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If you're moving to Tokyo or another part of Japan, you'll want to set up a Japanese mobile phone number as soon as possible, preferably before you arrive. You'll need a Japanese phone number to open a bank account, sign a lease, and sort out pretty much everything else that goes with adulting here -- including food delivery and gig tickets. The basics The easiest way to get a Japanese phone number is to order a SIM card online -- which you can do from abroad and in English, too. Two providers we have used and recommend are Mobal, who donate the bulk of their profits to charity, and Sakura Mobile. They both offer voice-and-data plans, as well as data-only plans. They also have portable wifi plans, which can come in handy if you’re waiting to have your home wifi connected. If you're looking for a proper Japanese mobile number, get a voice-and-data SIM. If you get data-only, you won't be able to make or receive any calls except via VoIP services (e.g., WhatsApp or LINE). And it might not be accepted when you need to put a Japanese phone number down on documents. Though it may work out cheaper to set up a Japanese phone number once you're here in the country, it generally takes a lot more time. It can also be a more complicated process, and require some fluency in Japanese. So we recommend going the online route, at least initially. You can always switch to a different provider later. Pro tip: Find out how to port (keep) your number when switching, in our guide to long-term cellphone contracts in Japan. How to get a Japanese phone number before you move to Japan If you're going to be working in Japan, your employer might assist with the set-up of a Japanese mobile number. However, if you need to take care of it yourself, ordering a SIM card online before arriving is quick and simple. Looking for a job in Japan’s creative industries? Head to our creative jobs in Japan page to check out the latest opportunities in web and product development, content production, and more. Apply locally or from overseas. Getting a Japanese cellphone number online Here are two of our main recommendations: Mobal One of the easiest and most popular options is a voice-and-data SIM from Mobal. The order process is straightforward, and they have great English support. You can have your SIM card shipped to you (for free), so you’ll be connected pretty much as soon as you land. You’ll just need to complete the set-up process once you arrive. Fast data is fixed at 1GB, 5GB, 10GB, or 30GB per month, though you won't ever be without data -- speeds will just slow down (to around 200kbps) after your monthly cap has been reached. There are no complex contracts, which is a concern with some of the Japanese providers, and you can change your plan on a monthly basis. You also have the option to suspend your plan temporarily if you're heading overseas. Your Japanese cellphone number will use the SoftBank network (one of the major cellular providers in Japan), and you can make and receive calls, send and receive texts, and, of course, use data. Rates go from to per month, depending on the plan you choose, with a once-off SIM fee of . Domestic call rates are per minute. Incoming calls are free. Billing options include debit card, credit card, and PayPal, as well as convenience-store payment. You will need a credit card to complete the initial order online. Read more about Mobal plans. Sakura Mobile Another well-known name in the Japanese mobile game, Sakura Mobile offers three voice-and-data plans, all of which use the NTT Docomo network. The cheaper option is their 5GB plan, which goes for per month. On the other end of the scale, their largest plan offers 40GB of data for per month. The sign-up process is simple, and payments can be made by credit card, debit card, or in cash at the convenience store. Their contract activation fee is a one-off payment of . Domestic call rates are per minute. You can cancel your contract for free at any time after the first month, and there is full English-language support. Read more about Sakura Mobile plans. How to get a Japanese phone number after moving to Japan If you decide to wait until after you've arrived in Japan to sort out your mobile number, you can still order one online, or you can go into a cellphone store and set it up there. Getting a Japanese mobile phone number online Simply follow the steps above and get that SIM delivered. Again, we recommend this option, as it's the less stressful of the two. Getting a Japanese phone number at a store Walking around outside big train stations (think Shinjuku, Tokyo, Ikebukuro, Shinagawa, and the like) or through shopping areas will take you past a number of different cellphone stores. The big names in the mobile game here are SoftBank, Docomo, and au by KDDI. You can apply for a contract with them directly in store, though it's worth noting that not all stores will have an English-speaking staff member, and that both the requirements and contracts can be complex. For example, you might be signed up for a minimum of 12 months. Contracts used to be a lot longer (think 24-36 months), with hefty cancellation fees, but times have changed and regulations have relaxed a bit. These days, a one-month minimum commitment is more common than a 12-month one. However, fiddly add-ons like anti-viruses and mail services are sometimes automatically bundled in the contract, and need to be removed. What is actually most complicated is that you may need to show proof of a Japanese bank account, employment contract, and your visa to qualify for a Japanese cellphone number. Note: Even if you apply for a contract through one of the Japanese MVNOs that piggyback on the big mobile players, like IIJMio or Nuro Mobile, you will likely have to jump through the same hoops. It's recommended you set aside a full day for cell number set-up, and ask a fluent Japanese speaker to accompany you if you're not super skilled in the local lingo. Looking to set up internet in Japan? See our guide to choosing an internet service provider. FAQs Some extra advice for getting sorted. Will my overseas phone work with a Japanese SIM card? Yes, as long as it’s unlocked. If you’ve got an existing phone contract and you’re unsure, check with your current provider. Another way to check is by following these instructions for Apple and Android phones. How do I get a new cellphone in Japan? If you're in the market for something new, electronics stores like Bic Camera or Yodobashi Camera are easy to find all over the country. Here, you can purchase a phone outright or sign up for a plan, but the latter will usually require an existing phone number and Japanese language skills, so the former is probably the way to go. Similarly, Apple stores can usually be found in popular shopping areas like Shibuya, Omotesandō, and Shinjuku, as can big-name cellular stores like SoftBank, Docomo, or au. While we do our best to ensure it's correct, information is subject to change. This post was first published in March 2020. Last updated in April 2025, by Patrick Balfe.

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