Kobe

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Public Telephones

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Comprehensive Guide to Public Telephones in Kobe, Japan

Public telephones in Japan, including those in Kobe, are a legacy of a time when mobile phones were not as ubiquitous as they are today. While their usage has declined significantly, they remain a reliable option in certain situations, such as emergencies or when mobile networks are unavailable. Below is a detailed guide to help you understand and use public telephones in Kobe.

1. Locations of Public Telephones in Kobe

Public telephones in Kobe are strategically placed in areas where people might need them. Common locations include:

  • Train Stations: Major stations like Sannomiya, Shin-Kobe (Shinkansen station), and Kobe Station often have public telephones near ticket gates or waiting areas.
  • Bus Terminals: Public telephones can be found at bus terminals, including those serving long-distance buses.
  • Hospitals: Many hospitals in Kobe have public telephones in their lobbies or waiting areas.
  • Parks and Tourist Spots: Some public parks and tourist attractions, such as Meriken Park or the Kobe Port Tower area, may have public telephones.
  • Convenience Stores: Occasionally, public telephones are located near or inside convenience stores.
  • Street Corners: In some neighborhoods, you may still find public telephones on street corners, though these are becoming less common.

Look for green or gray telephone booths or wall-mounted units, which are easily recognizable.

2. How to Use Public Telephones in Kobe

Using a public telephone in Kobe is straightforward. Hereโ€™s a step-by-step guide:

Making a Local Call:

  1. Pick up the receiver: This activates the phone.
  2. Insert payment: You can use coins (10 yen or 100 yen) or a prepaid telephone card (see below for details).
  3. Dial the number: For local calls, simply dial the number without any prefixes.
  4. Talk: The phone will deduct payment as you talk. If using coins, the phone will beep when your balance is low, prompting you to insert more coins.
  5. End the call: Hang up the receiver. If you used coins, any unused balance will be returned in the coin slot.

Making an International Call:

  1. Follow the same steps as above, but dial the international access code (e.g., 001 for NTT or 0041 for KDDI), followed by the country code, area code, and phone number.
  2. Note that not all public telephones support international calls. Look for a sticker or sign indicating "International Calls" (ๅ›ฝ้š›้›ป่ฉฑ).

3. Costs and Payment Methods

Costs:

  • Local Calls: Typically 10 yen per minute for local landline calls.
  • Mobile Calls: Slightly more expensive, around 10 yen for 30 seconds.
  • International Calls: Rates vary depending on the provider and destination. Using a prepaid international calling card is often more economical.

Accepted Payment Methods:

  1. Coins: Only 10 yen and 100 yen coins are accepted. Note that 1 yen, 5 yen, and 500 yen coins are not usable.
  2. Prepaid Telephone Cards: These are widely available at convenience stores, kiosks, and vending machines. Cards come in denominations of 500 yen and 1,000 yen and are inserted into a slot on the phone. The remaining balance is displayed on the phone screen.

4. Relevance of Public Telephones Today

While public telephones are not as commonly used as they once were, they remain relevant in specific situations:

  • Emergencies: Public telephones are prioritized during disasters, as they are often more reliable than mobile networks. In Japan, emergency calls (110 for police, 119 for fire/ambulance) are free from public telephones.
  • Visitors Without Mobile Phones: If you donโ€™t have a local SIM card or your mobile phone is not working, public telephones are a convenient alternative.
  • Rural or Remote Areas: In some less urbanized parts of Kobe, mobile signal strength may be weak, making public telephones a useful backup.

5. Cultural and Practical Considerations

  • Politeness: If someone is waiting to use the phone, keep your call brief and avoid personal or loud conversations.
  • Language Barrier: Public telephones do not have language options, so youโ€™ll need to know the number youโ€™re dialing. If you need assistance, ask a local or use a translation app.
  • Emergency Calls: Learn the emergency numbers (110 for police, 119 for fire/ambulance) and how to describe your location in Japanese or show it on a map.

6. Notable Features of Kobeโ€™s Public Telephone Infrastructure

  • Disaster Preparedness: Kobe, having experienced the Great Hanshin Earthquake in 1995, places a strong emphasis on disaster preparedness. Public telephones are part of this infrastructure, as they are designed to function during power outages and network failures.
  • Accessibility: Many public telephones in Kobe are wheelchair-accessible, with lower-mounted units and Braille instructions for visually impaired users.
  • Modernization: Some public telephones in Kobe have been upgraded to include digital screens and support for IC cards (e.g., prepaid transportation cards like ICOCA), though these are not yet widespread.

7. Alternative Communication Options

Given the decline in public telephone usage, visitors to Kobe may find the following alternatives more convenient:

  1. Mobile SIM Cards: Purchase a prepaid SIM card for your smartphone at Kansai International Airport or electronics stores like Bic Camera in Kobe. These provide data and voice services.
  2. Pocket Wi-Fi: Rent a portable Wi-Fi device to stay connected and use apps like Skype, WhatsApp, or LINE for calls.
  3. Free Wi-Fi Spots: Kobe offers free Wi-Fi in many public areas, including train stations, tourist attractions, and cafes. Use these to make internet-based calls.
  4. Hotel Phones: Most hotels in Kobe provide telephones in guest rooms, which can be used for local and international calls (though rates may be higher).

8. Final Tips

  • Plan Ahead: If you anticipate needing a public telephone, carry a few 10 yen coins or a prepaid telephone card.
  • Emergency Preparedness: Familiarize yourself with the locations of public telephones near your accommodation or planned destinations.
  • Use Technology: While public telephones are reliable, modern communication tools like mobile apps and Wi-Fi are often more practical for visitors.

By understanding how to use public telephones and considering alternative options, you can stay connected and prepared during your visit to Kobe.