Emergency help in Japan

📞 Call 119

119 is the number for an ambulance or the fire service. It is free, works from any phone, and an ambulance itself costs nothing. Say “kyūkyū” (emergency) first, then where you are.

What to say

• 救急です。 (Kyūkyū desu.) — It is a medical emergency.
• 救急車をお願いします。 (Kyūkyūsha o onegai shimasu.) — Please send an ambulance.
• 住所は…です。 (Jūsho wa … desu.) — The address is …
• 英語を話せる人はいますか。 (Eigo o hanaseru hito wa imasu ka.) — Is there someone who speaks English?

Not sure it is an emergency?

• #7119 — a nurse or doctor advises by phone whether you need an ambulance. Available in many areas but not everywhere, and mostly in Japanese.
• Japan Visitor Hotline (Japan National Tourism Organization), 24 hours, in English: 050-3816-2787. See their guide for when you are feeling ill.
• AMDA International Medical Information Center — help finding medical care in several languages: 03-6233-9266. Hours are limited; check their website.
• TELL — English-language emotional support and counselling in Japan: telljp.com.

This page is general information, not medical advice. Phone numbers were checked against each organisation’s website in October 2026; please confirm there if a number does not work.