Connecting with friends, family, or business partners in Japan from Germany can feel like a big challenge. The distance is vast, and the thought of dialing complicated codes or facing high costs might make you hesitate. Whether you need to discuss important business, catch up with loved ones, or plan a trip, knowing the right way to call Japan from Germany is essential.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from dialing codes to time differences and cost-effective solutions. We understand the importance of reliable international communication, and that’s why we’ll also show you how services like Telfon make international calls Germany to Japan simpler and more affordable than ever before. For a general overview of international dialing, you can refer to resources like Wikipedia’s article on telephone numbering plans.

Let’s break down the process and make your next call to Japan a breeze.

Why Call Japan from Germany?

People have many reasons for reaching out across continents. Japan is a major economic power, a hub for innovation, and a vibrant cultural destination. Germany also plays a significant role on the global stage. This creates a strong need for reliable communication between the two countries.

Here are some common reasons:

• Business Relations: Many German companies have dealings with Japanese manufacturers, tech firms, or export partners. Regular calls are crucial for negotiations, project updates, and maintaining strong connections.
• Personal Connections: Perhaps you have family living or studying in Japan. Friends might have moved there for work or adventure. Staying in touch keeps these relationships strong, despite the distance.
• Travel and Tourism: Planning a trip to Tokyo, Kyoto, or another Japanese city? You might need to confirm hotel bookings, tour details, or speak with local contacts.
• Education and Research: Students and researchers often collaborate between German and Japanese institutions. Direct communication supports academic exchange and joint projects.
• Relocation: Moving between countries requires a lot of coordination. You might need to contact landlords, banks, or shipping companies in Japan while still in Germany.

These scenarios highlight the daily need for efficient and clear communication channels. Understanding how to connect effectively bridges the geographical gap.

Understanding International Calling Basics

Before diving into the specific steps for calling Japan from Germany, it helps to understand the general rules of international dialing. Every international call follows a specific sequence of numbers.

This sequence includes:

• International Exit Code: This number tells your phone provider you are making an international call. Each country has its own exit code. For Germany, this code is “00.”
• Country Code: This unique code identifies the country you want to call. Japan’s country code is “81.”
• Area Code: This code specifies a particular region or city within the destination country. Major cities in Japan have their own area codes.
• Local Phone Number: This is the specific number of the person or business you wish to reach.

Missing any part of this sequence means your call will not go through. It is important to dial each part correctly and in the right order.

How to Call Japan from Germany

Dialing Japan from Germany involves a specific set of numbers. The process differs slightly depending on whether you are using a landline or a mobile phone. Let’s break down the steps for both.

Calling from a Landline

Using a landline often requires dialing the international exit code first. This signals to your German phone provider that you want to make an overseas call.

Here are the steps:

1. Dial 00: This is Germany’s international exit code.
2. Dial 81: This is the country code for Japan.
3. Dial the Area Code: Enter the specific area code for the city in Japan you are calling (e.g., 3 for Tokyo). Remember to drop the leading “0” if the area code starts with one when calling internationally.
4. Dial the Local Phone Number: Enter the rest of the recipient’s phone number.

Example for a Landline call to Tokyo:

If the Tokyo phone number is (03) 1234-5678:

You would dial: 00-81-3-1234-5678

Calling from a Mobile Phone

Mobile phones offer a slightly simpler alternative to the exit code. You can use a plus sign instead.

Follow these steps:

1. Dial +: Press and hold the “0” key on your mobile phone until the “+” symbol appears. This automatically replaces the “00” exit code.
2. Dial 81: Enter Japan’s country code.
3. Dial the Area Code: Input the specific area code for the Japanese city. Again, omit any leading “0” if present in the local format.
4. Dial the Local Phone Number: Enter the remaining digits of the phone number.

Example for a Mobile call to Tokyo:

If the Tokyo phone number is (03) 1234-5678:

You would dial: +81-3-1234-5678

This method works for how to dial Japan from Germany using any mobile network.

Germany to Japan Dialing Code Explained

The Germany to Japan dialing code refers to the combination of the German exit code (or the ‘+’ sign) and Japan’s country code. Understanding this is fundamental for successful international calls.

Let’s simplify it:

• German Exit Code: 00

This tells your phone network in Germany, “I want to call outside of Germany.”

• International Dialing Symbol: +

This is the universal symbol for international calls on mobile phones. It automatically includes the correct exit code for the country you are calling from.

• Japan Country Code: 81

This code specifically directs your call to Japan.

So, when you see instructions for how to dial Japan from Germany, remember that the core sequence starts with 0081 (from a landline) or +81 (from a mobile). These initial digits are your gateway to connecting with Japan.

Japan Area Codes

Japan uses area codes to identify specific geographic regions within the country. You must include the correct area code after the country code to ensure your call reaches the right city or region. These codes vary in length, usually one to four digits.

