Japan is a fascinating country that blends ancient traditions with modern technology. If you plan to visit or live in Japan, you will need to know about the country’s telephone service. In this article, we will provide you with all the essential information you need to know about telephone service in Japan.
International and Area Codes in Japan
The international code for Japan is +81. When making an international call to Japan, you need to dial this code before the area code and phone number you wish to reach. For example, if you want to call a friend in Tokyo from the United States, you would dial +81 (the country code for Japan), 3 (the area code for Tokyo), and then the eight-digit phone number.
Here are some of the area codes for popular expat destinations within Japan:
- Tokyo: 3
- Yokohama: 45
- Osaka: 6
- Kyoto: 75
Major Telephone Providers in Japan
There are several major telephone providers in Japan, both for landline and mobile services. Here are some of the most popular ones, along with their contact details:
Landline Providers
- NTT – NTT is the largest landline provider in Japan, offering a range of services for both residential and business customers. You can contact NTT by calling their customer service line at 116 from any landline phone or by visiting their website at www.ntt-east.co.jp/english/ for more information.
Mobile Providers
NTT DOCOMO – NTT DOCOMO is the largest mobile provider in Japan, offering both prepaid and postpaid plans. You can contact NTT DOCOMO by calling their customer service line at 0120-800-000 from any NTT DOCOMO mobile phone or by calling +81-50-5539-9999 from any other phone. You can also visit their website at www.nttdocomo.co.jp/english/ for more information.
SoftBank – SoftBank is another major mobile provider in Japan, offering both prepaid and postpaid plans. You can contact SoftBank by calling their customer service line at 157 from any SoftBank mobile phone or by calling +81-50-5809-9000 from any other phone. You can also visit their website at www.softbank.jp/en/mobile/ for more information.
au by KDDI – au by KDDI is a popular mobile provider in Japan, offering both prepaid and postpaid plans. You can contact au by KDDI by calling their customer service line at 0077-7-111 from any au mobile phone or by calling +81-50-5832-1111 from any other phone. You can also visit their website at www.au.com/english/ for more information.
Procedure for Arranging Telephone Connection in Japan
To arrange telephone connection in Japan, you will need to follow these steps:
- Choose a telephone provider that suits your needs and budget.
- Contact the provider either by phone or by visiting one of their stores.
- Provide your identification documents (such as your passport or residence card) and proof of address.
- Choose the type of service you want (landline or mobile) and the plan that best fits your needs.
How to Pay Your Telephone Bill in Japan
There are several ways to pay your telephone bill in Japan, depending on your service provider. Here are some of the most common payment methods:
Automatic payment – Most providers in Japan offer automatic payment options, where your bill is automatically deducted from your bank account each month.
Online payment – Many providers also allow you to pay your bill online using a credit card or debit card.
Convenience store payment – You can also pay your bill in-person at convenience stores such as 7-Eleven, Lawson, or Family Mart. Simply bring your bill to the store and pay it at the register.
Bank transfer – Some providers also allow you to pay your bill through a bank transfer.
In-person payment – If you prefer to pay your bill in-person, you can visit one of the provider’s stores or customer service centers and pay at the counter.
It’s essential to pay your bill on time to avoid any late fees or service disruptions. Most providers will send you a monthly bill by mail or email, so make sure to check your mailbox or inbox regularly.
Telephone service in Japan is well-developed, with several providers offering both landline and mobile services. When arranging a telephone connection in Japan, it’s important to choose a provider that suits your needs and budget. Payment options vary depending on the provider, but most allow you to pay your bill online, in-person, or through automatic payments. We hope that this article has provided you with all the essential information you need to know about telephone service in Japan.