Guide

Best Phone Plans for Foreigners in Japan (2026)

Last updated: March 2026 · Based on official carrier information

One of the first things you need after arriving in Japan is a phone number. It is not just about staying connected — a Japanese phone number is typically required for opening a bank account, receiving deliveries, signing up for utilities, and registering for everyday services like cashless payments and loyalty apps.

Without a local number, many essential tasks become difficult or impossible. The good news is that several carriers now cater specifically to foreigners, with English-language support and simplified signup processes.

This guide covers the main types of phone plans available, compares the most popular options for foreigners, and walks you through the signup process step by step.

Types of Phone Plans in Japan

Prepaid SIM (Short-term)

Designed for tourists and short stays. These typically provide data only (no phone number) and last from a few days to a few weeks. Not suitable for residents who need a phone number for banking and other services.

Best for: Tourists, short business trips, or as a temporary solution right after arrival.

Monthly SIM / MVNO (Budget-friendly)

MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) use the major carriers' networks at lower prices. Many offer online-only signup, which keeps costs down. Some provide English support, but not all.

Best for: Residents looking for affordable plans with good data allowances.

Full Carrier Plans (Major Carriers)

Japan's three major carriers are NTT Docomo (NTTドコモ), au (KDDI), and SoftBank (ソフトバンク). They offer the best coverage and fastest speeds, but are more expensive and typically require in-store signup with Japanese-language forms.

Best for: Those who need maximum coverage (especially in rural areas) and do not mind higher costs.

Best Options for Foreigners

Sakura Mobile

English Support

Sakura Mobile is specifically designed for foreigners in Japan. They offer full English support for signup, billing, and customer service. You can sign up with just your Residence Card (在留カード / Zairyuu Card) — no Japanese credit history or guarantor is needed.

✓ Full English support (phone, email, online)
✓ Signup with Residence Card only
✓ Monthly SIM plans from around ¥3,278/month
✓ Home internet plans also available
✓ No long-term contract required on some plans

View SIM Plans View Home Internet Plans

Mobal

Mobal offers SIM cards aimed at foreigners, with English-language support and the ability to get a Japanese phone number before arriving in Japan. They offer both data-only and voice+data plans.

✓ English support
✓ Can get a number before arrival
✓ Plans from around ¥1,980/month (data-only)
✓ Physical SIM and eSIM available

LINEMO (ラインモ)

LINEMO is SoftBank's budget online-only brand. It offers very competitive pricing and uses SoftBank's full network. The signup process is entirely online, which is convenient but currently available primarily in Japanese.

✓ Mini Plan: 3GB for ¥990/month
✓ Smartphone Plan: 20GB for ¥2,728/month
✓ Uses SoftBank network (good coverage)
⚠ Limited English support — signup process is in Japanese
⚠ May require a Japanese credit card

Rakuten Mobile (楽天モバイル)

Rakuten Mobile uses a tiered pricing model that adjusts based on how much data you use. It can be very affordable for low-data users. Rakuten has been expanding its own network, though coverage in some rural areas still relies on partner networks.

✓ 0–3GB: ¥1,078/month
✓ 3–20GB: ¥2,178/month
✓ 20GB+: ¥3,278/month (unlimited)
✓ Rakuten Link app for free domestic calls
⚠ Network coverage still expanding — check your area
⚠ Signup primarily in Japanese, though some store staff speak English

IIJmio

IIJmio is one of Japan's largest MVNOs and is known for excellent value. It uses Docomo or au networks. Pricing is very competitive, though English support is minimal.

✓ 2GB: ¥850/month
✓ 5GB: ¥990/month
✓ 15GB: ¥1,500/month
✓ 20GB: ¥2,000/month
✓ Uses Docomo or au network
⚠ Very limited English support
⚠ Online signup in Japanese

Comparison Table

Provider	Monthly Cost	Data	English Support	Residence Card Only
Sakura Mobile	From ¥3,278	3GB–50GB	Full	Yes
Mobal	From ¥1,980	1GB–30GB	Full	Yes
LINEMO	From ¥990	3GB / 20GB	Limited	Varies
Rakuten Mobile	From ¥1,078	Tiered (unlimited)	Limited	Yes
IIJmio	From ¥850	2GB–20GB	Minimal	Varies

Prices and plans may change. Please check each provider's website for the latest information.

