[Kanagawa](/articles/kanagawa-hospital-guide-foreigners/) Emergency Japanese Phrases Guide 2026 — Essential Phrases for Crisis Situations
Overview
Universal Emergency Phrases
| English | Japanese | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Help! | 助けて！ | Tasukete! |
| Emergency! | 緊急です！ | Kinkyū desu! |
| Danger! | 危ない！ | Abunai! |
| Please call the police! | 警察を呼んでください！ | Keisatsu wo yonde kudasai! |
| Please call an ambulance! | 救急車を呼んでください！ | Kyūkyūsha wo yonde kudasai! |
| Fire! | 火事です！ | Kaji desu! |
| English please | 英語をお願いします | Eigo wo onegai shimasu |
| I need an interpreter | 通訳が必要です | Tsūyaku ga hitsuyō desu |
Medical Emergency Phrases
Describing Symptoms
| English | Japanese | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| I am injured | けがをしました | Kega wo shimashita |
| I have pain here | ここが痛いです | Koko ga itai desu |
| I cannot breathe | 息ができません | Iki ga dekimasen |
| I feel dizzy | めまいがします | Memai ga shimasu |
| I am bleeding | 出血しています | Shukketsu shiteimasu |
| I have a fever | 熱があります | Netsu ga arimasu |
| I have a headache | 頭が痛いです | Atama ga itai desu |
| I have a stomach ache | お腹が痛いです | Onaka ga itai desu |
Medical History
| English | Japanese | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| I am allergic to… | …にアレルギーがあります | …ni arerugī ga arimasu |
| I have a medical condition | 持病があります | Jibyō ga arimasu |
| I take medication | 薬を飲んでいます | Kusuri wo nondeimasu |
| I have diabetes | 糖尿病です | Tōnyōbyō desu |
| I have high blood pressure | 高血圧です | Kōketsuatsu desu |
| I am pregnant | 妊娠しています | Ninshin shiteimasu |
| My blood type is… | 血液型は…です | Ketsuekigata wa…desu |
Police and Safety Phrases
Reporting a Crime or Incident
| English | Japanese | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| I was robbed | 盗まれました | Nusumaremashita |
| My bag was stolen | カバンを盗まれました | Kaban wo nusumaremashita |
| I was harassed | 嫌がらせを受けました | Iyagarase wo ukemashita |
| I witnessed an accident | 事故を目撃しました | Jiko wo mokugeki shimashita |
| There is a suspicious person | 不審な人がいます | Fushin na hito ga imasu |
Lost and Found
| English | Japanese | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| I lost my passport | パスポートをなくしました | Pasupōto wo nakushimashita |
| I lost my wallet | 財布をなくしました | Saifu wo nakushimashita |
| I lost my phone | 携帯電話をなくしました | Keitai denwa wo nakushimashita |
| Where is the lost property office? | 遺失物係はどこですか？ | Ishitsubutsu-gakari wa doko desu ka? |
Disaster-Related Phrases
Earthquake
| English | Japanese | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Is this an earthquake? | 地震ですか？ | Jishin desu ka? |
| Take cover! | 隠れてください！ | Kakurete kudasai! |
| Where is the evacuation shelter? | 避難所はどこですか？ | Hinanjo wa doko desu ka? |
| Is it safe here? | ここは安全ですか？ | Koko wa anzen desu ka? |
Tsunami
| English | Japanese | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Tsunami warning! | 津波警報です！ | Tsunami keihō desu! |
| Move to higher ground! | 高いところへ逃げてください！ | Takai tokoro e nigete kudasai! |
| How high will the waves be? | 波の高さはどのくらいですか？ | Nami no takasa wa dono kurai desu ka? |
Typhoon
| English | Japanese | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| The typhoon is coming | 台風が来ます | Taifū ga kimasu |
| Is the ferry operating? | フェリーは運航していますか？ | Ferī wa unkō shiteimasu ka? |
Asking for Help
| English | Japanese | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Please take me to the hospital | 病院に連れて行ってください | Byōin ni tsurete itte kudasai |
| Where is the nearest hospital? | 一番近い病院はどこですか？ | Ichiban chikai byōin wa doko desu ka? |
| Is there a doctor who speaks English? | 英語が話せる医者はいますか？ | Eigo ga hanaseru isha wa imasu ka? |
| Please contact my embassy | 大使館に連絡してください | Taishikan ni renraku shite kudasai |
| My phone is dead | 携帯電話のバッテリーが切れました | Keitai denwa no batterī ga kiremashita |
Numbers and Quantities (for Emergencies)
| English | Japanese | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| One person injured | けが人一人 | Keganin hitori |
| Two people | 二人 | Futari |
| Three people | 三人 | Sannin |
| A crowd / many people | 大勢 | Ōzei |
| 110 (police) | ひゃくとおばん | Hyaku-tō-ban |
| 119 (ambulance/fire) | ひゃくじゅうきゅうばん | Hyaku-jū-kyū-ban |
Quick Reference Card
