Japan Phone Number Format & Dialing Guide

A Japanese phone number’s structure depends on whether the call is made within Japan or from abroad.

When dialing within Japan, landline numbers include an area code and a subscriber number, while mobile numbers start with the mobile prefix followed by the subscriber number.

When calling a Japanese number from outside Japan, the structure includes the international access code of the caller's country, the Japan country code, the area code or mobile prefix without a leading zero, and the subscriber number.

1. IAC or Exit Code: The IAC is the initial number you dial to connect an international call from your country. For example, when you call Japan from Australia, you must dial Australia’s IAC (0011) first. On mobile phones, the exit code can be replaced with the “+” sign.
2. Country Code or International Subscriber Dialing (ISD) code: Japan’s country code is 81, which must be dialed after the IAC when calling from abroad.

3. Area Code: 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 longer area codes, large cities have shorter ones.
   
   Area codes of some of the cities of Japan are as follows:

   City/Region	Area Code
   Tokyo	03
   Osaka	06
   Yokohama	045
   Kyoto	075
   Hiroshima	082
   Naha	098
   Ashikawa	0166
   Nara City	0742
   Hakodate	0138
   Chichibu	04994

4. Mobile Prefix: Mobile phone numbers in Japan always start with 070, 080, or 090 when dialed locally. When calling internationally, the leading 0 is dropped.
5. Subscriber Number: This is the unique set of digits assigned to each individual line. It is 4 to 8 digits long, depending on the length of the area code and mobile prefix.

When calling a Japanese number from within Japan, dial the area code followed by the subscriber number for landlines, and mobile prefixes like 070, 080, or 090 followed by the subscriber number for mobile phones. For toll-free calls, dial prefixes such as 0120 or 0800 along with the subscriber number.

When calling a landline in Japan from within the country, you need to dial the area code for the region and then the subscriber's landline number.

If you are calling from a landline to another landline within the same area, you can omit the area code. However, including it is also acceptable and will still connect the call.

When dialing a mobile phone in Japan from within the country, begin with a mobile prefix and a subscriber number. These numbers are not linked to any specific region and always contain 11 digits.

Toll-free numbers in Japan begin with the prefixes 0120 or 0800, followed by a subscriber number. Calls to these numbers are free of charge for the caller.

Note: Toll-free numbers in Japan can only be dialed from within the country. If you are calling from overseas, the number will not connect.

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

When calling a Japanese landline number internationally, dial your country’s international access code, Japan’s country code, the area code without the leading zero, and the subscriber number. For a Japanese mobile number, dial your country’s international access code, Japan’s country code, the mobile prefix without the leading zero, and the subscriber number.

To call a Japanese landline from abroad, dial your country’s international access code, then Japan’s country code, followed by the area code without the leading zero and the subscriber number.

Here is how to call the landline number of Japan from Australia: 0011 81 45 1234 5678. Alternatively, instead of typing the international exit code, you can use the plus sign: +81 45 1234 5678.

Where,

• 0011 - IAC of Australia
• 81 - Country code for Japan
• 45 - Yokohama’s area code is 045, but the leading zero is dropped when dialing internationally.
• 1234 5678- Subscriber’s landline number

To call a Japanese mobile number from overseas, dial your country’s international access code, then Japan’s country code, followed by the mobile prefix without the leading zero and the subscriber number.

Here is how to call the mobile number of Japan from the US: 011 81 80 1234 5678. Or, using the plus format, it would be +81 80 1234 5678.

Where,

• 011 - International Access Code of the U.S.
• 81 - Japan Country Code
• 80 - Mobile prefix (the leading zero is dropped)
• 1234 5678 - Subscriber mobile number

Before calling Japan, make sure you follow the correct dialing format, have a stable network, and check the calling cost with your provider. Also, keep in mind the time difference, as Japan is in JST (UTC +9) with no daylight saving time.

Before you call Japan, ensure you know the correct dialing format. If you are calling from abroad, you must first enter your country’s exit code, then Japan’s country code, followed by the local Japanese number (with the leading zero removed for international calls). For domestic calls within Japan, dial area code + subscriber number for landlines, 070/080/090 + subscriber number for mobiles, and 0120/0800 + subscriber number for toll-free calls.

A stable network is important when calling Japan, especially for international calls. If you are using mobile networks or internet-based calling apps, ensure you have a strong signal or reliable Wi-Fi to avoid dropped calls or poor call quality.

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.

Japan is in the Japan Standard Time (JST) zone, which is UTC +9 and does not observe daylight saving time. Always check the time difference between your country and Japan before calling to avoid reaching someone at late night or early morning hours.

Calling Japan, whether for personal or business reasons, requires a clear understanding of the correct phone number format for landlines, mobile phones, and toll-free numbers. While dialing procedures may seem straightforward, many callers still face challenges like poor call quality and high international fees.

To make communicating with Japan easier and more cost-effective, consider using a VoIP-based business phone system like Calilio. With access to virtual phone numbers in Japan and over 100 other countries, Calilio allows you to make calls and send messages at local rates, no matter where you are.