Here are some of the most common area codes for major Japanese cities:

Important Note: If a local Japanese phone number is written with a leading “0” in its area code (e.g., Tokyo’s area code is often shown as “03”), you must drop this “0” when dialing internationally. Only include the “3” for Tokyo after the country code. This rule applies to all Japanese area codes when dialing from outside Japan.

Japanese Phone Number Format

Understanding the structure of a Japanese phone number helps you dial correctly. Japanese phone numbers typically follow a clear format.

They consist of:

• Country Code: Always +81 when calling internationally.
• Area Code: 1 to 4 digits, without a leading “0” for international calls.
• Subscriber Number: 6 to 8 digits.

Typical Formats:

• Tokyo (1-digit area code): +81-3-XXXX-XXXX (Country Code + Area Code + 8-digit subscriber number)
• Osaka (1-digit area code): +81-6-XXXX-XXXX (Country Code + Area Code + 8-digit subscriber number)
• Kyoto (2-digit area code): +81-75-XX-XXXX (Country Code + Area Code + 6-digit subscriber number)
• General (2-digit area code): +81-XX-XXXX-XXXX (Country Code + Area Code + 7 or 8-digit subscriber number)
• Mobile Numbers: Japanese mobile numbers typically start with 070, 080, or 090. When calling a mobile number from Germany, drop the leading “0” from the mobile prefix. So, a mobile number like 090-1234-5678 becomes +81-90-1234-5678.

Always confirm the full number, including the correct area code and the local subscriber number, before dialing. This helps avoid misdials and ensures your call connects successfully.

Best Time for Calling Japan

Considering the time difference is crucial for any international call, especially when calling Japan from Germany. Japan observes Japan Standard Time (JST), which is UTC+9. Germany typically observes Central European Time (CET), which is UTC+1, or Central European Summer Time (CEST), which is UTC+2 during summer months.

This means Japan is significantly ahead of Germany.

Time Difference Breakdown:

• During German Standard Time (CET – UTC+1): Japan is 8 hours ahead of Germany.

If it’s 9:00 AM in Germany, it’s 5:00 PM in Japan.

• During German Summer Time (CEST – UTC+2): Japan is 7 hours ahead of Germany.

If it’s 9:00 AM in Germany, it’s 4:00 PM in Japan.

Tips for finding the best time:

• Check a reliable world clock: Always verify the current time in both locations before calling. Many online tools and smartphone apps can help with this.
• Consider weekdays: Business hours in Japan are generally Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM JST.
• Aim for overlapping work hours: If you need to speak during business hours, aim for early afternoon in Japan, which would be late morning/midday in Germany. For example, calling Japan at 2:00 PM (JST) would be 6:00 AM (CET) or 7:00 AM (CEST) in Germany. This is an early start for you, but ensures they are at work.
• Evenings for personal calls: If calling friends or family, consider early evening in Japan (e.g., 7:00 PM JST). This would be 11:00 AM (CET) or 12:00 PM (CEST) in Germany, which is a convenient time for most.
• Be mindful of weekends and holidays: Japan has several national holidays, and weekends are Saturday and Sunday. Avoid calling during these times unless it is urgent or pre-arranged.

Planning your call around these time differences shows respect for the recipient and increases the likelihood of a successful connection.

Cost of Calling Japan from Germany

The cost of calling Japan from Germany can vary widely. It depends on several factors, including your phone provider, your calling plan, and the method you choose (landline, mobile, or internet-based services).

Here’s a general overview:

Traditional Landline/Mobile Calls

• Per-Minute Rates: Traditional calls made directly from a German landline or mobile phone are often the most expensive. Providers charge international rates per minute. These rates can range from a few cents to over a euro per minute.
• Peak vs. Off-Peak: Some traditional plans might offer slightly lower rates during off-peak hours, but this is less common for international calls.
• Roaming Charges: If you are calling from a German mobile phone while abroad (outside Germany), you will also incur roaming charges on top of international calling fees, which can quickly become very costly.

VoIP and Virtual Number Services

• Significantly Lower Costs: Services using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology, like Telfon, generally offer much lower rates. They route calls over the internet, bypassing traditional phone networks.
• Subscription Plans: Many VoIP providers offer monthly subscriptions that include a set number of international minutes or even unlimited calls to certain countries for a flat fee.
• Pay-As-You-Go: You can also often add credit and pay per minute, with rates often being a fraction of traditional carriers.
• Virtual Numbers: Getting a virtual number for Japan from a service like Telfon means recipients in Japan can call you at local rates, and you can often make outbound calls at very competitive rates.

Key Takeaway: Always check your current phone plan’s international calling rates before making a traditional call. For frequent or cost-conscious international calls, VoIP services present a much more economical solution. This is especially true for international calls Germany to Japan.

