How To Call Japan From The Us: A Simplified Guide

Sometimes, you need to make a phone call to Japan from abroad.

However, it can be a bit confusing if you have never made an international call before.

So here is a quick guide on how to call Japan from the US and other countries.

How to call a Japanese number

Here are the steps to do so, whether you are calling a Japanese mobile number or a Japanese landline number.

Step 1: Dial the exit code

An exit code allows you to make phone calls outside your country on your phone and landline.

Here are some of the country’s exit codes to dial first.

• US and Canada: 011

• Most European countries: 00

• Australia: 0011

Depending on your carriers in some countries, such as South Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand, you need to dial a carrier’s code first for them to handle your international calls.

Always look up the country’s phone exit code when making an international call.

Step 2: Enter Japan's country code

The country code for Japan is 81.

If you are dialing from the US, there are two ways to dial into Japan:

• 011-81

• +81

Note: If you have a mobile phone, you can replace the exit code by dialing “+” with the international country code.

Step 3: Dial the area code in Japan

Japan’s area code starts with a 0 and can range from one to five digits in length depending on the specific area.

When you are calling internationally, you need to omit the first zero in all Japan area codes.

For example, if a Yokohoma’s phone number looks like 045-XXXX-XXXX, you’ll input 45 after 81.

The same rule applies for any Japan mobile code, such as 090 or 080, where you would omit the first zero when dialing from abroad.

Step 4: Input the rest of the number

After the area code, dial the rest of the number, also known as the local number.

Putting it all together

Let’s use Tokyo’s Starbucks Reserve phone number as an example (03-6417-0202), and you are dialing from the US.

We know Japan’s country code is 81; since it’s Tokyo, the area code is 03.

With exit code, it would look like: 011-81-3-64170202

If you are using a mobile device: +81-3-6417-0202

Note: Dashes between the digits in the phone number help visually separate the numbers, making it easier to read and input.

Alternatives ways to call Japan

There are a couple of ways to call someone in Japan.

Wifi-call

Apps such as WhatsApp, Line, or Skype allow you to make international calls to Japan over Wifi.

As long as you and the other person have a stable internet connection, you can bypass traditional phone lines and avoid being charged for international calls.

VoIP Phone

VoIP Services, also known as Voice over Internet Protocol, allows you to make calls over the Internet. Some noticeable examples are Google Voice and Zoom.

It differs from wifi calls as it often comes with features such as call recording and forwarding.

Need a local Japanese phone number?

If you frequently call Japan or run a business there, consider MailMate’s virtual phone numbers. 

You’ll get a Japanese phone number for easy and seamless communication. Choose between a receptionist or call forwarding for all your call-handling needs. 

A virtual phone number is cheaper than a landline; you can receive calls from anywhere.

It is a perfect option for businesses and individuals in Japan who need a phone presence. 

Frequently asked questions

What is the other way to call Japan?

Instead of inputting your country’s exit code, you can use +81 (hold down the 0 for +) on your cell phone, followed by the phone number you want to call. Remember to omit the first zero from Japan’s area code (e.g., 03 for Tokyo becomes 3).

How do you make a phone call to Japan?

First, dial your exit code. Next, dial the Japan country code (81). Then input the area code, excluding the first 0, followed by the rest of the phone number.

In closing

Now you know how to call Japan from the US and other countries, too! It's easy once you know the correct mobile and landline numbers steps.

Plus, you can consider other options and make calls over wifi if that suits your situation when calling Japan.