Mobile Phone Plans in Japan: The Complete Guide for Foreigners

TL;DR

• Japan has two types of mobile carriers: major carriers (higher fees with better service) and budget MVNOs (cheaper with less English support)
• Foreigners need a residence card, and Rakuten Mobile offers the best English support among providers
• This guide covers required documentation, cost comparisons, and step-by-step application processes for all options

"Why do I need a Japanese bank account to get a phone?" "What's an MVNO?" "Why are there so many fees?" If you've recently moved to Japan or are planning to, these questions might sound familiar. Getting a mobile phone in Japan can be surprisingly complex for foreigners—with unique systems, terminology, and requirements that differ significantly from other countries.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about mobile phone plans in Japan from a foreigner's perspective. You'll learn about the different types of carriers, what documents you'll need, how to navigate hidden costs, and which providers offer the best service for non-Japanese speakers.

Understanding the Japanese Mobile Landscape

Before diving into specific plans and providers, let's break down how the Japanese mobile market is structured—something that often confuses newcomers.

Major Carriers vs. MVNOs: What's the Difference?

In Japan, mobile providers fall into two main categories:

1. 大手キャリア / ōte kyaria / Major Carriers

   • The "Big Three": Docomo, au (KDDI), and SoftBank
   • Own their network infrastructure
   • Generally more expensive but offer premium service
   • More physical stores and customer support options

2. 格安SIM / kakuyasu SIM / Budget SIMs (MVNOs)

   • Mobile Virtual Network Operators
   • Rent network infrastructure from major carriers
   • Significantly cheaper monthly fees
   • Fewer physical stores and support options
   • Examples: Y!mobile, UQ mobile, IIJmio, mineo

A Newcomer Shaking Things Up: Rakuten Mobile

A relatively recent addition to the market is Rakuten Mobile, which has positioned itself between the major carriers and MVNOs:

• Has its own network infrastructure (a full MNO) but uses KDDI's network in areas without coverage
• Competitive pricing more similar to MVNOs
• English support and simpler application process
• Growing but still developing full nationwide coverage

The Foreign Resident Challenge: Unique Hurdles

As a foreigner in Japan, you'll face some specific challenges when trying to get a mobile phone plan:

Documentation Requirements

Most providers will ask for:

• ✅ Residence Card (在留カード / zairyū kādo)
• ✅ Valid ID (passport or driver's license)
• ✅ Japanese bank account or credit card
• ✅ Proof of address (often your residence card suffices)

❗ Important note: Your residence card must have a remaining validity of more than 90 days for most providers.

Language Barriers

• Major carrier stores in tourist areas may have English-speaking staff
• MVNO application processes are often Japanese-only
• Customer service hotlines rarely offer English support
• Contract terms and conditions are typically only in Japanese

Banking Complications

• Many providers require a Japanese bank account for billing
• Credit cards are sometimes accepted, but often limited to Japanese-issued cards
• Some foreigners get caught in a chicken-and-egg situation: need a phone to open a bank account, but need a bank account to get a phone

Breaking Down the Major Carriers

Let's examine Japan's "Big Three" carriers and what they offer foreign residents:

NTT Docomo (ドコモ)

• English support: Moderate (English website and some English-speaking staff in major urban stores)
• Coverage: Excellent nationwide coverage
• Price range: 3,000-7,000 yen/month for standard plans
• Foreigner-friendly features:
  • "d POINT CLUB" points system usable at many retailers
  • Multiple physical store locations
  • Some English contract materials available

au by KDDI

• English support: Limited (partial English website, few English-speaking staff)
• Coverage: Very good nationwide coverage
• Price range: 3,000-7,000 yen/month for standard plans
• Foreigner-friendly features:
  • "au PAY" points ecosystem
  • "Global Support" counter in select stores
  • Some tourist-focused short-term plans

SoftBank

• English support: Moderate (some English materials and staff at major locations)
• Coverage: Good nationwide coverage, particularly strong in urban areas
• Price range: 3,000-7,000 yen/month for standard plans
• Foreigner-friendly features:
  • Strong iPhone support (was the first iPhone carrier in Japan)
  • "PayPay" integration for mobile payments
  • Multilingual support at "SoftBank Global Rental" counters

Budget Options: MVNOs Explained

If you're looking to save money, MVNOs offer significantly cheaper plans. Here are some top options for foreigners:

Y!mobile (Subsidiary of SoftBank)

• English support: Limited
• Network: SoftBank
• Price range: 1,980-4,180 yen/month
• Foreigner-friendly features:
  • Physical stores available
  • Simpler plans than major carriers
  • PayPay integration

UQ mobile (Subsidiary of au)

• English support: Very limited
• Network: au (KDDI)
• Price range: 1,628-3,278 yen/month
• Foreigner-friendly features:
  • Physical stores available
  • au PAY integration
  • Reliable coverage using au network

