Page 164 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Tokyo

162  SUR VIV AL GUIDE

Personal Security and Health Natural Disasters
Each year, Japan experiences
Medical facilities and general hygiene standards are high more than 1,000 earthquakes
and crime rates in Tokyo are low, though pick pockets large enough to be felt; most
occasionally operate in crowds. Koban (manned police boxes) are nothing to worry about.
are found in every neighborhood, usually near the train Tremors are more noticeable
in tall buildings, which sway
station; their presence helps to keep crime down. Due to its markedly but usually have
vulnerable position at the juncture of several tectonic plates, mechanisms to absorb the
Japan is particularly prone to earth quakes and volcanic motion. In a larger earthquake,
eruptions, some of which cause extreme devastation. especially in an old building,
The country also lies in the path of typhoons, which can open the doors (to prevent
them from buckling and
wreak enormous damage.
jamming) and turn off any gas.
Do not rush outside, where
Police
debris may be falling, but
Japanese police are generally shelter under a reinforced
helpful. Those at the koban are doorway or a sturdy table.
accustomed to dispensing Don’t sleep close to heavy
directions, though their English furniture not securely fixed
may be limited. The police can to the wall or under air-
legally demand visitors to conditioning units. The Tokyo
produce their passport or Government has issued a useful
Zairyu Card (Residence Card) bilingual Earthquake Survival
(see p156), so keep yours with Manual, and the Japan
you at all times. Failure to do Meteorological Agency
so could result in arrest and provides early warnings.
23 days’ detention while the The peak months for
case is investigated. Under A uniformed Tokyo policeman typhoons are August and
questioning, which can last In an Emergency September. Typhoons bring
many hours, detainees will violent winds; the worst may
not have access to a lawyer. Emergency calls are free. The cause flooding or landslides.
Interviews are not recorded. Tokyo police operates a help Active volcanoes are usually
line for foreign visitors; your fenced off so that no one can
hotel, embassy, or consulate get close, but toxic fumes
What to Be Aware Of
may also be able to help. The occasionally seep from the
Tokyo is regarded as a safe Tokyo Metropolitan Health and crater or its vicinity; look out
city, though episodes of bag- Medical Information Center for warning notices.
snatching and pickpocketing offers information in English, In the event of a natural
sometimes occur in crowded Spanish, Chinese, Korean, and disaster, you can reassure
areas, on trains, and at airports. It Thai. In case of language your loved ones that you are
is generally safe to walk around difficulties regarding medical safe by calling the Disaster
at night, but take extra care in matters, contact the Emergency Emergency Message Dial.
the Roppongi district. There have Medical Translation Services.
been reports of drinks being The Japan Helpline is a great
spiked with drugs that leave the 24-hour resource in English. Lost and Stolen Property
victim unconscious for hours, The Tokyo English Life Line The Japanese are very honest
allowing fraudulent billings to offers free counseling, while people, and found items
be made to their credit card. Befrienders Worldwide is a are often handed in to the
Due to the nuclear accident suicide prevention hotline. authorities, so it pays to
that occured in 2011, follow
government advice by not
going within a 49-mile (80-km)
radius of the Fukushima Daiichi
nuclear facility.
Women should take sensible
precautions regarding where
they go and with whom. Be
wary of men outside train
stations who try to start a
conversation – it may lead
to an unwanted advance.
These can usually be shaken
off with a simple “no.” Schoolchildren practicing an earthquake drill

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