Japan Phone Number Format: Structure, Types, and Dialing

Senior Writer: Supriya Bajaj

Published : May 2, 2025

No doubt that a technologically advanced country like Japan has a thoughtfully designed phone number system. However, for callers from other countries, navigating through these unprecedented number sequences can be a huge bottleneck.

Whether you are struggling to contact a Tokyo-based number or schedule a meeting in Osaka, you should learn how to dial a Japanese phone number at a go. Our comprehensive guide breaks it all down for you — from area codes, prefixes, and international calling procedures.

Stay tuned! By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to call your Japanese contact and say ‘Konnichiwa’ (Hello) with confidence!\

Recommended Read : Japan Virtual Phone Number

How To Dial Japanese Phone Numbers?

A Japan phone number can be dialed in 2 ways: Within the country or from outside the country. However, for both, dialing methods may change slightly.

Let’s understand both of them in-depth:

1. Within Japan

While making a local call inside Japan:

• Start by dialing 0 (this is the trunk prefix used for domestic calls).
• Then, simply dial the area code of the city or region.
• Follow it with the subscriber number.

Example for a Local Call in Japan (Tokyo):

• Dial: 03-1234-5678
  (03 is the area code for Tokyo, 1234-5678 is the subscriber number.)

2. From Abroad (Example: Calling from the USA)

While dialing internationally to Japan:

• Start by dialing the exit code of your country. From the USA, the exit code is 011.
• Dial Japan’s country code, which is 81.
• Omit the starting 0 from the Japanese area code or mobile prefix.
• Then dial the remaining area code or prefix + subscriber number.

Example for an International Call to Tokyo:

• Local Tokyo Number: 03-1234-5678
• International Dialing Format: 011-81-3-1234-5678

A Step-by-Step Guide to Decoding Japanese Phone Numbers

Do you want to call a Japanese number with minimal effort? In this section, we will break down the Japanese phone number format into simple steps with real examples for your understanding.

Step 1: Understand Japan’s Country Code

The country code for Japan is +81.

• In Japan, local calls use a “0” at the beginning.
• But when you call Japan internationally, you replace the 0 with +81.

Example:

• Local call in Japan: 03-1234-5678 (Tokyo landline)
• Call from the USA: +81-3-1234-5678

Step 2: Learn About Area Codes in Japan (Only for landline)

An area code shows which city or region you are calling. Area codes vary based on service providers.

• Japan’s major cities have shorter area codes (1–2 digits).
• Smaller cities or rural areas have longer area codes (3–5 digits).

Examples of Area Codes:

Example:

To call a Hiroshima landline from the USA: +81-82-XXXX-XXXX

Step 3: Know the Prefixes (For Mobile and Toll-Free Calls)

Japanese telephone numbers use different codes depending on the type of service:

Examples:

• +81-090-XXXX-XXXX – International Mobile Phone
• +81-0120-XXX-XXX – International Toll-Free Service

Step 4: Find the Subscriber Number

After the area code (for landlines) or mobile prefix (for mobiles), the rest is the subscriber number. It is the actual line assigned to a person or business.

Examples:

• In +81-03-1234-5678, 1234-5678 is the subscriber number.
• In +81-080-5678-4321, 5678-4321 is the subscriber number.

The subscriber number typically has 8 digits for landlines and mobile phones, but toll-free numbers often have 6–7 digits depending on the provider.

Step 5: Understand the Total Number of Digits

How many digits does a full Japanese phone number have?

Breakdown:

• Landlines: 1–2 digits for area code + 8 digits for subscriber = 10 digits total.
• Mobile numbers: 3 digits for mobile prefix + 8 digits for subscriber = 11 digits total.

Example of How to Call Japan from Another Country

Let’s take 3 different Japan phone number examples:

Scenario 1: Suppose you want to call a Tokyo landline (03-1234-5678) from the USA

Full number to dial (landline): 011-81-3-1234-5678

Scenario 2: Suppose you want to call a Japanese mobile number (090-5678-4321) from the USA

Full number to dial (mobile): 011-81-90-5678-4321

Scenario 3: Suppose you want to call a Japanese toll-free number (0120-123-456) from the USA

Full number to dial (toll-free): 011-81-120-123-456

Key Considerations:

What Are The Types of Japan Phone Numbers?

In Japan, different types of phone numbers are used for different purposes and for the feasibility of users. Here’s an explanation of a few of them:

A. Local Numbers

Local numbers tie to specific cities and regions. You must always dial the local area code before the number.

Example: Dial 03-1234-5678 for a Tokyo local phone number.