Print this section or save as a screenshot:
🚨 EMERGENCY PHRASES - KANAGAWA
Help! → Tasukete! (助けて！)
Call police! (110) → Keisatsu wo yonde! (警察を呼んで！)
Call ambulance! (119) → Kyūkyūsha wo yonde! (救急車を呼んで！)
English please → Eigo onegaishimasu (英語をお願いします)
I'm injured → Kega wo shimashita (けがをしました)
I lost my... → ...wo nakushimashita (...をなくしました)
Where is hospital? → Byōin wa doko desu ka? (病院はどこですか？)
I need interpreter → Tsūyaku ga hitsuyō desu (通訳が必要です) Installed Apps:
☐ Safety Tips
☐ Google Maps (offline)
☐ NHK World📱 Useful Apps and Resources
- Safety Tips (Japan Tourism Agency) — Earthquake/tsunami warnings in English
- NHK World — English-language disaster coverage
- Google Maps — Download Kanagawa offline maps
- Japan Official Travel App — Emergency contacts and hospital finder
🥜 Allergies and Food Safety Phrases
Communicating food allergies in Japanese is critical. Use these phrases to stay safe:
| English | Japanese | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| I am allergic to… | …アレルギーがあります | …arerugī ga arimasu |
| Does this contain…? | …は入っていますか？ | …wa haitteimasu ka? |
| I cannot eat… | …が食べられません | …ga taberaremasen |
| Please remove… | …を抜いてください | …wo nuite kudasai |
| Is this halal? | これはハラールですか？ | Kore wa harāru desu ka? |
| Is this vegetarian? | これはベジタリアンですか？ | Kore wa bejitarian desu ka? |
| I have a severe allergy | 強いアレルギーがあります | Tsuyoi arerugī ga arimasu |
| Will I have a reaction? | 反応が出ますか？ | Hannō ga demasu ka? |
Common allergens in Japanese:
- Peanuts: ピーナッツ (pīnattsu)
- Tree nuts: ナッツ (nattsu)
- Shellfish: 甲殻類 (kōkakurui)
- Egg: 卵 (tamago)
- Milk/Dairy: 乳製品 (nyūseihin)
- Wheat: 小麦 (komugi)
- Soy: 大豆 (daizu)
- Buckwheat (soba): そば (soba)
Food allergy card: Before your trip, prepare a printed card in Japanese listing your allergies. Show it to restaurant staff when ordering. Many restaurants near tourist areas in Kanagawa (Yokohama, Kamakura) have allergen menus in English, but smaller establishments do not.
🚑 First Aid Kit Essentials for Kanagawa Travel
Carrying a small first aid kit can prevent minor issues from becoming emergencies. Recommended items:
- Band-aids (各種サイズの絆創膏) — ¥300 at any drugstore
- Antiseptic wipes (消毒用ウェットティッシュ)
- Pain reliever (鎮痛剤) — ibuprofen or acetaminophen
- Antihistamine (抗ヒスタミン薬) — for allergic reactions or insect bites
- Rehydration salts (経口補水塩) — especially important in summer
- Motion sickness pills (酔い止め) — useful for the winding Hakone mountain roads and ferry rides
- Masks (マスク) — commonly available and expected in crowded spaces
Japanese drugstores (yakkyoku or yakkyoku) are common in Kanagawa. Look for the green cross sign. Most have English signage for common medications. For specific medications, bring your prescription and check Japan’s strict drug import regulations — some common Western medications (certain allergy medicines, ADHD medication) are illegal in Japan.
🏥 Pharmacy and Medical Visit Phrases
If you have a minor illness or need medication, these phrases will help at a Japanese pharmacy or clinic.
At the Pharmacy
| English | Japanese | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Do you have medicine for…? | …の薬はありますか？ | …no kusuri wa arimasu ka? |
| I have a cold | 風邪をひきました | Kaze wo hikimashita |
| I have a fever | 熱があります | Netsu ga arimasu |
| I need a bandage | 絆創膏が必要です | Bansōkō ga hitsuyō desu |
| I need pain reliever | 痛み止めが必要です | Itamidome ga hitsuyō desu |
| Do you have insect repellent? | 虫除けはありますか？ | Mushiyoke wa arimasu ka? |
At the Clinic or Hospital
| English | Japanese | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| I need to see a doctor | 医者に診てもらいたいです | Isha ni mite moraitai desu |
| I have a rash | 発疹が出ました | Hoshin ga demashita |
| I twisted my ankle | 足首を捻りました | Ashikubi wo hinerimashita |
| I have food poisoning | 食中毒です | Shokuchūdoku desu |
| It hurts when I press here | ここを押すと痛いです | Koko wo osu to itai desu |
| I need a prescription | 処方箋が必要です | Shohōsen ga hitsuyō desu |
🏨 Kanagawa Hospitals and Clinics with English Support
Knowing where to go for medical care is essential preparation. Here are English-friendly options in Kanagawa: Yokohama:
- Yokohama City University Hospital (3-9 Fukuura, Kanazawa-ku) — 24-hour ER, English interpreters available.
