Japan +81
To call Japan from abroad, dial your exit code (or +), then 81, then the local number without its leading 0. In full: +81 90-1234-5678.
The country calling code for Japan is +81. A number starting +81 or 0081 is a call to or from Japan. From abroad: +81 90-1234-5678.
To call Japan from abroad, dial your exit code (or +), then 81, then the local number without its leading 0. The +81 code identifies the country; the following digits identify the line (landline or mobile).
How to call Japan from abroad
011 81 90-1234-567800 81 90-1234-56780011 81 90-1234-5678+81 90-1234-567890-1234-5678 is a real-format Japan mobile number (example from the ITU-T numbering plan): replace it with the number you were given, without its leading 0.
Japan area codes
When calling a landline in Japan, dial the city area code after +81 (without its leading 0):
| City | Area code | Full dial |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo | 3 | +81 3 … |
| Osaka | 6 | +81 6 … |
| Nagoya | 52 | +81 52 … |
| Yokohama | 45 | +81 45 … |
| Sapporo | 11 | +81 11 … |
Number format
03-1234-5678from abroad+81 3-1234-5678090-1234-5678from abroad+81 90-1234-5678Landline numbers in Japan have 9 digits after the country code; mobile numbers have 10 digits. The national prefix 0 is only dialled inside the country — drop it after +81.
Calling abroad from Japan
To call another country from Japan, dial the exit code 010 (or + on a mobile), then the country code, then the number. From Japan to the United States, for example: 010 1 201 555 0123.
A Japan number in international format is written +81 …. The + stands for the exit prefix (00 in much of the world, 011 in North America). Switching to international format, drop the leading 0.
Cheapest ways to call Japan
With internet on both ends, apps like WhatsApp, Signal or FaceTime call Japan for free. To reach a number without an app, VoIP services are usually cheaper than your operator’s international rate.
Frequently asked questions
What country has the code +81?
Japan has the country calling code +81.
How do I call Japan from the United States?
Dial 011, then 81, then the local number without its leading 0 — for example 011 90-1234-5678.
What does +81 mean?
It is the international dialing code for Japan. The + stands for your exit code (00 in much of the world, 011 in North America).
Is +81 mobile or landline?
The +81 code identifies the country, not the line type; Japan landlines and mobiles share it.
A country code covers a whole nation; the full number depends on the city and operator.
Mobile networks in Japan
5 mobile network operators run their own networks in Japan. The largest is NTT Docomo, with about 82.6 million subscribers (Mar 2021). Pick the one with the best coverage where you will spend most of your time.
Owned by NTT
Owned by KDDI
Owned by SoftBank Group (99.99%)
Owned by Internet Initiative Japan
Owned by Rakuten
- 3G has been switched off on NTT Docomo, SoftBank Corp.& Ymobile. A phone that only works on 3G will get no data there and may not be able to call: check that yours supports 4G with voice (VoLTE) before you go.
- 2G is gone on NTT Docomo, au, SoftBank Corp.& Ymobile, which also affects old feature phones and some smartwatches or car trackers.
- 4G/5G frequency bands used in Japan: 5G 28000, 5G 3500, 5G 3700, 5G 4700, 5G 800, 5G NR 3500, LTE 1500, LTE 1800, LTE 2100, LTE 700, LTE 850, LTE 900. Most recent smartphones cover them; older or regional models may miss some.
- Moving there? Mobile number portability has existed since 2006-10-24, a transfer takes about 1 day(s) and costs jpy 3000.
Also available: virtual operators (MVNOs) that rent capacity on these networks — b-mobile, Disney Mobile, IIJmio, Misora Connect Inc., Japan Communications Inc., Soracom Inc..
Operators, subscriber counts, network codes and switch-off dates: Wikipedia (lists of mobile network operators, mobile network codes, 2G/3G phase-out, mobile number portability), licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Figures come from each operator or regulator at the date shown.
