What is Japan's country code?
The country code for Japan is +81.
Country codes are assigned by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
How do I dial Japan?
- 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.Common access codes: US/Canada: 011, UK: 00, Australia: 0011
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
Not a good time to call
10:07 PM local time · Late night / early morning
Most people are sleeping.
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 $0.12/min.
| Provider | Rate/min | vs DialHard |
|---|---|---|
| AT&T | $3.00 | 96% more |
| Verizon | $2.99 | 96% more |
| T-Mobile | $3.00 | 96% more |
| DialHard | $0.12 | Save ~96% |
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
$0.12–$0.26/min
Rates vary by mobile vs landline. Billed per minute, rounded up.
Frequently asked questions
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.
Why won't my call to Japan connect?
Common issues:
- Wrong format: Make sure you're using +81 (not 0081 or 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
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.