Traveln does not diagnose. This page helps you choose the next step — and if in doubt, treat it as an emergency.
🚨 Call 119 now — if any of these
Unconscious or not responding · trouble breathing · strong chest pain · sudden severe headache · drooping face, weak arm or slurred speech · a seizure that does not stop · heavy bleeding. The ambulance is free (treatment is charged). If someone collapses in front of you, call 119 — the operator will also tell you where the nearest AED is.
📋 What 119 will ask — just five things
In order: ambulance or fire → where you are → who is sick and what happened → their age → your name and number. Stay on the line and follow the instructions. You cannot choose the hospital — the crew decides. Usually one person can ride along; others should ask the destination and follow by taxi.
📞 Not sure it’s an emergency? Ask by phone
Japan Visitor Hotline (JNTO, 24h, English · Chinese · Korean): 050-3816-2787 — they also help with illness and injury while travelling. In some areas, #7119 reaches an emergency consultation line (mainly in Japanese).
🏥 Go to a hospital yourself
JNTO’s official search lists hospitals that accept foreign patients — filter by language and speciality. At night and on holidays, cities run out-of-hours clinics; your hotel front desk or a tourist information centre can help you find one.
🧾 Money & insurance basics
Most hospitals cannot bill overseas insurance directly: you usually pay in full first and claim after you get home — so always ask for a receipt and a medical certificate. Some clinics take cash only. If you have travel insurance, contact your insurer’s app or hotline first; some have partner hospitals where you pay nothing on the spot.
💊 A drugstore may be enough
Painkillers, cold, stomach and oral-rehydration products are sold without a prescription. Show the pharmacist where it hurts with the Body page. Big city stores often have English labels and tax-free counters (it varies by store).
This page is general guidance, not medical advice. When in doubt, call 119 — a wasted trip is better than a missed emergency.