Calling 119 in Japan: How to Get an Ambulance

How do I call an ambulance in Japan right now?#

If someone is seriously hurt or ill, dial 119 immediately. This is the national number for both ambulance and fire services. The call is free from any phone. The steps below show exactly what to do.

1. Dial 119. It works from mobiles, public phones, and hotel phones.
2. Say “kyukyu” (救急), which means “ambulance.” If there is also a fire, say “kaji” (火事).
3. Give your location. State the address, building name, floor, and a nearby landmark. If you do not know the address, describe what is around you, or ask someone nearby.
4. Explain what happened and the person’s condition: conscious or not, breathing or not, bleeding, chest pain, and so on. Use simple words.
5. Give your name and the phone number you are calling from.
6. Stay on the line. Follow any instructions the dispatcher gives, such as first aid, and do not hang up until told to.

If you cannot speak Japanese, speak slowly in simple English. Many fire departments can connect an interpreter, and hotel staff or a passer-by can often help relay details. Note that the ambulance ride is free, but hospital treatment is not, so keep all receipts for your insurance.

What will the dispatcher ask, and what should I say?#

The dispatcher follows a set order of questions. Knowing them in advance helps you answer calmly. Here is what to expect and useful words.

Dispatcher asks	What to say	Useful Japanese word
Fire or ambulance?	”Ambulance”	Kyukyu (救急)
Where are you?	Address, building, floor, landmark	Basho (place)
What happened?	Brief description of the injury or illness	—
Patient’s condition?	Conscious, breathing, bleeding, in pain	—
Your name and number?	Your name and callback number	—

Keep your phone free so the crew can call you back if they cannot find you. If you can, send someone to the street to wave the ambulance down. Have the patient’s passport, medication list, and any allergy information ready for the hospital.

Should I call 119 or #7119?#

Not every problem is a life-threatening emergency. Japan has a separate consultation line, #7119, for when you are unsure. This table explains the difference (availability as of June 2026).

Feature	119 (emergency)	#7119 (consultation)
Use when	Life-threatening or serious: chest pain, severe bleeding, unconsciousness, difficulty breathing	Unsure if it is an emergency; need advice on what to do
What it does	Sends an ambulance / fire service	Gives medical advice and tells you whether to call 119 or see a clinic
Cost	Free call; ambulance free	Free or low-cost call
Availability	Nationwide, 24 hours	Available in many regions, not all areas (as of June 2026)
Language	Japanese; interpreter may be added	Mainly Japanese; support varies

If someone is in clear danger, call 119 and do not wait. Use #7119 only when the situation is not urgent and you want guidance. For children’s health concerns, some areas also offer #8000, a pediatric advice line. If #7119 is not available in your area, an ordinary clinic or your accommodation’s front desk can also help direct you.

What if I do not speak Japanese?#

Language is the biggest worry for many visitors, but help is built into the system. Use these tips:

• Speak slowly and simply. Short phrases work better than full sentences. Start with “kyukyu” and your location.
• Ask for an interpreter. Many fire departments offer three-way phone interpretation in major languages, though it is not guaranteed everywhere.
• Get a Japanese speaker to help. Hotel staff, a colleague, or a passer-by can relay details. Hand them the phone if needed.
• Use a translation app to prepare key phrases and your address in Japanese before an emergency happens.
• Keep medical info in Japanese. A written note of allergies, conditions, and medications speeds up care at the hospital.

This article is general guidance, not medical advice. If you or someone with you has a medical emergency, call 119 and follow the dispatcher’s instructions. For non-urgent health questions, consult a doctor or the #7119 line where available.

Quick reference: ambulance and emergency numbers#

Topic	Detail (as of June 2026)
Ambulance / fire	119 (free, nationwide, 24 hours)
Police / crime / accident	110
Non-emergency medical advice	#7119 (available in many regions)
Children’s health advice	#8000 (where available)
First word to say	”Kyukyu” (ambulance) or “kaji” (fire)
Ambulance cost	Free; hospital treatment is not free
Bring to hospital	Passport, insurance details, medication and allergy list, payment

To recap: dial 119 for an ambulance, say “kyukyu,” give your location and the situation, and stay on the line. The ride is free, but keep receipts for treatment to claim on travel insurance. When you are unsure whether it is an emergency, #7119 can help, but never delay calling 119 if someone is in danger.