Emergency First Aid in Japan: What Every Traveler Should Know (2025 Edition)

Planning a trip or long-term stay in Japan? Amazing. But before you get lost in cherry blossoms and sushi, let’s talk about something far less glamorous — emergencies. Japan’s medical system is efficient and high-quality, but it’s also rule-heavy, language-limited, and not always intuitive for outsiders.

As someone who’s helped dozens of travelers navigate this, here’s what you need to know to stay safe — and sane — if things go sideways.

Step 1: Know How to Call for Help

First things first: if there’s a medical emergency, dial 119. That’s Japan’s number for ambulances and fire services. No country code needed, just 119.

In major cities like Tokyo or Osaka, you might get someone who speaks English or another major language. Don’t count on it. Speak slowly and say:

"Medical emergency. Please send an ambulance to [your location]."

Use landmarks, building names, or a GPS pin from your phone to help them find you.

Need backup? Call the Japan Visitor Hotline. They’re pros at talking people through tough situations — and yes, they speak English:

Japan Visitor Hotline: +81-50-3816-2787 (24/7 multilingual)
Official website

If you ever find yourself facing a medical emergency in Japan, knowing how to call for help is essential. The video below provides a step-by-step guide on dialing emergency numbers (119 for ambulance and fire, 110 for police), what to say when you call, and what services are available for non-Japanese speakers. Watching this short video will help you feel prepared and confident if you need urgent assistance during your stay in Japan.

Step 2: What’s Free — and What Isn’t

Here’s the good news: ambulances in Japan are free.

The not-so-good news? Pretty much everything that happens after you get to the hospital will cost you — unless you’re on Japanese National Health Insurance (and if you're just visiting, you’re probably not).

Tourists pay 100% upfront unless they have travel insurance that includes direct billing. That means either your insurer handles the bill directly with the hospital, or you do it yourself — often before they’ll treat you.

In 2024, unpaid foreign medical bills topped 61 million yen in just one month. Japan is taking it seriously: a new rule will soon require proof of insurance before you even enter the country.

Read more here

Step 3: Your Medications May Not Be Legal Here

Don’t assume you can stroll into a Japanese drugstore and find the same meds you use at home. Many over-the-counter meds are sold under different names. And some common prescriptions — like Adderall or codeine-based painkillers — are outright banned without prior approval.

If you need to bring restricted meds into Japan, apply for a Yunyu Kakunin-sho at least three weeks before flying in. Seriously, don’t skip this step — customs is strict.

Import application details

Step 4: Don’t Walk Into a Hospital Without a Referral

Japan has a tiered medical system. Walk into a big hospital without a referral from a smaller clinic, and you'll likely pay a ¥7,700 fee, even if you have insurance.

Here’s the smarter move: go to a neighborhood clinic first. If you need more specialized care, they’ll refer you. It’ll save you money, time, and confusion.

Use the JNTO Hospital Finder to locate an English-friendly clinic near you:
Hospital Search Tool

Step 5: The Language Barrier Is Real

Unless you're fluent in Japanese — or extremely lucky — you’ll hit some language friction. Less than 20% of hospitals have English-speaking staff or translation tools.

Some big hospitals offer interpreter services, but they aren’t always free. Expect to pay around ¥3,850 to ¥6,380 for a 2-hour session.

To make things easier, bring:

• A medication list in Japanese and English (WHO has a great template)
• Google Translate or a similar app (download the offline language pack)
• A printed emergency phrase card with pictograms

Download medication template
Get pictogram phrase sheets

Step 6: Use the Right Tools Before You Need Them

A few smart downloads can make a huge difference when time matters:

• Safety Tips App: Government-issued alerts for heatstroke, typhoons, earthquakes. English support included.
  Download
• EAJ Assistance: If your insurer partners with them, they’ll help book care and handle translation.
  Visit EAJ
• Google Maps: Search for “ドラッグストア” to find 24-hour pharmacies nearby

Also, keep these hospital contacts handy:

• St. Luke’s Hospital (Tokyo): +81-3-3541-5151
  Website
• Osaka University Hospital: +81-6-6879-5111
  Website

Final Checklist

Let’s wrap this up. If you want to handle a medical emergency in Japan without panic or unexpected costs, here’s what to do:

• Get travel insurance — with direct billing if possible
• Print your policy, medical history, and med list
• Learn a few emergency phrases in Japanese
• Install the right apps before your trip
• Bookmark the JNTO and MHLW websites

Japan’s medical system is one of the best in the world — but it expects you to follow the rules. Come prepared, and you’ll be fine.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Do I need to speak Japanese to get emergency medical care in Japan?

No, but it helps to be prepared. While emergency services and hospitals in major cities may have some English-speaking staff, this is not guaranteed. Most regional hospitals and clinics operate entirely in Japanese. To bridge the gap, travelers should carry a printed emergency phrase sheet, use translation apps with offline functionality, and bring a multilingual medication list. Some hospitals offer interpreter services for a fee, typically between ¥3,850 and ¥6,380.

2. Is travel insurance really mandatory to access care?

As of 2025, travel insurance is strongly recommended and is becoming de facto mandatory. A government policy linking unpaid medical bills to immigration records is being implemented, and by 2027, proof of insurance will likely be an official entry requirement. Without insurance, travelers may be refused non-emergency treatment or required to pay large deposits upfront. Choose insurance that covers direct billing and interpreter services if possible.

3. Can I bring my regular prescription medications into Japan?

It depends. Japan has strict import rules. Many medications commonly used in other countries are classified as controlled substances in Japan. For example, stimulants like Adderall and medications containing codeine require an import certificate known as a "Yunyu Kakunin-sho." You must apply for this permit at least 3 weeks in advance through the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW). OTC medications should also be checked, as formulations and availability differ.

4. What happens if I call an ambulance but don't need hospital admission?

Ambulance rides in Japan are generally free, but some municipalities charge a fee (around ¥7,700) if you are transported but not admitted to a hospital. This policy aims to discourage non-urgent use of emergency services. Always use your judgment, and when in doubt, call the Japan Visitor Hotline or visit a night-time clinic first.

5. How do I find a hospital that accepts foreign patients and speaks English?

Use the Japan National Tourism Organization's (JNTO) Medical Institution Guide. It lets you filter hospitals by language, payment method (including credit card acceptance), and services offered. JMIP-certified hospitals (Japanese Medical Interpreting Project) are particularly suited for foreigners. Bookmark the JNTO search tool and save the contact info of nearby international hospitals before your trip.

JNTO Medical Institution Guide