Japan Essentials
What to do when things go wrong, what the signs say, and how to fit in.
In an emergency call 110 (police) or 119 (fire and ambulance).
When things go wrong
Earthquakes, typhoons, illness, lost things, money and train trouble: what to do first and who to call.
Signs and notices
The Japanese you will actually see at stations, shops, hot springs and in emergencies, and what to do.
Etiquette cheat sheet
Do’s and don’ts for hot springs, shrines, trains, restaurants and more, each with the reason.
When things go wrong
- If an earthquake strikesWhat to do while the ground is shaking, once it stops, and when a tsunami may be coming.
- Typhoons and Heavy RainHow to read the "levels" in weather warnings and evacuation notices, and how to prepare for cancelled trains and changed travel plans.
- Sudden illness or injuryHow to call an ambulance, where to ask when you're unsure, how to find a hospital that speaks your language, and what to know about paying.
- Lost or stolen itemsReporting a lost item at a koban, things left on trains, stopping your cards, and reporting a theft.
- If You Lose Your PassportA step-by-step guide: reporting it to the police, getting a new one from your embassy or consulate, and the procedures at Japanese immigration.
- Money, Card and ATM ProblemsWhich ATMs take foreign cards, when you still need cash in Japan, and who to contact if you lose a card.
- Train Suspensions, Delays and Missing the Last TrainHow to check service updates, use transfer transport, get refunds and delay certificates, and get home after the last train has gone.
- Who to Call and Where to Get HelpWhen to call 110, 119 or 118, help lines you can use in other languages, and official safety apps and websites.