Medical and Emergencies

At the time of writing no immunizations were required for visitors to enter Japan and there a no major illnesses or diseases out of the ordinary to be concerned about.

The level of hygiene in Japan and particularly in Tokyo is world leading and particularly in the food sector is impeccable, but like everywhere else precautions should be taken.

Hospitals are among the best in the world and also the most expensive; visitors should consider travel insurance to cover any emergencies. All hospitals have English speaking staff and all also have 24 hour emergency services.

Dental services are also easy to find in Japan, your hotel should be able to direct you to a service if in need, again the service is world class and the price is also high.

Pharmacies are very easy to find, although English speaking can be a problem, but many have English symptom charts where you can point and explain your condition or need. Most are open normal business hours although some do stay open later at night.

At many of the busy intersections around Japan’s major cities there are police boxes known as “Koben”. The police that staff the koben box are pretty friendly and its part of their training to know some English are will often help out tourists with directions. Twenty percent of Japan’s Police force are assigned to a koben. The koben’s serve as a base for local foot patrols as well as establishing a police presence in the community.

If you find yourself in an emergency there are emergency numbers on most public phones, the Tokyo numbers are Ambulance and fire 119, police 110 and earth quake assistance 117. It is usual that the switchboards are not staffed with people who speak good English but people are advised hang on the line as the line can be traced and help will arrive.