Getting a Japanese phone number and mobile plan is one of the first things you’ll need to sort out after arriving in Japan. A local number is required for bank account verification, delivery services, restaurant reservations, and much more. This guide covers everything from prepaid SIMs to full contract plans โ in plain English.
Japan’s Mobile Market: What You Need to Know
Japan has three major carriers (docomo, au/KDDI, SoftBank) and dozens of cheaper “MVNO” (virtual operators) that use their networks. For foreigners, the MVNOs generally offer better value and simpler sign-up processes.
Types of Plans Available
1. Prepaid SIM (Tourists & Short Stays)
Prepaid SIMs are sold at airports, convenience stores, and electronics stores. They’re ideal if you’re visiting Japan for a few weeks or just arrived and need immediate connectivity.
- โ Available immediately, no contract required
- โ Can buy at airports and Family Mart/Lawson
- โ No Japanese address required
- โ Data-only options often don’t include voice calls
- โ More expensive per GB for long-term use
Popular options: IIJmio Travel SIM, Mobal, Docomo Travel SIM
2. MVNO Contract Plans (Expats โ Best Value)
MVNOs (ๆ ผๅฎSIM, kakuyasu SIM) use the big three networks at a fraction of the cost. These are the best option for expats who need a stable number for 1+ years.
- โ Cheapest monthly rates (from ยฅ550/month)
- โ Include Japanese phone number for calls and SMS
- โ Can use for bank account verification
- โ Requires residence card
- โ Customer service mostly in Japanese
3. Major Carrier Plans (Softbank/docomo/au sub-brands)
The big carriers’ budget sub-brands โ Y!mobile (SoftBank), ahamo (docomo), and UQ mobile (au) โ offer mid-tier plans with strong networks and some English support.
Best Plans for Foreigners in Japan (2026)
๐ Rakuten Mobile โ Best Overall for Expats
Rakuten Mobile has become one of the most foreigner-friendly carriers in Japan. The app is fully in English, sign-up can be done online, and the pricing is transparent.
- โ English app and website
- โ Unlimited data from ยฅ3,278/month (under 3GB is ยฅ1,078)
- โ Unlimited domestic calls with Rakuten Link app
- โ eSIM available (no physical SIM needed)
- โ Apply online with residence card
- โ Network coverage weaker in rural areas
Price: ยฅ1,078โยฅ3,278/month
IIJmio โ Best Budget Plan
IIJmio is one of Japan’s most established MVNOs with excellent value data plans.
- โ Very affordable: from ยฅ550/month (2GB)
- โ Runs on docomo network (excellent coverage)
- โ eSIM available
- โ English application support available
- โ English customer service limited
Price: ยฅ550โยฅ2,000/month depending on data
Y!mobile โ Best for Rural Areas and Network Quality
Y!mobile is SoftBank’s budget brand with excellent national coverage and some English support at stores.
- โ Strong nationwide coverage
- โ Physical stores for in-person support
- โ Includes domestic calls
- โ Pricier than pure MVNOs
Price: ยฅ2,178โยฅ4,158/month
ahamo (docomo) โ Best Network Quality
ahamo is docomo’s budget brand with Japan’s best network coverage and a simple, English-friendly online interface.
- โ docomo network โ best rural coverage in Japan
- โ 20GB for ยฅ2,970/month (flat rate)
- โ Includes 5 minutes of free domestic calls
- โ English website
- โ Only one plan option
Price: ยฅ2,970/month (20GB)
Mobal โ Best for No-Contract Expats
Mobal offers a unique no-contract plan specifically marketed to expats and foreigners, with English customer service and flexible terms.
- โ Full English support
- โ No contract โ cancel anytime
- โ Accepts foreign credit cards
- โ More expensive than local MVNOs
Comparison Table
| Carrier | Price (monthly) | Data | English Support | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rakuten Mobile | ยฅ1,078โยฅ3,278 | Unlimited | โ Full | Most expats |
| IIJmio | ยฅ550โยฅ2,000 | 2โ15GB | โ ๏ธ Limited | Budget-conscious |
| ahamo | ยฅ2,970 | 20GB | โ Website | Best network |
| Y!mobile | ยฅ2,178โยฅ4,158 | 3โ15GB | โ ๏ธ Store | Rural areas |
| Mobal | ยฅ3,000+ | Various | โ Full | No-contract |
How to Sign Up for a Japanese Mobile Plan
Online (Rakuten Mobile / IIJmio / ahamo)
- Visit the carrier’s website and select your plan
- Create an account
- Enter your personal details and Japanese address
- Upload photos of your residence card (front and back)
- Verify identity โ either via My Number Card NFC or video call
- Choose physical SIM or eSIM delivery
- Receive SIM by mail (2โ5 days) or activate eSIM immediately
In-Store (Y!mobile / SoftBank / docomo)
- Visit any carrier store (ใใณใขใทใงใใ, ใฝใใใใณใฏใทใงใใ, etc.)
- Bring residence card, passport, and Japanese bank card or credit card
- Staff will help you select a plan and complete the application
- You’ll receive your SIM card on the day
Can I Use My Foreign Phone in Japan?
Most modern smartphones are compatible with Japanese networks. Japan uses 4G LTE (Bands 1, 3, 19, 28 are most important) and 5G. iPhones from iPhone 7 onwards and most flagship Android phones work without any issues.
Check your phone’s supported bands on willmysimphoneswork.com before purchasing a SIM.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Japanese phone number without a residence card?
For contract plans, a residence card is required. Prepaid SIMs from convenience stores can be activated with just a passport for short stays.
How important is having a Japanese phone number?
Very important for daily life in Japan. Banks require it for SMS verification. Many services (delivery, restaurant reservations, appointment bookings) require a local number. It’s one of the first things to sort out after arriving.
Can I keep my foreign phone number?
You can keep using apps like WhatsApp or LINE with your foreign number. But for Japanese-specific services (banks, government, delivery), you’ll need a local Japanese number.
What about eSIM options for Japan?
Rakuten Mobile, IIJmio, ahamo, and many others now offer eSIM. If your phone supports eSIM (most recent iPhones and Android flagships do), this allows instant activation without waiting for a physical card.
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