Inside Wa Japan

🔐 Japanese Travel Safety & Support

Your guide to staying safe, informed, and supported while traveling in Japan. Learn how to respond in emergencies, navigate local healthcare, prepare for natural disasters, and more—so you can explore Japan with peace of mind.

Tourist making an emergency call at a Japanese airport

📞 Emergency Contacts & Procedures

In case of an emergency, knowing who to contact and what to do can make all the difference. Japan has dedicated hotlines and services to support foreign travelers in need.

  • 110: Police (for crime or accidents)
  • 119: Fire and Ambulance (for medical emergencies or fires)
  • Japan Visitor Hotline: 050-3816-2787 (Available 24/7 in multiple languages)
  • Embassy or Consulate: Keep your country’s local contact handy

Tip: If you don’t speak Japanese, say “HELP” and hand your phone to someone nearby — many people will assist you.

🩺 Local Healthcare Access

A foreign traveler talking to a nurse at a hospital reception in Japan

Finding a Clinic or Hospital

Use services like Japan Hospital Guide or EMIS to locate English-speaking medical facilities. Urban areas usually have clinics with multilingual staff.

Health Insurance and Costs

Medical care in Japan is high-quality but can be costly. Travel insurance that covers medical expenses is highly recommended.

Language Support

If communication is a challenge, use medical translation apps or call the Japan Visitor Hotline for interpreter assistance.

Foreign tourist checking a Japanese hazard map for disaster preparedness

🧯 Natural Disaster Preparedness

Japan is a beautiful country, but it's also prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes, typhoons, and tsunamis. Preparing yourself with knowledge and tools can make a big difference.

  • Download Safety Apps: NHK World, Safety Tips, and Yurekuru offer real-time alerts.
  • Know Evacuation Sites: Most areas have designated emergency shelters—look for signs.
  • Emergency Kit: Carry essentials like water, snacks, a flashlight, and a portable charger.
  • Stay Informed: Weather news and government alerts can be lifesavers during emergencies.

🛡️ Emergency Awareness for Travelers

Whether it's an earthquake, flood, or sudden evacuation alert, knowing what to do can make all the difference. Learn to recognize key emergency symbols and instructions often found in public areas. Embassies and local authorities provide guidance—stay informed and stay safe.

Tourists learning emergency signs and safety tips during travel in Japan
Foreign traveler calling emergency services in Japan

📞 Emergency Hotlines & Embassy Assistance

In an emergency, dial 110 for police and 119 for fire or ambulance services. For language support, contact the Japan Visitor Hotline available 24/7. Your country's embassy or consulate can also provide vital support during urgent situations.

  • Police: Dial 110
  • Fire/Ambulance: Dial 119
  • Interpreter Hotline: Japan Visitor Hotline (050-3816-2787)
  • Embassy Contacts: Check your country’s embassy website

📲 Emergency Apps & Real-Time Alerts

Stay informed and safe with Japan’s recommended disaster alert apps. These tools can help you navigate emergencies such as earthquakes, typhoons, and floods—even in English.

🛑 NHK World Japan

Receive bilingual disaster alerts directly from Japan’s public broadcaster. Covers earthquakes, tsunamis, typhoons, and more.

📡 Safety Tips (JNTO)

This app by Japan’s tourism agency provides multilingual notifications, evacuation guidance, and emergency info during disasters.

📍 Japan Shelter Maps

Use Google Maps or municipal apps to locate nearby evacuation shelters. These are especially useful during typhoons or heavy rainfall.