Installing a telephone means purchasing a right of subscription. To apply for installation, you must visit a local NTT office with your passport or Certificate of Alien Registration to identify yourself. The installation charge is about 76,000 yen. Sometimes construction costs can be additional. It is possible to buy this "right of subscription" secondhand.
When you wish to relocate your telephone upon moving, please inform NTT at least one week in advance.
For details about telephone services, see the guidebook in English at the NTT Tsukuba Office or access the NTT East Japan website.
If your stay in Japan is expected to be short, then you can also rent a telephone or buy a cellular phone.
NTT used to publish telephone directories in English, but they no longer do. However, you can search for telephone numbers on the internet at the iTown Page English Center.
To make an international call, dial in order the international call identification code, the country code, area code and your party's telephone number. It is sometimes necessary to have your phone pre-registered with an international call company. Please refer to the relevant company/companies for details.
There are certain ways to make cheaper international calls, such as using IP phones, prepaid cards, or callback services.
When your telephone becomes unnecessary, you can do either of the following (Please note that NTT does not buy the subscription right back):
As of May 2001, MYLINE Carrier Selection Service and MYLINE PLUS Carrier Designation Service are in operation. The idea of these services are to let the customers pre-select the telephone company that they want to use so that they don't need to bother dialing the company's access code every time they make a call. You need to register for using these services. A fee of 800 yen (not including tax) will be charged per telephone number for new registration and for changing the content of services.
Topics: Communications
Relevant for: Tourists, Newcomers, Residents
Please note: While all efforts have been made to offer accurate and up-to-date information on this site, the information is presented as a guideline and is subject to change without notification. Phone numbers, addresses, and/or policies may have changed since this page was created. Please contact the appropriate section of the City Hall for confirmation of information and city policies.