal pain with chest pain or shortness of breath

Women: Seek urgent care if you might be pregnant and have severe lower abdominal pain, or if you have significant vaginal bleeding with abdominal pain.

If it’s not clearly urgent: what you can do right now

Rest and avoid strenuous activity.
Sip fluids (water or oral rehydration drinks) frequently.
Avoid alcohol and heavy meals.
If you suspect food-related illness: focus on hydration first. If you cannot keep fluids down, seek care.

OTC pain/fever medicine: be careful

Abdominal pain can have many causes. Avoid using strong painkillers to “mask” severe pain. If pain is severe or worsening, get medical help.

If you need something for comfort:

Acetaminophen (paracetamol) is often gentler on the stomach than NSAIDs.
NSAIDs (ibuprofen/loxoprofen, etc.) can irritate the stomach and may be a bad idea if you might have gastritis/ulcers or GI bleeding. If you have black stools, vomiting blood, severe tenderness, or worsening pain—do not self-treat; seek urgent care.

(Ask a pharmacist if you’re unsure, especially if you have kidney disease, ulcers, are on blood thinners, or are pregnant.)

Note for parents: Some common adult OTC medicines (including many NSAIDs) are not appropriate for kids. For child fever guidance (including when to call #8000 or 119), see: Fever (Children) in Japan

When you should see a doctor soon (same day / within 24 hours)

Consider medical care (even if not 119-urgent) if:

Pain lasts > 6–12 hours and doesn’t improve, or keeps coming back
Pain is localized (for example, persistent pain on the lower right side)
You have fever, repeated vomiting, or you cannot eat/drink
You have urinary pain, blood in urine, or flank pain
You are older, immunocompromised, or have serious chronic disease

Japan-specific: how to visit a clinic/hospital

If you have fever/cold-like symptoms with abdominal pain, you may need to call ahead. Some clinics ask patients to wait outside or follow special instructions.
Many clinics/hospitals request mask-wearing.
If you’re unsure whether you need an ambulance: #7119 (if available) can advise you.

What to say (simple English)

Calling #7119 (if available)

“I have abdominal pain. It started [time] ago.
The pain is [mild/moderate/severe] and is getting [better/worse].
I also have [fever/vomiting/diarrhea/blood in stool].
Do I need an ambulance? Where should I go?”

Calling a clinic

“Hello. I have abdominal pain.
It started [time] ago. The pain is [location] and [severity].
I also have [fever/vomiting/diarrhea].
Can I visit today? Do I need an appointment?”

FAQ

What is #7119?

#7119 is an emergency consultation line in some areas when you’re unsure whether to call an ambulance and need advice on where to go. Availability varies by region.

Is abdominal pain an emergency?

Sometimes. If the pain is sudden/severe or you have blood in vomit/stool, black stool, severe tenderness, fainting, or worsening symptoms, treat it as urgent and call 119.

Do I need to call ahead before going to a clinic?

If you have fever or infectious symptoms, many clinics ask you to call ahead and follow instructions.

What if I don’t know if it’s serious?

If you’re not sure, call #7119 (if available). If symptoms are severe or rapidly worsening, call 119.

At reception: forms, insurance, and what to prepare

Emergency in Japan: What should I do? (119 / 110 / #7119)

Symptoms hub: See all symptoms

Medical costs in Japan: what to expect

Clinic vs Hospital in Japan: which should I go to?