#mobile
Getting a mobile network in Japan as a foreigner is much easier than it used to be. For 2026, the best method depends on whether you are a short-term tourist or a long-term resident.
1. Short-Term Options (Tourists & Visitors)
If you are visiting for less than 90 days, you generally cannot get a “regular” phone number due to Japanese law. You have three main choices:
A. eSIM (Recommended)
This is the most convenient and often cheapest method if your phone supports it (iPhone XS/XR or newer, most recent Pixels/Samsons).
- Top Picks: * Ubigi: Highly recommended for its reliability and use of the NTT Docomo network (best coverage). You can set it up before you land.
- Airalo: Very user-friendly app, usually uses the SoftBank network. Great for city travel.
- Holafly: Best for heavy users as they offer “unlimited” data plans, though tethering (hotspot) is often restricted.
- Pros: Instant activation via QR code; no physical swap needed.
- Cons: Data only (no voice calls/SMS).
B. Physical Travel SIM
If your phone doesn’t support eSIM, you can buy a prepaid physical SIM.
- Where to buy: Vending machines or kiosks at Narita, Haneda, or Kansai airports. You can also find them at major electronics stores like Bic Camera or Yodobashi Camera.+1
- Recommended Brand: Sakura Mobile or Mobal. Mobal is one of the few that offers a “voice” option for tourists, which gives you a Japanese phone number.+1
C. Pocket Wi-Fi
A small portable router that you carry with you.
- Best for: Families or groups sharing one connection, or if your phone is “locked” to your home carrier.
- Rentals: Ninja WiFi and Japan Wireless are popular. You pick them up at the airport and drop them in a prepaid mailbox before you fly home.
2. Long-Term Options (Residents/Expats)
If you have a Residence Card (Zairyu Card), you can get a proper monthly contract with a 070/080/090 phone number.
- The Big Three (Premium): NTT Docomo, au (KDDI), and SoftBank. High reliability, but expensive and usually require a 2-year commitment.
- The “Cheap” Major: Rakuten Mobile. Often offers unlimited data for around 3,278 yen/month. Very popular with expats for its simple app.+1
- Foreigner-Friendly MVNOs: * Sakura Mobile: Offers full English support and accepts foreign credit cards.
- GTN Mobile: Specifically targets foreigners; you can even pay your bill at 7-Eleven.
- IIJmio / ahamo: Great budget options if you can navigate some Japanese or have a friend help.
Quick Checklist for Success
Voice vs. Data: Most “tourist” options are data-only. You can still make calls via WhatsApp, FaceTime, or LINE, but you won’t be able to call a Japanese landline (like a restaurant) unless you use an app like Skype Out or buy a specific Mobal voice SIM.
Unlock your phone: Ensure your phone is not locked to your home carrier (Verizon, EE, etc.) before you leave.
Check Bands: Most modern phones work fine, but Japan primarily uses LTE Bands 1, 3, 19, and 21. NTT Docomo (Band 19) is the gold standard for rural areas.
Below is a price comparison based on current 2026 market rates in Japan.
Option 1: eSIM (Best for Solo & Budget)
Requires an unlocked, eSIM-compatible phone.
| Provider | 7 Days (approx. 1GB/day) | 30 Days (Large Data) | Best For |
| Ubigi | ~$12 (10GB total) | ~$29 (20GB total) | Reliability (uses Docomo) |
| Airalo | ~$9 (3GB total) | ~$26 (20GB total) | Ease of use (App-based) |
| Holafly | ~$34 (Unlimited*) | ~$69 (Unlimited*) | Heavy data users |
Note: “Unlimited” plans often have a “Fair Usage Policy” where speeds may drop after 2–3GB per day.
Option 2: Physical Prepaid SIM
Best if your phone doesn’t support eSIM or if you want to buy at the airport.
| Provider | 7-Day Plan | 30-Day Plan | Where to Buy |
| IIJmio (Lawson) | ~¥1,700 ($11) | ~¥4,100 ($27) | Lawson Convenience Stores |
| Sakura Mobile | ~¥4,500 ($30) | ~¥9,000 ($60) | Airport Kiosks / Online |
| Mobal | ~¥4,000 ($26) | ~¥7,500 ($50) | Online (Includes Phone #) |
Prices for Sakura/Mobal are higher because they often include English support and better network priority.
Option 3: Pocket Wi-Fi Rental
Best for groups, families, or using laptops/multiple devices.
| Provider | 7-Day Rental | 30-Day Rental | Key Feature |
| Ninja WiFi | ~¥5,400 ($36) | ~¥12,000 ($80) | Easy Airport Pickup/Drop |
| Japan Wireless | ~¥6,500 ($43) | ~¥15,000 ($100) | Truly Unlimited (No caps) |
| Sakura Mobile | ~¥7,000 ($46) | ~¥5,500/mo* ($37) | Long-term “Monthly” deals |
*Sakura Mobile’s 30-day price is often lower if you commit to a full month rather than a daily rental rate.
Summary: Which should you choose?
Best for “Official” Business: Mobal SIM. If you need a Japanese phone number (070/080/090) to make local calls or reservations, this is one of the only legal options for tourists.
Best Value (Solo): Ubigi eSIM. It uses the Docomo network (excellent coverage) and is very affordable for 10GB–20GB.
Best for Groups: Japan Wireless Pocket Wi-Fi. You can connect up to 10 devices and the “Truly Unlimited” plan is great for streaming/navigation.
Reference
Sakura mobile
https://www.sakuramobile.jp/
sim card
https://www.mobal.com/japan-sim-card/
ubigi
https://cellulardata.ubigi.com/japan/
Ninja wifi
https://townwifi.com/en/
gtn-mobile
https://www.gtn-mobile.com/
Rakuten mobile
https://network.mobile.rakuten.co.jp/en/
About the Author
