Area guides
How to Get a SIM Card and Phone Plan in Japan: A Guide for Foreign Residents
Introduction
Staying connected in Japan is essential — for navigation, work, banking apps, and daily life. But setting up a phone plan as a foreigner can be confusing. There are major carriers, budget MVNOs, prepaid SIMs, and eSIMs, each with different requirements. This guide breaks down all your options so you can choose what works best for you.
Types of Phone Plans in Japan
Major Carriers (MNOs)
The three main carriers are docomo, au (KDDI), and SoftBank. They offer the best coverage nationwide but tend to be more expensive (¥3,000–¥8,000/month). They usually require:
- Residence card (在留カード)
- Japanese bank account or credit card
- In-person signup at a store
Budget MVNOs (格安SIM)
Mobile Virtual Network Operators use the same infrastructure as the big carriers at much lower prices (¥1,000–¥3,000/month). Popular options include:
| Provider | Network | English Support | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| IIJmio | docomo/au | Partial | From ¥850 |
| Mineo | docomo/au/SoftBank | Partial | From ¥1,298 |
| Rakuten Mobile | Own + au | Yes (app) | From ¥1,078 |
| NUROmobile | docomo/au/SoftBank | Limited | From ¥792 |
Prepaid SIMs
Great for short-term stays or those waiting for a residence card. Available at:
- Airport convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart)
- Electronics stores (Yodobashi, Bic Camera)
- Online (IIJmio, B-mobile)
Typical plans: 30-day data-only plans from ¥1,500–¥3,000. Note: most prepaid SIMs are data-only (no calling/SMS).
eSIM
An increasingly popular option. Providers like Rakuten Mobile, IIJmio, and international services like Airalo offer eSIMs that can be activated without visiting a store.
What You Need to Get a SIM
| Requirement | MNO (Major Carrier) | MVNO | Prepaid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residence card | Required | Required | Usually not |
| My Number card | Sometimes | Sometimes | No |
| Passport | Required | Required | Required |
| Japanese bank account | Usually required | Sometimes | No |
| Credit card | Required | Required | No (cash OK) |
Recommended Plans for New Arrivals
- Just arrived / No residence card yet: Prepaid SIM from the airport (IIJmio, b-mobile)
- Short-term (under 1 year): Rakuten Mobile (month-to-month, no contract)
- Long-term residents: IIJmio or Mineo for value; docomo for best coverage in rural areas
- Needs calling + data: Rakuten Mobile or any MNO plan
How to Sign Up (Step by Step)
- Choose a plan — Compare based on data needs, budget, and coverage area
- Prepare documents — Residence card, passport, credit card or bank details
- Apply online or in-store — Many MVNOs allow online-only signup
- Receive your SIM — Delivered by mail in 2–5 business days (or instant for eSIM)
- Set up APN settings — Follow the provider's instructions (usually automatic with eSIM)
Tips for Foreign Residents
- Unlock your phone first — Make sure your phone is SIM-unlocked before arriving
- Check frequency bands — Japanese networks use specific bands; confirm your device is compatible
- Rakuten Mobile offers the most foreigner-friendly process with English app support
- 7-Eleven and FamilyMart sell prepaid SIMs at airports 24/7
- Bring your residence card to any carrier store — they will ask for it
Getting connected quickly makes everything easier in Japan — from using Google Maps to setting up your bank account. Choose the option that fits your situation and budget.