Calling Japan from another country can seem complicated. Between exit codes, country codes, and a long list of Japanese area codes, it’s easy to feel confused. One wrong number in the sequence and the call simply won’t connect. The single most important piece of this puzzle is the Japan country code, which is +81. This is the unique identifier that tells the global telephone network your call is destined for Japan.
This guide is designed to be your go-to resource for a successful call every time. We’ll break down the complete anatomy of a Japanese phone number, explain the critical difference between landlines and mobiles, and provide a foolproof, step-by-step formula for dialing. You’ll learn the area code for Tokyo, the Kyoto area code, and many others, while also discovering how to avoid common mistakes. By the end, you’ll have everything you need to connect with confidence.
Understanding the Japanese Phone Number System
Before you can dial, it’s essential to understand how a Japanese phone number is structured. The system has specific formats for different types of phones, and each part of the number plays a crucial role in getting your call to the right place.
The Key Components of Every Japanese Number
Every call to Japan involves a few key pieces of information. Understanding what each one does is the first step to mastering the dialing process.
The Japan International Code: +81
The Japan country code phone number is +81. This is the first and most vital part of the dialing sequence for any call coming from outside the country. It signals to the network that the call needs to be routed to Japan. When you’re using a mobile phone, the plus + symbol is a universal shortcut that automatically replaces the exit code for the country you’re calling from, which simplifies the process.
The Domestic Trunk Prefix: The “0” You Must Drop
The most common mistake people make when dialing Japan is failing to handle the domestic trunk prefix—the digit 0. This 0 is only used for calls made within Japan, like from Osaka to Tokyo. It signals to the local network that it’s a domestic long-distance call.
When you are calling from another country, you must always drop this leading 0 from the area code or mobile prefix. The international dialing sequence (starting with + or an exit code) uses a different routing system that makes this 0 unnecessary. Including it after the Japan dialing code +81 will confuse the network and cause the call to fail.
Geographic Area Codes: From Tokyo (3) to the Countryside
For landline numbers, the country code is followed by a geographic japan area code. These codes can be one to five digits long and correspond to a specific city or region. Major cities with large populations have shorter area codes to allow for more unique phone numbers. For example, the Tokyo Japan area code is 03, and the Osaka area code is 06. Smaller towns have longer area codes.
When dialing internationally, you would use 3 for the area code Tokyo and 6 for Osaka after the country code.
Non-Geographic Prefixes: Mobile Phones and Special Numbers
Not all numbers are tied to a location. The Japanese system uses several other prefixes for different services.
- Mobile Phones: All mobile numbers in Japan start with 070, 080, or 090. These are the key identifiers for a mobile line.
- Toll-Free Numbers: Prefixes 0120 and 0800 are for toll-free calls, but they usually cannot be reached from outside Japan.
- IP Phones (VoIP): The 050 prefix is for numbers that work over the internet and aren’t tied to a physical location.
Landline vs. Mobile Numbers
A key difference in the system is the length of the numbers, which helps you identify what kind of phone you are calling.
- Landline Numbers: A standard Japanese landline number has 10 digits in total (including the leading 0). The format is 0 + Area Code + Subscriber Number (e.g., 03-XXXX-XXXX for Tokyo).
- Mobile Phone Numbers: A Japanese mobile number has 11 digits in total. The format is Mobile Prefix + Subscriber Number (e.g., 090-XXXX-XXXX).
This one-digit difference is a simple way to tell if you’re calling a landline or a mobile phone.
Major Japan Area Codes
If you need to call a landline, you’ll need the right area code for Japan. Here is a list of area codes in Japan for major cities. Remember to drop the leading 0 when you dial from abroad.
| City/Region | Area Code (Domestic Format) |
| Akita | 018 |
| Chiba | 043 |
| Fukuoka | 092 |
| Hiroshima | 082 |
| Kagoshima | 099 |
| Kawasaki | 044 |
| Kita-Kyushu | 093 |
| Kobe | 078 |
| Kyoto | 075 |
| Nagasaki | 095 |
| Nagoya | 052 |
| Naha (Okinawa) | 098 |
| Osaka | 06 |
| Sapporo | 011 |
| Sendai | 022 |
| Tokyo | 03 |
| Yokohama | 045 |
How to Call Japan: A Step-by-Step Guide
With a clear understanding of the number structure, placing a call becomes a simple formula. Here’s how to do it.
Calling a Japanese Landline from the USA
Follow these four steps to connect to a landline in Japan.
Step 1: Dial the US Exit Code (011) or Use “+”
Start by dialing 011, the U.S. exit code for international calls. If you’re on a mobile phone, just press and hold 0 until the + symbol appears. The + is the universal symbol and works from any country.
