Wondering how to call Japan from the US? In this guide, we’ll take you step-by-step through the process. Calling Japan can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. With VoIP service, you can save tons of money on calls to Japan. Read on to learn more! We’re based in Atlanta and serve the entire US including New Orleans, Memphis, and Los Angeles!
How to Call Japan from the US
Before you pick up your phone, you’ll need to gather some essential information:
- US country code: 011
- Japan country code: 81
- The phone number
- The time zone: Japan follows Japan Standard Time (JST), which is nine hours of UTC. Plan accordingly.
Here’s how to call Japan from the US:
- Dial the country’s exit code. The exit code for the US is 011.
- Dial Japan’s country code, which is 81.
- Dial the area code, which will be between 1 to 5 digits.
- Dial the phone number, which will be between 4 and 8 digits.
Japan Country Code
In order to make an international call, you need to know the country code for the country you are calling. The Japan country code is 81. When you dial, the country code tells your carrier which country to route your call to.
Area Codes in Japan
Area codes in Japan are usually between 1 and 5 digits long. Here are some of the most important area codes to know:
| City | Area code | City | Area Code |
| Asahikawa | 166 | Matsudo | 473 |
| Chiba | 43 | Matsuyama | 899 |
| Fukuoka | 92 | Nagasaki | 958 |
| Funabashi | 474 | Nagoya | 52 |
| Gifu | 582 | Niigata | 25 |
| Hachioji | 426 | Oita | 975 |
| Hamamatsu | 534 | Okayama | 862 |
| Hateruma | 9808 | Osaka | 6 |
| Himeji | 791, 792 | Sakai | 722 |
| Hiroshima | 82 | Sapporo | 11 |
| Ichikawa | 473 | Sendai | 22 |
| Kagoshima | 992 | Shimizu | 543 |
| Kanazawa | 76 | Tokyo | 3 |
| Kawaguchi | 482 | Toyonaka | 6 |
| Kawasaki | 224, 244, 44 | Urawa | 488 |
| Kita-Kyushu | 93 | Utsunomiya | 286 |
| Kobe | 78 | Wakayama | 734 |
| Kurashiki | 864 | Yokohama | 45 |
| Kyoto | 75 | Yokosuka | 468 |
How to Call a Landline in Japan
Here’s an example of how to call a landline in Japan from the US:
- Dial the exit code, 011.
- Dial the Japan country code, 81.
- Dial the area code. We’ll use Kyoto for our example. The area code for Kyoto is 75.
- Dial the phone number. We’ll use 111 1111 as our example.
The full number would look like this: 011 81 75 111 1111.
How to Call a Cell Phone
Here’s an example of how to call a cell phone in Japan from the US:
- Dial the exit code, 011.
- Dial the Japan country code, 81.
- Dial the area code. Mobile phones in Japan use area codes 70, 80, or 90. In our example, we’ll use 80.
- Dial the phone number. In our example, we’ll use 1111 2222.
The full number would look like this: 011 81 80 1111 2222.
Business Phone Call Etiquette
Now that you know how to call Japan from the US, let’s talk about business phone call etiquette. Following these tips can help you better navigate your business call with Japanese contacts:
- Business etiquette in Japan is very formal. If speaking in English, use formal language. Being too casual will be considered rude. If speaking in Japanese, you’ll need to follow the lead of your contact to use the appropriate vocabularies.
- Be clear and focused in your conversation, using as precise language as you can.
- Avoid personal talk until your relationship is more established.
- Avoid the phrase “moshi moshi” in your business phone calls. This greeting is used among family and friends to start a call. Instead, you can use “hai” (yes) to begin the call.
- Avoid pushing your contact aggressively. Be patient while building the relationship. Things can take time to progress.
- Make sure you’re calling during business hours, which are typically between 10 am and 6 pm. Avoid calling early in the morning or during lunch hours.
Why Use VoIP for Business Calls to Japan?
Most traditional phone carriers charge per minute for phone calls to Japan. The rates vary from carrier to carrier, but if you’re making regular calls to Japan, these costs can really add up. However, with VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) service, you can save tons of money.
VoIP uses your internet connection rather than a physical phone line to make calls. VoIP service in general is less expensive than a traditional phone line. But beyond that, many VoIP providers offer competitive rates on international calls, with some even providing unlimited international calling plans. And with VoIP, you can get voice calls, video conferencing, team messaging, along with advanced features that will help you run your business more effectively.
How to Call Japan from the US Conclusion
Now that you know how to call Japan from the US, you’re ready to contact your Japanese clients. All you need is the US exit code (011), the Japan country code (81), along with the area code and phone number for your contact. With VoIP service, you can save tons of money on your calls to Japan.
Have questions about VoIP service or which provider is best? At OneStop Communications, we help you compare quotes from multiple providers and plans so you can find the one that works best for your unique business. Contact us today to find the right VoIP provider for you!