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How to Call Japan from the USA: Everything You Need to Know

Calling Japan from the USA is seamless, whether for business or loved ones. With improvements in technology, dialing Japan from the US has become easier. This article includes the steps for calling Japan from the USA, adding the international code for Japan, and affordable solutions for mobile and landline calls.

Khadeer Sultana
Senior Writer :
Published : january 21, 2025

How to Call Japan from the US :

How to Call Japan from the US

Dailing Format:

Practice these simple steps to dial Japan from the USA successfully.

Calling Mobile Phones in Japan

To call mobile phones in Japan from the USA, practice these comprehensive steps:

  • Step 1: Enter the US Exit Code Begin the call by entering 011, the standard code to exit the USA for international calls.
  • Step 2: Include Japan’s Country Code Later, input 81, the international entering code for Japan. This code leads your call to Japan's phone network.
  • Step 3: Include the Mobile Prefix Japanese mobile numbers usually start with a 0, but this 0 is removed when calling internationally.
  • Step 4: Include the Local Mobile Number Now, enter the recipient's mobile number, excluding the first 0 (if present). Japanese mobile numbers commonly have 10 digits.

Complete Example for Japan Mobile Call

If the local mobile number is 080-XXXX-XXXX, the complete series would resemble this:
011 + 81 + 80 + XXXX XXXX.

Steps to call Japan from USA using mobile phone

Calling Landlines in Japan

To call landline phones in Japan, the process is different:

Step 1: Enter the US Exit Code Begin by entering 011, similar to what you would for mobile calls.

Step 2: Add Country Code Enter 81, which directs your call to Japan’s telephone network.

Step 3: Include the Area Code Japan’s area codes differ by city and region. Common area codes include:

  • Tokyo: 3
  • Osaka: 6
  • Kyoto: 75

Ensure you utilize the right area code for the city you are calling.

Step 4: Enter the Landline Number Start the call by dialing the landline number, which usually has 7 digits, excluding the area code.

Complete Example for Japan Landline Call

If you are calling a landline in Tokyo with the number XXXX-XXXX, the full sequence will be:
011 + 81 + 3 + XXXX XXXX

Steps to call Japan from USA using landline phone

Mobile Vs. Landline Calls in Japan

Mobile Numbers: Discard the first 0, and mobile numbers commonly have 10 digits next to the prefix.

Landline Numbers: Utilize the area code and usually have 7 digits next to the area code.

Key Takeaways
Type Local Format U.S. Dialing Format Final Number
Landline (3) XXXX-XXXX 011 + 81 + 3 + XXXX-XXXX 011 81 3 XXXX XXXX
Mobile (80) XXXX XXXX 011 + 81 + 80 + XXXX-XXXX 011 81 80 XXXX XXXX

Start Calling Japan!

Try Vitel Global's virtual phone system for calling.

Time Zone Considerations When Calling Japan

When calling Japan from the United States, understanding the time difference is important to avoid calling at inappropriate times. Japan works on Japan Standard Time (JST), which is 14-17 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Time (ET) based on whether Daylight Saving Time is in effect in the U.S.

example :

During U.S. Daylight Saving Time (March to November): Japan is 13 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Time (ET).

Outside Daylight Saving Time (November to March): Japan is 14 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Time (ET).

Understanding the time variance ensures that your calls to Japan are made at the most appropriate times.

Time zone differences

U.S. time zones Japan
Eastern (ET) 14 hours ahead
Central (CT) 15 hours ahead
Mountain (MT) 16 hours ahead
Pacific (PT) 17 hours ahead

Keynote: Japan does not observe DST, so the time difference remains fixed at UTC+9 (JST - Japan Standard Time).

Understanding the Basics

Country Code for Japan

+81 is the country code for Japan; to call Japan from the USA, This code connects your call to Japan’s telecommunications system. Every time, add this code prior to the area code and local number for an effective connection.

Japan Area Codes:

Japan's area codes vary from 1 to 4 digits, based on the region. Some usual examples include:

Japan Area codes
Tokyo 3
Osaka 6
Kyoto 75
Sapporo 11

Understanding the right area code ensures your call attains the correct location.

Costs of Calling Japan from the US

Are Calls to Japan Costly?

The cost of calling Japan from the US varies. Landline calls are usually affordable, while mobile calls are costly. Charges can vary from $0.20 to $3.00 per minute based on your carrier.

Free or low-cost alternatives include:
  • VoIP services like Vitel Global provide crucial savings for calls through data connections.
  • International calling plans that cut per-minute rates.

Reducing Calling Costs

To cut costs when calling Japan:

  • Use VoIP services like Vitel Global for free or low-cost calls through a data connection.
  • International calling plans provided by carriers can assist you in reducing rates for frequent calls.

Utilizing Technology for Calling Japan

Should You Utilize Traditional Phone Lines?

Traditional phone lines for calling Japan from the USA are costly because of high per-minute rates. VoIP services provide an affordable, more flexible, and clearer option, particularly for usual or business calls.

Advantages of Virtual Phone Numbers

Virtual Japanese phone numbers build a local presence without any hardware connection, reducing global calling costs.

Businesses : Create local trust with a Japanese number.

Individuals : Remain connected with loved ones at cut rates.

Utilizing VoIP Services

VoIP services like Vitel Global are cost-effective and offer high-quality calls.

Pros

Affordable, high-quality, and additional features like call forwarding, voicemail, and video calls.

Cons

Based on data connection quality, may encounter compatibility issues.

VoIP is an adaptable and affordable option for frequent calls to Japan.

Wrapping Up

Japan's Country Code

To sum up, calling Japan from the USA includes entering the US exit code (011), then the international code for Japan (+81), followed by the recipient's area code and phone number. Whether you're calling a mobile phone or landline, it's crucial to be aware of the correct dialing sequence.

To cut costs, take into account utilizing VoIP services or international calling plans, which can provide more cost-effective and adaptable options. Innovative tools and technologies like Vitel Global can assist you in communicating easily and successfully without charging high costs.

Learn more about these alternatives to ensure your calls to Japan are both affordable and adaptable.

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