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Important Numbers

• Police: 110
• Ambulance & Fire: 119
• Japan Country Code: 81
• International Access Code: 001
• International Operator: 0051
• Local Directory: 104
• What To Do In Case Of A Natural Disaster In Japan

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Police Car

 

Koban "Police Box"

Your best resource for contacting the police is your nearest "Koban", or police box.

This network of mini police stations is unique to Japan, and they can be found nearby every train station and virtually in every neighborhood throughout the country. 

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Police officers stationed at koban serve several roles:
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• Maps and directions – providing maps and directions to local addresses, sometimes even personally guiding those unfamiliar with local street layouts and addressing schemes. Additionally, officers can refer people to local hotels, restaurants, and other businesses.
• Lost and found – accepting reports of lost items and accepting found items from members of the public and, if a matching lost item is turned in, notifying the owner of the item to come pick up the item.
• Crime reports – taking police reports, typically for property crimes such as theft and burglary.
• Emergency services – dialing the emergency telephone number "110" in the case of police, fire, or medical emergency. Direct contact can be made with the koban and assistance will be dispatched.

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Emergency calls can be made from any phone free of charge: Call 110 for police or call 119 for fire and ambulance.
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Koban "Police Box" - Yokohama Station

Medical Emergency

Japan has an advanced medical services infrastructure, and in most urban areas you will be able to find a major hospital or clinic with  some ability to communicate with you in English.

​Travelers with pre-existing conditions are strongly encouraged to carry copies of any prescriptions, along with enough medicine, if any, for the duration of their stay.

All visitors should also carry proof of medical insurance, either private or public, as well as a list of any medications or substances to which they have a known allergy, along with a notation of their blood type. 

In Japan, common over-the-counter drugs are available only at drug stores, most of which have a pharmacist on duty during the business hours.
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Many large hotels have access to on-call medical services; some may have an in-house doctor or clinic - inquire at the front desk. If your illness requires hospitalization or other more advanced care, there are facilities around the country prepared to handle the foreign visitors. Below is a link to a list of such facilities.

• Bilingual Hospitals In Japan​​
• Muslim Friendly Hotels & Ryokans

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Credit Cards & Airline Tickets

If you lose your credit card, traveler's checks, or your airline ticket, contact the issuers directly to arrange for replacements.

​Below links provide you contacts for such firms in Japan. 
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• ​​List Of Credit Card & Traveler's Check Issuers
• ​List Of Major Airlines

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