Last updated: 2026-03-03
When you may need urgent medical care in Japan
Quick decision (TL;DT):
- Call 119 now if: not breathing / severe chest pain / unconscious / heavy bleeding
- Call #7119 (if available) if you’re worried but unsure whether it’s an emergency
- Police: 110 (crime/accident)
If you may be in immediate danger
Call 119 (nationwide emergency ambulance service, 24/7, Learn more).
The following are examples of situations that are generally considered medical emergencies:
- Not breathing / trouble breathing
- Severe chest pain
- Unconscious
- Heavy bleeding
If you are in such a case, call 119, and
- Say first: “Ambulance, please.”
- Then: “I’m at (hotel / station).” + landmark
Language support and Japan Visitor Hotline
English support depends on the area. Some cities such as Tokyo provide multilingual support, but it’s not guaranteed. Speak slowly and use simple keywords.
If you are a visitor and need help in English (for example, after an accident, sudden illness, or a natural disaster), you can call the Japan Visitor Hotline (Learn more).
Important: If it is a life-threatening emergency, call 119 first.
Not sure if it is an emergency
If you are worried but symptoms are not severe, you can speak with a nurse or doctor first, by calling #7119 for medical advice. #7119 is a free medical advice service in Japan, but you should keep in mind that call charges may apply depending on your phone carrier and availability depends on your area.
It is advisable to check in advance whether #7119 is available in your area (Learn more).
If a child is sick and you’re not sure what to do (#8000)
If your child suddenly becomes ill at night or on holidays and you are unsure whether you should go to a clinic/hospital right away, you can call #8000 for pediatric telephone consultation (Learn more).
- You may be connected to a local advice line (hours vary by area).
- A nurse and/or pediatric staff can advise you on what to do next.
If your child has severe symptoms (such as trouble breathing, unconsciousness, severe bleeding, seizures that won’t stop), call 119 immediately.
Insurance & costs
Costs (ambulance vs. medical care)
In Japan, ambulance transport (119) is generally free of charge, but you will need to pay for medical care at the hospital/clinic (examination, tests, treatment, medicines).
If possible, prepare your insurance card (if you have one) and cash/credit card before the ambulance arrives.
Do I need health insurance to see a doctor in Japan?
You do not need health insurance to see a doctor in Japan. However, without insurance, you will usually need to pay the full cost upfront.
In an emergency, lack of insurance should never stop you from seeking care (Learn more about insurance and medical costs in Japan).
FAQ (Emergency in Japan)
1) What number should I call in an emergency in Japan?
- 119: Ambulance / Fire
- 110: Police (crime, traffic accident)
2) When should I call 119?
Call 119 immediately if someone has trouble breathing, severe chest pain, is unconscious, has heavy bleeding, or you believe the situation is life-threatening.
3) What will the dispatcher ask when I call 119?
In many areas, the dispatcher will typically ask:
- Fire or medical emergency?
- Where are you (location/address/landmark)?
- What happened / symptoms?
Stay calm, speak slowly, and answer one by one.
4) Do I need to speak Japanese to call 119?
Not necessarily—but English support depends on the area. Some cities offer interpretation support; for example, Kyoto City provides phone interpretation in multiple languages for 119 calls. If you don’t speak Japanese, use simple keywords (“ambulance / emergency”) and speak slowly.
5) Can I call 119 from a mobile phone or a public phone? Is it free?
Yes. You can call 119 from mobile phones and public phones, and the call is free of charge. Public phones with an emergency button can be used without coins/cards.
6) What if I don’t know the exact address?
That’s OK. Tell them:
- your current place (hotel / station / store name), and
- a nearby landmark (big building, intersection, temple, etc.).
7) What is #7119?
#7119 is an after-hours medical consultation line in some areas—useful when you’re unsure whether you need an ambulance. Availability varies by region, and it may be Japanese-only depending on where you call.
8) What is #8000?
#8000 is a pediatric telephone consultation line in many areas, for when a child becomes sick or injured and you’re unsure what to do (especially nights/holidays). Hours and coverage vary by prefecture. If symptoms are severe, call 119.
9) What is the Japan Visitor Hotline?
If you are a visitor and need help in English (accidents, sudden illness, disasters, general tourist help), you can call the Japan Visitor Hotline (JNTO), available 24/7.
Important: If it’s life-threatening, call 119 first.
10) Does an ambulance cost money in Japan?
Ambulance transport is generally free of charge, but medical care at the hospital/clinic costs money (exams, tests, treatment, medicines).
11) What should I prepare while waiting for the ambulance?
If possible, prepare:
- health insurance card (if you have one)
- any patient card you already have
- your medication list / allergies (even a quick note is fine)
12) Should I always call an ambulance?
Not always. For minor injury or non-life-threatening illness, you may go by taxi/car to a clinic or hospital instead. If you are unsure, consider #7119 (if available) or call 119 if symptoms are severe.
13) Why does 119 handle both fires and ambulances in Japan?
In Japan, ambulances are dispatched by the local fire department. When you dial 119, you reach the fire department’s dispatch center, which handles fire, ambulance, and rescue calls.
That’s why the operator first asks whether it is a fire or a medical emergency (“Fire or ambulance?”).