Finding A Japan Virtual Phone Number For Your Business

Having a phone number helps establish your business presence locally. 

However, a great alternative is to have a Japanese virtual phone number to localize your business in Japan.

Thus, this Japan virtual phone number guide is here to help your business enhance your customer engagement.

What is a virtual phone number?

A virtual phone number is a telephone number that is not tried on a physical phone line.

Instead, calls made to a virtual number will be forwarded to a different device. It allows businesses to handle calls in different locations. 

So, a virtual Japanese phone number allows foreign companies to establish a local presence in Japan, even when you are abroad.

Different types of virtual phone numbers

There are 3 main different Japan virtual phone numbers that you can pick depending on what you are looking for.

Toll-free numbers

Toll-free numbers allow customers to call your business without incurring charges. In Japan, these numbers typically start with 0120 or 0800. However, Japanese toll-free numbers generally cannot be dialed from outside Japan, so they're best suited for reaching local customers within the country rather than as your main international contact number.

If you need international customers to be able to reach you, pair a toll-free number with a local number or a 050 national number that supports incoming calls from abroad.

Local Japan numbers

A local Japanese phone number gives the impression that your business is physically in Japan, even if it operates in another country.

Local numbers carry a geographic area code tied to a specific city, such as 03 for Tokyo or 06 for Osaka, the same area codes used by regular landlines in that region. This is different from the mobile prefixes (070, 080, 090) covered in the next section, which aren't tied to any city. If you're calling a local Japan number from abroad, you'll drop the leading 0 and add Japan's international calling code of +81.

Mobile virtual numbers

Mobile virtual numbers are popular in Japan. Numbers starting with 070, 080, or 090 run on the mobile network and support full two-way SMS alongside voice calls, making them a good choice if you need SMS verification codes or two-way texting with Japanese customers.

Numbers starting with 050 work differently. These are cloud-based VoIP numbers, not assigned to any specific region, and they require an internet connection to operate rather than a traditional phone line.

050 numbers generally cannot send or receive SMS text messages, since SMS in Japan is delivered through mobile carrier networks rather than the regular phone system. Because of this, many Japanese banks, apps, and online services block 050 numbers specifically for SMS verification codes, something to plan around if your business needs to receive one-time passcodes or text-based confirmations.

If you want a memorable, brand-aligned number, vanity numbers are also available in Japan, typically built on top of toll-free prefixes like 0120 or 0800 with an easy-to-remember digit pattern. These can help with marketing and brand recognition, though availability depends on your provider.

Can I use Google Voice to get a Japan phone number?

No. Google Voice's personal, free version has been US-only since it launched, with no exceptions for any other country, including Japan. Google Voice for Workspace, the paid business version, does support numbers in over a dozen countries, but Japan is not currently one of them.

If you already have a US-based Google Voice number, you can use the Google Voice app to make and receive calls while physically in Japan over Wi-Fi or mobile data, but that's a US phone number you're using from Japan, not a Japanese phone number. It won't give your business a local Japan area code, a 050 national number, or any of the local presence benefits a genuine Japan virtual number provides.

For an actual Japanese virtual phone number, you'll need a dedicated provider such as Sonetel, AVOXI, or United World Telecom, or a bilingual receptionist and virtual phone service like MailMate that's specifically built around helping foreign businesses operate in Japan.

Why use a virtual phone number for a business?

A Japanese virtual number allows calls on a designated device such as a mobile phone, landline, or computer. 

So businesses can receive calls from anywhere without needing an international phone system. 

Improved local credibility

Japanese phone numbers give your company credibility within Japan, so customers, especially Japanese ones, will feel comfortable contacting your business. 

Better handling for Japanese customer inquiries

You can handle Japanese inquiries for better customer service operations if you have bilingual customer support.

Need a bilingual receptionist service?

When launching a business in Japan, it’s important to have someone bilingual to accommodate and communicate with your customers. 

Here’s where MailMate’s bilingual receptionist service is the perfect solution. 

Our receptionists can handle incoming calls in Japanese and English. So, no matter who your customer base is, you’ll be relieved to know that they can answer their questions.

Have a specific calling request, such as call forwarding and message taking? Get in touch with MailMate to see how you can elevate your customer service with local clients in Japan.

More cost-effective international communication

Japan's virtual phone numbers reduce international communication costs by eliminating physical offices and landline lines in Japan. 

Additional features

It also includes:

• Interactive Voice Response (IVR): Helps route calls to the right department automatically.

• Call forwarding: Direct calls to different devices or locations.

