Emergency & Urgent Care in Japan: 119, #7119 [2026]

This guide covers the ambulance, phone advice lines and night/holiday clinics for sudden injury or illness. In a life-threatening emergency, call 119 without hesitation. Multilingual interpretation is available.

① Ambulance is "119"

The ambulance number is 119 (fire and ambulance). Say "kyukyu desu" (it's a medical emergency), then answer in order: address → what happened → the person's condition → your name and phone. If you don't know the address, give a nearby landmark or intersection.

② Ambulances are free — but use them appropriately

The ambulance ride itself is free (treatment at the hospital is charged as usual). Avoid non-urgent use. Some municipalities/hospitals now charge a "selective treatment" fee (a few thousand yen) at the hospital counter for non-urgent, mild cases brought by ambulance (not applied in real emergencies).

③ Unsure? Call "#7119" (emergency advice)

If unsure whether to call an ambulance or go now, call #7119; doctors/nurses advise you. But it's area-limited, not nationwide (check whether it works where you live).

④ For children, "#8000" (nationwide)

For a child's sudden illness/injury at night or on holidays, call #8000 (child medical phone advice). Pediatricians/nurses respond; it runs in all 47 prefectures (hours vary by area).

⑤ Choosing night/holiday care

• Mild: holiday/night emergency clinics, on-duty local doctors
• Hospital ER (after-hours) is meant for urgent cases
• Find nearby night/holiday clinics on the MHLW "Medical Information Net (Navii)"

FAQ

Are ambulances paid?The ambulance ride is free (hospital treatment is charged). Some municipalities/hospitals charge a 'selective treatment' fee at the counter for non-urgent mild cases brought by ambulance.

What if I'm unsure whether to call an ambulance?Call #7119 (emergency advice) to talk to a doctor/nurse. But it is area-limited and not available everywhere.

What if my child is suddenly ill at night?Call #8000 (child medical phone advice). It runs in all 47 prefectures with pediatricians/nurses (hours vary by area).

Can I call an ambulance if my Japanese is weak?Many fire departments offer three-way interpretation via a call center (24/7). Stay calm and say 'kyukyu desu'.

For how to navigate hospitals and clinics outside emergencies, see how to use hospitals and clinics. For a full list of emergency phone numbers in Japan, see Japan emergency contacts.