First, we hope you will feel that you can forget about your cares and woes back home while you are on this adventure. At the same time, we recognize you may have valid reasons for at least being accessible if necessary.

So here is some information about phones in Japan.

First and foremost, you should know: your cell phone probably won't work in Japan.

• Japan uses a network technology not used anywhere else
• Here is a nice summary of Japanese phone options
• And here are clear instructions for using phones to and from Japan
Examples
• To call to Japan from the US: 011-81-number (omit any leading 0)
• To call the US from Japan: 010-1-number; Note: this is the most expensive way! The link above has some suggestions for alternatives

 

On the other hand, there are more options than ever before, and some may be of use to you.

• Kitty and Steve will be renting cell phones in Japan, and we will give out this number to everyone
• If you would like to rent your own cell phone, we can help you find various services
• You will have phone numbers for all hotels, although international calls through hotels tend to be expensive
• You can purchase pre-paid phone cards in Japan that will work from international phones found in most hotels and many other locations
• Certain cell phones ("world phones") may work in Japan - check with your carrier and let us know
• Your carrier may have an option to switch to that includes international calling at a reduced rate, and you can turn this feature on before you leave and off when you return, online
• Verizon subscribers should check out their Global Travel Program
• Certain smart phones (iPhone, Blackberry, etc.) may work in Japan - again, check with your service provider and let us know what you find out
• Steve plans on carrying his laptop; in hotels where an internet connection is available, you could use Skype - free internet phone calls; this requires the people you call to also have Skype, so plan ahead