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
Good time to call
01:40 PM local time · Lunch hours
Good time, though some may be at lunch.
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.