Emergency
What is the emergency number in Japan?
110 for police and 119 for ambulance/fire. Both operate 24/7. Operators can connect you to a phone interpreter. For non-emergency police consultation: #9110.
Can I call emergency services in Japan if I don't speak Japanese?
Yes. Call 110 or 119 and say "English please." Operators are trained to handle foreign callers and can connect you to interpreters. Stay on the line.
What is a koban in Japan?
A koban (交番) is a small neighborhood police box staffed by officers. They are found throughout Japanese cities and are accessible 24/7. You can report crimes, ask for directions, get help with lost items, and report emergencies at any koban.
What should I do in a Japan earthquake?
Drop to the floor, take cover under a desk or against an interior wall, hold on until shaking stops. After shaking, check for fire and gas leaks, then follow evacuation instructions. Download the "Safety tips" app for English-language earthquake alerts.
Medical
How do I find an English-speaking doctor in Japan?
Call AMDA at 03-5285-8088 (Mon–Fri 9am–8pm) for referrals to English-language medical facilities. The Japan Visitor Hotline at 050-3816-2787 (24/7) also provides medical facility referrals.
Do I need health insurance to see a doctor in Japan?
No — hospitals cannot refuse emergency treatment. However, without National Health Insurance, you pay 100% of costs. Basic clinic visits run ¥3,000–¥8,000 and ER visits ¥10,000–¥50,000+ without insurance.
What is National Health Insurance (NHI) in Japan?
NHI (Kokumin Kenko Hoken) is mandatory for all Japan residents not covered by employer insurance. It covers 70% of medical costs. Enroll at your city ward office within 14 days of becoming a resident.
Is there mental health support in English in Japan?
Yes. Tokyo English Lifeline (TELL): 03-5774-0992, daily 9am–11pm. TELL also offers counseling services and therapist referrals at telljp.com.
Legal
What are my rights if arrested in Japan as a foreigner?
You have the right to remain silent, the right to a lawyer, the right to an interpreter, and the right to consular notification. Police can hold you up to 23 days before charges. Request a lawyer immediately: "Bengoshi wo yonde kudasai."
What happens if I overstay my visa in Japan?
Overstaying is a criminal offense with penalties including fines (up to ¥3 million), deportation, and re-entry bans of 1–10 years. Voluntary reporting to immigration results in more lenient treatment. Act before your visa expires.
Do Japanese labor laws protect foreign workers?
Yes. Japan's Labor Standards Act applies equally to all workers regardless of nationality. You are entitled to minimum wage, overtime pay, and protection against illegal dismissal. Report violations to the Labor Standards Inspection Office.
Is free legal help available in Japan for foreigners?
Yes. Japan Legal Support Center (Houterasu) at 0570-078374 provides free legal information and subsidized attorney fees. The Japan Federation of Bar Associations (JFBA) offers free 30-minute consultations.
Daily Life
Can foreigners rent apartments in Japan?
Yes, but many landlords refuse foreigners. Use foreigner-friendly agencies (Sakura House, Leopalace21, Gaijinpot Housing) and guarantor companies to find landlords who accept foreign residents.
Do I need to register my address in Japan?
Yes. Foreign residents must register their address at their local ward office within 14 days of moving. This is legally required and necessary for insurance, mail, and city services.
How do I open a bank account in Japan as a foreigner?
Japan Post Bank accepts foreign residents with a residence card. Most other banks require 6 months of residency. Bring your residence card, passport, and proof of address.
What translation apps work best in Japan?
Google Translate with the camera function (for menus and signs) and DeepL (for formal text) are the most useful. Download Japanese offline packs for both apps for use without internet.
Tourism
What should I do if I lose my passport in Japan?
File a police report (funshitsu todoke) at any koban, then contact your embassy for emergency travel documents. Embassy emergency lines: US: 03-3224-5000, UK: 03-5211-1100, Australia: 03-5232-4111.
Is Japan safe for tourists?
Japan is consistently ranked among the world's safest countries. Violent crime against tourists is extremely rare. The main risks are specific scams in entertainment districts, particularly host/hostess bars.
What is the Japan Visitor Hotline?
050-3816-2787 is a free 24/7 multilingual hotline (English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish) for tourists needing assistance anywhere in Japan.
Can I extend a tourist visa in Japan?
Tourist visas (temporary visitor status) can sometimes be extended once for up to 90 days at an Immigration Bureau office. You must demonstrate sufficient funds and a valid reason. Extensions are not guaranteed.
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