Japan Emergency Numbers Cheat Sheet (110, 119, 118)
Quick answer
Call 110 for police and 119 for fire or ambulance. Both are free, work from any phone, and answer 24 hours. Use 118 for sea emergencies, #7119 for urgent medical advice, and #8000 for child health advice. English support is available, sometimes via an interpreter.
Emergency numbers: the cheat sheet
If something is happening right now, here are the numbers to call in Japan. They are free, work from any phone, and answer 24 hours unless noted. Dial the digits directly, with no area or country code (as of June 2026).
| Number | Use it for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 110 | Police: crime, theft, accidents, danger | Free, 24 hours, any phone |
| 119 | Fire and ambulance/medical emergency | Free, 24 hours; ambulances are free to use |
| 118 | Sea/coast emergency (Japan Coast Guard) | Free, 24 hours; boating, drowning at sea |
| #7119 | Urgent medical advice (“do I need an ambulance?”) | Coverage and hours vary by area |
| #8000 | Child health advice after hours | Pediatric line; hours vary by prefecture |
For a life-threatening situation — someone unconscious, serious bleeding, chest pain, a fire — call 119 (medical/fire) or 110 (police/crime) immediately. When in doubt between hospital now or wait, #7119 can help you decide where it is available.
How do I make the call and get understood?
The numbers are simple; staying calm and clear matters most. Follow these steps.
- Dial the number directly. No area code. 110, 119, and 118 are free from any phone in Japan.
- Say what you need first. For police, say “police”. For an ambulance, say “kyukyu” (ambulance/emergency) or “ambulance”. For a fire, say “kaji” (fire).
- Give your location clearly. A street address, a building name, a station, or a nearby landmark. This is the most important detail.
- Speak slowly in simple English. As of June 2026, many areas can add an interpreter to the call. It may take a short moment to connect.
- Stay on the line. Do not hang up until told to. The operator may give instructions while help is on the way.
- If you cannot speak, apps and text-based emergency services exist in some areas; a working phone connection is still the most reliable.
Knowing your current location before you call saves precious time. If you are unsure, check a map app or read a sign or the nearest building’s name.
Which number for which situation?
Picking the right number speeds up help. Use this guide.
| Situation | Call |
|---|---|
| Crime, theft, assault, suspicious person | 110 (police) |
| Traffic accident with injuries | 119 first for injuries, 110 for the accident |
| Someone collapses, severe pain, hard to breathe | 119 (ambulance) |
| Fire or smoke | 119 (fire) |
| Trouble at sea, drowning, boating accident | 118 (coast guard) |
| Sick but unsure if it is an emergency | #7119 where available |
| Child unwell after clinic hours | #8000 where available |
If two things apply at once (for example an accident with injuries), call 119 for the medical emergency first, then 110. Operators can coordinate.
What about non-life-threatening problems?
Not every problem is a 110 or 119 emergency. For these, other channels are better and keep emergency lines free for true emergencies.
| Need | Where to go |
|---|---|
| Lost item, minor theft report | Nearest police box (koban) in person |
| Lost passport | Police report, then your embassy |
| Feeling unwell, not urgent | Pharmacy, clinic, or #7119 for advice |
| Travel or disaster information | Official apps and JNTO safety pages |
| Language help in a crisis | Some areas offer multilingual hotlines via local government |
A koban (small neighborhood police box) is a good first stop for lost items, directions, and minor matters. Officers are used to helping visitors.
Quick reference: emergency numbers at a glance
| Topic | Detail (as of June 2026) |
|---|---|
| Police | 110 |
| Fire and ambulance | 119 |
| Sea/coast guard | 118 |
| Urgent medical advice | #7119 (area-dependent) |
| Child health advice | #8000 (area-dependent) |
| Cost | Free; ambulances free to use |
| Availability | 110/119/118 answer 24 hours, any phone |
| Dialing | Direct digits, no area code |
Save 110 and 119 in your phone before you need them, and note your hotel’s address in case you must give a location fast. In a serious situation, call straight away — it is better to call and be reassured than to wait. For the latest safety information and multilingual support options, check the official Japan National Tourism Organization emergency pages.
FAQ
What is the emergency number for an ambulance in Japan?
Call 119 for an ambulance or the fire service. As of June 2026 it is free, works from any phone including mobiles, and answers 24 hours. Say 'kyukyu' (emergency/ambulance) and your location. Ambulances in Japan are free to call and use.
Is calling the police 110 or 119 in Japan?
Call 110 for police: crime, theft, accidents, and danger to people. Call 119 for fire and for ambulance/medical emergencies. As of June 2026 both numbers are free and answer 24 hours from any phone.
Can I get English help when I call an emergency number in Japan?
Often yes. As of June 2026, 110 and 119 can connect to interpreters via a three-way phone service in many areas, though it may take a moment. Speak slowly, give your location clearly, and stay on the line. Results can vary by region.
What is #7119 and #8000 in Japan?
#7119 is an emergency consultation line in many areas to help you decide if you need an ambulance or hospital now. #8000 is a pediatric (child health) advice line for after-hours worries about a sick child. As of June 2026, coverage and hours vary by prefecture.
Do I dial a country or area code for Japanese emergency numbers?
No. Dial 110, 119, or 118 directly with no area code, from any phone in Japan. As of June 2026 the calls are free. If your phone has no SIM or signal, you may still be able to reach emergency services, but a working connection is safest.