Japan Phone Contracts

Three Tiers of Access

Japan's mobile market has three distinct tiers. Your eligibility and best option depend on how long you have been in Japan and whether you have a Japanese bank account.

Day One: Data SIM

If you need connectivity immediately, purchase a data SIM at the airport or any major electronics retailer (Yodobashi, BicCamera, Akihabara shops).

• IIJmio: most widely recommended for foreigners. Clear English support, solid coverage (runs on Docomo and au networks). Data-only plans from ¥850/month.
• Mineo: runs on Docomo, au, and Softbank networks. Good for choosing your preferred carrier backbone.
• Rakuten Mobile: runs its own network with free roaming. ¥1,078 for 0–3GB, ¥2,178 for 3–20GB, ¥3,278 unlimited. Best value if their network covers your area.
• Airport SIMs (Softbank / IIJmio booths): slightly more expensive, but immediate activation. Useful for the first week.

Rakuten Mobile — The Best First Full Contract

Rakuten Mobile is the fourth major carrier and the most foreigner-accessible for a full voice + data contract. It does not require a Japanese credit card — you can pay by international card initially.

• Apply online at mobile.rakuten.co.jp — English available
• Requirements: residence card (valid for 6+ months), email address, payment method
• No credit check required for standard plans
• SIM delivered by mail in 3–5 business days, or available in-store same day
• Network: Rakuten's own network in major cities + roaming on au where coverage drops. Some rural gaps exist.
• Tethering: included at no extra charge
• International calls: available via Rakuten Link app at low rates

Major Carriers — Docomo, au, SoftBank

The three major carriers have the best network coverage. They are also the most conservative about contracts with foreigners without established credit history.

• What they want: residence card, Japanese credit card or bank account with debit functionality, and ideally 6+ months of Japan residency
• Without a Japanese credit card: some branches will accept international cards (Mastercard / Visa) for a 一括払い (lump sum) plan, paying the device cost upfront
• Without Japanese bank account: very difficult. Get your bank account set up first, then apply
• Y!mobile (Softbank sub-brand) and UQ Mobile (au sub-brand): slightly more flexible than parent carriers, cheaper, and often more willing to approve foreigners
• Application is in-store. Bring: residence card, passport, payment method, existing Japanese phone number if you want to port

Porting Your Number

Keeping your existing Japanese number when switching carriers requires an MNP (Mobile Number Portability) transfer code:

• Request MNP reservation number (MNP予約番号) from your current carrier — valid for 15 days
• Provide this code when applying with your new carrier
• Service interruption: typically less than 2 hours, often overnight
• For international numbers: Japan does not support porting from overseas. You get a new Japanese number.

eSIM Options

eSIM support is now available from all major carriers and most MVNOs. If your phone supports eSIM, this eliminates physical SIM delivery time.

• Rakuten Mobile: full eSIM support, instant activation after online sign-up
• IIJmio: eSIM available, same-day activation
• Docomo / au / SoftBank: eSIM available but usually requires in-store visit
• iPhone 15+ (US models) and some iPhone 16 variants are eSIM-only (no physical SIM slot). Earlier models support dual SIM (physical + eSIM). Check your specific model before purchasing a physical SIM.