How To Call Japan From Singapore
Quick Reference Summary
To call Japan from Singapore:
001 + 81 + Area Code (without the 0) + Local Number
Examples:
- For Tokyo landline: 001 + 81 + 3 + XXXX XXXX
- For Japanese mobile phone: 001 + 81 + 90 + XXXX XXXX
When it’s 12 PM (noon) in Singapore, it’s 1 PM in Japan (1 hour ahead).
How to Call a Landline in Japan
Calling a Japanese landline from Singapore is easy if you follow these steps:
- Dial Singapore’s international access code: 001 (or 002, 008 depending on your carrier)
- Dial Japan’s country code: 81
- Dial the area code (without the first 0)
- Dial the local phone number
For example, if you’re calling a Tokyo number written as (03) 1234 5678, you would dial 001 81 3 1234 5678 from Singapore.
Important: When people in Japan write down phone numbers, they include a 0 before the area code (e.g., 03 1234 5678). But when you call from Singapore, you need to drop this 0 and just dial the area code after the country code.
How to Call a Mobile Phone in Japan
Calling a Japanese mobile phone follows a similar pattern:
- Dial Singapore’s international access code: 001 (or 002, 008)
- Dial Japan’s country code: 81
- Dial the mobile prefix (without the first 0)
- Dial the rest of the mobile number
For example, if the Japanese mobile number is 090 1234 5678, you would dial 001 81 90 1234 5678 from Singapore.
Remember: Japanese mobile numbers start with 0 followed by 70, 80, or 90 when dialed within Japan. From Singapore, you drop the 0 and dial the remaining digits after the country code 81.
Different Ways to Dial Internationally from Singapore
Singapore offers several international access codes depending on which phone company you use:
- 001: SingTel
- 002: M1
- 008: StarHub
The choice of access code might affect how much your call costs. If you’re using a phone card, follow the specific instructions that came with your card.
Understanding Japanese Phone Numbers
Landline Numbers
Japanese landline numbers usually have:
- A 1-4 digit area code (with a 0 in front when dialed in Japan)
- A local number (the total digits of area code plus local number is usually 9)
Total digits: Usually 9-10 (when dialed in Japan) or 8-9 (when called from other countries)
Mobile Numbers
Japanese mobile numbers have:
- A 3-digit mobile prefix (with a 0 in front when dialed in Japan)
- A 8-digit personal number
Total digits: 11 (when dialed in Japan) or 10 (when called from other countries)
Area Codes for Major Japanese Cities
Here’s a list of area codes for major cities and regions in Japan. Remember to drop the 0 when calling from Singapore:
| City/Region | Area Code (drop the 0 when calling from Singapore) |
|---|---|
| Tokyo | 3 |
| Yokohama | 45 |
| Osaka | 6 |
| Nagoya | 52 |
| Sapporo | 11 |
| Fukuoka | 92 |
| Kobe | 78 |
| Kyoto | 75 |
| Hiroshima | 82 |
| Sendai | 22 |
| Naha (Okinawa) | 98 |
| Kanazawa | 76 |
| Matsuyama | 89 |
| Niigata | 25 |
| Kagoshima | 99 |
Mobile Phone Prefixes
Japanese mobile numbers start with 0 followed by specific digits that show which type of mobile service it is. When calling from Singapore, drop the 0 and dial the remaining digits after the country code 81.
| Type | Prefixes (drop the 0 when calling from Singapore) |
|---|---|
| Mobile Phones | 70, 80, 90 |
| NTT DoCoMo | 90, 80, 70 |
| SoftBank | 90, 80, 70 |
| au (KDDI) | 90, 80, 70 |
| Rakuten Mobile | 70 |
Time Difference
Japan is in Japan Standard Time (JST), which is UTC+9 all year round. Japan does not use daylight saving time.
Singapore is in UTC+8 all year round and also does not use daylight saving time.
This means Japan is always 1 hour ahead of Singapore throughout the year.
Special Numbers to Know
Service Numbers
- 0120: Japanese toll-free numbers (usually can’t be called from outside Japan)
- 0570: Special rate numbers (can’t be called from abroad)
- 0800: Toll-free numbers (not accessible from abroad)
- 0990: Premium rate services (not accessible from abroad)
- 110: Police (not accessible from abroad)
- 119: Fire and Ambulance (not accessible from abroad)
Calling Business Extensions
When calling a business in Japan that has extensions:
- Dial the full international number as usual
- Wait for the automated system to answer
- Then enter the extension number when prompted
Many larger businesses in Japan have English language options in their automated systems, though smaller businesses might only have Japanese options.
Best Time to Call
Since Japan is only 1 hour ahead of Singapore, you can easily call at almost any time. Business hours in both countries are similar:
- Business hours in Japan: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Singapore time)
- Government offices in Japan: Usually 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Monday to Friday
If you’re calling someone at home, it’s best to avoid calling too late (after 9 PM Japan time), as this is considered impolite in Japanese culture.
Call Japan For Less With Singapore Phone Cards
Calling Japan from Singapore can be expensive with regular phone companies, but Singapore Phone Cards offers a cheaper way to stay in touch with family, friends, or work contacts in Japan.
Our customers who call Japan often love our clear sound quality and low rates. Whether you’re calling Tokyo landlines or mobile phones in Osaka, you’ll get great service at a good price.
Calling to a landline in Japan? See our best international calling cards for Japan here.
Calling to a mobile in Japan? See our best international calling cards for Japan here.
Using our service is simple and easy:
- Dial the local access number we provide
- Enter your 10-digit PIN number
- Dial Japan (81 + area code without the 0 + local number)
You can use our service from any landline or mobile phone in Singapore. What makes our service special:
- Call to 200+ countries including all parts of Japan
- Call from landline or mobile with the same great rates
- No hidden fees or extra charges
- 100% prepaid so you’re always in control
- No reactivation fees even if you don’t use your card for a while
- Phone card details sent right away by email
- Your credit rolls over so you never lose what you’ve paid for
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