Area Code 1536 – Akkeshi, Hokkaido

Overview of Area Code 1536

Area code 1536 is a geographic prefix assigned to the Akkeshi region in Hokkaido, Japan. It is part of the Japanese numbering plan administered by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) and follows ITU-T E.164 standards. The code covers the town of Akkeshi and its surrounding areas, including the coastal communities along the Pacific Ocean. For international callers, the full number format is +81 1536 XXXXX, where +81 is the country calling code for Japan, 1536 is the national destination code (NDC), and XXXXX represents the subscriber number (typically 5 digits). Within Japan, callers dial 01536 XXXXX from outside the local area, and 01536 XXXXX from within the same region (omitting the trunk prefix 0 when dialing from a mobile phone).

Geographic Coverage and Administrative Jurisdiction

Akkeshi is located in the Kushiro Subprefecture of Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan. The area code 1536 serves the town of Akkeshi, which includes the main urban center and the surrounding rural districts. The region is known for its oyster farming and scenic coastal landscapes. The administrative jurisdiction falls under the Akkeshi Town Office, which oversees local services and utilities. The numbering area is geographically defined, meaning that the prefix is tied to the physical location of the fixed-line telephone exchange. This is in contrast to non-geographic codes used for mobile or VoIP services.

Dialing Formats and Instructions

• Local Calls (within Akkeshi): Dial the subscriber number directly (5 digits) without the area code. For example, if the subscriber number is 23456, dial 23456.
• Calls from Other Japanese Regions: Dial the trunk prefix 0, then the area code 1536, followed by the subscriber number. For example, 01536 23456.
• International Calls to Akkeshi: Dial the international access code (e.g., 011 from the US), then Japan's country code 81, then the area code without the leading 0 (1536), and the subscriber number. For example, +81 1536 23456.
• Mobile Phone Calls within Japan: When dialing from a mobile phone, the same format applies as from a fixed line: 01536 23456.

Overlay and Numbering Considerations

As of the latest MIC data, there are no overlay codes for the 1536 area. The region maintains a single area code without additional overlays, simplifying dialing procedures. However, number portability is available for fixed-line services, allowing users to retain their numbers when switching providers within the same geographic area. This is part of Japan's broader telecommunications liberalization efforts.

Practical Information for Callers

For businesses or individuals planning to contact Akkeshi, it is important to note that calls to this area are subject to standard domestic and international tariffs. International callers should check with their service providers for applicable rates. When storing numbers in international format, always include the country code and area code without the leading zero. For example, store as +81 1536 23456. This ensures compatibility with global dialing standards and reduces errors.