How Telfon Can Be Useful for Calling Japan

When considering calling Japan from Germany, Telfon offers a modern, cost-effective, and feature-rich solution. It moves beyond the limitations and high costs of traditional phone services by leveraging cloud telephony.

Here’s how Telfon makes a real difference:

Virtual Number for Japan

One of Telfon’s standout features is the ability to acquire a virtual number for Japan. This means you can have a local Japanese phone number, even while sitting in Germany.

• Local Presence: If you are a business, a Japanese virtual number gives you a local presence, making it easier for clients and partners in Japan to reach you without incurring international charges on their end.
• Cost-Effective Inbound Calls: Japanese contacts can call your Telfon virtual number at their local rates, which is a huge benefit for them and encourages more communication.
• Outbound Call Savings: When you call out from your Telfon account, you benefit from very competitive international calling rates, often significantly lower than traditional carriers.

Cost Savings and Predictability

Telfon uses VoIP technology, which routes calls over the internet. This drastically reduces the cost per minute compared to conventional phone lines.

• Low International Rates: Telfon provides excellent rates for calling Japan from Germany. This means you can have longer, more frequent conversations without worrying about a huge bill.
• Budget Management: For businesses, features like assigning budgets to users and tracking call history help manage and predict communication expenses effectively.

Enhanced Features for Individuals and Businesses

Telfon is not just about making calls; it comes packed with features that improve your communication experience.

• Call Recordings: Essential for business calls, training, or simply remembering important details.
• SMS & Broadcast Messages: Send and receive text messages, and even send bulk messages for marketing or announcements.
• WhatsApp Integration: Manage multiple WhatsApp accounts for different regions or purposes, streamlining your messaging.
• Multi-Country Numbers: Easily manage virtual numbers for Japan and other countries simultaneously from one platform.
• Voicemail to Text: Get your voicemails transcribed, so you can read them when listening is not convenient.
• Call Forwarding: Never miss an important call by forwarding it to another number or device.
• User Analytics & Management (B2B): Businesses can track call data, manage users, and assign numbers, providing powerful insights into communication patterns.

For anyone needing to call Japan from Germany, Telfon provides a powerful, flexible, and affordable alternative that truly simplifies international communication. It’s a smart choice for both individuals and businesses aiming for efficient and clear connections.

Why Choose Telfon for Your Calls to Japan?

Telfon stands out as a superior choice for your international calls Germany to Japan for several compelling reasons. It addresses the common pain points of traditional international calling and offers a modern, user-friendly solution.

Here’s why Telfon is an excellent option:

• Simplicity: No need to memorize complex dialing codes or worry about dropping the ‘0’. Telfon’s interface makes dialing straightforward.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Say goodbye to exorbitant per-minute charges. Telfon’s VoIP rates are significantly lower, saving you money on every call.
• Reliable Connection: Enjoy high-quality audio calls, minimizing echoes or dropped connections often associated with older international lines.
• Local Presence: With a virtual number for Japan, you create an instant local presence. This is invaluable for businesses establishing credibility and for individuals wanting to appear more accessible.
• Advanced Features: From call recording to WhatsApp integration and voicemail-to-text, Telfon adds practical tools that enhance your communication, making it more productive and convenient.
• Flexibility: Whether you are an individual making personal calls or a large corporation managing a global team, Telfon scales to your needs. Its B2B features offer granular control and insights.
• Global Reach: Telfon supports calling services to over 180+ countries, making it a comprehensive solution for all your international communication needs, not just Japan.
• 20+ Language Support: The platform supports multiple languages, ensuring ease of use for a diverse user base.

By choosing Telfon, you’re not just making a call; you’re adopting a comprehensive communication strategy that is modern, efficient, and built for global connectivity. It removes the hassle and expense, letting you focus on the conversation itself.

Step-by-Step: Calling Japan with Telfon

Using Telfon to call Japan from Germany is designed to be straightforward and user-friendly. Here’s a simple guide to get you started:

1. Sign Up for Telfon: First, visit the Telfon website and create an account. You will need to choose a plan that suits your calling needs.
2. Add Credit or Choose a Subscription: Depending on your plan, you might add calling credit or subscribe to a package that includes international minutes.
3. Purchase a Virtual Number (Optional but Recommended): If you want a local presence or expect inbound calls from Japan, purchase a virtual number for Japan through the Telfon platform. This gives you a Japanese number.
4. Access the Telfon Dialer: Use the Telfon app on your smartphone or the web-based dialer on your computer.
5. Enter the Japanese Phone Number: In the dialer, you can usually just enter the full international number in the format +81 [Area Code] [Local Number]. Telfon handles the routing automatically.

