Area Code 1523 – Shari, Hokkaido

Geographic Coverage and Administrative Jurisdiction

The area code 01523 is a geographic National Destination Code (NDC) assigned to the town of Shari (斜里町) in the Okhotsk Subprefecture of Hokkaido, Japan. This code covers Shari town and its surrounding areas, including the scenic Shiretoko Peninsula, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its pristine wilderness and wildlife. The administrative jurisdiction falls under the Hokkaido Prefectural Government, and the region is served by NTT East (NTT東日本) as the primary fixed-line operator.

Dialing Formats and Number Structure

When calling a fixed-line number in Shari from within Japan, the domestic trunk prefix 0 is dialed, followed by the area code 1523 and the subscriber number (typically 5 digits). For example, a local number might be formatted as 01523-4-XXXX. From overseas, callers must use the international prefix (e.g., 011 from the US, 00 from most countries), followed by Japan's country code +81, then drop the leading 0 and dial 1523 followed by the subscriber number. Thus, the international format becomes +81 1523-4-XXXX.

Local and International Caller Instructions

For callers within Shari, local calls may be dialed using only the subscriber number if the network supports abbreviated dialing, but standard practice is to dial the full 10-digit number (including the leading 0). For callers from other parts of Japan, dial 01523 followed by the subscriber number. International callers should note that the leading 0 is not used after the country code. For example, to call a Shari number 01523-4-5678 from abroad, dial +81 1523-4-5678.

Overlay and Numbering Considerations

As of the latest ITU-T E.164 national numbering plan, there are no overlay codes for the 01523 area. The area code is exclusively used for fixed-line services, and no mobile or special services are assigned under this NDC. The number length is 10 digits when including the trunk prefix (0), which is standard for Japanese geographic numbers. The subscriber number length may vary, but it is typically 5 digits, making the total domestic length 10 digits.

Practical Usage and Tourism Context

Shari is a popular destination for tourists visiting the Shiretoko Peninsula, and many hotels, ryokan, and tourist information centers use numbers with the 01523 code. When making reservations or inquiries from abroad, it is essential to use the correct international format to avoid call failures. For travelers within Japan, using a mobile phone to call a Shari landline requires dialing the full 10-digit number, as mobile networks do not recognize abbreviated local dialing.