In the event of fire, medical emergency or other event requiring immediate help and assistance call: 119. English language operators are on duty 24-hours-a-day.

To report crimes, accidents and seek police help call; 110. English language operators are on duty 24-hours-a-day.

Medical treatment

For advice on medical institutions and hospitals operating in foreign languages, call Health/Medical Information Centre Himawari on 03-5285-8181 from 0900-2000 daily, in Chinese, English, Korean, Spanish and Thai.

It is always advisable to keep the latest issue of local (Koho – PR) newspapers as they list clinics and hospitals working 24-hours on rotation in the local area. If in Japanese, ask a friend or member of the city office to help translate.

Earthquake Response / Evacuation

Earthquakes are a part of life in Japan which can be prepared for, but never avoided. The city of Tokyo’s 23 Wards have prepared 198 evacuation areas to which those affected by any large tremor should head once safe to do so. Maps of evacuation areas and booklets in multiple languages can usually be obtained from Foreign Resident Information Counters at city offices or at larger tourist information offices. For those resident, or planning to stay outside the central 23 Wards, local government offices will also provide the same information in staying safe during and after any quakes.

If staying in hotels or using public transport at the time an earthquake strikes, follow the instructions and guidance of staff – they will be trained to help in such an event.

Should your time in Japan coincide with an earthquake, typhoon or personal accident, it is possible that you’ll need to get in touch with your embassy.

Plan ahead, keep the number in your wallet or purse or simply remember that you can likely find it here on Tokyo Explorer* – 24/7:

Australia -03-5232-4111
Bangladesh -03-5704-0216
Brazil -03-3404-5211
Canada - 03-5412-6200
China -03-3403-3388
Colombia -03-3440-6451
France -03-5420-8800
Germany -03-5791-7700
Ghana -03-5410-8631
India -03-3262-2391
Indonesia -03-3441-4201
Iran -03-3446-8011
Italy -03-3453-5291
Malaysia -03-3476-3840
New Zealand -03-3467-2271
Nigeria -03-5721-5391
Pakistan -03-5421-7741
Russia -03-3583-4224
South Africa -03-3265-3366
South Korea -03-3452-7611
Spain -03-3583-8531
Thailand -03-3447-2247
United Kingdom -03-5211-1100
United States -03-3224-5000
Vietnam -03-3466-3311

European Union Office Japan - 03-3239-0441

* - Tokyo Explorer is not responsible for the hours kept and representation offered by individual embassies.

Based in the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku, Tokyo, The Foreign Residents’ Advisory Centre is a confidential, free to use, multi-lingual one-stop shop for all things advisory; the perfect back-up for new arrivals and short-term visitors unsure of what to do or how to react when faced with some of the problems life can throw at us.

Languages spoken include English, Chinese and Korean and most questions are answered over the phone. Each language has a different initial telephone number to call (listed at the bottom), and in the case of Chinese and Korean, there are limits on open days.

Problems that can be addresses include daily life issues, the domestic social system and local customs and culture, vehicular issues such as insurance and accidents and family / child issues.

Opening Hours: Monday – Friday 0930-1200 & 1300-1700

Access: No. 1 Building (3F), Tokyo Metropolitan Government, 2-8-1, Nishi Shinjuku, 163-8001

Language availability: numbers: English (Mon-Fri) – 03-5320-7744 //Chinese (Tues & Fri) – 03-5320-7766 // Korean (Weds) – 03-5320-7700

5-5-30 Konan, Minato-ku 108-8255, Tokyo, tel: 03-5796-7111.

Information on each of the almost 30 forms of visa and permission stamps enabling holders to remain in Japan can only be obtained through the Immigration Services. Contact and visits to the Immigration Service should be scheduled for normal office hours Monday to Friday, and foreign resident registration staff at local city / ward offices will advise on which department or section it is necessary to visit in any given situation.

Should a matter require minimal legal registration (renewal of Alien Registration Cards or registration of birth, death and marriages / divorce) these can usually be carried out at the same local government offices. - NB: Tax issues can also be carried out at the local level.

Anyone unsure on how to amend or update status of residence (visa) issues, should first contact the local city office.

Whilst some areas are now experimenting with new furnaces that mean all forms of garbage can be disposed of at the same time, this is a new, still generally unknown idea and will only be applicable in some areas.

Recycling centres exist throughout Tokyo, as do facilities designed to dispose of large sized waste. Contact your local ward office for more information on throwing away large sized items and/or recyclables.