Japan separates emergency dispatch from medical advice. Calling the right number gets you help faster and avoids tying up an ambulance someone else needs.
119 — ambulance and fire
One number for both. Ambulance transport is free at the point of use. Call it for chest pain, difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, seizures, heavy bleeding, serious injury, or when someone's condition is deteriorating.
#7119 — should I go to hospital?
A nurse or doctor listens to your symptoms and tells you whether to be seen now, whether it can wait until morning, and where to go. Availability varies by prefecture and it is not offered everywhere. English support depends on region.
#8000 — the same, for children
Paediatric advice at night and on holidays, connecting to your prefecture's service. For parents this is often the most useful of the three.
What to have ready before you call
- Your location — the address, or the nearest station and a landmark.
- Age, symptoms, when they started, and whether they are worsening.
- Regular medication and known allergies.
- If your Japanese is limited, say 英語 (eigo, English) early in the call.
Find facilities near you
Browse by prefecture to see which facilities are open on holidays, Sundays, or late in the evening.
Frequently asked questions
- What number do I call for an ambulance in Japan?
- 119, which covers both ambulance and fire. Ambulance transport is free at the point of use. Call it for chest pain, difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, seizures, heavy bleeding or serious injury.
- What is #7119 in Japan?
- A medical advice line. A nurse or doctor listens to your symptoms and tells you whether to be seen now, whether it can wait until morning, and where to go. Availability varies by prefecture and it is not offered everywhere.
- What is #8000 in Japan?
- The same kind of advice service for children, at night and on holidays, connecting to your prefecture's service.
- What should I have ready before calling?
- Your location — the address, or the nearest station and a landmark; the patient's age, symptoms, when they started and whether they are worsening; regular medication and known allergies. If your Japanese is limited, say 英語 (eigo, English) early in the call.