Japan is one of the world’s safest countries for foreign visitors — violent crime is extremely rare, lost wallets are routinely returned, and the infrastructure for handling emergencies is well-developed. However, Japan also has significant natural hazard exposure: earthquakes, typhoons, and tsunamis require awareness. This guide prepares you for the situations you are unlikely but should not be unprepared for.
Emergency Numbers
110: Police (Keisatsu) — theft, accidents, lost documents. 119: Fire and Ambulance (Shobosha/Kyukyusha) — medical emergencies, fires. Both numbers have English interpretation services available (ask: Eigo no tsuyaku wo onegaishimasu — please connect an English interpreter). The Japan Tourism Agency’s tourist information hotline (0570-073-800) provides English-language assistance for non-emergency tourist issues 24 hours.
Medical Care
Japan’s healthcare system is excellent but not free for non-residents. Travel insurance covering medical evacuation is strongly recommended — hospital stays can cost ¥100,000+ per day without insurance. In cities, International clinics (St. Luke’s International Hospital Tokyo, Osaka International Cancer Institute, Japan Baptist Hospital Kyoto) have English-speaking staff. For minor issues, pharmacies (yakkyoku) — identified by a green cross — stock a wide range of OTC medicines; staff can often identify remedies if you show the package or a translation.
If hospitalized, you will need your passport and travel insurance documentation. Japan’s hospitals require payment at time of service or deposit — contact your insurance company’s emergency line immediately if hospitalized.
Earthquakes
Japan experiences thousands of minor earthquakes annually; most are imperceptible. For felt earthquakes: indoors — move away from windows and unsecured furniture; shelter under a sturdy desk or table; do not use elevators. In a high-rise — modern Japanese buildings are built to strict seismic standards and sway by design; stay inside and away from windows. Outdoors — move away from buildings, power lines, and walls. The J-Alert system broadcasts earthquake warnings via smartphone emergency alerts (your phone will receive these regardless of language settings).
Typhoons
Typhoon season runs June–October, peaking September. When a typhoon warning is issued: trains and flights are cancelled pre-emptively; stay in your accommodation; follow hotel and government guidance. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) website provides real-time typhoon tracking in English. Do not underestimate typhoon wind and rain — outdoor activity during a direct strike is genuinely dangerous.
- The Safety tips app (free, available in English) aggregates government disaster warnings and pushes alerts to your phone.
- Keep a small emergency kit in your bag: water, cash (ATMs may be offline after major earthquakes), and a portable charger.
- Your accommodation’s front desk is your first point of contact in most emergencies — they have local knowledge and can call for help.