IIJmio

• English support: Limited (some English materials online)
• Network: Docomo and au
• Price range: 850-2,000 yen/month
• Foreigner-friendly features:
  • eSIM options available
  • Flexible data plans
  • Online application process

Rakuten Mobile: The Hybrid Option

• English support: Good (English website, application process, and customer service)
• Network: Own network + KDDI roaming
• Price range: 1,078-3,278 yen/month (Unlimited data plan available)
• Foreigner-friendly features:
  • English support throughout the process
  • Rakuten ecosystem integration (points and e-commerce)
  • Simple fee structure
  • eSIM options available
  • Can apply with foreign-issued credit card

📌 Tip for Foreigners: Rakuten Mobile often provides the smoothest application experience for foreigners due to their English support and less stringent banking requirements.

Mobile Plan Options for Different Types of Residents

For Tourists and Short-term Visitors (Up to 3 months)

• ✅ Best options: Tourist SIMs from airport shops or online vendors like Japan Wireless
• ✅ Requirements: Only passport needed
• ✅ Price point: 3,000-5,000 yen for 15-30 days of data
• 📌 Tip: Purchase online before arrival for better rates and pickup at the airport

For Exchange Students and Interns (6 months to 1 year)

• ✅ Best options: Mobal, Sakura Mobile, or Rakuten Mobile
• ✅ Requirements: Residence card, address in Japan, credit card
• ✅ Price considerations: Higher monthly costs but no cancellation fees with foreigner-focused providers
• 📌 Tip: Check if your school or program has partnerships with specific providers

For Long-term Residents (1+ years)

• ✅ Best options: Standard MVNOs like IIJmio, Y!mobile or major carriers during campaign periods
• ✅ Strategy: Time your contract with seasonal campaigns (March-April, September-October)
• ✅ Money-saving approach: Consider MNP (number portability) to take advantage of new customer bonuses
• 📌 Tip: Set a calendar reminder for your contract renewal month to avoid cancellation fees

Understanding the "Hidden Costs" in Japanese Phone Contracts

Japanese mobile plans often come with fees and costs that aren't immediately obvious:

Initial Costs

• 事務手数料 / jimu tesūryō / Administrative fee: 3,000-4,500 yen (one-time)
• SIMカード発行料 / SIM kādo hakkōryō / SIM card issuance fee: 0-3,000 yen (one-time)
• First month's service fee (often pro-rated)

Recurring Fees to Watch For

• Basic monthly plan (基本料金 / kihon ryōkin): The advertised price
• Universal service fee (ユニバーサルサービス料 / yunibāsaru sābisu ryō): ~2-3 yen/month
• Call relay service fee (電話リレーサービス料 / denwa rirē sābisu ryō): ~1 yen/month
• Optional services that may be automatically included:
  • Device insurance
  • Content services
  • Spam filtering

Contract-Related Costs

• Minimum contract period: Typically 1-3 years depending on provider
• Early termination fee (解約金 / kaiyakukin): 1,000-10,000 yen
• Renewal month (更新月 / kōshin tsuki): Many contracts have a specific window when you can cancel without penalty

❗ Cultural Context: Japan's mobile industry historically operated on a subsidized phone model with long contract terms. While regulations have changed in recent years to reduce cancelation fees, the legacy of these complex contracts remains in many plan structures. This reflects Japan's traditional emphasis on long-term relationships in business - companies prefer stable, long-term customers over short-term profits, and structure their offers accordingly.

📌 Cost Summary: For a standard 20GB data plan, expect to pay 5,000-7,000 yen monthly with major carriers, 2,500-4,000 yen with standard MVNOs, or 3,500-5,000 yen with foreigner-focused services. Initial setup costs range from 3,000-6,000 yen regardless of provider type. The price difference between budget and premium options can amount to 35,000-50,000 yen annually.

Unique Japanese Mobile Features to Know About

Japanese mobile service includes some unique features you might not be familiar with:

Phone Number Portability (MNP)

• MNP予約番号 / MNP yoyaku bangō / MNP reservation number: Allows you to keep your phone number when switching carriers
• Typically involves a fee of 2,000-3,000 yen
• Valid for 15 days from issuance

Separate Voice and Data Plans

Many Japanese plans separate:

• 音声通話 / onsei tsūwa / Voice calling component
• データ通信 / dēta tsūshin / Data communication component

This can be confusing but also allows for more customization.

