Emergency Medical Care in Tokyo: A Foreigners Guide

A medical emergency is stressful enough without the added complexity of being in a foreign country where you may not speak the language. Knowing what to do before an emergency happens can save valuable time — and potentially save a life. This guide explains how emergency medical care works in Tokyo, including how to call for help, what to expect at the hospital, and how to handle the costs.

The Emergency Number: 119

In Japan, the emergency number for both ambulance and fire services is 119. This is different from the US (911), Europe (112), or the UK (999). When you call 119, an operator will answer in Japanese, but many dispatch centers in Tokyo now have access to interpretation services.

When you call, be prepared to provide:

1. “Kyūkyū desu” (救急です): This means “It’s an ambulance call.” Say this first to be connected to the ambulance dispatcher rather than the fire department.
2. Your location: Give your address as precisely as possible. If you do not know the exact address, describe nearby landmarks, building names, or intersections. Having your GPS coordinates ready (from your phone’s map app) can help.
3. What happened: Describe the emergency briefly — chest pain, unconsciousness, severe injury, etc.
4. Patient information: Name, age, gender, and any known medical conditions.

Key fact: Ambulance service in Japan is completely free. There is no charge for calling an ambulance or being transported to the hospital. This is true for both Japanese citizens and foreigners.

#7119: The Medical Consultation Hotline

Not sure if your situation is a true emergency? Tokyo offers the #7119 helpline, which connects you with a medical professional who can assess your symptoms over the phone and advise whether you need an ambulance, should visit an emergency room, or can wait to see a regular doctor. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and has English interpretation available.

Use #7119 when:

• You are unsure whether to call an ambulance
• You have concerning symptoms but they do not seem immediately life-threatening
• You need to find an emergency hospital that is currently accepting patients
• It is nighttime or a holiday and you are not sure where to go

When to Call 119 (True Emergencies)

Call 119 immediately if you or someone near you experiences:

• Severe chest pain or pressure
• Difficulty breathing
• Loss of consciousness
• Signs of stroke (facial drooping, arm weakness, slurred speech)
• Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
• Heavy, uncontrolled bleeding
• Severe burns
• Major trauma (car accident, fall from height)
• Seizures
• Suicidal thoughts or self-harm (call 119 or go to the nearest emergency room)

What Happens When the Ambulance Arrives

Japanese ambulances are operated by the fire department and staffed by trained emergency medical technicians (EMTs). Here is the typical process:

1. Assessment: EMTs will assess the patient’s condition and provide initial stabilization.
2. Hospital search: Unlike some countries where you are taken to the nearest hospital automatically, Japanese ambulance crews call ahead to find a hospital that can accept the patient. This process can take time — sometimes 10 to 30 minutes — as hospitals may decline if they are full or do not have the right specialist available. This can be frustrating but is standard practice.
3. Transport: Once a hospital is confirmed, you are transported there. Average response time in Tokyo is about 7 to 8 minutes.
4. At the hospital: You will be assessed by the emergency department and treated according to the severity of your condition.

Emergency Rooms in Tokyo

If you can transport yourself to the hospital, you can go directly to an emergency room (救急外来 / kyūkyū gairai). Major hospitals in Tokyo with emergency departments include:

• St. Luke’s International Hospital (聖路加国際病院) — Tsukiji, English-speaking staff available
• Tokyo Medical and Dental University Hospital — Ochanomizu
• Keio University Hospital — Shinjuku
• The University of Tokyo Hospital — Hongo
• National Center for Global Health and Medicine — Shinjuku, experienced with foreign patients

Note that not all emergency rooms operate 24/7 for all conditions. Some have specific hours or only accept patients brought by ambulance during off-hours. Call ahead if possible.

After-Hours and Holiday Clinics

For medical issues that are urgent but not life-threatening — such as a high fever, vomiting, or a minor injury — Tokyo has a network of after-hours clinics (休日・夜間診療所) that operate during evenings, weekends, and holidays. These facilities can treat common conditions and provide prescriptions for short-term relief until you can see your regular doctor.

Finding these clinics can be challenging for foreigners. Your best resources are:

• The #7119 hotline (English available)
• Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s Himawari service: 03-5285-8181
• Your ward or city office website (search for “休日診療”)

Costs and Payment

Emergency medical care in Japan follows the same insurance rules as regular care:

• With NHI or Employee Insurance: You pay 30% of the total cost. Emergency room visits are more expensive than clinic visits but still regulated by the national fee schedule.
• Without insurance: You pay 100%. An emergency room visit without insurance can cost ¥10,000 to ¥50,000 or more, depending on the treatment provided.
• After-hours surcharge: Visits during evenings, early mornings, and holidays incur a surcharge (typically ¥2,000–¥5,000 additional).
• Payment timing: Most hospitals require payment before discharge. If you cannot pay immediately, the hospital will work out a payment plan.

For tourists, bring your travel insurance documents to the hospital. The hospital can provide detailed receipts for your insurance claim. For more on insurance options, see our guide on travel insurance vs. national health insurance.

Language Support in Emergencies

During an emergency, language barriers can be especially dangerous. Here are resources to help:

• 119 interpretation: The Tokyo ambulance dispatch center can connect with interpreters for major languages.
• AMDA Medical Information Center: 03-6233-9266 — provides medical interpretation in multiple languages.
• Hospital interpretation services: Major hospitals in Tokyo, especially those listed above, have access to medical interpreters.
• Your phone: Keep a medical information card on your phone’s lock screen (many smartphones allow this) with your name, blood type, allergies, medications, emergency contact, and insurance information in both English and Japanese.

Be Prepared: Create an Emergency Plan

Take a few minutes now to prepare for a potential emergency:

• Save 119 and #7119 in your phone contacts
• Know the location of the nearest hospital with an emergency department
• Keep your insurance card and ID in your wallet at all times
• Set up a medical ID on your smartphone
• Tell a friend, colleague, or family member your emergency contact preferences

For Non-Emergency Medical Needs

If your medical issue is not an emergency, a clinic visit is faster, cheaper, and more comfortable than an emergency room. At Tokyo Hub Clinic, Dr. Ichiro Kamoshita, M.D., Ph.D., provides English-language consultations in internal medicine and psychosomatic medicine. We are located at Hotel New Otani Garden Court, 2F, near Akasaka-Mitsuke and Nagatacho stations.

By appointment only. Initial consultation: approximately ¥10,000–¥15,000.

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