Step 2: Enter the Japan Phone Country Code (81)
Next, dial 81. This is the unique japan code number that routes your call correctly.
Step 3: Find the Area Code and Drop the “0”
Enter the city’s area code, but remember to omit the leading 0. For the area code of Tokyo Japan, which is 03, you will only dial 3.
Step 4: Dial the Local Subscriber Number
Finally, dial the rest of the local phone number.
Example Call to a Kyoto Landline
Let’s say you want to call a number in Kyoto, which has the local number 075-123-4567.
- Dialing from the US: 011-81-75-123-4567
- Dialing from any Mobile Phone: +81-75-123-4567
Calling a Japanese Mobile Phone from the USA
The process for calling a mobile phone is almost identical.
Step 1 & 2: Dial the Exit Code (011/+) and Country Code (81)
Start the same way, with the U.S. exit code (011 or +) followed by the calling code for Japan (81).
Step 3: Use the Mobile Prefix and Drop the “0”
Instead of an area code, use the three-digit mobile prefix (070, 080, or 090). Just as with area codes, you must drop the leading 0. A prefix of 090 becomes 90.
Step 4: Dial the 8-Digit Mobile Number
After the mobile prefix, dial the remaining eight digits of the number.
Example Call to a Mobile Phone
If the mobile number is 090-1234-5678:
- Dialing from the US: 011-81-90-1234-5678
- Dialing from any Mobile Phone: +81-90-1234-5678
Common Mistakes When Calling Japan (And How to Avoid Them)
Even with the right formula, a few common misunderstandings can lead to a failed call. Here’s how to avoid them.
The #1 Mistake: Forgetting to Drop the “0”
As we’ve stressed, the most frequent error is not removing the leading 0 from the japan phone area code or mobile prefix. The 0 is a command for the domestic Japanese phone network and is not part of the number itself. International calls enter the network through a different gateway, making this command redundant. Dialing +81-0… sends a conflicting signal that will cause the call to fail.
Why Does the Number Say “+81 (0)90…”?
You might see a Japanese number written as +81 (0)90-1234-5678 on a business card or website. This format is a helpful guide for both domestic and international callers. The (0) in parentheses is an instruction: include the 0 if you’re calling from within Japan, but omit it if you’re calling from another country.
Tips for a Smooth Call to Japan
Connecting is just the first part. To ensure your conversation is successful and respectful, keep these practical tips in mind.
Mind the Time Zone (JST)
Japan has a single time zone, Japan Standard Time (JST), which is UTC+9. Japan does not observe daylight saving time, so the difference is constant year-round. The time difference with the United States is significant (13 to 17 hours ahead), so it’s very easy to call in the middle of the night by accident. Always check the local time in Japan before dialing. A good window for calling during Japanese business hours (9 AM – 5 PM) is typically in the evening in the United States.
Understanding the Cost
Calling Japan can be expensive, so check your phone plan. Pay-per-minute rates can be high, but most carriers offer affordable international calling add-ons for a flat monthly fee. Internet-based calling services (VoIP) are often the cheapest option.
Basic Phone Etiquette
- Greetings: For business calls, it’s best to start with a polite “Hai” (“yes”) followed by your name, or a simple “Good morning/afternoon.” The informal “Moshi moshi” is for personal calls.
- Formality: Japanese business culture is formal. Use titles and last names (e.g., Tanaka-san) and be clear and professional in your conversation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the country code for Japan?
The phone code for Japan is +81. You must dial this code after your country’s exit code when calling from abroad.
How do I dial a Tokyo phone number from the United States?
To call a landline in Tokyo from the U.S., dial 011-81-3-XXXX-XXXX. The 011 is the U.S. exit code, 81 is the japan telephone code, and 3 is the area code for Tokyo (with the 0 removed).
What is the difference between a Japanese landline and a mobile number?
Japanese landlines are 10 digits long (e.g., 03-XXXX-XXXX) and use a geographic area code. Mobile numbers are 11 digits long (e.g., 090-XXXX-XXXX) and use a mobile prefix like 070, 080, or 090.
Why won’t my call to Japan go through?
The most likely reason is that you forgot to remove the leading 0 from the area code or mobile prefix. Other reasons could be using the wrong exit code or having international calling blocked on your phone plan.
Do I dial the “0” when calling Japan from another country?
No. The leading 0 in a domestic Japanese number is a trunk prefix and must always be omitted for international calls. A mobile number starting with 090 should be dialed as +81-90….
Conclusion
Calling Japan is straightforward once you understand the formula: [Your Country’s Exit Code] + 81 + [Area Code or Mobile Prefix without the ‘0’] + [Subscriber Number]. The most critical step is to always drop the leading 0 from the local number.
By following this dialing sequence and being mindful of the time difference, you can connect to friends, family, and colleagues in Japan with ease.
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