Page 372 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide: Japan
P. 372
370 SUR VIV AL GUIDE
Personal Security and Health of translation difficulties
regarding medical treatment,
Hygiene standards in Japan are as high as in Western countries, contact the Emergency
and crime rates are low. Pickpockets occas ionally operate in Medical Translation Services.
crowds, but bags can generally be put down freely in a store Japan Helpline offers 24hour
or at a station, and there is little risk in carrying large amounts assis tance in English for all kinds
of problems. Visitors who need
of cash. Koban (manned police boxes) are found in every counseling can contact the
neighborhood; their presence helps to keep crime down. Tokyo English Life Line, which
Japan lies at the juncture of several tectonic plates, making it offers an excellent free service.
very prone to earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions,
some of which cause extreme devastation. It also lies in the Lost and Stolen Property
path of typhoons, which can wreak enormous damage.
The loss of most items should be
reported at the nearest koban.
cards. It is advisable to avoid The Japanese are generally very
the yakuza (mafia; see p207), honest and items such as lost
extremist political groups, and wallets are often handed in intact
questionable religious sects. to the authorities by responsible
citizens. If your passport is lost
or stolen, report it at the local
Women Travelers
police station, not the koban.
Official statistics for sexual The station will pro vide an
assault in Japan are very low, official police report, which can
and any unwanted proposi tions be presented at your embassy
from men can usually be shaken to obtain a replacement or
A traffic policeman wearing a off with a simple no. However, emergency passport.
protective mask groping hands on crowded
trains are an acknow ledged
Police Hospitals and
problem, and increasing
Police are generally helpful, and evidence suggests that sex Pharmacies
at the koban (manned police crimes tend to go unreported Facilities are generally as good
boxes), usually located close or unprosecuted. Women as in the US or Europe, but the
to train stations, they are should avoid mountain paths cost of treatment is high. If you
accustomed to dispensing after dark and be wary of are sick, consult a doctor at a
directions, but their ability to men outside stations trying local clinic; for minor prob lems,
speak English may be limited. to initiate a conversation. see a pharmacist.
Being arrested in Japan, even To find a hospital or get other
for a minor offence, can result information about medi cal
in police detention for 23 days In an Emergency institutions such as dentists,
while the case is being inves Emergency calls are free. The contact the Tokyo Metropolitan
tigated. Police interviews can Tokyo Police operates a Police Health and Medical Information
last many hours, will not be English Help Line for foreign Center. Other options include
recorded, and under ques visitors. The Tokyo Metropolitan the AMDA International
tioning detainees will not have Health and Medical Information Medical Information Center
access to a lawyer. The Police Center provides health and Japan Healthcare Info.
English Help Line can provide information in English, Spanish, The former offers free medi cal
more information. Korean, Chinese, and Thai. In case consult ation over the tele phone
What to be Aware of
Thefts and muggings do occur
at times in Japan. There are also
sporadic incidents of bag
snatching and pick pocketing in
crowded areas. It is generally
safe to walk around at night, but
be care ful in Tokyo’s Roppongi
entertainment district. There
have been reports of drinks
being spiked with drugs leaving
victims unconscious for several
hours, allowing fraudulent
billings to be made to credit An ambulance driving down a street in Tokyo
370-371_EW_Japan.indd 370 08/08/16 3:10 pm
Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Practical template “UK” LAYER
(Source v1.7)
Date 5th March 2013
Size 125mm x 217mm
