How to Call Japan from the US: Step-By-Step Guide

Thinking about calling Japan but worried you might accidentally dial a sushi restaurant instead of a friend? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered!

If you are not aware of all the intricate details, it will feel like a very tough task. You need to be mindful of potential challenges like international calling costs and number formats.

This blog will teach you how to call Japan from the US so that the next time you are trying to connect with your friend, you won’t be stuck.

Understanding International Calling

International calling brings people together from different continents, but it also comes with steps and costs of its own. 

When calling another country, there are rules to follow, including the need to have an exit code (to exit your country’s network) and a country code (to reach the destination). Dialing Japan from the US starts with the US exit code (011), then Japan’s country code (81).

Charges may vary depending on the service provider, the duration of the call, and whether you are calling a landline or a mobile number. 

More economical alternatives use VoIP services like Skype, or WhatsApp, for example.

Also, being aware of time zone differences is important so that communication occurs at a convenient time. International calls can be easier and affordable if you plan your calls and are aware of the number format.

Step-by-Step Guide on how to call Japan from the US

Calling Japan to the US is a piece of cake if you understand the different dynamics associated with the dialing process. 

There are a lot of things to consider, and if you look closely at the step-by-step guide given below, you’ll be able to understand the process. 

How to dial a Japanese landline from the US?

You will need to understand all of the below before you can connect to a Japanese landline from the US.

1. Exit code for the US (to dial out of the country).
2. Country code for Japan.
3. The area code and the local number of the Japanese landline.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Dial the US exit code: Enter 011 to start an international call.
2. Enter Japan’s country code: Input 81, the code for Japan.
3. Dial the area code: Japan, like all other countries, has assigned a specific number associated with each area in question, so you need to learn the area codes of the place you are trying to connect to. 
4. Enter the local number: Japanese local numbers are typically 5 to 8 digits long, depending on the area.

Example:

Let’s assume the Japanese landline number is 03-1234–5678 (Tokyo area). Here’s how you’d dial:

1. Dial the US exit code: 011.
2. Add Japan’s country code: 81.
3. Drop the leading 0 in the Japanese area code and dial 3.
4. Enter the local number: 12345678.

So, the full number to dial would be:
011-81-3-1234-5678

Note

• Ensure your phone plan allows international calling, or use Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services like Skype or WhatsApp for lower rates.
• Double-check time zone differences to avoid calling at inconvenient hours.

How to dial a Japanese Mobile from the US?

Here is how you would dial a Japanese Mobile number from the US and an example to help you understand the process better: 

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Dial the US exit code: 011.
2. Enter Japan’s country code: 81.
3. Dial the mobile carrier number: Drop the starting 0 from the Japanese phone number. For example, if the mobile number starts with 090, just dial 90.
4. Enter the rest of the phone number: Input the remaining digits.

Example

If the Japanese mobile number is 090-1234-5678, the full number to dial from the US would be:
011-81-90-1234-5678.

How to dial a Japanese Toll-Free from the US?

If you are a business trying to settle in Japan, you might need to access the toll-free number from the Asian country. Here is how you can go on about dialing a toll-free number in Japan from the US: 

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Dial the US exit code: 011.
2. Enter Japan’s country code: 81.
3. Dial the toll-free prefix: Replace the Japanese 0120 prefix with 120 (without the initial 0).
4. Enter the remaining toll-free number: Input the rest of the toll-free digits.

Example

If the Japanese toll-free number is 0120–123–456, the full number to dial from the US would be:
011-81-120-123-456

Things to Consider before dialing Japan from the US

Many things factor in when you are trying to dial Japan from the US. Let’s look at the select few that matter the most:

I. Types of Japanese phone numbers

Japanese phone numbers can be categorized based on their purpose and location. Let’s look at the types of phone numbers you might encounter in Japan:

1. Landline Numbers: Landline numbers are regional numbers, and they start with area codes like 03 for Tokyo and 06 for Osaka. The length of the local number depends on the area code. 
2. Mobile Numbers: Mobile numbers in Japan can start with various prefixed and are not tied to regions. The most popular prefixes for mobile numbers in Japan are 070, 080, and 090. 

iii. Toll-Free Numbers: Toll-Free numbers generally begin with 0120, but they may not always work internationally. 

