Getting a Japanese phone plan as a foreign resident is one of the first and most practical tasks after arrival. Japan’s mobile market is large and competitive, with significant differences between major carriers, budget MVNOs, and eSIM-only options. This guide covers the main plans available to foreign residents in 2026, the documents you need, step-by-step signup, and which plan fits each situation.
Contents
Which plan is right for you?
Find your situation below. Each links to the provider’s official site so you can verify the current price before signing up.
Disclosure: Links above go to each provider’s official website. JapanWiseLife earns no commission from these links. See our affiliate disclosure.
The Three Plan Categories
Major carriers (MNO): NTT Docomo, au (KDDI), and SoftBank run Japan’s physical network. Their budget sub-brands — Ahamo (Docomo), povo2.0 (au), and LINEMO (SoftBank) — offer competitive pricing on the same networks without long-term contracts. Online signup only; shops handle network contracts but not the budget sub-brands.
MVNOs: IIJmio, HIS Mobile, b-mobile, and others lease Docomo or au capacity and resell at lower prices. Often best rates for moderate data usage and more accommodating of foreign residents. Many have English-language signup flows.
Rakuten Mobile: Operates its own 4G/5G network with genuine unlimited data at ¥3,278/month — the only true unlimited option at a competitive price. Particularly foreign-resident-friendly with English customer service.
2026 Plan Comparison Table
| Provider / Plan | Data | Monthly Fee | Network | English OK |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| povo2.0 (au) | ¥0 base + topups (3GB ¥990, 20GB ¥2,700) | ¥0+ | au | Limited |
| LINEMO Mini | 3GB | ¥990 | SoftBank | Limited |
| LINEMO | 20GB | ¥2,728 | SoftBank | Limited |
| Ahamo (Docomo) | 20GB | ¥2,970 | Docomo | Limited |
| Rakuten Mobile | Unlimited (3/20GB steps) | ¥1,078–¥3,278 | Rakuten/au | Yes |
| IIJmio | 2–20GB | ¥850–¥2,000 | Docomo | Limited |
| HIS Mobile | 1–7GB+ | ¥290–¥990+ | Docomo | Yes |
| b-mobile | Various | ¥700+ | Docomo | Yes |
Prices as of May 2026, including tax. Verify current plans on each provider’s official website before signing up.
Documents Required
- Residence card (在留カード) — required for all resident plans
- Passport — for identity verification alongside residence card
- Payment method — credit or debit card (Japanese card preferred; international cards accepted by Rakuten and HIS Mobile)
- Japanese address — required for SIM delivery and registration
New arrivals without a residence card can use tourist eSIMs or pocket WiFi until card registration. Most providers require the residence card to have been issued — not just applied for.
Step-by-Step: How to Get a SIM as a New Resident
- Get your residence card — issued at airport immigration on arrival, or at city hall when registering your address within 14 days.
- Register your address — go to your local city/ward hall with passport and residence card. You receive a juminhyo (resident registration certificate) and an official Japanese address for deliveries.
- Choose a plan — use the comparison table above or the situation cards at the top of this page.
- Apply online or in-store — most MVNOs are online-only. Major carrier sub-brands are all online signup.
- Wait for SIM delivery — physical SIM cards arrive in 3–5 business days. eSIMs activate immediately after online approval.
- Configure APN settings — MVNO plans require manual APN setup. Each provider’s website has instructions in English.
eSIM Options for Residents
Rakuten Mobile, Ahamo, LINEMO, povo2.0, and IIJmio all offer eSIM plans for residents. eSIM allows immediate activation after online approval — no waiting for physical delivery. Confirm your phone is SIM-unlocked before ordering; phones bought in Japan from carriers are usually locked, international phones are usually unlocked. iPhones XS and later and most recent Android flagships support eSIM.
Living in Japan Practical Guides
Bank accounts, credit cards, health insurance, and more — browse the Living in Japan hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a SIM card without a residence card?
Resident plans require a residence card. If you just arrived, use a tourist eSIM or pocket WiFi rental until your residence card is issued.
Which carrier has the best English support?
Rakuten Mobile offers the best English experience: English app, English customer support, and English signup. HIS Mobile and b-mobile also have English support. Major carrier sub-brands (Ahamo, LINEMO, povo2.0) are Japanese-only.
Can I keep my foreign phone number?
No. Getting a Japanese SIM means getting a Japanese phone number. You cannot port a foreign number to a Japanese carrier.
Do I need a Japanese credit card?
Not necessarily. Rakuten Mobile, HIS Mobile, and b-mobile accept major international credit cards. povo2.0 and Ahamo accept international cards. LINEMO requires a Japanese card at signup.
How long does it take to get a SIM after applying?
Physical SIM cards: 3–5 business days. eSIM plans: typically within minutes to hours of approval. Plan for up to 3 days for document verification.
Sources & Official References
- Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications — Telecommunications
- Rakuten Mobile — Foreign National Application Guide
- IIJmio Official Site
- povo2.0 (au) Official Site
Prices and plan details verified May 2026. Always confirm current prices on the provider’s official website before signing up.