Using a local number builds trust with local businesses.

B. Mobile Numbers

Japan mobile phone numbers start with 070, 080, or 090, and they use national dialing. So, no area code restrictions are applied.

Example: 080-1234-5678

C. Toll-Free Numbers

Generally, Japan toll-free numbers start with the toll-free prefix 0120. However, Japan also uses “0800” for other toll-free services.

Example: 0120-123-456

D. Vanity Numbers

Vanity numbers in Japan can be understood as a special number that is a mix of digits with easy-to-remember patterns, words, and sequences like 3652-NMV-ABC or 0320-ROSES.

Usually, these numbers are utilized by businesses to make their numbers more memorable and aligned with their brand identity. Vanity numbers are often built around toll-free prefixes like 0120 or 0800.

These numbers are chosen wisely to make customers recall them without needing to look them up.

Examples:

• 0120-39-1234 – “39” can be read as “San-Kyu” (Thank you in Japanese pronunciation).
• 0800-666-4444 – Repeating digits for easier recall.

E. Emergency Numbers

Japan has fast-access emergency numbers and other phone services:

Make sure you save these emergency numbers while visiting Japan.

Who Needs to Understand Japanese Phone Number Format?

It is not only the telecom operators’ job to understand Japanese phone numbers. Even businesses, travelers, or anyone willing to communicate virtually with Japanese people must understand the Japanese phone number.

1. For Businesses

If your company wants to penetrate the Japanese market, then understanding the Japanese phone number format cannot be optional. It becomes a necessity.

Undeniably, getting a virtual local phone number gives you surefire benefits. Local phone numbers magnify pick-up rates and your Japanese customers may become more responsive. As a result, it may lead to enhanced local presence as well as global credibility.

2. For Tourists or Visitors

If you are planning a trip to Japan, then you must understand the basic phone number structures to make your trip more convenient and safer.

Emergency services such as,

• Police (110)
• Fire (119)
• and ambulance (also 119)

require knowledge of the Japanese number structure to save your precious time.

Apart from this, understanding Japanese phone numbers will help you book taxis, confirm bus services, and reserve airport shuttles as well. You can quickly get in touch with different hotel staff for booking inquiries, check-ins, or any emergency circumstances.

3. For Virtual Number Users

Digital enthusiasts and virtual number users can leverage the Japanese phone number format to keep in touch while living in other countries. A virtual number allows you to establish a presence in Japan and connect with local partners, friends, relatives, or clients.

What is the Best Time to Call Japan?

When making international calls, it’s important to be aware of the time difference between your country and Japan. Calling at the wrong hours could hurt your chances of reaching someone or making a positive impression.

Japan operates on Japan Standard Time (JST):

• JST = UTC +9 hours
• Japan does not observe daylight saving time, so the time difference remains constant year-round.

Example:
When it is 9:00 AM in Tokyo, it is:

Best Time To Call Japan From Other Countries

It is crucial to understand the time zone difference between your country and Japan before dialing a Japanese number to avoid disturbing them at odd times. We have prepared the table below to help you call a Japanese contact at their day routine timings from your country.

Wrapping Up

You should get a hang of Japan’s phone number format for emotionally connecting and communicating with Japanese people. Knowing how to dial valid Japanese numbers can save a lot of time and minimize your frustration.

Leverage this guide to learn more about country code, area code, and prefixes you can use for dialing a flawless Japanese phone number. It is your torchbearer for smoothly entering Japan!

FAQ

1. What does the initial ‘0’ at the beginning of the actual phone number of Japan signify?

The initial ‘0’ in a Japanese phone number is known as the trunk prefix. It is used only for domestic calls within Japan. However, when calling from outside Japan, you must drop the ‘0’ and replace it with Japan’s country code (+81).

Example:

• Calling Tokyo locally: 03-1234-5678
• Calling Tokyo internationally: +81-3-1234-5678 (drop the 0)

2. What about calling international numbers from Japan?

When calling an international number from Japan, start by dialing Japan’s international exit code, which is 010. Then dial the destination country’s code. Follow it with the area code (if needed) and the subscriber number.

Example:

Calling a US number (e.g., 565-111-3223) from Japan:

Dial 010-1-565-111-3223

Updated : May 2, 2025

Supriya Bajaj

Supriya Bajaj is a senior content developer with immense experience in the VoIP telephony domain. With a deep knowledge of VoIP systems and emerging technologies in the field, she provides insightful and targeted content. Known for simplifying complex topics and her thought-leadership articles, Supriya delivers actionable content for both technical and non-technical audiences.

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