How to Call Japan 🇯🇵
Japan's country code is +81. The full recipe and the local quirks that make calls fail, below.
Quick dialing format
[exit code] + 81 + [number]
| From US & Canada | 011 81 ... |
| From UK & most of Europe | 00 81 ... |
| From Japan | 010 81 ... |
| From any mobile or browser | +81 ... |
The leading zero rule
Drop the leading 0. Tokyo 03 becomes +81 3.
Area codes in Japan
| Place | Area code |
|---|---|
| Tokyo | 3 |
| Osaka | 6 |
| Yokohama | 45 |
| Nagoya | 52 |
Calling mobile numbers
Japanese mobiles start with 070, 080, or 090 domestically, becoming +81 70 / 80 / 90 from abroad.
Time zones and when to call
Japan is UTC+9 with no daylight saving. From the US East Coast it's 13 to 14 hours ahead: your evening is their next morning, which is actually convenient for business calls.
The cheapest ways to call Japan
Carrier international rates are the most expensive way to make this call. If the person you're calling uses WhatsApp or Telegram, an app-to-app call is free over any internet connection. To reach a regular Japan phone number, use a VoIP service or call straight from a web dialer: our guides to calling from your computer and calling from your browser cover the options, and free online calls explains what the free routes really cost.
Frequently asked questions
What is the country code for Japan?
The country code is +81. From a mobile or browser dialer, dial +81 followed by the local number. From a landline, dial your country's exit code first (011 from the US and Canada, 00 from most of Europe).
Do I drop the leading zero when calling Japan?
Drop the leading 0. Tokyo 03 becomes +81 3.
How do I call a mobile number in Japan?
Japanese mobiles start with 070, 080, or 090 domestically, becoming +81 70 / 80 / 90 from abroad.
What is the cheapest way to call Japan?
Internet calling beats carrier international rates by a wide margin. If both sides use the same app (WhatsApp, Telegram), the call is free. To reach a regular phone number, a VoIP service or browser-based dialer charges a small per-minute rate instead of carrier international pricing.