Japan: Mastery of time, silence, cleanliness & cutting-edge technology
📞+81Dial Code
🏛️TokyoCapital
💰JPYCurrency
🚨110Emergency
🔌100V 50/60Hz · Type A/BElectricity
The international dialing code for Japan is +81, and its capital city is Tokyo. The local emergency number is 110. For charging your devices, the sockets are 100V 50/60Hz · Type A/B. Regionally, Japan lies close to South Korea, North Korea, Taiwan, Mongolia. Visitors pay in JPY · ¥ · Japanese Yen. Don't miss tasting Sushi, Ramen, Tempura.
🛂 Japan passport: ranked #19 of 197 worldwide, with 155 visa-free or visa-on-arrival destinations.
See full passport ranking →
Follow these 4 simple steps to dial any phone number in Japan:
1
Dial your international access code
Most countries use 00 or +. From mobile phones, the + symbol works worldwide.
2
Dial Japan's country code: +81
Dial +81 immediately after the international access code. Do not include the + again if you already used 00.
3
Dial the city or area code
For landlines, dial the city code (drop any leading 0). For mobile numbers, skip this step.
4
Dial the local phone number
Enter the remaining digits of the recipient's phone number to complete the call.
💡 Example: To call Baghdad from the US, dial 011 +81 1 [number]. From mobile: + +81 1 [number].
☎️ Complete Guide to Calling Japan
How to Call Abroad from Japan
To call another country from Japan: dial the international exit code (00 in most countries, or press and hold 0 on a mobile to get +), then the destination country code, then the area code (without its leading 0), then the number. Example: to call the US, dial 00 1 [number] or + 1 [number].
International Number Format (E.164)
The global standard format for Japan numbers is +81 followed by the national number without its leading 0. A full international number has at most 15 digits including the country code. Save all your contacts this way so they work from anywhere in the world and in every app.
💡 Example: +81 [national number without the leading 0]
Tips to Lower Your Call Costs to Japan
Use internet apps like WhatsApp, Viber or Messenger for free calls over Wi-Fi.
Buy a local SIM or eSIM when traveling to Japan to pay local rates.
Activate an international plan from your carrier before you travel.
Use Wi-Fi Calling when available to avoid roaming charges.
Compare calling-card and VoIP providers for the lowest per-minute rate.
Why Isn't My Call Connecting? Common Fixes
You dialed 00 and + together — use only one of them.
You kept the leading 0 of the area or mobile code — remove it for international calls.
You forgot the country code +81 — it must come right after the exit code.
You added a city code to a mobile number — mobile numbers don't need one.
Your line isn't enabled for international calls — check with your carrier.
Wrong time — make sure it isn't the middle of the night in Japan.
Common Questions About Calling Japan
When should I use + instead of 00?
The + symbol works from any mobile phone anywhere in the world and replaces each country's exit code, so you never need to memorize them. 00 is the most common exit code and works on both landlines and mobiles. On a mobile, always prefer + — it is the most reliable.
Why do I drop the leading 0 of the area or mobile code when calling from abroad?
The leading 0 is a national trunk prefix used only for domestic calls. When calling internationally, the country code +81 takes its place, so you remove that 0 — otherwise the number is wrong and the call fails.
How do I call a mobile versus a landline in Japan?
For a mobile: dial +81 then the mobile number without its leading 0. For a landline: dial +81, then the city code (without its leading 0), then the local number. Mobile numbers never need a city code.
How do I send a text message (SMS) to Japan from abroad?
Save the number in international format — +81 then the number without its leading 0 — and send your message as usual. Your carrier may apply international SMS charges.
How can I call Japan via WhatsApp?
Add the contact in international format — +81 then the number without its leading 0. If they have WhatsApp, they appear automatically. WhatsApp calls run over the internet, are free, and need no exit code.
How much does it cost to call Japan?
It depends on your carrier and the line type; international calls over the regular phone network can be expensive. To save money, use internet apps like WhatsApp or Viber, or get a local SIM or eSIM.
What does the code +81 mean and where does it come from?
+81 is the international dialing code assigned to Japan by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Every country has a unique code that identifies it on the global telephone network.
How do I save a Japan number in the correct international format?
Always store it in E.164 format: +81 then the national number without its leading 0 and without spaces. Saved this way, it works from any country and in every app without changes.
