How to Call Japan from the US?

When you call a Japanese number from the US, the Japanese phone number format follows this structure: US exit code, Japan country code, area code or mobile prefix (without trunk code), and the subscriber number.

1. US Exit Code: The US exit code is 011. It tells your phone carrier that you are dialing a number outside the US. You can replace this exit code with the “+” sign.
2. Japan Country Code: Japan’s country code is 81, which directs your call to the Japanese telephone system.

3. Area Code: Japanese landline numbers use an area code that identifies a specific city or region, such as 3 for Tokyo or 6 for Osaka. Landlines in Japan include a trunk prefix “0” for domestic calls, which must be removed when dialing internationally.
   
   Below is a table showing some of the most popular cities in Japan along with their corresponding area codes:

   City	Area Code
   Tokyo	3
   Osaka	6
   Yokohama	45
   Nagoya	52
   Kyoto	75
   Kobe	78
   Fukuoka	92
   Sapporo	11
   Hiroshima	82
   Sendai	22

4. Mobile Prefix: Mobile phone numbers in Japan begin with prefixes like 70, 80, or 90 and are 10 digits long in total. Similar to area codes, these numbers include a trunk prefix 0, which must be removed when dialing internationally.
5. Subscriber Number: The subscriber number is the unique number assigned to the individual or business you are calling. It comes after the area code or mobile prefix and completes the full Japanese phone number.

To call Japan from the US, dial 011 (US exit code), then 81 (Japan country code), followed by the local number without including the trunk code.

To call a Japanese cell phone from the US, use this dialing format: 011 (US exit code), then 81 (Japan country code), followed by the local cell phone number without the trunk prefix.

• Step 1: Dial the US exit code, which is 011. Alternatively, you can dial the “+” sign.
• Step 2: Enter the country code of Japan, which is 81.
• Step 3: Dial the Japanese mobile number.

To call a Japanese landline from the US, dial the US exit code (011), the Japan country code (81), the area code (dropping the leading 0), and the subscriber number.

• Step 1: Dial the US exit code, 011 or use the “+” sign.
• Step 2: Enter the Japan country code, 81.
• Step 3: Dial the area code of the desired location.
• Step 4: Dial the subscriber number to complete the call.

To call a toll-free number in Japan from the US, dial the US exit code (011), followed by the Japan country code (81), and the toll-free number.

• Step 1: Dial the exit code of the US, 011, or use the “+” sign.
• Step 2: Enter the country code of Japan, 81
• Step 3: Dial the recipient toll-free number.

Note: Calling a Japanese toll-free number from the US may not connect. If the call does go through, international calling charges may apply.

The best time to call Japan from the US for business calls is during the late evening in the US, which aligns with normal working hours in Japan. For personal calls, it’s best to contact the recipient at a convenient time, such as evening hours in Japan, which usually fall in the early morning or late at night in the US, depending on the time zone.

Japan operates in a single time zone known as Japan Standard Time (JST), which is 9 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+9). In contrast, the United States spans six main time zones, creating a significant time difference that can range from 14 to 19 hours, depending on your location and daylight saving time.

The table below outlines the time differences and the recommended calling times from the US that align with Japan's business hours (9:00 AM – 6:00 PM).

Note: The times listed above may shift by one hour when daylight saving time is in effect.

Calling Japan from the US costs $2.49 to $4.00 per minute with traditional carriers, while VoIP services charge around $0.02 to $0.18 per minute. Using calling cards can cost about $0.01 to $0.07 per minute, and social media apps allow free calls over the internet.

Calling Japan through a US mobile or landline carrier is usually the most expensive option, especially without an international add-on. Charges are billed at $2.49 to $4.00 per minute and can add up quickly for long conversations.

VoIP services route calls over the internet, making them a popular and affordable choice for both business and personal communication. Many VoIP providers offer pay-as-you-go rates that cost between $0.02 and $0.18 per minute, while some include unlimited international calling in subscription plans.

Calling cards are a low-cost alternative for users who don’t want a monthly subscription. You simply purchase a card with a fixed balance and dial an access number before entering the international number. While calling cards can provide competitive rates ranging from $0.01 to $0.07 per minute, they may come with connection fees or inconsistent call quality.

Social media and messaging apps such as Facebook Messenger, Viber, WhatsApp, and Instagram allow you to call Japan for free, as long as both parties use the same app and have a stable internet connection. These apps are ideal for casual or personal calls but may lack the reliability and professionalism required for business conversations.

Calling Japan from the USA is simple once you understand the correct dialing format, time difference, and available calling options. By using the proper phone number structure, you can connect easily to Japanese landlines, mobile numbers, or toll-free services.