Example: For a Tokyo number 03-1234-5678, you would type +81312345678.

If you have a contact saved, you might simply select their name.

1. Initiate the Call: Click the call button. Telfon will connect your call over the internet.
2. Enjoy Your Conversation: Experience clear audio quality as you talk to your Japanese contact.

Quick Tip: Before your first call, do a quick test call to a known number or use Telfon’s support to ensure everything is set up correctly. This helps build confidence in using the service.

Tips for Successful International Calls

Making a successful international call involves more than just dialing the right numbers. Here are some extra tips to ensure your conversations with Japan go smoothly:

• Confirm the full number: Always double-check the recipient’s entire phone number, including the country code, area code, and local number. A single digit error can lead to a misdial.
• Be aware of time zones: Use a world clock app or website to confirm the current time in both Germany and Japan. This helps avoid calling at inconvenient hours, like late at night or during business closures.
• Consider cultural nuances: In Japan, politeness is highly valued. Be mindful of formal greetings and respectful language, especially in business contexts.
• Prepare your talking points: For important calls, especially business-related ones, jot down key discussion points. This keeps the conversation focused and efficient.
• Ensure a stable internet connection (for VoIP): If using Telfon or another VoIP service, make sure you have a strong and stable internet connection. A weak connection can lead to poor call quality or dropped calls.
• Use headphones: Using headphones with a built-in microphone can significantly improve audio quality by reducing background noise and echoes.
• Have an alternative contact method: In case of technical issues, have an alternative way to reach your contact, such as email or a messaging app.
• Inform your recipient: If you plan to make a call at an unusual time, send a quick message beforehand to let them know. This ensures they are available and prepared to receive your call.

Following these tips helps ensure your calling Japan from Germany experience is always productive and pleasant.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions people ask about calling Japan from Germany.

Q1: What is the international dialing code for Japan from Germany?

The international dialing code to call Japan from Germany is 00 (Germany’s exit code) followed by 81 (Japan’s country code). On a mobile phone, you can use +81.

Q2: How do I dial a Japanese mobile number from Germany?

For a Japanese mobile number starting with 090, 080, or 070, you should drop the leading 0 when dialing internationally. For example, 090-1234-5678 becomes +81-90-1234-5678.

Q3: What is the time difference between Germany and Japan?

Japan (JST, UTC+9) is generally 8 hours ahead of Germany during German Standard Time (CET, UTC+1) and 7 hours ahead during German Summer Time (CEST, UTC+2). Always double-check current times.

Q4: Are international calls from Germany to Japan expensive?

Traditional calls can be quite expensive, with high per-minute rates. Services like Telfon, which use VoIP technology and offer virtual numbers for Japan, are significantly more cost-effective.

Q5: Can I get a local Japanese number while living in Germany?

Yes, with services like Telfon, you can purchase a virtual number for Japan. This allows people in Japan to call you at their local rates, and you can use it to make calls from Germany.

Q6: Do Japanese area codes have a leading ‘0’ that I need to drop?

Yes, when a Japanese area code is written locally (e.g., “03” for Tokyo), you must drop the leading 0 when dialing from outside Japan. So, for Tokyo, you would dial 81-3, not 81-03.

Q7: What are the benefits of using Telfon for calling Japan?

Telfon offers competitive rates, clear call quality, advanced features like call recording and WhatsApp integration, and the ability to get a virtual number for Japan, providing a local presence and saving costs.

Q8: Does Telfon support business features for international calls?

Yes, Telfon offers extensive B2B features, including user analytics, user management, call and SMS history, budget assignment, and custom messaging services, making it ideal for companies with international communication needs.

Q9: What kind of internet connection do I need for Telfon?

For the best call quality with Telfon, a stable and reasonably fast internet connection (broadband or strong mobile data) is recommended. This ensures clear audio and minimizes disruptions.

Q10: Can I send SMS to Japan from Germany using Telfon?

Yes, Telfon allows you to send and receive SMS messages, including bulk messages, making it easy to text contacts in Japan from your Telfon account.

Conclusion

Calling Japan from Germany doesn’t have to be a complex or costly endeavor. By understanding the necessary dialing codes, being mindful of time differences, and choosing the right communication tool, you can connect seamlessly.

Traditional methods can be expensive and cumbersome. However, modern solutions like Telfon offer a powerful alternative. With Telfon, you gain access to significantly lower calling rates, high-quality connections, and valuable features such as call recording, SMS, and even a virtual number for Japan. This virtual number creates a local presence, benefiting both personal connections and business operations.

Whether you are reaching out to family, conducting crucial business, or planning your next adventure, Telfon simplifies international calls Germany to Japan. It provides a reliable, affordable, and feature-rich platform to bridge the geographical gap effortlessly. Make your next call to Japan with confidence and clarity.