Getting a Phone Number in Japan
How to get a Japanese phone number when you just arrived — even without a bank account
A Japanese phone number is essential for daily life — you need it to open a bank account, rent an apartment, receive deliveries, and verify almost any online service. The catch? Many carriers require a Japanese credit card or bank account. This guide shows you how to break that cycle.
Many people arrive in Japan and get stuck in a frustrating loop. Understanding this upfront saves you days of headaches.
Banks require a Japanese phone number for SMS verification
Most phone carriers require a Japanese credit card or bank account
Apartments often require a phone number for applications
Many online services require a Japanese phone for registration
The solution: Several carriers specifically cater to foreigners and accept international payment methods. Start with one of these, then switch to a cheaper carrier once you have a Japanese bank account.
These services accept international credit cards and are designed for newcomers. Perfect for your first few months.
JP Smart SIM
RecommendedSpecifically designed for foreigners. Easy English signup, flexible plans, reliable support. Data double campaign active.
Mobal
UK-based company with Japan SIMs. Can receive your SIM before arriving in Japan.
Sakura Mobile
Foreigner-focused carrier with good English support. Higher prices but reliable.
Prepaid SIM (Electronics Store)
Buy at Bic Camera, Yodobashi, or airport. Data only — no phone calls or SMS.
If you have a Wise or Revolut card with a Japanese-compatible card number, these budget carriers may work. Results vary — some succeed, others get rejected.
Ahamo (by Docomo)
Docomo's budget brand. Excellent coverage, simple plans.
May reject non-Japanese cards. Try with Wise card first.
Povo (by au)
Pay-as-you-go model. Base plan is free, buy data as needed.
Requires data purchase at least once every 180 days to keep number active.
LINEMO
SoftBank's budget brand. Good value with LINE data free.
Japanese credit card strongly preferred.
Once you have a Japanese bank account, all carriers become available. Here are the best value options:
| Provider | Price | Data | English |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ahamo | ¥2,970 | 30GB | App |
| LINEMO Best | ¥990 | 3GB | Limited |
| LINEMO Best | ¥2,090 | 10GB | Limited |
| LINEMO Best V | ¥2,700 | 20GB | Limited |
| Povo | ¥0 base | Pay-per-use | App |
| Rakuten Mobile | ¥1,078 | 3GB | Yes |
| Rakuten Mobile | ¥3,278 | Unlimited | Yes |
| UQ Mobile | ¥2,365 | 15GB | Limited |
| Y!mobile | ¥2,365 | 15GB | Limited |
Most carriers now support online signup with eSIM. Here's the typical process:
Choose a plan
Select a carrier and plan based on your payment method and data needs. eSIM is fastest — physical SIM takes 2-5 days to arrive.
Prepare documents
You'll need: Residence Card (front and back photos), current address in Japan, email address, and a valid payment method.
Complete online application
Fill in personal details, upload residence card photos, and enter payment information. Most sites have English options.
Identity verification
Some carriers use video verification or AI photo matching. Keep your residence card ready. This usually takes 5-30 minutes.
Activate SIM
For eSIM: Scan QR code and follow device prompts. For physical SIM: Insert card and restart phone. Activation is immediate.
Required Documents
- Residence Card (在留カード) — valid and not expired
- Japanese address (must match residence card)
- Email address
- Payment method (varies by carrier)
- Unlocked phone (check with your home carrier before leaving)
- •Unlock your phone before leaving your home country — it's often free but takes a few days
- •Get an eSIM if your phone supports it — activation takes 5 minutes vs waiting for mail
- •Keep your first SIM for 1-2 months, then switch to a cheaper carrier once you have a bank account
- •Ahamo has the best coverage (Docomo network) — worth it if you travel outside major cities
- •Povo's free base plan is great as a backup number — just buy one data pack every 6 months
- •Test your phone works in Japan before canceling any temporary SIM — some phones have compatibility issues
- •Save your carrier's support number — useful if you have issues with your line
Next Steps
Got your phone number? Now you can open a bank account.