What Is Country Code +81?
+81 is the country code assigned to Japan by the ITU. It is used when calling Japan from overseas or writing Japanese phone numbers in international format. The basic rule is to replace the leading "0" with "+81." Understanding this correctly prevents international call errors. The code is based on ITU-T recommendation E.164, assigned in the 1960s. Neighboring countries use +82 (South Korea) and +86 (China). Country codes are needed not only for international calls but also for registering with apps like WhatsApp and Telegram, and overseas web services. See History of Phone Number Digit Lengths for how Japan's numbers reached their current form. International calling guide books are also helpful.
Basic Conversion Rule
To convert a domestic number to international format, replace the leading "0" with "+81." This "0" is the domestic trunk prefix and is unnecessary in international format.
- Tokyo landline: 03-1234-5678 becomes +81-3-1234-5678
- Osaka landline: 06-1234-5678 becomes +81-6-1234-5678
- Yokohama landline: 045-123-4567 becomes +81-45-123-4567
- Mobile: 090-1234-5678 becomes +81-90-1234-5678
- IP phone: 050-1234-5678 becomes +81-50-1234-5678
- Free Dial: 0120-123-456 becomes +81-120-123-456 (though often inaccessible from overseas)
How to Call Japan from Overseas
Dial the international prefix (often "00" or "+"), then Japan's country code "81," then the number without the leading 0. On smartphones, "+" is easiest - long-press the 0 key.
Examples by Country
- From the US/Canada to Tokyo: 011-81-3-1234-5678 or +81-3-1234-5678
- From the UK to a mobile: 00-81-90-1234-5678 or +81-90-1234-5678
- From China: 00-81-3-1234-5678 or +81-3-1234-5678
- From South Korea: 001-81-3-1234-5678 or +81-3-1234-5678
- From any smartphone: +81-3-1234-5678 (long-press 0 for "+")
Calling Overseas from Japan
Dial 010 + country code + number. On smartphones, "+" + country code + number also works.
Common Mistakes
Keeping the Leading 0
The most common error is adding +81 while keeping the 0. +81-03-1234-5678 is wrong; the correct format is +81-3-1234-5678.
Calling Free Dial from Overseas
Free Dial (0120/0800) numbers often do not accept overseas calls. Look for the company's regular number (03, 06, etc.) on their website.
International Call Costs
- Mobile international calls: About 50-200 yen/minute, often excluded from unlimited plans
- IP phone (050) international calls: About 10-50 yen/minute, often cheaper than mobile
- Calling apps: LINE, WhatsApp, Skype offer free or low-cost international calls over Wi-Fi
International Format for Business
When listing numbers on business cards or websites for international contacts, include the international format. Travel SIM cards are handy for frequent travelers.
- Business card: TEL: 03-1234-5678 / +81-3-1234-5678
- Website: Domestic: 03-1234-5678 / International: +81-3-1234-5678
- E.164 format: +81312345678 (no hyphens or spaces). Standard for system integration and databases
Phone Numbers When Traveling Abroad
- Roaming: Using a Japanese phone abroad incurs charges even for incoming calls. Subscribe to an overseas data plan or use a local SIM
- Local SIM: Purchasing a local SIM gives you a local number. Set up call forwarding for your Japanese number
- Saving contacts: Save overseas contacts in +country-code format so they work from any country
Major Country Codes
- +1: US, Canada (NANP)
- +44: UK
- +86: China
- +82: South Korea
- +61: Australia
- +33: France
- +49: Germany
- +91: India
- +65: Singapore
- +66: Thailand
- +84: Vietnam
- +63: Philippines
Reducing International Call Costs
- Calling apps: LINE, WhatsApp, FaceTime offer free calls over Wi-Fi (both parties need the same app)
- IP phone services: 050 IP phones often offer cheaper international rates, around 10-30 yen/minute
- Prepaid calling cards: Available at convenience stores, offering rates of a few to tens of yen per minute
- Carrier international options: Subscribing to carrier international calling discounts can reduce rates by 50-70%
Understanding how to use Japan's country code +81 correctly helps you avoid international calling mistakes and unnecessary high charges.