Japan SIM Card Options for Foreigners — Comparing Carriers (2026)

Choosing a phone plan in Japan as a foreigner is confusing. There are dozens of carriers, most websites are in Japanese, and the pricing structures seem designed to obscure what you actually pay. We work at Rakuten and have tested multiple carriers and helped colleagues from over 20 countries get set up.

Here's an honest breakdown of your options.

The Three Types of Carriers in Japan

1. Major Carriers (MNO)

These are the "big players" who own their own network infrastructure. They have the widest coverage, physical stores for support, and usually the most features.

Pros: Best coverage, physical stores, bundled services, eSIM support. Cons: Can be more expensive, contracts may have conditions.

2. Budget Carriers (MVNO)

These rent network capacity from the major carriers and resell it at lower prices. Think of them as "wholesale" mobile services.

Pros: Cheaper monthly costs, flexible plans. Cons: Slower speeds during peak hours (lunch, evening commute), minimal English support, fewer physical stores, limited eSIM support.

3. Prepaid / Tourist SIMs

Available at airports, convenience stores, and electronics stores. No contract needed.

Pros: Instant setup, no Japanese bank account needed, no contract. Cons: Expensive per-GB, data-only (no Japanese phone number), short validity periods (7–30 days), no real customer support.

Best for: Tourists and very short-term stays. If you're living in Japan, you want a proper plan.

What Actually Matters for Foreigners

Based on our experience helping dozens of colleagues, here are the factors that matter most:

English Support

This is non-negotiable for most newcomers. You need to be able to:

• Sign up online in English (or with clear non-Japanese support)
• Contact customer service in English when things go wrong
• Understand your bill

Reality check: Most budget carriers have zero English support. Even among major carriers, English support varies wildly.

No Contract Lock-in

Japan used to be notorious for 2-year contracts with harsh cancellation fees. This has improved, but some carriers still have "minimum commitment periods" or charge for early cancellation.

What to look for: "No minimum contract period. No cancellation fee." in writing.

eSIM Support

If your phone supports eSIM (most phones from 2019 onwards), this is a game-changer:

• Activate your plan in minutes instead of waiting 2+ days for a physical SIM card
• No need to visit a store
• You can keep your physical SIM slot free for travel SIMs

International Calling

If you have family overseas, check whether the carrier offers free or cheap international calls. Some carriers include this; others charge ¥100+ per minute.

Coverage

All major carriers cover urban areas well. The difference shows in rural areas, mountains, and some indoor locations. If you'll be traveling around Japan, coverage matters.

How to Compare: Key Metrics

The Smart Play: Employee Referral Bonus

Regardless of which carrier you choose, if you're considering a major carrier with a referral program, always sign up through a referral link. The bonus points can cover several months of your phone bill.

Through our employee referral at Rakuten, you can get up to ¥14,000 in Rakuten Points — that's roughly 4 months of a basic plan for free. No other referral program in Japan comes close to this amount.

And here's the key: you can lock this bonus in before you even have a bank account. Just an email address.

Our Recommendation

We're biased — we work at Rakuten — but here's why colleagues from 20+ countries have all ended up on the same carrier:

1. One simple plan. ¥1,078/mo (3GB) to ¥3,278/mo (unlimited). No tricks, no tiers to optimize.
2. No contract. Cancel anytime. Zero fees. You're in Japan for 6 months? Fine. 6 years? Also fine.
3. Free international calls to 70+ countries through the Rakuten Link app. This alone saves most people ¥5,000+/month.
4. 2GB free roaming in 100+ countries. Visit home without buying a travel SIM.
5. eSIM. Activate in minutes from your phone. No store visit needed.
6. English online signup. The application process is available in English.
7. 162 stores with AI translators. If you prefer in-person help, POCKETALK devices handle real-time translation.
8. #1 among foreign residents. 21% market share among foreigners in Japan — nearly double the second-place carrier (MMD Labo 2025). There's a reason.

The employee referral bonus of ¥14,000 (MNP) or ¥11,000 (new) is the highest referral bonus available from any carrier in Japan. It even works for returning subscribers — most other campaigns are "first-time only."

Temporary Solutions While You Wait

Don't have a bank account yet? Here are your options for the first few days:

Free Wi-Fi: Available at convenience stores, train stations, and most cafes. Coverage is spotty but workable for a few days.

Prepaid SIM: Available at airports, electronics stores, and some convenience stores. Data-only (no phone number). Costs ¥3,000–¥5,000 for 7–30 days. Useful as a bridge.

Portable Wi-Fi rental: Rent a pocket Wi-Fi device at the airport. Costs ¥500–¥1,000/day. Good if multiple people share one device.

Phase 1 of our guide: Lock in your Rakuten Mobile referral bonus now (free, 5 min, email only). Complete the actual application when your bank account is ready. See our main setup guide for step-by-step instructions.