Smartphones are an essential part of living in Japan and the rest of the world. This article introduces major Japanese mobile companies, like SoftBank, as well as low-cost cell phone service providers, like GTN and Rakuten Mobile.
Japan's Major Mobile Phone Carriers and Low-Cost Options
Mobile phone service in Japan is essential for everyday life. This article covers options ideal for many different types of mobile phone users and budgets.
First, we'll introduce low-cost carriers with SIM cards that allow users to save on yen while still receiving reliable calls, data, and phone service. These include Rakuten Mobile, GTN Mobile, and Y!mobile.
In the second half of the article, we introduce the telecommunication companies with the most extensive base of mobile phone customers in Japan: NTT docomo, au, and SoftBank. These companies offer reliable calling, data, steady connections, and comprehensive customer service. We recommend any one of them for people whose priority is service quality.
Budget Smartphone Service and SIM Cards in Japan
In exchange for reliable speeds and extensive support, a phone contract with one of the three major carriers may cost up to 10,000 yen per month. If you're looking to save money, we recommend checking out one of the budget smartphones and SIM options. The basic plans start from around 2,000 yen/month.
*The fees do not include the initial costs.
The table above shows the basic monthly fees of each service along with the data limit and the charges for phone calls in Japan. Some of these services might have special discount campaigns so please check each official website for details.
1. GTN Mobile
Picture courtesy of GTN MOBILE
GTN Mobile is geared specifically for residents who aren't Japanese nationals. They offer multilingual support and allow contracts with a certificate of residence and student ID card.
A popular plan they offer is the Advance 5G, which includes free 10-minute domestic calls, There are 3 different data plan options available. In addition to affordable rates, the plans do not have a contract period. The service is great if you are in Japan for a working holiday, study abroad program, or a short visit.
| GTN MOBILE Eazy Sim |
| From 3 GB |
1,980 yen per month |
| Domestic calls |
10 minutes free |
With GTN Mobile, you can pay your monthly bills at a convenience store. You do not need a Japanese bank account or credit card. Of course, you can also pay with a bank account or credit card.
2. Rakuten Mobile
Picture courtesy of Rakuten Mobile
Rakuten Mobile, operated by the e-commerce company Rakuten, is a newcomer to the carrier business having started in 2018. There are no contract periods, and you will earn double Rakuten points if you shop on its online marketplace.
| Rakuten UN-LIMIT VII |
| Unlimited data (see *1) |
2,980 yen per month |
| Domestic calls |
Unlimited (see *2) |
*1: For the Rakuten service area. Up to 5 GB per month in the partner carrier service area.
*2: For unlimited calls using the Rakuten Link app.
3. HIS Mobile
HIS Mobile is a phone service offered by Japan's major travel agency, H.I.S. They offer both budget domestic SIM cards and international SIMs.
| Example of Free 290 Plan |
| up to 100 MB |
290 yen per month |
| Domestic calls |
9 yen/30 seconds |
Those who wish to be able to pay only for the amount that they used can choose from six levels of payment plans for internet connection and calls. If you use your internet connection only occasionally, you'll pay only 290 yen/month for up to 100 MB. We highly recommend this plan to those who seldom use the internet on their phone.
4. Y!mobile
Picture courtesy of PR TIMES
To purchase a SIM card from Y!mobile, you can visit one of their stores or select Softbank stores.
While most budget SIMs use data lines from the major carriers, Y!mobile directly uses Softbank's line, which is its parent company. This enables Y!mobile to offer more reliable connections.
| Example of Simple S plan |
| Up to 3 GB |
1,980 yen per month |
| Domestic calls |
22 yen/30 seconds |
For any new registration, or for applying for this service in combination with SoftBank Hikari or SoftBank Air, you'll benefit from a discount!
5. UQ Mobile
Picture courtesy of PR TIMES
UQ Mobile reportedly has the fastest data speeds despite being a budget mobile phone service provider. They offer unique ways to save extra money, such as a data savings mode that turns off data usage for social media platforms.
| Example of payment plan |
| Up to 3 GB |
1,628 yen per month |
| Domestic calls |
22 yen/30 seconds |
6. LINEMO
Picture courtesy of PRTIME
You can register for LINEMO online. With simple menu options, the registration process is easy to understand. Users can choose to use cellular lines from Softbank, Docomo, and au.
| Example of payment plan |
| 20 GB |
2,480 yen per month |
| Domestic calls |
22 yen/30 seconds |
We highly recommend this plan to LINE users as it enables you to use LINE without spending your data limit.
7. ahamo
Picture courtesy of ahamo
The payment plans and options offered by ahamo can be easily applied for online! The menu of services is very easy to check and use.
| Example of payment plan |
| 20 GB |
2,970 yen per month |
| Domestic calls |
5 minutes free, afterwards it's 22 yen/30 seconds |
If you often use the internet from your phone, this service might be ideal for you.
8. povo
Picture courtesy of PR TIMES
Povo is the name of a plan offered by au that can be applied for only online. The greatest feature of Povo us that the base fee is 0 yen! You can add internet connection as an option from the Topping menu.
| Example of payment plan |
| Base fee |
0 yen per month |
| Domestic calls |
22 yen/30 seconds |
You can create your own Topping of options depending on how you personally use your phone.
9. IIJmio
Starting in 2012, IIJmio is an older budget carrier in comparison to other companies. The low-price plans are especially popular among international students. Its main gfeature is that you can freely combine your SIM card with a certain data limit for your internet connection.
| Monthly Plan |
| up to 3 GB |
1,600 yen per month |
| Domestic calls |
20 yen/30 seconds |
Major Mobile Phone Carriers in Japan
1. NTT Docomo
Picture courtesy of PR TIMES
NTT Docomo boasts the largest share of smartphone users in Japan. They are known for their stable and consistent speeds. Due to their expansive cellular coverage, you'll stay connected in most parts of the country.
Additionally, Docomo offers a point program called d Point (Japanese). You can earn and use points through your phone bill and make purchases at affiliated stores.
2. au
Picture courtesy of PR TIMES
The second-largest phone carrier in Japan is au. Their commercial series, “Santaro,” which features heroes from Japanese folklore, is popular overseas, too.
Au has a wide variety of phone plans and, similar to Docomo, its cellular coverage is extensive.
3. SoftBank
Picture courtesy of PR TIMES
SoftBank is known for its commercials featuring a cute white dog. In addition to selling mobile phones and cellular plans, SoftBank also owns the Fukuoka Hawks, a professional baseball team in Japan.
Yahoo! Japan is part of the SoftBank group, so SoftBank users can earn benefits for Yahoo! premium members (Japanese) when shopping and traveling (some plans are not eligible).
Important Points
While none of these carriers will encounter any issues in cities, some are more suitable for rural areas than others. Make sure to check the coverage map before choosing a carrier.
Also, certain plans have set contract periods. If you opt out in the middle of your contract period, you will likely be required to pay a cancellation fee. Check the terms and conditions before choosing a plan.
Since Japan has three major mobile carriers, the stores may be busy. Prepare your passport, Japanese cash card, and residence card in advance to ensure a smooth registration process.
Find the Best Mobile Phone Plan in Japan
Both major carriers and budget SIMs have their pros and cons. Consider your priorities to find the right mobile carrier and plan for you. After securing a smartphone plan, you will have an easier time applying for jobs and filling out necessary registration forms.
Main image courtesy of Pixta
