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Japan Visitor Hotline (JNTO): English Help for Visitors in Japan

Last updated: 2026-03-03

TL;DR

  • If it’s life-threatening, call 119 (ambulance/fire) first.
  • If you are a visitor and need help in English, you can call the Japan Visitor Hotline (JNTO) for support during emergencies (accident/illness) and natural disasters, as well as general tourist information.

What is the Japan Visitor Hotline?

The Japan Visitor Hotline is a multilingual call center operated by the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO). It provides support and assistance for visitors in Japan, especially during emergencies (accident, illness, etc.), natural disasters, and for general tourist information.

Phone number, hours, and languages

  • From within Japan: 050-3816-2787
  • From overseas: +81-50-3816-2787
  • Hours: 24/7 (365 days a year)
  • Languages: English / Chinese / Korean

Tap to call (mobile):

  • tel:05038162787
  • tel:+815038162787

(Call charges may apply depending on your phone plan.)

When should I call the Japan Visitor Hotline?

Call the Japan Visitor Hotline if you are a visitor and you need help in English, for example:

  • You got sick and don’t know what to do next
  • You were involved in an accident and need guidance
  • There is an earthquake/typhoon and you need reliable travel/safety information
  • You need general tourist guidance in an urgent situation

When should I NOT call it?

Do not use the hotline as a substitute for emergency services:

  • If someone is not breathing, has severe chest pain, is unconscious, or has heavy bleeding, call 119 immediately.
  • For crime or immediate danger, call 110.

What the hotline can and can’t do

They can help with:

  • Support and guidance in emergencies (accident/illness)
  • Guidance during disasters
  • General tourist information

They generally cannot do:

  • Three-way interpretation between you and a third party
  • Making reservations on your behalf (e.g., clinics/hotels)

(If you need medical care urgently, use 119 / #7119 where available / go to a clinic or hospital.)

What to prepare before you call (30 seconds)

Have these ready if possible:

  • Your current location (hotel name / station / landmark)
  • Your symptoms (what, when it started, severity)
  • Any allergies and medications
  • Your phone number (in case they call back)

Useful alternatives

  • 119: ambulance / fire (life-threatening emergencies)
  • 110: police
  • #7119: after-hours medical consultation (availability varies by area)
  • Consumer Hotline for Tourists (billing scams, overcharging, etc.): 03-5449-0906 (weekday daytime)

FAQ

Q. Is the Japan Visitor Hotline available 24/7?

Yes. It operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Q. What languages are available?

Support is available in English, Chinese, and Korean.

Q. Can the hotline call a hospital for me or interpret the call?

In principle, it is not a three-way interpretation service and does not handle reservation代行.

Q. Should I call the hotline instead of 119?

No. If it’s serious or life-threatening, call 119 first.

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