International dialling code for Japan
+81
International dialling code for Japan (country code)
The international dialling code for Japan is +81. When you dial from the UK, the US, Australia or any other country, you replace the leading 0 of the Japanese number with +81 (or your international access code followed by 81). This guide covers every case: calling Japan from abroad, area codes by city, mobile prefixes and the essential emergency numbers.
How to call Japan from abroad (and vice versa)
Abroad → Japan
Calling Japan from abroad
your access code + 81 + number (without the leading 0)
E.g.: Japanese number 03-1234-5678
From the UK: 00-81-3-1234-5678
Or with +: +81 3 1234 5678
Japan → abroad
Calling abroad from Japan
010 + country code + number
E.g.: UK number 020 1234 5678
You dial: 010-44-20-1234-5678
Or with +: +44 20 1234 5678
Watch out for the leading 0: Japanese phone numbers start with 0 (e.g. 03-XXXX-XXXX for Tokyo or 090-XXXX-XXXX for mobiles), but that 0 is dropped when dialling with the international prefix. So 03-XXXX-XXXX becomes +81 3-XXXX-XXXX.
How to call Japan from the UK, US, Australia and more
The formula is the same in every country: your country's international access code + 81 + the Japanese number without the leading 0. The access code varies by carrier and country.
United Kingdom
00 81 + number without 0
Or with + format: +81 X XXXX XXXX
United States / Canada
011 81 + number without 0
Or with + format: +81 X XXXX XXXX
Australia
0011 81 + number without 0
Or with + format: +81 X XXXX XXXX
Ireland
00 81 + number without 0
Or with + format: +81 X XXXX XXXX
New Zealand
00 81 + number without 0
Or with + format: +81 X XXXX XXXX
South Africa
00 81 + number without 0
Or with + format: +81 X XXXX XXXX
On a smartphone, the +81 format followed by the number without the leading 0 works from any country in the world without needing to know your country's international exit code. It is the safest and most universal way.
Area codes by city in Japan
Each region of Japan has its own area code. When calling from abroad, the format is +81 + area code without the 0 + subscriber number. For example, to call a Tokyo number (03) from abroad: +81 3 XXXX XXXX.
| City / Region | Local code | From abroad (+81) |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo | 03 | +81 3 |
| Osaka | 06 | +81 6 |
| Kyoto | 075 | +81 75 |
| Nagoya | 052 | +81 52 |
| Sapporo | 011 | +81 11 |
| Fukuoka | 092 | +81 92 |
| Hiroshima | 082 | +81 82 |
| Kobe | 078 | +81 78 |
| Yokohama | 045 | +81 45 |
| Nara | 0742 | +81 742 |
| Kanazawa | 076 | +81 76 |
| Hakone | 0460 | +81 460 |
Japanese landlines include the area code in the full number (e.g. 03-XXXX-XXXX). When calling within Japan, you dial the full number with the 0. When calling from abroad, that leading 0 of the area code is removed and replaced by +81.
Mobile phone prefixes in Japan
Japanese mobile phones always start with 070, 080 or 090. When calling from abroad, the leading 0 is removed just as with landlines.
| Japanese mobile prefix | From abroad | Full example |
|---|---|---|
| 090-XXXX-XXXX | +81 90-XXXX-XXXX | +81 90 1234 5678 |
| 080-XXXX-XXXX | +81 80-XXXX-XXXX | +81 80 1234 5678 |
| 070-XXXX-XXXX | +81 70-XXXX-XXXX | +81 70 1234 5678 |
There are also other special prefixes worth knowing:
| Prefix | Type |
|---|---|
| 0120-XXX-XXX | Toll-free (freephone) — not accessible from abroad |
| 0570-XXX-XXX | Special rate (domestic), accessible from Japan only |
| 050-XXXX-XXXX | VoIP number (internet) — accessible with +81 50 |
Emergency numbers in Japan
Save them before you leave. They work from any mobile, even without a SIM or card.