Device Purchasing Options

In Japan, you can:

1. Buy a phone outright (一括払い / ikkatsu barai)
2. Pay in installments (分割払い / bunkatsu barai)
3. Use various trade-in and upgrade programs

Step-by-Step: Getting a Phone Plan as a Foreigner

Option 1: Major Carrier In-Store Process

1. Prepare your documents

   • Residence card
   • Passport
   • Japanese bank account details or credit card
   • Cash for initial fees

2. Visit a store

   • Consider bringing a Japanese-speaking friend if possible
   • Expect to spend 1-2 hours for the process
   • Ask for English support if needed (call ahead to check availability)

3. Select your plan and complete the application

   • Staff will help you choose an appropriate plan
   • Fill out necessary forms (some may be available in English)
   • Have your ID scanned

4. Set up payment method

   • Direct bank withdrawal
   • Credit card
   • Pay at convenience store (some carriers)

5. Receive your SIM and complete setup

   • Staff will typically help with initial setup
   • Ensure you understand basic phone functions before leaving

Option 2: MVNO Online Application

1. Check compatibility

   • Ensure your phone is unlocked and compatible with Japanese networks
   • Check if the MVNO supports your phone model

2. Prepare digital copies of documents

   • Residence card (both sides)
   • Passport
   • Payment method information

3. Complete online application

   • Select your plan
   • Upload required documents
   • Provide shipping address

4. Receive SIM by mail

   • Typically arrives in 2-7 days
   • Follow included instructions for activation
   • Call customer service if you encounter problems

Option 3: English-Friendly Options

For those with minimal Japanese language skills, these options offer the smoothest experience:

1. Rakuten Mobile

   • Online application with English support
   • English-speaking customer service
   • Physical stores in major cities

2. Sakura Mobile (Foreigner-focused MVNO)

   • Designed specifically for foreigners
   • Online application in English
   • Higher prices than standard MVNOs
   • No Japanese bank account required

3. Mobal (Foreigner-focused MVNO)

   • No contracts or minimum periods
   • Can apply before arriving in Japan
   • Higher monthly fees than local options

Comparing Costs: What to Expect

To give you a realistic picture of costs, here's a comparison of typical monthly expenses for 20GB data plans:

📌 Price Comparison Summary: The choice essentially comes down to English support vs. cost savings. Foreigner-focused services charge a premium of 30-80% compared to standard MVNOs but offer significantly better English support. For those staying long-term, the language investment to use standard MVNOs can save 20,000-30,000 yen annually.

Cultural Insight: Understanding Japanese Mobile Phone Customs

Several aspects of Japan's mobile culture might surprise newcomers:

Public Phone Etiquette

• Talking on phones on public transport is considered rude
• Many train cars have "no phone" areas or request "manner mode" (silent mode)
• Signs requesting mobile silence are common in restaurants and public spaces

Camera Shutter Sounds

• All phones sold in Japan have unmutable camera shutter sounds
• This is due to privacy concerns and informal industry agreements
• Even imported phones often adopt this feature when using a Japanese SIM

Business Card Exchange via App

• Many Japanese use dedicated apps for digital business card exchange
• Applications like "Eight" are popular for networking
• Consider having these apps ready for professional settings

FAQs from Foreign Residents

"Can I get a phone plan as a tourist?"

Most traditional contracts require a residence card, but you have options:

• Rental phones at airports
• Tourist SIMs (7-30 day validity)
• eSIM services with short-term plans

"What happens to my phone plan if I leave Japan?"

• You must properly cancel your contract before leaving
• Failure to do so can result in continued billing and potential collection issues
• Request an MNP number if you plan to return and want to keep your number

"Can I use my foreign smartphone in Japan?"

Generally yes, if:

• Your phone is unlocked
• Your phone supports the right network bands (4G/LTE Bands 1, 3, 8, 18, 19, 26, 28 and 5G Bands n77, n78, n79)
• Your phone has the proper technical certification (技適マーク / giteki māku)

Conclusion: Making Your Best Choice

Navigating Japan's mobile phone system as a foreigner can be challenging, but understanding your options makes the process much smoother. Here's a quick decision guide:

• If Japanese language ability is limited: Prioritize providers with English support like Rakuten Mobile or foreigner-focused MVNOs
• If you value coverage and service: Major carriers offer the best nationwide coverage and customer service
• If budget is your priority: Standard MVNOs offer the lowest monthly fees
• If you need immediate setup: Consider temporary solutions like tourist SIMs until you can establish a bank account

Remember that your mobile needs may evolve as you spend more time in Japan. Starting with a provider that offers flexibility can make future transitions easier as you become more comfortable with the Japanese system.

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📚 Related Articles

• Home Internet Options in Japan: A Comprehensive Guide for Expats
• Japanese Mobile Campaigns Explained: Cashbacks, Penalties, and Hidden Traps
• Using Your Foreign Smartphone in Japan: Compatibility and Technical Standards

💬 Have you recently set up a phone plan in Japan? Which provider did you choose and why? Share your experience in the comments below!