- Yokohama Rosai Hospital (3211 Kozukue-cho, Kohoku-ku) — English-speaking staff on certain days.
- Tokyo Medical Clinic (Naka-ku, near Minato Mirai) — Private clinic, English fluent, appointments recommended. ¥10,000-15,000 for consultation. Kamakura:
- Kamakura General Hospital (259-1 Yamasaki) — Accepts foreign patients, has interpreters. Hakone:
- Hakone General Hospital (1275 Tonomiya, Hakone-machi) — Emergency care for onsen-related injuries.
Important: Keep your passport and travel insurance card with you. Most Japanese hospitals require upfront payment or proof of insurance before treatment. International travel insurance with direct billing is strongly recommended.
🗣️ Pronunciation Quick Guide
Japanese pronunciation is straightforward once you know the basics. Here are tips for the emergency phrases in this guide: Vowels (pronounced as in Spanish/Italian):
- A = “ah” (as in “father”)
- I = “ee” (as in “see”)
- U = “oo” (as in “food”, but shorter)
- E = “eh” (as in “bet”)
- O = “oh” (as in “go”)
Key pronunciation rules:
- Long vowels matter: “Kega” (injury) vs “Kēga” (makeup) — double the vowel length
- “Tasukete!” (Help!): Say “tahs-keh-te” with emphasis on the first syllable
- “Kyūkyūsha” (Ambulance): The long “kyū” sound is critical — it means emergency, not “nine” (kyū)
- “Jishin” (Earthquake): “Jee-shin” — note that “ji” is soft, like “gee”
Practice before you go: Save the Quick Reference Card section from this article as a screenshot on your phone. In an emergency, you can simply show the Japanese text to someone.
🚆 Transport Disruption Phrases
If your train, ferry, or bus service is disrupted due to an accident, weather, or earthquake, these phrases will help you get information:
| English | Japanese | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Is the train running? | 電車は動いていますか？ | Densha wa ugoiteimasu ka? |
| When will it resume? | いつ再開しますか？ | Itsu saikai shimasu ka? |
| Is there an alternative route? | 代替ルートはありますか？ | Daitai rūto wa arimasu ka? |
| How long will the delay be? | どのくらい遅れますか？ | Dono kurai okuremasu ka? |
| Can I get a refund? | 払い戻しはできますか？ | Haraimodoshi wa dekimasu ka? |
| Where is the nearest bus stop? | 一番近いバス停はどこですか？ | Ichiban chikai basutei wa doko desu ka? |
| Is there a taxi stand? | タクシー乗り場はありますか？ | Takushī noriba wa arimasu ka? |
| Please help me find my way | 道を教えてください | Michi wo oshiete kudasai |
Kanagawa-specific transport disruption tips:
- The Enoden train line between Kamakura and Fujisawa is frequently suspended during high winds (typhoon season: June-October). Alternative bus services run along the same route.
- The Hakone Tozan Railway stops during heavy rain and landslides (common July-September). The Hakone Tozan Bus provides alternative mountain transport.
- JR lines in Kanagawa display English delay information on station screens and announcements. Look for “Delay” (遅延 — chien) or “Suspended” (運転見合わせ — unten miaiwasse).
- Keikyu Line (Yokosuka, Miura area) provides English updates through their app. Download it before your trip.
Getting There
Kanagawa is well-connected by multiple train lines from Tokyo. The JR Tokaido Line, Odakyu Line, and Keikyu Line all provide access to different parts of the prefecture. Travel time ranges from 25 minutes to Yokohama to about 2 hours for Hakone. Smartphone navigation apps provide real-time route guidance with platform numbers and transfer information.
Best Time to Visit
The ideal seasons for visiting Kanagawa are spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) when temperatures are moderate and rainfall is minimal. Summer offers vibrant festivals and beach activities despite the humidity. Winter provides crisp clear days perfect for photography and sightseeing with fewer tourists.
Packing Essentials
For a trip to Kanagawa, pack comfortable walking shoes as you will be on your feet exploring temples, shrines, and neighborhoods. A reusable water bottle is essential – tap water is safe to drink. A small umbrella or light rain jacket is useful year-round. Power banks are recommended since you will rely on your phone for maps. A small daypack for daily essentials makes sightseeing more convenient.
Conclusion
The details in this guide come from real visits, and the biggest lesson I took away was that the best experiences in Kanagawa rarely fit neatly into a checklist. During my visit I went with a rough plan and found that leaving room to wander made the trip far more memorable. Plan the essentials, keep your schedule flexible, and you will leave Kanagawa wanting to return.