Best Mobile Plans for Foreigners in Japan

A Complete Guide to Staying Connected While Living or Traveling in Japan

Japan is known for its cutting-edge technology, but for many foreigners, getting a mobile phone plan in Japan can feel anything but futuristic. The language barrier, complex contract systems, and unfamiliar providers make choosing a plan overwhelming—especially for short-term residents, students, digital nomads, or long-term expats.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know: from the types of plans available, to the best mobile providers for foreigners, SIM vs. eSIM options, and key tips to avoid common traps. Whether you’re here for a month or a lifetime, this article will help you find the best plan to stay connected.

1. Mobile Market in Japan: An Overview

Japan’s mobile market is dominated by three major carriers:

• NTT Docomo

• SoftBank

• au by KDDI

These are known as the “Big Three,” offering nationwide coverage and high-quality service—but often at a high price and with complex contract terms.

Then there are MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators)—smaller providers that lease networks from the big carriers. These include:

• Rakuten Mobile (now a major carrier itself)

• LINEMO

• IIJmio

• povo

• b-mobile

• Sakura Mobile

• Mobal

These MVNOs often offer better flexibility, cheaper rates, and English-language support.

2. Who This Guide Is For

This article is designed for:

• Short-term travelers (1 week to 3 months)

• Students studying in Japan

• Long-term foreign residents and expats

• Digital nomads and freelancers

• Business travelers or interns

• Tourists looking for easy data SIMs

3. What to Look for in a Mobile Plan

When choosing a mobile plan in Japan, consider:

4. Best Options for Short-Term Visitors (Tourists)

✅ Sakura Mobile

• Plans: SIM and Wi-Fi rental (7–90 days)

• English support: Full

• Network: Docomo

• Pros: Airport pickup, no Japanese required

• Price: ¥3,980 for 15 days (4GB/day plan)

✅ Japan Wireless

• Plans: Pocket Wi-Fi & data SIM

• Good for: Groups and families

• Pros: Rent without address, return by mail

• Cons: No voice calls

✅ Mobal Japan SIM

• Plan: Tourist SIM with voice and data

• No contract: Yes

• Shipping: Airport or hotel delivery

• English support: Excellent

Best for: Tourists who want phone + data with English service

5. Best Mobile Plans for Mid-to-Long-Term Residents

✅ Rakuten Mobile

• Plan: Unlimited data (in Rakuten area), free calls with Rakuten Link

• Price: ¥0–¥3,278/month (based on usage)

• Contract: No lock-in

• English site: Available

• Note: Limited coverage in rural areas

✅ LINEMO

• Parent: SoftBank

• Plans:

  • Mini (3GB): ¥990

  • Standard (20GB): ¥2,728

• Contract: None

• App: Manage plan via LINE app

• Support: Basic English available

✅ IIJmio

• Plans: From ¥850/month (2GB)

• Data-only or voice SIMs

• SIM delivery: Yes

• Notes: Japanese form required but manageable

6. Best Plans for Digital Nomads and Freelancers

✅ povo 2.0 (by au)

• Unique model: Base plan is ¥0/month, and you buy “top-up” data (e.g., 20GB for ¥2,700)

• Highly customizable

• eSIM available

• Great for: Digital nomads who move around or use Wi-Fi mostly

✅ Mobal Monthly SIM

• Long-term plan

• Includes calls, texts, and data

• No Japanese address needed

• English support: Full

• Cancel anytime: Yes

✅ Airalo eSIM

• Type: eSIM data-only

• For unlocked phones only

• Great for: Tech-savvy users with no time to pick up a SIM

• Country-specific and regional plans available

7. Contract vs. No Contract: What’s Safer?

For most foreigners, no-contract MVNO or eSIMs are ideal.

8. Using Your Foreign Phone in Japan

✅ Requirements:

• Your phone must be unlocked

• Compatible with Japanese LTE/4G bands (especially Band 1, 3, 19)

eSIM Compatibility:

• iPhone XS or later

• Google Pixel 4 and newer

• Samsung Galaxy S20 and up

Tip: Always check your device specs before choosing an eSIM.

9. How to Get a SIM or eSIM

At the Airport

• Narita, Haneda, and Kansai airports have SIM/eSIM vending machines

• Brands: Sakura Mobile, Mobal, JAL ABC

Order Online

• English sites (e.g., Mobal, Rakuten) allow delivery to your hotel, home, or convenience store

In Stores

• Bic Camera, Yodobashi Camera offer SIM plans with ID and residence card

10. Voice Calls in Japan: Do You Need Them?

Most Japanese mobile plans still include phone numbers and SMS, but many foreigners rely on:

• WhatsApp

• LINE (popular in Japan)

• Zoom / Skype

• Email / Slack

Unless you need a local number for work, a data-only SIM is sufficient.

11. Can You Keep Your Number When Switching Plans?

Yes—this is called MNP (Mobile Number Portability). However:

• Requires MNP reservation from your old provider

• Some carriers charge a transfer fee

• Not available for tourist SIMs or short-term plans

12. Hidden Fees to Watch Out For

Always read the fine print—even English-friendly sites may bury fees in the terms.

13. Recommended Plans by Use Case

14. Tips for Staying Connected Smoothly

• Use public Wi-Fi cautiously—install a VPN for security

• Always carry a backup power bank

• Keep your passport when picking up SIMs in stores

• Enable data-saving mode in apps like Instagram, TikTok

• If in rural areas, choose Docomo-based providers

15. Final Thoughts

The Japanese mobile scene may seem overwhelming at first, but there’s never been a better time to find an affordable, foreigner-friendly mobile plan. Whether you’re here for a few days or a few years, there’s a plan that fits your needs and budget.

Focus on flexibility, English support, and avoiding contracts if you’re not staying long. MVNOs and eSIM services have made it easier than ever to get online in Japan—no Japanese required.

Happy calling, streaming, and roaming!