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.

ContactNumberService Hours
Police11024 hours
Fire & Ambulance11924 hours
Coast Guard11824 hours
Phone Directory in English104Daily 9:00 – 20:00

 

Utility Companies

In case you need to contact utility companies for emergency purposes.

ContactNumberService 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

03-5326-110124 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.

ContactNumberService Hours
Tokyo Metropolitan Police

General Advisory Center

03-3501-0110

03-3581-4321

(Chiyoda ward office)

Firearms Hotline03-3593-7970

 

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.

ContactNumberService Hours
Tokyo Fire Department03-3212-2323

[email protected]

24 hours
Health & Medical Information Center

(Tokyo Metropolitan Government)

  English/Chinese/Korean/Thai/Spanish

03-5285-81819:00 – 20:00

 

 Immigration

For information related to immigration or foreign residents issues, then the following may be of help.

ContactNumberService 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

EmbassiesDepends 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.

ContactNumberService 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).

ContactNumberService Hours
JR-EAST customer center050-2016-160310:00-18:00

Every day except New Year’s holidays

Tokyo Metro Lost & Found Center03-5227-574109:00-20:00

Every day

Toei Transportation Customer Center03-3816-57009:00-20:00

Every day

Narita Airport 0476-34-800024hours

Every day

Metropolitan Government

Lost and Found Center

03-3814-4151Anytime

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!