Are you coming to Japan and worried about struggling without data? Maybe you’re going to be on a long-term visa, or even thinking about registering for your first Japanese credit card. Getting a phone plan sounds easy… until you try doing it in a foreign country. That’s why this guide is here to help you navigate starting a mobile phone contract in Japan as a foreigner.
Take it from someone who is going on their 9th year living here, if you are trying to live in Japan long-term, you definitely need a registered Japanese phone number. It’s only natural if you’re trying to function in this society.
I avoided getting a phone for a long time until a company I worked for insisted that I have one so they could contact me when needed.
At first, I grumbled about it, but having a registered Japanese phone number has allowed me to do things like:
I didn’t realize how much I needed a phone outside of using LINE to function in Japan as a regular resident until I actually got my first Japanese phone plan. Later, I switched to using a Japanese SIM card in my dual SIM phone, which made things even more convenient.
As you read this article, I should also mention that residents can get a full mobile phone contract in Japan, while tourists usually cannot. These contracts depend on things like your visa type, the length of your stay, and documents that include your registered address in Japan.
There are three main mobile phone carriers in Japan that most people use, although there are many other options available.
You’ve probably seen ads for these companies or passed their stores in shopping malls. These are the major players, and they’re what most Japanese people use for their mobile phone plans in Japan.
That being said, I will admit that these companies can be a bit pricier compared to MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators). Some common MVNOs you may not have realized you’ve seen include:
MVNOs are generally cheaper and more flexible, but they can sometimes be slower depending on your location and usage.
There is also pocket Wi-Fi as an option, especially for short-term visitors, but that’s honestly a whole separate article on its own.
I currently have a contract with NTT Docomo, specifically under the ahamo plan, which gives me 100GB of data.
Ahamo normally offers 30GB for 2,970 yen, but I added an extra 80GB under the oomori plan for an additional 1,980 yen. I use a LOT of data every month (honestly… more than I should), so this works perfectly for me.
If you’re someone who streams, uses social media heavily, or is always on your phone, this is definitely something worth considering when choosing a Japan SIM card or phone plan.
One thing people really need to consider when searching for a Japanese phone provider is the contract length.
I personally used MVNOs for a long time because they either didn’t require a contract or had very short ones. Most major carrier contracts are around 1–2 years long, and there is often a cancellation fee if you end your contract early.
That’s why signing a full phone contract in Japan is usually best for people who plan to live here long-term.
Just to break it down, here are a few contracts that you may see in your pursuit to find a good phone service.
These are typically offered by the big companies like Docomo, SoftBank, and au.
I recommend these for anyone planning to stay in Japan long-term. They may be more expensive, but they offer:
Just make sure you have all your documents ready, because there is always a possibility of being denied depending on your visa status.
These are the MVNOs mentioned earlier.
They are great for:
They are cheaper and usually don’t require long contracts, making them a popular option for foreigners looking for a cheap SIM card in Japan.
These are perfect for tourists! Some of my friends who come to Japan do this.
It’s a great option because no contract is required.
Most prepaid SIMs are data-only, which is enough for:
As someone who has gone through multiple phone services over the past 9 years, I can confidently say that I’m most satisfied with Docomo’s Ahamo plan (and no, this isn’t sponsored content 😅). Before, I would always struggle towards the end of the month, but now I can rest easy until the very last day. If you’re living in Japan long-term, it’s definitely worth considering.
Just make sure you do your research and choose the option that fits your lifestyle, your budget, and how long you plan to stay.
Until the next article, please stay happy, safe, and healthy!
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