Medical Emergency in Japan – What to Do as a Tourist
Medical emergencies are frightening anywhere, and even more so when you don’t speak the local language. This guide walks you through exactly what to do if you or someone with you has a medical emergency in Japan.
Step 1: Call 119
Japan’s emergency numbers
- 119 — Ambulance and fire (medical emergencies)
- 110 — Police
Dial 119 from any phone for a medical emergency. The call is free. Operators in major cities can connect you to English interpretation services, but responses are faster if you can provide key information clearly.
What to Say on the Call
Stay calm and speak slowly. Try to provide:
- “Kyukyusha wo onegaishimasu” — Please send an ambulance.
- Your location — hotel name, address, or nearest landmark. If you don’t know the address, the name of the station is usually enough.
- A brief description of the emergency — conscious or unconscious, bleeding, chest pain, difficulty breathing, etc.
- Your name and phone number so the operator can call back if needed.
Stay on the line until the operator confirms help is coming. If possible, have someone wait outside to guide the paramedics to the exact location.
When to Call 119
- Loss of consciousness or difficulty staying awake
- Difficulty breathing or choking
- Chest pain or suspected heart attack
- Sudden weakness, numbness, or slurred speech (possible stroke)
- Severe bleeding
- Serious injury from an accident or fall
- Severe allergic reaction
- Seizures
- High fever with confusion in a child
When in doubt, call. Ambulance service in Japan is free, and paramedics will assess whether hospital transport is needed.
What Happens Next
Paramedics will stabilize the patient at the scene and transport them to a hospital capable of handling the emergency. In major cities, they may contact several hospitals to find one that can accept international patients and has the right specialists on duty — this can take longer at night or on weekends.
Once at the hospital, you’ll go through triage, examination, and treatment. Bring passports and insurance cards if you have them. Hospital staff may use translation tablets or telephone interpretation services to communicate.
Emergency Hospitals in Major Cities
Larger hospitals (byouin) in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and other major cities have 24-hour emergency departments. Your travel insurance hotline, hotel concierge, or embassy can recommend one suited to international patients.
Our city guides list clinics and hospitals suitable for international visitors:
Cost and Insurance
Ambulance transport is free. Emergency treatment and hospitalization are not. Without Japanese insurance, costs can escalate quickly for serious cases:
- Emergency room visit (minor): ¥10,000 – ¥30,000
- Emergency room with procedures or imaging: ¥30,000 – ¥100,000+
- Hospital admission (per night): ¥20,000 – ¥100,000+
- Major surgery or ICU care: several hundred thousand to millions of yen
Contact your travel insurance provider’s 24-hour hotline as soon as possible. Many insurers can coordinate directly with the hospital, arrange cashless payment, and help with logistics like family notification and repatriation if needed. Keep every receipt and medical document.
Non-Emergency Alternatives
If the situation is urgent but not life-threatening, calling 119 may not be the right choice. Consider these options instead:
- 24-hour walk-in clinics in major cities for urgent but non-critical issues.
- Travel insurance hotlines to get advice before deciding where to go.
- Online doctor consultations for quick medical input when you’re not sure whether to seek in-person care.
Online Consultation Option
If you’d rather not travel while feeling unwell, online consultations with doctors are increasingly available in Japan and are well suited to non-urgent symptoms. A doctor can assess your situation remotely and recommend next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get Emergency Guidance
TravelCare.jp helps international visitors connect with English-speaking doctors across Japan. If you’re unwell, get guidance from a medical professional today.
TravelCare.jp provides navigation and information only. We do not offer medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for your specific situation.