Getting a phone number is essential if you are planning to live in Japan for more than a few months. Phone number will be required in most essential contracts in case of assigning emergency contact: such as opening a bank account and renting property. Email address or communication apps like Whatsapp and Messenger are not accepted as a legit contact info. Then, the next question is: how can you get one? Let’s figure it out together.
Pre-paid SIM card
For newly arrived foreigners in Japan looking to get a phone and internet connection, the two main SIM card options are pre-paid and subscription. Pre-paid SIM cards are a good choice as they offer a hassle-free option without any long-term commitment. They are readily available online, at convenience stores, or electronic stores, and provide a range of affordable data plans. I recommend starting with a pre-paid SIM card and considering a subscription SIM card later once your data needs are more clear.
The following pre-paid SIM cards are popular among those who have just arrived in Japan. Choose a package that suits your data usage needs based on the length of time you plan to use the SIM.
Airalo Prepaid eSIM
  | Stay connected during your Japan adventures with Airalo eSIMs, the revolutionary digital SIM cards that eliminate the need for physical SIM cards and allow you to easily activate data connectivity on your devices. Launched in 2019, Airalo offers eSIMs for over 200 countries, including Japan, ensuring you have a seamless communication experience while exploring the wonders of Japan. |
IIJ Japan Travel SIM for unlocked phone 3GB
 | IIJ Japan Travel SIM card offered by IIJ, a reputable company founded in 1992, is a reliable option. Their website is fully available in English, making it easy to activate the SIM card, and users can also recharge their data once they have used it up. |
Nippon SIM for Japan for 180 days 15GB
 | Nippon SIM, provided by DHA Corporation, is a low-cost SIM card that offers large data plans of 15GB, 30GB, and 50GB. Once you’ve used up your allotted data, you can continue to use the SIM card at a slower speed. However, it’s important to note that recharging is not possible, and there have been some reports of slower speeds during peak usage times. |
Subscription SIM card
When it comes to subscription Internet and phone services, there are two types of companies – three major companies and others that offer reasonable plans (MVNOs).
I definitely prefer the cheaper one! But what are their differences?
The major companies are popular among elders because they provide in-person total service. However, there are other benefits of them. Let’s take a look!
The Big Three: Docomo, Au, and Softbank
Docomo, Au and Softbank are the biggest and oldest cell phone companies in Japan. They offer both subscription services and devices themselves. In terms of the subscription service, you can expect reliable connection and good service from them (from my experience, apart from Softbank), in exchange of their higher prices. You can either buy only a SIM card from them and put it into your own unlocked device, or you can get a SIM along with a bundled cell phone.
Getting a SIM card at The Big Three
Generally, they don’t accept online subscription application, so you will have to show up at one of their shops from the store locator link below. I recommend calling a store beforehand for reservation to avoid confusion in their operation, and to confirm necessary documents so that you don’t have to go there twice.
*The above link for au is the list of au shops with English speaker staff, while Docomo uses phone interpretation in every shop.
They will require a valid credit card or domestic bank account, ID card, and your address. In case you don’t possess a credit card issued in Japan or a bank account in Japan, I recommend using WISE, the cheapest online remittance service that I have come accross. WISE offers a versatile debit card that can be used worldwide and at cell phone companies in Japan as well.
Getting a SIM and a phone together at The Big Three
They sometimes offer a bundled smartphone at a super reasonable price with their particular subscription plan, which often has a long period, like for 2 years. This sale information is not on the Internet, so I would recommend going to major electronic stores, such as Yamada Denki, Bic Camera, Yodobashi Denki, where all the three of them have placed their shops on its first floor. If you get lucky, you might be surprised how affordable an older-generation new iPhone can be, sometimes as low as 1 yen.
Cons of The Big Three
They don’t offer shorter contract options for less than 3 months.
I’m staying in Japan for 2 months only, and I just need a SIM. Are there any options for me?
Then, MVNOs is for you! They offer online service, so not only you don’t have to waste your time in the shop, but also you can enter into/terminate your contract even from overseas. Also, the service is not bad! (if you avoid the bad ones)
MVNOs
If you are looking for a short term contract, consider MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators). They offer SIM cards at a way more reasonable price than the Big Three. Some MVNOs offer good connectivity and low pricing, as well as good online services. I picked up my recommendations here.
| Provider | SIM Card Plans | Memo |
| IIJmio | They have “voice plan” that comes with a phone number, and “data-only plan” without phone number. Their minimum contract term is 2 months, and you can cancel at any time after it. Price Range: 850 yen/m – 2000 yen/m | IIJ is a trusted Internet company in Japan, operating since 1992. They have a decent English website as well. |
| LINE mobile | Price Range: 990 yen/m – 2728 yen/m | |
| UQ mobile | They only accept those have a residential card (在留カード), which means you need to have a visa valid for more than 3 months. Price Range: 1628 yen/m – 3828 yen/m |
When you sign a contract with MVNOs, you can choose whether to use Au’s, Docomo’s, or Softbank’s wave*.
*Some geeks may have an opinion on which one to choose, but for an average person, it doesn’t matter which one. Just be careful if the phone you have is sim-locked to either Au, Docomo, or Softbank.
Unlike The Big Three, MVNOs don’t own their physical stores or radio wave networks that could cost a lot of money. Instead, they have been granted licenses to use part of the radio wave by Au, Docomo or Softbank.
Cons of MVNOs
Most of them are focused on selling SIM cards only, and when they sell devices, those are not as affordable as the special offer from The Big Three.
Since their use of radio wave is only permitted by licensee, if any event like natural disaster should occur and radio wave be restricted, MVNOs communications conditions may be the first to worsen. Also, most of them don’t have stores, thus the only way you can reach them is via the Internet. Those who are not comfortable with the online procedure might find MVNOs inconvenient.
Getting a SIM from IIJmio
From here, I will walk you through the application process on IIJmio.
Choose a plan
Choosing a plan is the first step when getting a SIM card. It involves selecting the right type of SIM card and the amount of data you require. There are four types of SIM cards to choose from, as shown in the image below. The standard option is the “Voice SIM“, which provides a phone number, SMS, and internet service. Alternatively, if you don’t require a phone number, you can opt for the “Data SIM.”
Next, select the package that suits your estimated data usage. IIJmio provides a range of options at competitive prices, as illustrated below. I recommend the 20GB package, as it’s always better to have more than you need than to run out unexpectedly, especially when in a foreign counrty. Additionaly, the 20GB package is competitively priced.
Make a purchase
Once you’ve decided on which SIM and package to get, let’s place an order online.
You will be required to upload the following documents during the KYC process:
- Credit card (under the applicant’s name)
- Residence card (在留カード “zai-ryu-card”)
In a few days, they will deliver your SIM and you can start using it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are various options available for obtaining a SIM card in Japan. Each option has its own pros and cons, depending on your individual needs and budget. If you are interested in getting a SIM card from MVNO, the process is relatively straightforward and can be completed online in just a few steps.
Get a reliable SIM card in your hand and stay connected with your friends all over the world while enjoying all that Japan has to offer.