How to Get a Mobile Phone in Japan: Step-by-Step Guide

Table of Contents

Introduction
Can You Use Your Current Phone in Japan?
Your Options
What to Bring (Checklist)
Device & eSIM Basics
Step-by-Step at the Shop (or Online)
Common Problems (to Avoid)
After Signing: What will you do?
Helpful Picks
Conclusion

Introduction

Getting a Japanese mobile number makes daily life far easier—job applications, apartment viewings, deliveries, banking SMS, everything. The catch: carriers are strict about ID, address, and payment setup. This guide shows your options, what to bring, exact shop phrases, and the pitfalls to avoid.

Can You Use Your Current Phone in Japan?

Yes, in many cases you can use your own smartphone in Japan—as long as it is unlocked and supports Japanese network bands.

Unlocked device required: If your phone is SIM-locked to your home carrier, unlock it before leaving your country. Japan banned new SIM-locked phones after 2021, but older devices may still be locked.
Check network compatibility: Most modern iPhones and Androids work fine, but double-check supported LTE/5G bands if you use a less common model.
eSIM option: Many Japanese carriers and MVNOs now support eSIM, which stands for embedded SIM (electronic SIM). It’s built into your phone and lets you activate service by scanning a QR code—no physical SIM card needed.

💡 Tip: Bringing your own device is usually cheaper and faster than buying a new phone in Japan. If your phone is incompatible, you can purchase a SIM-free device at electronics stores or online.

Your Options

1) Major carriers: docomo / au / SoftBank

Solid coverage; in-store help (English available at some city branches)
Monthly plans; device financing available (visa period may affect eligibility)
Typical cost: ¥6,000–10,000 per month for unlimited or large data plans

2) Online brands & MVNOs

Online brands: ahamo (docomo), povo (au), LINEMO (SoftBank)
MVNOs: IIJmio, mineo, and others
Cheaper, mostly online application; many require credit card (some allow direct debit)
Typical cost: ¥2,000–4,000 per month for 10–20GB plans

3) Prepaid SIM / eSIM (short stays)

Buy at airports, convenience stores, or online
Purchase requires passport verification. Most prepaid SIMs are data-only, but they are convenient for your first weeks in Japan.
Validity: usually 30–90 days, depending on provider and plan
Examples: SoftBank Prepaid SIM for Travel (passport upload to activate)／povo Japan SIM eSIM sold at Lawson (a major convenience store chain in Japan); can be purchased with cash.

💡 If you need unlimited/large data on a budget, Rakuten Mobile’s single-plan tiers (3GB / 20GB / unlimited) are popular with international residents and easy to sign up online.

👉 Rakuten Mobile (EN)

What to Bring (Checklist)

Required (most cases):

Residence Card (在留カード)
Resident Record (住民票 / Juminhyo) — when your ID doesn’t show the current address or the shop asks for address proof
Payment method in Japan（credit card recommended; some allow bank auto-debit）

Recommended to bring:

Passport（shops may request it alongside your Residence Card）
Japanese bank passbook or cash card（if setting up direct debit; some brands are card-only）

💡 If your period of stay is under 3 months, some carriers force credit-card payment (no bank transfer option). Plan accordingly.

Device & eSIM Basics

Unlocked phone: Japan largely stopped shipping SIM-locked models for new releases from Aug 27, 2021; unlocking is free/online if conditions met. Older devices may still be locked.

eSIM is widely supported (docomo/ahamo, LINEMO, povo, Rakuten, many MVNOs). Activation is QR/push flow—fast once your ID check passes.

Step-by-Step at the Shop (or Online)

Take a number（or start online application）
Say this: 「携帯電話を契約したいです」 / “I’d like to sign up for a mobile plan.”
Choose: SIM/eSIM, data amount, with/without device, payment method
Show documents: Residence Card (+ Resident Record if asked), payment method, passport as needed
Confirm: billing cycle, throttling rules after data cap, international calls/roaming
Activate: insert SIM or scan eSIM; test calls/data before leaving

Common Problems (to Avoid)

Visa period too short → Under 3 months remaining? Expect credit-card-only billing or rejection at some carriers.
Card-only brands → au Online Shop is credit-card only; many online brands prefer cards (some like LINEMO also allow direct debit).
Address mismatch → If your ID address is outdated, bring a Resident Record to prove your current address.
Buying a device on installments → Approval can depend on your period of stay; if it’s shorter than the installment term, you may be declined. Consider SIM-only or pay in full.

After Signing: What will you do?

Keep your contract docs & login (online account/app)
Check auto-pay went through (card/direct debit)
Watch your data cap and throttling rules
Plan your next step: once your bank account or address changes, update your carrier profile to avoid billing issues

Helpful Picks

Rakuten Mobile (single-plan tiers) → simple pricing; online sign-up friendly for residents 👉 Rakuten Mobile (EN)
LINEMO (SoftBank online brand) → English guidance page; credit card or direct debit supported.
Tourist/temporary → SoftBank Prepaid SIM for Travel or povo Japan SIM eSIM sold at Lawson (a major convenience store chain in Japan).

Conclusion

Bring your Residence Card, Resident Record, and a reliable payment method (credit card is safest). Decide between major carriers, online brands/MVNOs, or prepaid depending on your visa length and budget. Confirm address/payment details carefully, and you’ll walk out connected the same day.

Note: This article is written for foreigners living in Japan or planning to move to Japan. Conditions and requirements may vary depending on individual circumstances.