1. Special Service Numbers: Special service Numbers are numbers used for emergencies, and they can’t be dialed from abroad. 

II. Best Times to Call Japan

If you don’t factor in the time zone differences, the chances of your call connecting will be reduced by a lot. So, look at this table and consider what are the best times to call Japan: 

III. Japanese Dialing Code 

Japan has country code 81, which needs to be dialed after the exit code of the country you are dialing from. Misplacing or forgetting to dial the dialing code will result in a call failure. 

IV. Japanese Exit Code 

Japanese exit codes, like the exit codes of all the other countries, need to be dialed before calling other countries from Japan. It is necessary to make return calls when you are in Japan.

V. Japanese area codes 

Japan’s area codes are grouped by regions and major cities. Below is a comprehensive table:

VI. International Calling Rates  

Japan is one of those popular international destinations that can be costly to call from the US via traditional carriers. Rates vary based on:

• Carrier: Contact your carrier to find out the price for making international calls or sign up for global calling plans.
• Type of Call: Calls from landlines typically are less costly than those from mobile or toll-free phones.

VII. Important Phone Numbers in Japan

Here’s a table of essential phone numbers in Japan for emergencies, assistance, and essential services:

Challenges While Calling Japan From the US

Let’s look at the major challenges you might face while trying to reach Japan from the United States:

1. Time Zone Differences

Japan’s time is 13 to 14 hours ahead of that of the United States, depending on your time zone and whether daylight saving time is in force. This can create challenges in finding a mutually convenient time for the call.

💡Solution: Identify Japan’s business hours (9 AM–5 PM JST) with a world clock or time zone converter and plan accordingly.

2. International Calling Costs

Directly calling Japan from a US phone can get expensive, especially for long conversations.

💡Solution: Avoid expensive international calls by using cheaper alternatives such as Skype, WhatsApp, or Google Voice, or explore international calling plans through your phone carrier.

3. Incorrect Number Format

Because of unfamiliarity with Japan’s phone number structure, mistakes are easily made when making a phone call, such as omitting the leading 0 of area codes or mobile prefixes.

💡Solution: Check the number format, and make sure you are using the right exit code (011), country code (81), and area code.

4. Language Barrier

Communicating with people or services that only speak Japanese can be a challenge.

💡Solution: App to translate or an interpreter. Most services, especially those targeted at tourists, provide multilingual services.

5. Blocked or Restricted Numbers 

Some numbers (such as toll-free or certain local-only numbers) might not be reachable from outside Japan.

💡Solution: Check in advance that the number is internationally dialable. For toll-free numbers, request another international number.

6. Connection Quality

International calls occasionally experience poor audio quality or dropped calls because of long-distance routing.

💡Solution: For clearer communication, try to utilize a trusted service provider or use a VoIP platform with good internet.

7. Limited Service Hours

In Japan, most businesses, especially Japan-based people, work in normal hours to per finances and may not be accessible beyond 9 AM – 5 PM JST.

💡Solution: Keep your call within Japan’s business hours and avoid weekends or Japanese public holidays.

Conclusion

Calling from the US to Japan requires knowing the correct exit and country codes, as well as the time difference and whether the received phone number is a landline or mobile phone. 

Dialing the proper way, whether it be a landline, mobile, or toll-free number. Keep in mind that there may be complications, such as international calling fees and number formats, and consider other options like VoIP services for a more inexpensive alternative. 

Calls to Japan can be made easier and cheaper if you plan ahead and find the right tools for the job.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are there any area codes specific to certain regions in Japan?

Yes, Japan uses different area codes based on location. (To give one example, Tokyo has area code 03 and Osaka area code 06.) Be sure to use the proper area code when calling local numbers.