VHF Channel 16
Coast Guard · Japan
VHF Channel 16 is the Japan Coast Guard emergency number. Verified 2026-01. Source: Japan Coast Guard. Works from mobile. Free to call. One-tap dial.
📞 About VHF Channel 16 — 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 VHF Channel 16
- • 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.
Best for digital nomads, expats, and long-term travel. Flexible monthly subscription.
Best for standard holidays, adventure sports, hiking, and activity-filled trips.
ℹ️ We may earn a commission if you purchase through our links, at no extra cost to you.
What is VHF Channel 16 in Japan?
VHF Channel 16 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 VHF Channel 16
Call VHF Channel 16 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 — VHF Channel 16 in Japan
Here are the key technical facts about calling VHF Channel 16 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 VHF Channel 16 from Abroad
If you are calling VHF Channel 16 from outside Japan, or from a foreign SIM card, dial the international format: +81 followed by VHF Channel 16 (omitting any leading zero). However, in a genuine emergency within Japan, simply dialing VHF Channel 16 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 VHF Channel 16 (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 VHF Channel 16 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 — VHF Channel 16 (Japan)
What is VHF Channel 16 in Japan? ▼
VHF Channel 16 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 VHF Channel 16 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 VHF Channel 16 free in Japan? ▼
Yes, calling VHF Channel 16 is completely free in Japan. No airtime credit needed.
Does VHF Channel 16 work from mobile in Japan? ▼
Yes, VHF Channel 16 works from all mobile phones in Japan.
Who do I reach when I call VHF Channel 16 in Japan? ▼
Calling VHF Channel 16 in Japan connects you to Japan Coast Guard (Kaijō Hoan-chō) (Japan Coast Guard), available 24/7.
What is the source for VHF Channel 16 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.