Area Code 1632 – Teshio, Hokkaido

Overview of Area Code 1632 (Teshio, Hokkaido)

Area code 1632 is a geographic National Destination Code (NDC) within the Japanese numbering plan, assigned to the Teshio region in northern Hokkaido. It covers the town of Teshio and its surrounding areas, including parts of the former Horonobe and Toyotomi towns, which are now administratively merged. The code is part of the larger Hokkaido telecommunications region, which uses several area codes to serve its vast territory.

Geographic Coverage and Administrative Jurisdiction

Teshio is located on the northwestern coast of Hokkaido, facing the Sea of Japan. The area code 1632 serves the city of Teshio (天塩町) and the neighboring town of Horonobe (幌延町). These municipalities fall under the jurisdiction of the Hokkaido Prefectural Government. The region is known for its scenic coastal landscapes, fishing industry, and agricultural activities. The primary population centers within this code include the central districts of Teshio and Horonobe, with smaller communities scattered along the coast and inland.

Dialing Formats and Caller Instructions

For local callers within the Teshio area (i.e., when dialing a number that shares the same area code 1632), the standard local dialing format is simply the 6-digit subscriber number. However, for callers from other parts of Japan, the full national trunk prefix must be used: 0-1632-XXXXXX. For example, to call a business in Teshio from Tokyo, you would dial 01632-XXXXXX. For international callers, the Japanese country code (+81) replaces the leading zero, so the format becomes +81-1632-XXXXXX. For instance, a call from the United States to Teshio would be dialed as 011-81-1632-XXXXXX.

Numbering Structure and Overlay Considerations

Japanese geographic numbers typically consist of a 2- to 5-digit area code followed by a subscriber number of 4 to 8 digits. In the case of 1632, the area code is 4 digits, leaving a 6-digit subscriber number, resulting in a total national significant number length of 10 digits (excluding the trunk prefix 0). As of now, there are no overlay codes in this region; 1632 remains the sole area code for Teshio and Horonobe. However, the Japanese government has been considering number portability and potential overlay plans for some rural areas, but no changes are currently scheduled for this code.

Additional Notes for Callers

When dialing from a mobile phone in Japan, it is common to include the area code even for local calls, as mobile networks do not recognize local dialing. For VoIP services, the same international format applies. It is always advisable to confirm the correct number with the called party, as some businesses may have migrated to non-geographic numbers or VoIP services that are not tied to the geographic code.