Mobile plan prices and offerings change frequently. Prices below are approximate and based on publicly available information at time of writing. Always check carrier websites for current rates. Last reviewed: 2026.
- Best forResidents on mid-term to long-term visas
- RequiredResidence card · Passport · Japanese payment method
- TimeOnline: 30–60 min + card delivery 3–7 days · In-store: same day
- Official sourceMIC Japan · TCA (carriers)
What you need to know
- Residents on mid/long-term visas can get a full-contract SIM (most affordable option)
- You need a residence card, passport, and a Japanese payment method
- Online application takes 30–60 min; physical SIM arrives in 3–7 days
- eSIM is available from IIJmio, Rakuten, and ahal; activate in minutes
- Budget carriers (MVNOs) offer plans from ¥1,000/month — major networks at higher cost
Choosing a Phone Plan in Japan as a Resident
Japan has an excellent mobile network with near-universal 4G LTE coverage and rapidly expanding 5G. For residents (as opposed to short-term visitors), you have access to a full range of plan options from major carriers and MVNOs. The main decision is between convenience (major carriers) and cost (MVNOs).
Major Carriers (MNOs)
Japan’s three major mobile network operators (MNOs) are NTT Docomo, SoftBank, and au (KDDI). Each also operates a lower-cost sub-brand:
- Docomo → ahamo (low-cost sub-brand) — ~¥2,970/month for 20GB with unlimited domestic calls included
- SoftBank → LINEMO — ~¥990/month (3GB) or ~¥2,728/month (20GB)
- au / KDDI → povo2.0 — Base plan is free (with topups required); topup-based data packages from ¥330/180MB to ¥2,700/20GB
The sub-brands (ahamo, LINEMO, povo) are online-only with English app support. They run on the same networks as their parent brands, offering equivalent coverage.
Rakuten Mobile
Rakuten Mobile is Japan’s fourth carrier (its own network, supplemented by au roaming). It offers a unique pricing structure: approximately ¥1,078/month for up to 3GB, ¥2,178 for 3–20GB, and ¥3,278 for unlimited data. Domestic calls are free via the Rakuten Link app (conditions apply). Coverage in rural areas relies on au partner roaming and may be limited.
MVNOs (Virtual Operators)
Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) rent capacity from major carriers and offer lower-cost plans. The tradeoff is often reduced speeds during peak hours. Popular options include:
- IIJmio — Well-regarded reliability; plans from ~¥850/month (2GB) to ~¥2,000/month (20GB). Uses Docomo and au networks.
- Mineo — Multiple network options (Docomo, au, SoftBank); data sharing features; community-focused.
- NUROmobile — Competitive pricing; uses Docomo and au networks.
- Aeon Mobile — Sold at Aeon supermarkets; beginner-friendly; multilingual support available.
- Y!mobile — SoftBank’s sub-brand with physical stores; slightly more expensive than pure MVNOs but easier for setup support.
Home Internet (Fixed Broadband)
Japan’s home broadband is fast and reliable. Most apartments support fiber broadband. Common options:
- NTT Flets Hikari + ISP: NTT’s fiber infrastructure is the backbone of most home internet in Japan. You rent the line from NTT and choose an ISP separately (e.g., So-net, Nifty, Biglobe). Total cost: typically ¥4,000–¥6,000/month combined.
- Au Hikari / SoftBank Hikari: Bundled fiber from the major carriers; often discounted when bundled with a mobile plan. Typically ¥4,000–¥6,000/month.
- NURO Hikari: Known for very high speeds; ¥2,090–¥5,200/month depending on plan. Availability limited to certain areas.
- Pocket Wi-Fi (mobile router): Useful if moving frequently or awaiting home internet setup. Plans typically ¥2,000–¥4,000/month; speeds and data caps vary.
Requirements for Getting a SIM or Plan
- Residence Card (在留カード) — Proof of legal residency in Japan. Required for all resident SIM plans.
- Japanese bank account or credit card — For monthly billing. Some carriers accept international credit cards; most prefer Japanese payment methods.
- My Number — Required by some carriers for identity verification (increasingly common).
- Unlocked phone — Confirm your phone is unlocked and compatible with Japanese LTE bands (B1, B3, B8, B19, B21 are common). Most modern international flagships are compatible.
Which Plan Is Right for You?
- Budget priority: IIJmio, Mineo, or povo2.0 topups are the cheapest options
- Unlimited data: Rakuten Mobile or major carrier plans
- English support: Rakuten Mobile has English app and support; Aeon Mobile has multilingual support; ahamo has an English app
- No credit card: Some MVNOs allow payment via convenience store; check individual carrier terms
- New to Japan / short on time: ahamo or Rakuten Mobile are the easiest online setups for residents
See also our eSIM for Japan and Pocket Wi-Fi guides if you’re still in the visitor stage before establishing long-term residence.