📞 Complete Dialing Guide for Japan
Country Code
+81
Calling abroad from Japan? Start with
010
Mobile number length
10 digits
📱 Mobile: +81 90 XXXX XXXX
☎️ Landline: +81 3 XXXX XXXX (Tokyo)
📋 Full dialing examples
From any mobile (anywhere in the world)
+81 …
From most countries (landline or mobile, starts with 00)
00 81 …
From USA or Canada (starts with 011)
011 81 …
From Australia (starts with 0011)
0011 81 …
💡 Tip: The + symbol on any mobile replaces all exit codes and works worldwide.
☎️ Major City Phone Codes
Dial after the country code +81.
Tokyo · +81 3
Osaka · +81 6
Kyoto · +81 75
Yokohama · +81 45
Nagoya · +81 52
Sapporo · +81 11
📱 Mobile Network Operators & Prefixes
Mobile numbers in Japan start with these prefixes.
Operator
Prefix(es)
NTT Docomo
090, 080, 070
SoftBank
090, 080, 070
au (KDDI)
090, 080, 070
Rakuten Mobile
070
🔢 Phone Number Format Examples
Mobile
+81 90 XXXX XXXX
Landline
+81 3 XXXX XXXX (Tokyo)
Replace X with actual digits. Always drop the leading 0 when calling from abroad.
📡 VoIP & Calling App Status in Japan
Live status of major calling apps when dialing to or from Japan.
💬 WhatsApp
Works freely
🔵 Skype
Works freely
📹 FaceTime
Works freely
📲 Viber
Works freely
💡 Calling Tips for Japan
WhatsApp, FaceTime, and Skype all work freely in Japan. Pocket Wi-Fi rentals are popular for groups (~$5/day unlimited). IC cards (Suica/Pasmo) cover transit payments.
📲 How to Call Japan from Other Countries
To reach Japan, first dial your country's international exit code, then Japan's country code +81, then the local number without its leading 0. The table below shows the exact start of the dialing sequence from major countries.
From
Dialing sequence
🇺🇸 United States
011 81local number
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
00 81local number
🇩🇪 Germany
00 81local number
🇫🇷 France
00 81local number
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
00 81local number
🇦🇪 UAE
00 81local number
🇹🇷 Turkey
00 81local number
🇮🇳 India
00 81local number
On a mobile phone you can replace the exit code with the + sign, then dial +81 and the number — it works worldwide.
⏰ Best Time to Call Japan
Japan uses UTC+9. People there are usually awake from 09:00 to 21:00 local time, so the table below shows the best time to call Japan from major countries — in the caller's local time.
From
Best time to call (local time)
🇺🇸 United States
20:00–23:00
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
07:00–13:00
🇩🇪 Germany
07:00–14:00
🇫🇷 France
07:00–14:00
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
07:00–15:00
🇦🇪 UAE
07:00–16:00
🇹🇷 Turkey
07:00–15:00
🇮🇳 India
07:00–18:00
Times are approximate and may shift by about an hour during daylight saving time.
🧭 From Your Country to Japan
Live dial format and time difference — updates instantly
Dial from 🇺🇸 United States
011–81–XXX–XXXX
Time right now in Japan
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🌐 Personalise for Your Passport
Select your passport country to see visa requirements and embassy info relevant to you:
🛂 Visa Requirements
Common Visa Questions for Japan
Do I need a visa to visit Japan?
It depends on your nationality. Some travelers can enter Japan visa-free for short stays, while others need an e-Visa, a visa on arrival, or a visa obtained in advance from an embassy or consulate. Use our International Visa Checker below to instantly see the rule for your specific passport.
Does Japan offer an electronic visa (e-Visa)?
Many countries now offer an online e-Visa for eligible nationalities, letting you apply and pay over the internet before arrival. Availability, eligible passports, and fees differ from country to country, so confirm whether Japan currently offers an e-Visa for your nationality using our International Visa Checker below.
Is a visa on arrival available in Japan?
A visa on arrival lets eligible travelers obtain their visa at the airport or border instead of applying beforehand. Whether Japan grants it, and to which nationalities, can change over time, so verify your eligibility on our International Visa Checker below before relying on it.
How long can I stay in Japan on a tourist visa?
Tourist stays are commonly limited to 30, 60, or 90 days depending on the country and your nationality, and overstaying can lead to fines or entry bans. Check the exact permitted duration for your passport using our International Visa Checker below.
