Area Code 1464 – Shizunai, Hokkaido

Overview of Area Code 1464

Area code 1464 is a geographic National Destination Code (NDC) assigned to the Shizunai region, located in the Hidaka Subprefecture of Hokkaido, Japan. This code serves the city of Shizunai (now part of Shinhidaka Town) and its surrounding areas, including the former town of Mitsuishi. The region is known for its agricultural and fishing industries, with Shizunai serving as the administrative and commercial center of the Hidaka region.

Geographic Coverage and Administrative Jurisdiction

The 1464 area code covers the eastern part of Hokkaido's Hidaka region, along the Pacific coast. Specifically, it encompasses the city of Shinhidaka, which was formed in 2006 by the merger of Shizunai and Mitsuishi towns. The area is bounded by the Hidaka Mountains to the west and the Pacific Ocean to the east. Major towns within this code include Shizunai, Mitsuishi, and the surrounding rural districts. The region is relatively sparsely populated, with a population of approximately 20,000 people.

Dialing Formats and Caller Instructions

When calling a landline in the Shizunai area from within Japan, you must dial the trunk prefix 0, followed by the area code 1464, and then the subscriber number. Local numbers in this area typically consist of 6 digits, making the total national significant number (NSN) 10 digits (including the leading 0). For example, to call a local number such as 12-3456, you would dial: 01464-12-3456 from anywhere in Japan.

For international callers, you must dial your country's exit code (e.g., 011 from the US, 00 from most European countries), followed by Japan's country code +81, then the area code without the leading zero, and the subscriber number. For the same example, you would dial: +81 1464-12-3456.

It is important to note that Japan has implemented number portability for fixed-line services, but geographic numbers remain tied to their original location. Therefore, a number with the 1464 code will always be associated with the Shizunai area, regardless of any service provider changes.

Overlay Considerations and Future Plans

Currently, there are no overlay codes planned for the 1464 area. The numbering capacity is sufficient for the region's population, and no changes are anticipated in the near future. However, as with all Japanese geographic codes, the 0 prefix is used for domestic trunk calls, and callers must ensure they include the correct prefix when dialing from mobile phones or VoIP services.

For businesses and residents in the Shizunai area, it is essential to display numbers in international format (+81 1464-...) on websites and global directories to facilitate calls from overseas. This practice ensures that callers from any country can reach them without confusion.