Getting a SIM card in Japan
What visitors and new residents need to know before buying a local SIM or eSIM in Japan, with a source for each point.
Buying a SIM as a visitor
Voice SIM contracts require identity verification under the Mobile Phone Improper Use Prevention Act (amended 1 April 2026: online verification moves to reading the ID's IC chip). Foreign nationals typically use a residence card (zairyu card) with photo; e.g. Rakuten Mobile does not list foreign passports as accepted ID.
Source: network.mobile.rakuten.co.jp
Where to buy it
Data SIM plans at major airports and at electronics megastores (Bic Camera, Yodobashi Camera), or from online travel SIM providers; the phone must be unlocked.
Source: japan.travel
Getting a monthly contract as a resident
Identity verification with a residence card with photo or a special permanent resident certificate (Rakuten Mobile); other requirements such as payment method not verified.
Source: network.mobile.rakuten.co.jp
Emergency numbers
Police 110; Fire and ambulance 119; Coast guard 118. Japan Visitor Hotline (JNTO, 24/7, English/Chinese/Korean): 050-3816-2787.
Source: jnto.go.jp
Checked on 28 September 2026 against the sources linked on each card (regulators, government portals and operators first). SIM and ID rules change often: confirm with the operator before you travel.
Mobile plans in Japan: prices on 28 September 2026
Offers taken from the operators' own websites. Prices change often and promotions end: open the offer before you buy.
For visitors
- 10 GB data · 7 days
- Data only — voice calls and SMS not supported
- Needs: eSIM-only; credit card; overseas mobile number (eligible countries) able to receive SMS verification; 18+; no photo ID required
- Buy: Online only (povo Japan SIM sign-up, before or after arrival)
- 20 GB data · 30 days
- Data only — voice calls and SMS not supported
- Needs: eSIM-only; credit card; overseas mobile number (eligible countries) able to receive SMS verification; 18+; no photo ID required
- Buy: Online only (povo Japan SIM sign-up, before or after arrival)
- Unlimited data · 7 days
- Data only — voice calls and SMS not supported
- Needs: eSIM-only; credit card; overseas mobile number (eligible countries) able to receive SMS verification; 18+; no photo ID required
- Buy: Online only (povo Japan SIM sign-up, before or after arrival)
For residents
- 30 GB data · 30 days
- Not included (voice+data line: domestic calls 22 JPY/30 sec incl. tax; SMS 3.3 JPY)
- Needs: povo2.0 line (0 JPY base fee; online-only contract with Japanese identity verification)
- Buy: povo2.0 app (online only)
- 30 GB data
- Domestic calls free up to 5 min each (then 22 JPY/30 sec); SMS charged separately
- Needs: Japanese resident contract (online application)
- Buy: Online (ahamo.com)
- Unlimited data
- Free domestic calls with the Rakuten Link app (¥22/30 sec with the standard phone app)
- Needs: Identity verification (eKYC via the my Rakuten Mobile app, or in shop)
- Buy: Online (Rakuten Mobile website/app), Rakuten Mobile shops
Prices as displayed on each operator's website on 28 September 2026. We are not paid by the operators listed.
Staying connected in Japan
With 178 mobile subscriptions per 100 people, almost everyone in Japan has a mobile — a WhatsApp, Signal or FaceTime call is usually the easiest way in. Internet use is high (86 %), so app-to-app calls over Wi-Fi are a safe bet.
Source: World Bank / ITU World Telecommunication indicators (IT.CEL.SETS.P2, IT.NET.USER.ZS, IT.MLT.MAIN.P2), latest available year.
Free and premium numbers in Japan
+81 120-123-456Free from inside Japan (numbers starting with 00777). From abroad these numbers are often unreachable or charged at the international rate.
+81 990-123-456Surcharged services — ranges starting with 990. Do not call back an unknown missed call from such a range: the cost is far above a normal call.
Number ranges: ITU-T national numbering plan for Japan via Google libphonenumber.