What documents are usually required to apply for a Japan visa?
Most applications ask for a passport valid for at least six months, recent passport photos, proof of onward or return travel, proof of accommodation, and sufficient funds for your stay. Some visas also require travel insurance or an invitation letter, so confirm the exact list for Japan using our International Visa Checker below.
How much does a Japan visa cost and how long does it take?
Visa fees and processing times vary widely by nationality and visa type, ranging from same-day e-Visas to several weeks for embassy applications. Always apply well before your trip and check the current fee and processing time for Japan using our International Visa Checker below.
How long must my passport be valid to enter Japan?
Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry, with one or two blank pages for stamps. Confirm the exact passport-validity rule for Japan on our International Visa Checker below before booking.
Spring (March–May) for cherry blossoms and Autumn (October–November) for fall foliage are Japan's peak seasons — book accommodations 3–6 months ahead. Summer (June–August) is hot and humid with rainy season in June. Winter (Dec–Feb) excellent for skiing in Hokkaido and Nagano.
📶 SIM & Internet
Japan offers excellent eSIM options — Airalo, Ubigi, Sakura Mobile (3GB for ¥2,500). Physical SIMs at Narita/Haneda airports. Pocket Wi-Fi rental popular for groups. 5G coverage strong in cities. Free Wi-Fi at Starbucks, 7-Eleven, JR stations. IC cards (Suica/Pasmo) also work for some payments.
👔 Dress Code & Etiquette
Japanese dress neatly even casually — avoid shorts in business areas. Remove shoes when entering homes, traditional restaurants, and temples (carry clean socks). Tattoos may bar entry to some onsen (hot springs) and gyms. No swimwear away from beaches/pools.
🌍 Japan: Culture, Food & Places
What are the most famous foods in Japan?
Some of the most famous foods in Japan include: Sushi, Ramen, Tempura, Wagyu beef, Takoyaki, Unagi (eel), Matcha, Mochi, Japanese curry, Sake.
What are the best places to visit in Japan?
Top places and landmarks to visit in Japan include: Tokyo Tower, Mt Fuji, Kyoto Golden Temple, Nara Deer Park, Osaka Castle, Shibuya Crossing, Miyajima Island, Ginza District, Tsukiji Market, Tokyo Disneyland.
What are the main customs and traditions in Japan?
Notable customs and traditions in Japan include: Bow to greet people, Remove shoes when entering homes, No tipping at all, Slurping noodles is acceptable, Present business cards with both hands.
What is Japan famous for?
Japan is well known for: Cleanliness & order, Train silence etiquette, Sakura season, Punctuality to the second, Technology & robotics.
Where in the world is Japan located?
Japan is located in Asia.
What countries are near Japan?
Countries near Japan include: South Korea, North Korea, Taiwan, Mongolia, China, Philippines, Palau, Vietnam, Russia, Laos, Micronesia, Myanmar.
🚨 Emergency numbers in Japan
Knowing the right emergency number in Japan can save lives. Below are the official police, fire and ambulance numbers, free to dial from any phone within the country.
Dial these numbers free of charge from any phone inside Japan. They generally work only within the country, not from abroad.
These numbers are provided for guidance and verified from public emergency-services data; always confirm with local authorities. In a life-threatening situation, call the local number shown above immediately.
Spring (March–May) for cherry blossoms and Autumn (October–November) for fall foliage are Japan's peak seasons — book accommodations 3–6 months ahead. Summer (June–August) is hot and humid with rainy season in June. Winter (Dec–Feb) excellent for skiing in Hokkaido and Nagano.
How much does a trip to Japan cost per day?
Daily costs in Japan range from $60 (budget) to $140 (mid-range) to $350 (luxury) per person, excluding flights.
How many prefectures does Japan have?
Japan has 47 prefectures.
What is the emergency number in Japan?
In Japan you can reach emergency services on the following numbers: Police: 110, Fire: 119, Ambulance: 119. Calls are free from any phone within the country.
🧳 Practical Travel Info
🔌
Power PlugType A,B · 100 V · 50 Hz
💵
TippingDo NOT tip in Japan — it can be considered rude. Excellent service is the standard.
💧
Tap WaterSafe to drinkJapanese tap water is safe and high quality everywhere.
📊 Live Global Communication & Travel Stats
Estimated worldwide figures, updated continuously based on official annual data.
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