Area Code 2574 – Kashiwazaki, Niigata

Overview of Area Code 2574

Area code 2574 is a geographic National Destination Code (NDC) within the Japanese numbering plan, assigned to the city of Kashiwazaki in Niigata Prefecture. This code is part of the larger Niigata numbering area and is used for fixed-line PSTN and VoIP services. The full international dialing format for numbers in this region is +81 2574 XXXX, where XXXX represents the subscriber number. Locally, callers within the same area code can dial the subscriber number directly without the area code.

Geographic Coverage and Administrative Jurisdiction

Kashiwazaki is a coastal city located in the Chūetsu region of Niigata Prefecture, along the Sea of Japan. The area code 2574 serves the central and southern parts of Kashiwazaki, including the city center and surrounding residential districts. It also covers parts of the former towns of Nakanokuchi and Kariwa, which were merged into Kashiwazaki. The city is known for its thermal power plants and the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant, the largest in the world, located nearby. The administrative jurisdiction falls under the Kashiwazaki City Office, which governs local services and infrastructure.

Dialing Formats and Caller Instructions

For local callers within the Kashiwazaki area, dial the 4-digit subscriber number directly (e.g., XXXX). For callers from other parts of Japan, dial 02574 followed by the subscriber number (e.g., 02574 XXXXX). International callers must dial the Japanese country code +81, then the area code without the leading zero, and the subscriber number: +81 2574 XXXXX. For example, a typical number might be +81 2574 12345.

Overlay and Numbering Considerations

Currently, there is no overlay code for the Kashiwazaki area; 2574 remains the sole NDC for this geographic region. However, as part of Japan's ongoing numbering plan evolution, VoIP services may use this code even if the physical location is elsewhere, but such usage is regulated to maintain geographic integrity. The number length is 10 digits when including the area code (excluding the country code), which is standard for Japanese fixed-line numbers.

Practical Information for Callers

When calling Kashiwazaki from abroad, be mindful of time zone differences (Japan Standard Time, UTC+9). No special permissions are required for international calls, but charges apply based on your carrier's rates. For emergency services, always dial 110 (police) or 119 (fire/ambulance) locally. For business or personal calls, ensure you have the correct subscriber number, as numbers are not portable across geographic areas in Japan.