Area Code 277 – Kiryu, Gunma

Geographic Overview

The area code 277 is a geographic National Destination Code (NDC) within the Japanese numbering plan, assigned to the city of Kiryu and its surrounding areas in Gunma Prefecture. This code falls under the broader Maebashi-Kiryu telephone exchange area, which is part of the Kanto region's telecommunications infrastructure. Kiryu is historically known for its textile industry and is situated in the northern part of the Kanto Plain, approximately 100 kilometers northwest of Tokyo.

Coverage Area and Administrative Jurisdiction

The 277 area code serves Kiryu City and the neighboring municipalities of Midori City, Ota City (parts), and Numata City (parts), as well as the towns of Itakura and Meiwa in Ora District. Administratively, these areas fall under Gunma Prefecture's jurisdiction. The numbering area is defined by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) and is managed by NTT East, the regional incumbent carrier.

Dialing Formats

When calling a landline in Kiryu from within Japan, you must dial the area code (without the leading 0) followed by the subscriber number. For example, to reach a local number such as 1234-5678, you would dial 0277-1234-5678 from outside the area. From within the same area code, you can typically dial the subscriber number directly, but this depends on the specific exchange and may require the area code for certain numbers.

For international callers, the format is +81 277 1234 5678 (or +81-277-1234-5678). The leading zero of the area code is dropped when dialing from abroad. For example, if the local number is 1234-5678, the full international dialing sequence is +81 277 1234 5678.

Overlay and Numbering Considerations

As of the latest MIC guidelines, the 277 area code does not have an overlay code. However, number portability is available, allowing subscribers to retain their numbers when switching carriers, but the geographic significance of the code remains. The maximum number length for subscriber numbers in this area is 8 digits, making the total national significant number (NSN) length 10 digits when including the area code (excluding the trunk prefix 0).

Caller Instructions

Local callers (within the 277 area) can dial the 6- to 8-digit subscriber number directly. Domestic long-distance callers from other area codes must dial 0-277-XXXX-XXXX. International callers must use the country code +81, then the area code without the leading zero, followed by the subscriber number. Always verify the exact number of digits as some subscriber numbers may be shorter.