110
Police
English service available in large cities
119
Ambulance / Fire
Free, works without a SIM
For tourists there is also an essential helpline, the Japan Visitor Hotline from the National Tourism Organization (JNTO):
| Service | Number | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Japan Visitor Hotline (JNTO) | 050-3816-2787 | 24 h, year-round, in English, Chinese and Korean (accidents, emergencies, tourist information) |
| General police consultation (non-urgent) | #9110 | For questions and reports that are not emergencies; interpretation available |
| Police in English (Tokyo) | 03-3503-8484 | Consult the Metropolitan Police in English, during office hours |
If you only remember one tourist number, make it the Japan Visitor Hotline: 050-3816-2787 (from abroad, +81 50-3816-2787). It works 24 hours and in English, and they redirect you to the police or ambulance if needed. If you have a data-only eSIM, this line is a paid VoIP call, but the numbers 110 and 119 are always free.
Reference data for Japan
| Data | Value |
|---|---|
| International dialling code | +81 |
| ISO 3166-1 alpha-2 code | JP |
| ISO 3166-1 alpha-3 code | JPN |
| Internet domain | .jp |
| International dialling-out prefix from Japan | 010 |
| UK dialling code | +44 |
| Time zone | JST (UTC+9, no daylight saving) |
| Police emergency number | 110 |
| Medical and fire emergency number | 119 |
Options for using your phone in Japan
There are three main alternatives for having data and calls during your trip to Japan:
- Roaming with your home carrier — Japan is outside most regional roaming zones. Check the international roaming rates with your carrier (they are usually expensive: 5–15 €/day).
- Japanese tourist SIM — the cheapest option for data. Bought at Narita or Haneda airports on arrival (IIJmio, NTT Docomo, SoftBank Tourist SIM). Data only, no outgoing calls, from 1,500–3,000 ¥ for 15–30 days.
- International eSIM — if your phone supports eSIM, you can buy a data plan for Japan before leaving home and activate it on landing. Holafly, Airalo and other platforms offer eSIMs for Japan from 10–25 € for 1–2 weeks of data. We explain it in depth in the guide to eSIM for Japan.
For WhatsApp, Google Maps and the everyday apps you only need data. A data-only tourist SIM or eSIM is perfect for most travellers. Voice calls to Japanese numbers are very rare on a tourist trip.
What if I need to call a Japanese number during the trip?
Most travellers arrive in Japan with a data-only eSIM or tourist SIM, which does not allow conventional voice calls to Japanese numbers (those starting with 03, 06, 090, etc.). This is rarely a problem, because almost everything in Japan can be sorted without calling. But if at some point you need to contact a local number, these are your options:
- Internet calls (VoIP) — with data you can call a Japanese landline or mobile using Skype, Google Voice or other IP-calling apps that let you dial real numbers (paid, but cheap). It is the most practical way if you have to confirm a reservation by phone.
- Have your hotel reception call — the concierge can call a restaurant, a taxi or a local service for you, and often handle it in Japanese. It is the most convenient when there is a language barrier.
- LINE, the dominant messaging app in Japan — many businesses and small accommodations prefer LINE to the phone. If they ask for a contact, it is usually via LINE; install it before travelling.
- Booking without calling — most restaurants accept reservations online, through Google or platforms such as Tabelog, without needing to make any call. Hotels are booked online.
Emergencies are the exception: the numbers 110 (police) and 119 (ambulance and fire) work from any mobile even if you have a data-only eSIM and even without a SIM. They do not depend on your calling plan.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the dialling code for Japan?
The international dialling code for Japan is +81. When you dial from abroad, you use your international access code (00, 011, 0011...) followed by the country code (81) and then the Japanese number without the leading 0. Full format: access code + 81 + number without the first 0.
What country is the +81 code from?
The +81 code is the country code for Japan. Any phone number starting with +81 corresponds to a Japanese line, whether landline or mobile. It is the code assigned to Japan by the International Telecommunication Union.
I received a call from a +81 number, where is it from?
A number starting with +81 is a call originating in Japan. If you are expecting contact from Japan (a hotel, an airline, a friend), it is normal. If you were not expecting any call from Japan and the number is unfamiliar, apply the same caution as with any unsolicited call from abroad: do not call back numbers you do not recognise and do not give out personal details.
How do I call Japan from the UK?
