How To Call Japan From The Us: A Simplified Guide

To call Japan from the US or any other country, you need three things: your country's international exit code, Japan's country code (81), and the Japanese phone number with the leading zero removed from the area code.

This guide covers how to call Japan from the US and other countries, Japan's country code, area codes, mobile number formats, and the best alternatives to international calling.

Before you call Japan: the time difference

Japan operates on Japan Standard Time (JST), which is UTC+9. Japan does not observe daylight saving time, which means the time difference between Japan and the US changes depending on whether the US is on standard time or daylight saving time.

Here are the time differences between Japan and each US time zone:

• Eastern Standard Time (EST): Japan is 14 hours ahead. During US daylight saving time (EDT), Japan is 13 hours ahead.

• Central Standard Time (CST): Japan is 15 hours ahead. During US daylight saving time (CDT), Japan is 14 hours ahead.

• Mountain Standard Time (MST): Japan is 16 hours ahead. During US daylight saving time (MDT), Japan is 15 hours ahead.

• Pacific Standard Time (PST): Japan is 17 hours ahead. During US daylight saving time (PDT), Japan is 16 hours ahead.

• Alaska Standard Time (AKST): Japan is 18 hours ahead. During US daylight saving time (AKDT), Japan is 17 hours ahead.

• Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time (HST): Japan is 19 hours ahead. Hawaii does not observe daylight saving time, so this difference remains constant year-round.

Because of this large time difference, avoid calling Japan early morning or late at night your time, as it is likely the middle of the night or early hours in Japan. Standard Japanese business hours are Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm JST. If you are calling from San Francisco on Pacific Time during standard time, Japan is 17 hours ahead, meaning a 9am start in Tokyo corresponds to 4pm the previous afternoon in San Francisco.

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 landline area codes range from one to five digits after the leading zero, depending on the size and location of the area.

Larger cities have shorter area codes. For example, Tokyo uses 03 and Osaka uses 06, while smaller cities and rural areas have longer area codes of up to five digits.

When calling Japan internationally, omit the leading zero from all Japanese area codes and mobile numbers.

For example, if a Yokohama landline number is 045-XXXX-XXXX, you enter 45 after Japan's country code 81.

Japanese mobile numbers use three prefixes: 070, 080, and 090. All three are equally valid and currently in use. When calling a Japanese mobile number from abroad, omit the leading zero just as you would with a landline. For example, the mobile number 090-1234-5678 becomes +81-90-1234-5678 when dialing internationally.

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.

How to call Japan from other countries

For all countries, you can replace the exit code with + on a mobile phone. The format +81-3-1234-5678 works globally regardless of which country you are calling from. Always omit the leading zero from the Japanese area code or mobile prefix when dialing internationally.

How much do international calls to Japan cost?

Direct international calls to Japan from the US through a standard carrier typically cost between $0.02 and $0.05 per minute for landline numbers and slightly more for Japanese mobile numbers, though rates vary significantly by carrier and plan.

Some carriers charge considerably more, particularly for pay-as-you-go accounts without an international calling plan.

Before making a direct call to Japan, check your carrier's international rates to avoid unexpected charges. For frequent calls to Japan, WiFi-based calling apps are free and the most cost-effective option.

VoIP services with Japan numbers such as Google Voice offer per-minute rates that are usually lower than standard carrier rates. International calling cards are another option that can reduce the cost of calls to Japan significantly compared to standard carrier rates.

Alternatives ways to call Japan

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

WiFi calling apps (free)

Apps such as WhatsApp, LINE, FaceTime, Google Meet, and Zoom allow you to make international calls to Japan over WiFi at no cost beyond your internet connection. Both parties need to have the same app installed and a stable internet connection. This is the most cost-effective way to call Japan from the US for personal calls. Note that Skype's consumer calling service was discontinued in May 2025 and is no longer a recommended option.

VoIP phone services (low cost)

VoIP services (Voice over Internet Protocol) route calls through the internet but work more like a traditional phone call, meaning the person you are calling in Japan does not need to have any app installed. Examples include Google Voice and Zoom Phone. VoIP services typically offer lower per-minute rates than standard carrier international calls and often include business features such as call recording, call forwarding, and a local Japanese phone number. This option is best for businesses or individuals who call Japan frequently and need a more professional setup than a messaging app provides.

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 country code for Japan?

Japan's country code is 81. When calling Japan from abroad, dial your country's exit code followed by 81, then the Japanese phone number with the leading zero removed from the area code or mobile prefix. From the US, you can dial 011-81 or use the international format +81 directly on a mobile phone.

What are Japan's mobile number prefixes?

Japanese mobile numbers begin with one of three prefixes: 070, 080, or 090. All three are currently in use and equally valid. When calling a Japanese mobile number from outside Japan, drop the leading zero. For example, 090-1234-5678 becomes +81-90-1234-5678 when dialing internationally.

How do you make a phone call to Japan from the US?

Dial the US exit code 011, then Japan's country code 81, then the Japanese area code without the leading zero, followed by the local number. For example, to call a Tokyo landline (03-1234-5678) from the US, dial 011-81-3-1234-5678. On a mobile phone, you can use the + format instead: +81-3-1234-5678. For a Japanese mobile number such as 090-1234-5678, dial 011-81-90-1234-5678 or +81-90-1234-5678.

What is the best time to call Japan from the US?

Japan Standard Time is UTC+9 and Japan does not observe daylight saving time. Japan is 13 to 14 hours ahead of Eastern Time, 14 to 15 hours ahead of Central Time, 15 to 16 hours ahead of Mountain Time, and 16 to 17 hours ahead of Pacific Time depending on whether the US is observing daylight saving. The best time to call Japan from the US without calling outside business hours in Japan is late evening US time, which corresponds to morning business hours in Japan. Avoid calling Japan from the US in the morning, as it will be the middle of the night in Japan.

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.