How to Call Japan and Abroad: Using the +81 Country Code Correctly

Calling Japan from Overseas

When you are outside of Japan and need to call a Japanese landline or mobile phone, you must use the international dialing format. Japan's country code is +81. The most important rule to remember is that you must omit the leading zero from the local area code or the mobile prefix.

Japanese phone numbers typically start with a "0" (for example, 03 for Tokyo or 090 for mobile phones). When dialing internationally, that zero is no longer needed. If you include it, the call will likely fail or result in an error message.

The correct dialing sequence is:

• International Access Code: This depends on your current location (e.g., 011 from the USA, 00 from many European countries). On most mobile phones, you can simply hold the "0" key to produce the "+" symbol.

• Country Code: 81

• Subscriber Number: The area code and phone number, excluding the first zero.

Example: To call a Tokyo landline (03-XXXX-XXXX) from abroad, you would dial +81 3-XXXX-XXXX.

Calling Abroad from Japan

If you are currently in Japan and need to call a number in another country, the process is similar but requires the international prefix used within Japan. While many mobile phone users can simply use the "+" sign followed by the country code, landline users may need to dial a specific prefix first.

In Japan, the standard international prefix for landlines is 010. To call an international number, follow this pattern:

• International Prefix: 010 (or "+" on mobile devices).

• Destination Country Code: The code for the country you are calling (e.g., 1 for the USA, 44 for the UK).

• Local Number: The full phone number, including any local area codes.

Please note that international calling rates can be quite high. We recommend checking with your mobile carrier or service provider regarding international calling plans or using internet-based communication apps to avoid unexpected charges.

Good to know

• The "+" Sign: On almost all modern smartphones, holding down the "0" key will insert a "+" sign, which automatically handles the international access code for your current location.

• Mobile Prefixes: Mobile numbers in Japan usually start with 070, 080, or 090. When calling from abroad, use 81 followed by the remaining digits (e.g., +81 90-XXXX-XXXX).

• Time Zones: Before making an international call, always check the local time in the destination country to avoid calling at inconvenient hours.

• VoIP Services: Using services like Skype or WhatsApp can often be more cost-effective than traditional cellular roaming or international dialing.

Official information

• Prime Minister's Office of Japan
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
• Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)

Rules and fees can change. Please confirm the latest details with the official sources above.