Japan Coast Guard Number: 118
Japan Coast Guard (Kaijō Hoan-chō) · Japan
118 is the coast guard emergency number in Japan. Works from mobile phones. Free to call. Source: Japan Coast Guard.
📞 About 118 — Coast Guard 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 118
- • 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
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What is 118 in Japan?
118 is the official Japan Coast Guard (Kaijō Hoan-chō) emergency number in Japan. This number is operated by Japan Coast Guard and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Maritime emergency number 118. Handles all maritime emergencies around Japan's extensive coastline. Also contactable via VHF Channel 16.
When to Call 118
Call 118 immediately in situations involving coast guard-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 — 118 in Japan
Here are the key technical facts about calling 118 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: Japan Coast Guard
How to Call 118 from Abroad
If you are calling 118 from outside Japan, or from a foreign SIM card, dial the international format: +81 followed by 118 (omitting any leading zero). However, in a genuine emergency within Japan, simply dialing 118 directly from any local or roaming SIM will connect you to the Japan Coast Guard (Kaijō Hoan-chō). The universal number 112 is also active across Japan and can be dialed from any phone.
All Emergency Numbers in Japan
Besides 118 (Japan Coast Guard (Kaijō Hoan-chō)), 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 118 is listed as the Japan Coast Guard (Kaijō Hoan-chō) emergency line for Japan based on data from Japan Coast Guard. 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 — 118 (Japan)
What is 118 in Japan? ▼
118 is the Japan Coast Guard (Kaijō Hoan-chō) emergency number in Japan. Maritime emergency number 118. Handles all maritime emergencies around Japan's extensive coastline. Also contactable via VHF Channel 16.
Can I call 118 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 118 free in Japan? ▼
Yes, calling 118 is completely free in Japan. No airtime credit needed.
Does 118 work from mobile in Japan? ▼
Yes, 118 works from all mobile phones in Japan.
Who do I reach when I call 118 in Japan? ▼
Calling 118 in Japan connects you to Japan Coast Guard (Kaijō Hoan-chō) (Japan Coast Guard), available 24/7.
What is the source for 118 being the Coast Guard number in Japan? ▼
Verified from Japan Coast Guard: https://www.kaiho.mlit.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.