• Call recording: For monitoring quality purposes or to revisit important conversations.

• SMS/Messaging Features: Available on 070, 080, and 090 mobile-prefix numbers. 050 VoIP numbers generally don't support SMS, see the "Mobile virtual numbers" section above for details.

Step-by-step guide to registering for a virtual number

To get a Japanese phone number virtually, here's how you can get started:

• Choose a provider that actually serves Japan. Dedicated virtual phone number providers such as Sonetel, AVOXI, and United World Telecom offer genuine Japan virtual phone numbers, including local area code numbers, 050 national numbers, and toll-free numbers. Note that Google Voice does not support Japan at all; personal Google Voice is US-only, and Google Voice for Workspace doesn't include Japan on its list of supported countries. Skype has also been fully retired by Microsoft as of May 2025 and is no longer available as a signup option.

• Sign up: Create an account with your chosen provider and select a plan that includes Japan virtual numbers. Most providers will ask what type of number you need (local, national 050, or toll-free) upfront.

• Select a number: Pick a local Japanese phone number tied to the area code you want, or a 050 national number if you don't need a specific regional identity.

• Verify and activate: Complete any required verification steps, typically ID or business registration details, and set up call forwarding to the device or number where you actually want to answer calls.

What identity verification is required?

Japan's Mobile Phone Improper Use Prevention Act requires telecom carriers, including virtual number providers and MVNOs, to verify the identity of anyone obtaining a phone number, a legal anti-fraud measure that's been in place since 2006. In practice, this means:

• Individuals typically need to upload a scan of a passport or Japanese Residence Card during signup.

• Businesses typically need to provide incorporation certificates and proof of business address.

This law has also gotten stricter. In April 2026, verification requirements shifted towards My Number Card-based digital identity confirmation, with older methods like submitting a photo of an ID document alone being phased out.

If you're setting up a Japan virtual number for your business, expect this verification step regardless of which legitimate provider you choose, it's a legal requirement, not just a provider policy.

How much does a Japan virtual phone number cost?

Pricing varies significantly depending on the number type (local, 050 national, or toll-free) and which features you need. Here's a real comparison across three legitimate providers that currently serve Japan:

As a general rule, expect to pay more for a toll-free number than a local or 050 national number, since toll-free numbers carry per-minute inbound charges the others don't.

If you mainly need to answer calls and forward them to your existing mobile device, a basic plan is usually enough; if you're running a dedicated sales team or need call analytics and routing, you'll want a higher tier.

Setting up call forwarding

Every virtual phone number provider has specific call forwarding for their numbers. 

Here are the general steps:

1. Access the virtual phone number application or dashboard.

2. Go into the settings or call the management section.

3. Find the call forwarding options. Toggle it.

4. Enter the phone number to which the calls should be forwarded to.

5. Save the settings.

Now, any incoming calls can be transferred to the new forwarded number.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get a Japanese phone number virtually?

Japan's virtual numbers are offered by dedicated providers such as Sonetel, AVOXI, and United World Telecom, along with bilingual services like MailMate that combine a Japanese phone number with local call handling. Google Voice does not currently support Japan, and Skype was fully retired by Microsoft in May 2025, so neither is a working option despite older guides sometimes recommending them. Once you've selected a provider and plan, you'll typically go through a verification step using ID or business registration details before your new virtual Japanese phone number is activated for incoming and outgoing calls.

Can I get a free Japanese virtual phone number?

True free options are limited. Some VoIP apps offer trial periods or very basic free tiers, but a reliable business-grade Japan virtual number with call forwarding, an office phone system feel, and decent call quality typically comes with a monthly cost. If keeping costs low is the priority, look for providers with pay-as-you-go plans rather than expecting an ongoing free Japan number with full features.

What's the difference between a local Japan number and a national 050 number?

A local number carries a specific area code, like Tokyo's 03 or Osaka's 06, and gives the impression your business has a physical presence in that city. A 050 national number isn't tied to any region, making it a flexible choice if you want a Japan virtual number without committing to a specific local identity, both types support call forwarding and incoming calls the same way.

Do I need a Japanese business address to get a virtual phone number?

It depends on the provider. Some Japan virtual phone number services only require ID verification, while others, especially for local area code numbers, may ask for proof of a Japanese business presence. A virtual address service can help satisfy this requirement if you don't yet have a physical office in Japan.

In closing

Finding a Japan virtual phone number is a great asset for your business looking to expand its support communication. Its integration with your business system will ensure that your operations run smoothly.