119
Ambulance · Japan
119 is the Japan Ambulance emergency number. Verified 2026-01. Source: Fire and Disaster Management Agency. Works from mobile. Free to call. One-tap dial.
📞 About 119 — Ambulance in Japan
📍 Find Nearest Emergency Services
Use GPS to locate the nearest hospital, police station, or fire station near your current location.
🗣️ Emergency Phrases in Japan
Use these phrases to communicate in an emergency when language is a barrier. Tap the speaker to play pronunciation.
⚠️ When NOT to Call 119
- • Do not call 110 for non-urgent police matters - visit the local Koban (police box)
- • Do not call 119 for minor injuries - visit a local clinic or hospital
- • Do not make false emergency calls - punishable under Japanese law
- • Do not call emergency numbers for power outages - contact the local power company
- • Do not use emergency lines for road conditions or earthquake information
✈️ Travel Notes — Japan
Emergency response is fast and excellent throughout Japan. Ambulance services are free and well-equipped. The Japan Visitor Hotline provides multilingual emergency interpretation. Earthquake and tsunami warning systems are highly advanced. Medical care is world-class.
🛡️ Traveling to Japan? Protect Yourself
Emergency medical treatment and evacuation abroad can cost tens of thousands of dollars. We recommend securing travel insurance before your trip.
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What is 119 in Japan?
119 is the official Ambulance and Fire Service emergency number in Japan. This number is operated by Fire and Disaster Management Agency and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. 119 is the unified number for both ambulance and fire emergencies. Municipal fire departments operate ambulance services. Response is fast throughout Japan. Ambulance transport is free.
When to Call 119
Call 119 immediately in situations involving ambulance-related emergencies in Japan. When you call, clearly state:
- Your exact location (street address, landmark, GPS coordinates if possible)
- The nature of the emergency
- The number of people involved or injured
- Your name and callback number
Stay on the line until the operator tells you to hang up.
Technical Details — 119 in Japan
Here are the key technical facts about calling 119 in Japan:
- Works from mobile: Yes — you can call from any mobile phone.
- Works without SIM card: A SIM card is typically required. Try 112 if you have no SIM.
- Free to call: Yes — calling is completely free. No credit needed.
- Last verified: 2026-01
- Official source: Fire and Disaster Management Agency
How to Call 119 from Abroad
If you are calling 119 from outside Japan, or from a foreign SIM card, dial the international format: +81 followed by 119 (omitting any leading zero). However, in a genuine emergency within Japan, simply dialing 119 directly from any local or roaming SIM will connect you to the Ambulance and Fire Service. The universal number 112 is also active across Japan and can be dialed from any phone.
All Emergency Numbers in Japan
Besides 119 (Ambulance and Fire Service), Japan has the following emergency services available: Police (Keisatsu): 110 · Ambulance and Fire Service: 119 · Fire and Disaster Response: 119 · Japan Coast Guard (Kaijō Hoan-chō): 118. Save all these numbers before traveling to Japan.
Data Source & Verification Policy
The number 119 is listed as the Ambulance and Fire Service emergency line for Japan based on data from Fire and Disaster Management Agency. It was last verified in 2026-01. If this number has changed or is incorrect, please contact us immediately — accuracy of emergency contact information is our highest priority.
Frequently Asked Questions — 119 (Japan)
What is 119 in Japan? ▼
119 is the Ambulance and Fire Service emergency number in Japan. 119 is the unified number for both ambulance and fire emergencies. Municipal fire departments operate ambulance services. Response is fast throughout Japan. Ambulance transport is free.
Can I call 119 without a SIM card in Japan? ▼
A SIM card may be required. Try 112, the universal number, which works without a SIM on most networks.
Is calling 119 free in Japan? ▼
Yes, calling 119 is completely free in Japan. No airtime credit needed.
Does 119 work from mobile in Japan? ▼
Yes, 119 works from all mobile phones in Japan.
Who do I reach when I call 119 in Japan? ▼
Calling 119 in Japan connects you to Ambulance and Fire Service (Fire and Disaster Management Agency), available 24/7.
What is the source for 119 being the Ambulance number in Japan? ▼
Verified from Fire and Disaster Management Agency: https://www.fdma.go.jp/. Last verified: 2026-01.
Is 119 for both ambulance and fire in Japan? ▼
Yes. 119 is the unified number for both ambulance and fire emergencies. Municipal fire departments operate ambulance services.
Can I call 110 from a mobile without a SIM card in Japan? ▼
Yes. Emergency calls to 110, 118, and 119 are free and can be made without a SIM card.
Are emergency calls free in Japan? ▼
Yes. All emergency calls are free. Ambulance transport is also free of charge.
Do emergency operators speak English in Japan? ▼
English-speaking operators are not guaranteed. The Japan Visitor Hotline (050-3816-2787) provides 24/7 multilingual emergency interpretation including English, Chinese, and Korean.
What number do I call for maritime rescue in Japan? ▼
118 is the Japan Coast Guard emergency number. Also contactable via VHF Channel 16. Handles all maritime emergencies.