Colclusion: In Asakusa, asking nearby people or shop staff for help is often your best option in an emergency.
In case of an incident or accident
First of all, Japan has a very convenient system called ‘koban.’ A koban is a small police booth with officers stationed there, and in areas like Asakusa, you’ll find plenty of them. If something happens, like an accident or an incident, finding the nearest koban is probably your best option.
If you can’t locate a koban, asking someone nearby for ‘Police’ is a good idea. In such cases, it’s helpful to use simple words like ‘Police,’ and ‘Trouble,’ or ‘Help,’ and pronounce them slowly and clearly. These words are easy to understand, even for elderly locals who may not be fluent in English. Japanese people are generally very kind to tourists and will often guide you or point you in the right direction.
In more urgent cases, you can always call the police directly by dialing 110, Japan’s emergency police number. 110 is the emergency number to call the police in Japan. It is strictly for emergencies, and if the call gets disconnected, police trace your location. When you call, it’s important to clearly and slowly say something like ‘English, please’ or indicate that you wish to speak in a foreign language. This will help the operator understand your needs and connect you to the appropriate support as quickly as possible.
