How to Call Japan? Phone Number Format & Dialing Guide

The Japanese phone number has three major components: the country code, area code, and subscriber number. All these components play a distinct role in directing your call within the specific area of Japan.

The country code for Japan is +81. You must enter this code before the actual phone number when calling Japan from outside the country. However, the country code is not necessary for making local calls.

Area codes represent the specific geographical region within the country. Japan has 563 area codes, and they range from 1 to 5 digits depending on the city or locality. While smaller towns and rural areas have lengthier area codes, large cities have shorter ones.

Area codes of some of the popular cities of Japan are as follows:

The subscriber number is the final part of a Japanese phone number, uniquely assigned to individuals or businesses. The landline number includes the area code, while the mobile number includes the unique mobile prefix.

Japanese phone numbers are categorized into landline, mobile, and toll-free. Every number has a unique format.

The landline numbers typically consist of an area code and a subscriber number. The local subscriber number usually has 6 to 8 digits.

Japan Landline Number Format: +81 + Area Code + Subscriber Number

Example: +81 3 5678 1234. Here ‘3’ is the area code for Tokyo, and 5678-1234 is the local landline number.

Japan’s cell phone number format does not include geographic area codes. Rather, they begin with particular prefixes like 070, 080, or 090. Japanese mobile numbers always have 10 digits (excluding the country code).

Japan Mobile Phone Number Format: +81 + mobile prefix + subscriber number

Example: +81 90 1234 5678. Here, ‘90’ is a mobile prefix.

Toll-free numbers in Japan start with 0120 or 0800. It consists of a 4-digit service code and a 4-digit subscriber number after the toll-free prefix.

Japan Toll-Free Number Format: 0120 + Service Code + Subscriber Number or 0800 + Service Code + Subscriber Number

Example: 0120-1234-5678. Here, 0120 represents the toll-free prefix, 1234 indicates the service code, and 5678 is the local subscriber number.

Emergency phone number formats in Japan consist of 3 digits and do not include any area codes or prefixes. These numbers are short and easy to remember, making them straightforward to dial during urgent situations.

Here’s a list of some of the important emergency phone numbers in Japan:

• 110 – Police
• 119 – Fire and Ambulance
• 118 – Coast Guard
• 171 – Disaster Information

To call Japan locally, dial the Japan area code or mobile prefix (without country code), followed by local subscriber number.

• Step 1: Dial the area code for a landline or mobile prefix for a mobile number.
• Step 2: Dial the local subscriber number.

Example:

To call a landline in Tokyo, dial 03 5678 1234.

To call a mobile number in Japan, dial 090 1234 5678.

To call a Japan phone number internationally, dial your country’s exit code, followed by Japan’s country code (+81), and then the area code or mobile prefix, followed by the local number.

• Step 1: Dial the exit code for your country or +.
• Step 2: Dial Japan’s country code: 81.
• Step 3: Dial the area code (for landline numbers) or mobile prefix (for mobile numbers).
• Step 4: Dial the local number.

Example:

To call a landline in Tokyo from the US, dial: 011 + 81 + 3 + 5678 1234.

To call a mobile number in Japan, dial: 011 + 81 + 90 + 1234 5678.

Consider the dialing procedures, calling costs, and the Japanese time zone to ensure your call reaches its destination accurately at the right time at a reasonable cost.

Japan phone number format includes unique prefixes, including the country code, area code, and mobile prefix. You must dial the prefixes in the right sequence for an accurate connection. Missing out on any prefix or following the incorrect process leads to a call failure. Also, be mindful to include your country code when dialing internationally.

Making phone calls to Japan can be expensive, especially for international calls. The exact cost depends on the telecom carrier and the plan you choose. So, compare the different providers before selecting one for an affordable option.

Consider using a virtual phone number for a cost-effective way to call Japan. Virtual numbers allow you to make a call on the internet, which is typically cheaper than traditional carriers.

Japan uses Japan Standard Time (JST), which is UTC+9, nine hours ahead of UTC. It is important to consider time zone differences to avoid calling at late-night or early-morning.

The best time to call Japan depends on the country you’re calling from. For example, to call Japan from the US from Eastern Standard Time zone, the ideal time would be between 7:00 PM and 3:00 AM EST, which aligns with Japan's business hours of 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM JST.

The Japanese phone number format contains the country code (+81 for international calls), followed by the area code (for landlines) or mobile prefix, and then the subscriber number. By following the right structure, you can easily connect your call.

However, even with the correct format, network issues can sometimes impact the connection. Upgrade to Calilio’s business phone system to avoid network-related call failures. Our robust network technology ensures your call reaches Japan without any complications.

No, area codes are not used in Japanese mobile phone numbers. Rather, they begin with particular prefixes such as 070, 080, or 090.

Japanese landline numbers typically have 9 to 10 digits in total (including the area code and subscriber number). Mobile phone numbers have 10 digits (excluding the country code). Likewise, Toll-free numbers have 11 digits, including the 4-digit prefix.

If you see +81 code in the phone number, it means that the particular number belongs to Japan. +81 is the country code for Japan.