To call Japan from the UK dial: 00 81 + the Japanese number (without the leading 0). For example, if the Japanese number is 03-1234-5678, you dial 00-81-3-1234-5678. On a smartphone that supports the international format: +81 3 1234 5678.
How do I call home from Japan?
To call abroad from Japan dial: 010 + country code + the number. For example, to call a UK number 020 1234 5678 you dial 010-44-20-1234-5678. On a smartphone: +44 20 1234 5678.
What are the emergency numbers in Japan?
The emergency numbers in Japan are: 110 (police) and 119 (ambulance and fire). They are free and work from any phone, including mobiles without a SIM. For tourists there is also the Japan Visitor Hotline (050-3816-2787), a tourism office line available 24 hours in English for emergencies and information.
Is there an English-language helpline for tourists in Japan?
Yes. The Japan Visitor Hotline from the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) answers on the number 050-3816-2787, 24 hours every day of the year, in English, Chinese and Korean. It works both for emergencies (accidents, illness, natural disasters) and for general tourist information. From abroad you dial +81 50-3816-2787.
Do foreign mobiles work in Japan?
Most modern unlocked mobiles work in Japan on the 4G and 5G networks. Japan mainly uses frequency bands 1, 3, 19 and 21. Before travelling, check whether your phone supports international roaming with your carrier, or consider buying a Japanese tourist SIM on arrival at the airport.
Is there a time difference with Japan?
Yes. Japan uses the JST time zone (Japan Standard Time, UTC+9) and does not change the clock in summer. From the UK the difference is 9 hours in winter and 8 hours in summer; from the US East Coast it is 14 hours. You can check the exact time in Japan right now.
What is the best option for having data in Japan?
A Japanese tourist SIM (data only) or an international eSIM are the cheapest options. Tourist SIMs are bought at Narita and Haneda airports on arrival: from 1,500–3,000 ¥ for 15–30 days. If your phone has eSIM, you can activate it before leaving home. Check the guide to internet in Japan to compare options.
Does WhatsApp work in Japan?
Yes, perfectly. WhatsApp works in Japan with any data connection (tourist SIM, eSIM or WiFi). The Japanese use LINE as their main messaging app, but WhatsApp works without restrictions. With data, Google Maps, Instagram and the rest of the usual apps also work.
What is the Tokyo area code?
The Tokyo area code is 03. When calling a Tokyo landline from abroad, the format is +81 3 XXXX XXXX (removing the leading 0 of the 03 code). For example, the number 03-1234-5678 is dialled as +81 3 1234 5678.
What is the Osaka area code?
The Osaka area code is 06. When calling an Osaka landline from abroad, the format is +81 6 XXXX XXXX. For example, 06-1234-5678 is dialled as +81 6 1234 5678 from any country.
How do I call Japan from the US?
To call Japan from the US dial: 011 81 + the Japanese number without the leading 0. For example, to call the Japanese number 03-1234-5678 you dial 011-81-3-1234-5678. On a smartphone using the international format: +81 3 1234 5678.
How do I call Japan from Australia?
To call Japan from Australia dial: 0011 81 + the Japanese number without the leading 0. For example, for the number 03-1234-5678 in Tokyo you dial 0011-81-3-1234-5678. On a smartphone: +81 3 1234 5678. The 0011 international access prefix works in Australia with the main carriers.
What is the prefix for mobiles in Japan?
Japanese mobile phones have area prefixes starting with 090, 080 or 070. When calling from abroad you remove the leading 0: +81 90-XXXX-XXXX, +81 80-XXXX-XXXX or +81 70-XXXX-XXXX. There is no visible carrier difference in the prefix as happens in some countries.
Can I call a Japanese restaurant if I only have a data eSIM?
A data-only eSIM or tourist SIM does not allow conventional voice calls to Japanese numbers, but you have alternatives: use an internet-calling app (Skype, Google Voice) to dial the number (paid), ask your hotel reception to call for you, or avoid the call by booking online through Google or Tabelog. Many Japanese businesses also prefer the LINE app to the phone. The emergency numbers 110 and 119 do always work, even with a data-only eSIM. Check the guide to internet in Japan to choose your connection.