What You Need to Sign Up

Requirements vary by provider, but most carriers in Japan ask for the following:

1

Residence Card (在留カード / Zairyuu Card)

Your primary ID in Japan. You receive this at the airport or at the Immigration Bureau (出入国在留管理局).
2

Passport

Some carriers require your passport as a secondary form of identification.
3

Payment Method

A credit card or debit card is generally required. Some providers accept international cards; others require a Japanese card. English-friendly services like Sakura Mobile and Mobal typically accept international cards.
4

Japanese Address

You generally need a registered address in Japan. This is the address you register at your Ward Office (区役所 / Kuyakusho).

Step-by-Step: How to Get a Phone Plan

Complete your Ward Office registration first

Within 14 days of arrival, register your address at your local Ward Office (区役所). This activates your Residence Card address, which carriers will verify.

Choose your provider

If English support is important to you, Sakura Mobile or Mobal are the most straightforward options. If you are comfortable with Japanese, budget options like IIJmio or LINEMO offer better value.

Prepare your documents

Have your Residence Card, passport, and payment method ready. For online signup, you will typically need to upload photos of your ID documents.

Apply online or visit a store

English-friendly providers generally offer full online signup. For major carriers like Docomo, au, or SoftBank, visiting a physical store is often easier — bring all your documents.

Receive and activate your SIM

For physical SIM cards, delivery usually takes 2–5 business days. eSIMs can often be activated within hours. Follow the provider's activation instructions to start using your new number.

Tips

Get a travel SIM or eSIM for your first days. You can get a data-only eSIM before arriving in Japan to stay connected while you set up your Residence Card and long-term plan. TravelStack compares eSIM options for travelers arriving in Japan.
eSIM vs Physical SIM: eSIMs are faster to activate and do not require waiting for delivery. However, not all phones support eSIM — check your phone's compatibility before ordering. If you plan to switch phones frequently, a physical SIM may be more practical.
Do not cancel your home country number immediately. Keep your home country number active for at least a few weeks. You may need it for two-factor authentication on overseas bank accounts and other services.
Carrier-locked phones: If you are bringing a phone from overseas, make sure it is unlocked. Carrier-locked phones from other countries may not work with Japanese SIM cards.
Consider home internet at the same time. If you will need home Wi-Fi, some providers (like Sakura Mobile) offer bundle deals for SIM + home internet, which can simplify billing and support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a phone plan without a Japanese bank account?

Yes. Many providers accept international credit cards or debit cards, especially those targeting foreigners (Sakura Mobile, Mobal). Budget MVNOs like IIJmio and LINEMO may require a Japanese credit card, so check before applying.

How soon after arriving can I get a phone plan?

You can apply as soon as you have your Residence Card with a registered address. This typically means completing your Ward Office registration first, which is recommended within 14 days of arrival. Some providers allow you to start the process before your address is registered, but activation may be delayed.

Do I need a two-year contract?

Not necessarily. Japan has moved away from mandatory two-year contracts in recent years. Most MVNOs and online-first providers offer month-to-month plans with no cancellation fees. Some carriers may still have minimum contract periods for certain promotions, so read the terms carefully.

Can I keep my phone number if I switch providers?

Yes. Japan supports MNP (Mobile Number Portability / 携帯番号ポータビリティ). You can transfer your Japanese phone number between carriers. Request an MNP reservation number from your current provider and give it to your new provider during signup.

What if I am only staying for a few months (e.g., Working Holiday)?

For shorter stays, look for providers with no minimum contract period and no cancellation fees. Sakura Mobile and Mobal both offer flexible plans suitable for temporary residents. Prepaid SIMs are another option, though they often lack a voice number.

Need help with other steps?

Getting a phone plan is just one step. Use our checklist generator to see everything you need to do after arriving in Japan, in the right order.

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