What does a Japan phone number look like?
- International format
+81 90-1234-5678- IDD format (caller ID)
0081 90-1234-5678- Number length
- 9-10 digits after the country code (varies by number type)
- Mobile example
-
090-1234-5678(local) →+81 90-1234-5678 - Landline example
-
03-1234-5678(local) →+81 3-1234-5678 - Mobile numbers start with
- 70, 80, 90
- Landline numbers start with
- 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
050 numbers are VoIP, not traditional mobile.
Area codes in Japan
| City / Region | Area code |
|---|---|
| Tokyo | 3 |
| Osaka | 6 |
| Nagoya | 52 |
| Yokohama | 45 |
| Sapporo | 11 |
| Fukuoka | 92 |
| Kobe | 78 |
| Kyoto | 75 |
Mobile numbers (090, 080, 070) don't use geographic area codes. 050 numbers are VoIP.
Received a call or message from +81?
A call or text from +81 (or 0081) originates from Japan.
If you don't know anyone in Japan, be cautious. Common patterns with unfamiliar international numbers:
- One-ring scams (Wangiri): The caller rings once and hangs up, hoping you'll call back a premium-rate number. Don't return calls to numbers you don't recognize.
- SMS phishing: Messages claiming to be from banks, delivery services, or government agencies. Legitimate organizations won't contact you from a +81 number unless you have an account in Japan.
- Spoofed numbers: The caller ID can be faked. A call showing +81 may not actually originate from Japan.
If you do know someone in Japan and want to call them back, see the dialing instructions below.
How to call Japan from abroad
- International format (recommended)
-
+81 [local number]Example:
+81 90-1234-5678 - From a mobile phone
-
Press and hold 0 or tap + to get the plus sign, then dial
+81followed by the local number. - From a landline
-
Dial your country's international access code, then
81, then the local number.
| From | Dial |
|---|---|
| US/Canada | 011 81 [local number] |
| United Kingdom | 00 81 [local number] |
| Australia | 0011 81 [local number] |
| Your browser (DialHard) | +81 [local number] |
Do I need to drop the leading zero?
Yes. When calling Japan from abroad, drop the leading 0 from the local number.
For example, if the local number is 0XX XXX XXXX, dial +81 XX XXX XXXX.
What time zone is Japan?
Asia/Tokyo
Fair time to call
01:04 AM local time · Public holiday
Personal calls OK. Business calls may not be answered.
How much does it cost to call Japan?
International calls to Japan vary dramatically by provider. Major US carriers charge $3.00/min or more, while VoIP services like DialHard start at $0.17/min.
| Provider | Rate/min | vs DialHard |
|---|---|---|
| AT&T | $3.00 | 94% more |
| Verizon | $2.99 | 94% more |
| T-Mobile | $3.00 | 94% more |
| DialHard | $0.17 | Save ~94% |
Carrier rates are based on published international calling rates without plan add-ons. Your actual rate may vary.
Tips for calling Japan
Based on patterns from DialHard users and support data:
- Japanese businesses rarely answer calls from unknown international numbers. Email first.
- Mobile numbers starting with 090/080/070 are personal. 050 numbers are VoIP.
Current rates to Japan
$0.17–$0.36/min
Rates vary by mobile vs landline. Billed per minute, rounded up.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the code +81 from?
+81 is the international dialing code for Japan.
Is +81 a mobile or landline code?
+81 is the country code for all of Japan — both mobile and landline numbers use this code. The digits after the country code may indicate the number type, but this varies by country.
Is a call from +81 a scam?
Not necessarily. +81 is the legitimate country code for Japan. However, scammers can spoof any country code. If you don't recognize the number or weren't expecting a call from Japan, don't call back — especially if they only rang once.
Why won't my call to Japan connect?
Common issues:
- Wrong format: Make sure you're using +81 (not 0081 or just 81)
- Extra digits: Remove any trunk prefix (usually 0) from the start of the local number
- Missing digits: Ensure you have the complete local number after the country code
What does a Japan phone number look like?
A Japan number in international format starts with
+81 followed by the local number.
Local numbers are typically 9-10 digits long.
Example: +81 90-1234-5678
How do I save a Japan number in my contacts?
Always save international numbers in E.164 format: +81 followed by the local number (without the leading 0 if applicable). This format works worldwide.
How do I block calls from +81?
On most smartphones, you can block individual numbers by opening your recent calls, tapping the number, and selecting "Block." To block all calls from a country code, check your carrier's international call blocking options or use a call-filtering app.