In Japan, the ambulance number is 119 — the same number as the fire department. Calls are answered immediately, and emergency operators can connect you to an interpreter. Once transported, you'll be treated at one of the English-speaking hospitals in Japan. Make sure to understand hospital treatment costs without insurance if you are not yet covered.
ℹ️ Is calling an ambulance free in Japan?
Calling 119 and ambulance transport is free. However, you will be billed for hospital treatment. Costs vary widely — a basic ER visit can run ¥10,000–¥50,000 or more without insurance. If you have travel insurance or National Health Insurance (NHI), present your card immediately.
⚠️ What if you accidentally call 119?
Stay on the line and explain it was a mistake: "Machigai desu" (間違いです). Do not hang up without explaining — a hang-up call will trigger a police welfare check.
Step-by-Step Guide
- 1
Dial 119 immediately
Say "Ambulance please" or "Kyukyusha o onegaishimasu" (救急車をお願いします). The operator will ask your location. If you cannot speak Japanese, say "English please" — many dispatch centers have phone interpreters available.
💡If you cannot communicate at all, stay on the line. The operator will trace your call location.
- 2
Give your location clearly
State your full address. If you don't know it, look for a nearby jibanban (地番板) — small blue address plates on utility poles. Convenience stores (konbini) also have their full addresses posted near the entrance. You can also share your GPS location from Google Maps.
- 3
Describe the emergency
Say what happened: "breathing problem", "unconscious", "accident". The operator may ask you to start CPR or apply pressure — follow their instructions. Keep the line open.
- 4
Meet the ambulance
Unlock your front door or send someone to the street entrance to guide paramedics. Have your health insurance card (if you have one) and passport ready.
- 5
At the hospital
Paramedics will choose the receiving hospital. You may not have a choice. At the ER, you'll need to complete registration forms. Ask for an interpreter — most major hospitals have medical interpreter services or phone-based support.
💡AMDA International Medical Information Center: 03-5285-8088 (Mon–Fri, 9am–8pm) can provide medical interpretation by phone.
Official Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ambulance number in Japan?
119 is the ambulance (and fire) emergency number in Japan. It operates 24/7 and is free to call.
Can I call a Japanese ambulance if I don't speak Japanese?
Yes. Say "English please" after calling 119. Many dispatch centers have phone interpreters, and operators are trained to handle foreign callers.
How long does an ambulance take to arrive in Japan?
Average response time in major cities is 8–10 minutes. Rural areas may take longer. Tokyo averages about 8.6 minutes.
Do I have to pay for an ambulance in Japan?
Ambulance transport itself is free. Hospital treatment costs are separate and depend on your insurance status.
What if someone is unconscious and I don't know their address?
Call 119 and stay on the line. Dispatchers can triangulate mobile phone locations. Send someone to the street to flag down the ambulance.
Gaijin Support Editorial Team
Japan Life Support Specialists
Written by a team of foreign residents in Japan with combined 50+ years of experience navigating Japanese legal, medical, and administrative systems.
Reviewed by Gaijin Support Emergency Coordinators, Emergency Response Team · Last updated June 2026