Time in Japan - Time Zones

Japan Quick Facts

🏛️ Capital City

Tokyo

👥 Population

125M

💰 Currency

¥ Japanese Yen

📞 Phone Code

+81

🗣️ Official Languages

Japanese

🕐 Time Zones in Japan

JST (UTC+9)

Japan uses a single time zone (JST/UTC+9) and does not observe Daylight Saving Time. Tokyo is the world's most populous metropolitan area and a global financial center.

Japan does not observe Daylight Saving Time (DST). This means the time difference with countries that do observe DST (such as the US, UK, and most of Europe) will change twice a year when those countries adjust their clocks.

🏙️ Major Cities in Japan (8 cities)

Click on any city to see detailed local time, sunrise/sunset times, and weather information.

📞 Best Time to Call Japan

Calling Japan from the US requires careful planning due to the significant time difference. If you're on the East Coast (EST), try calling between 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM, which will be morning time in Japan. West Coast callers (PST) can call between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM. For UK callers, early morning calls work best.

Standard business hours in Japan are typically 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM local time, Monday through Friday. Government offices and banks may have shorter hours. Many businesses close for lunch, especially in Southern European, Latin American, and Asian countries.

✈️ Time-Related Travel Tips for Japan

When traveling to Japan, expect significant jet lag if coming from Europe or the Americas. Allow 1-2 days to adjust to the time difference. Most Japan hotels will have alarm clocks, but setting your phone to local time immediately upon arrival helps. The primary language is Japanese. Business meetings often start punctually, so account for traffic when planning.

🎯 Interesting Facts About Time in Japan

•Despite its size, Japan uses only one time zone, simplifying scheduling across the entire country.
•The capital Tokyo is the political center of Japan with a total national population of 125M.
•Many Asian countries, including Japan, historically based their time zones on Beijing or Tokyo time during different periods.
•Time zone boundaries don't always follow geographical lines - they're often adjusted for political, economic, or practical reasons.
•The concept of standardized time zones was developed in the 19th century with the expansion of railways, replacing local solar time.

About Time in Japan

Japan uses a single time zone (JST (UTC+9)). This makes it relatively straightforward to coordinate times across the country.

The capital city Tokyo serves as the political and often economic center of Japan. Major business activities are spread across cities including Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Yokohama and 4 more.

When planning international calls, video conferences, or business meetings with contacts in Japan, it's important to consider the time zone difference. JST (UTC+9) is the most commonly referenced time zone for Japan.

Japan uses the Japanese Yen (¥) as its official currency. The international dialing code is +81.The official language is Japanese.

🏙️ Cities in Japan

Explore local time in 8 cities across Japan

🌍 Other Countries in Asia

Frequently Asked Questions About Time in Japan

What time zone is Japan in?

Japan uses JST (UTC+9). The capital Tokyo uses JST (UTC+9).

Does Japan observe Daylight Saving Time?

Japan does not observe Daylight Saving Time (DST). This means the time difference with countries that do observe DST (such as the US, UK, and most of Europe) will change twice a year when those countries adjust their clocks.

What is the best time to call Japan from the US?

Calling Japan from the US requires careful planning due to the significant time difference. If you're on the East Coast (EST), try calling between 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM, which will be morning time in Japan. West Coast callers (PST) can call between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM. For UK callers, early morning calls work best.

What are typical business hours in Japan?

Standard business hours in Japan are typically 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM local time, Monday through Friday. Government offices and banks may have shorter hours. Many businesses close for lunch, especially in Southern European, Latin American, and Asian countries.