Despite Japan’s fairly safe reputation for living and traveling compared to other countries, we can never know when something unexpected might happen to us. Dealing with emergencies in another country can be daunting, overwhelming and even a bit scary, especially if we are not familiar with the language.
As we have learned from recent earthquakes, and known for its seasonal typhoons, we know that there is a case to be made to be more aware and prepared in the event of an emergency.
We have put together a few numbers that may be helpful to have on hand even if you do not necessarily have an emergency, they still offer some help to you.
Emergency Numbers
These are quick emergency numbers you may need.
| Contact | Number | Service Hours |
| Police | 110 | 24 hours |
| Fire & Ambulance | 119 | 24 hours |
| Coast Guard | 118 | 24 hours |
| Phone Directory in English | 104 | Daily 9:00 – 20:00 |
Utility Companies
In case you need to contact utility companies for emergency purposes.
| Contact | Number | Service Hours |
| Tokyo Electric Power Co., Inc (TEPCO) | 0120-995-002 (toll free) | Monday-Saturday 9:00am-5:00pm (except Holidays) |
| Tokyo Gas The Gas Leak Emergency Phone is only for emergency calls, including reports of gas leak. | 0570-002211（Navi Dial; not toll free.） From an IP phone: 03-6735-8899 | 24 hours |
| Bureau of Waterworks (Tokyo Metropolitan Government) For water charges, repairing leaks and other general inquiries | 03-5326-1101 | 24 hours for emergencies such as leaks 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. everyday (except Sunday and national holidays) |
Criminal Activity & Law
For non-threatening emergency contact details, you can contact the numbers below to report criminal activity or make inquiries related to law enforcement.
| Contact | Number | Service Hours |
| Tokyo Metropolitan Police | 03-3501-0110 03-3581-4321 (Chiyoda ward office) | |
| Firearms Hotline | 03-3593-7970 |
Fire Prevention & Hospital
If you need information regarding fire prevention or looking for nearby hospitals, you can get in touch with the following numbers. These are not for immediate emergency purposes, per se, but they can help you if you are in short-term need of help.
| Contact | Number | Service Hours |
| Tokyo Fire Department | 03-3212-2323 | 24 hours |
| Health & Medical Information Center (Tokyo Metropolitan Government) English/Chinese/Korean/Thai/Spanish | 03-5285-8181 | 9:00 – 20:00 |
Immigration
For information related to immigration or foreign residents issues, then the following may be of help.
| Contact | Number | Service Hours |
| Foreign Residents’ Advisory (Tokyo Metropolitan Government) | English 03-5320-7744 Chinese 03-5320-7766 Korean 03-5320-7700 | Monday to Friday 9:30-12:00; 13:00-17:00 Tuesday & Friday 9:30-12:00; 13:00-17:00 Wednesday 9:30-12:00; 13:00-17:00 |
| Embassies | Depends on your country Check here | Depends on the embassy |
Mental Health
If you need mental health help, then these numbers may be useful to you.
| Contact | Number | Service Hours |
| Tokyo English Life Line (TELL) Community Counseling Service (TCCS) | 03-5774-0992 03-4550-1146 | Daily 9:00-11:00 Monday to Friday 9:00-17:00 to make appointments |
Lost Items
In the event that you lose something, you can contact the following to check their Lost & Found sections for your lost item(s).
| Contact | Number | Service Hours |
| JR-EAST customer center | 050-2016-1603 | 10:00-18:00 Every day except New Year’s holidays |
| Tokyo Metro Lost & Found Center | 03-5227-5741 | 09:00-20:00 Every day |
| Toei Transportation Customer Center | 03-3816-5700 | 9:00－20:00 Every day |
| Narita Airport | 0476-34-8000 | 24hours Every day |
| Metropolitan Government Lost and Found Center | 03-3814-4151 | Anytime |
If you drop something on the street or cannot remember where you lost the time, then you can go to the nearest police box or call the Metropolitan Government number.
While you take advantage of all that life in Japan has to offer, don’t find yourself wondering who to call. Print these out, put them in your evacuation pack and even put them into your phone now so that you don’t find yourself unprepared when you need them!
