Getting a SIM Card in Japan: A Complete Guide for Expats (2026)
A complete 2026 guide for expats on getting a mobile SIM card in Japan: comparing major carriers vs. budget MVNOs, with detailed breakdowns of LINEMO, povo 2.0, IIJmio, Rakuten Mobile, and Nippon Communications SIM (日本通信 SIM) — plus required documents and eSIM options explained.
Table of Contents
- Japan's Two Types of Mobile Plans
- Major Carriers (三大キャリア)
- Budget SIM / MVNO (Virtual Network Operators)
- Plan Comparison Table (2026)
- Provider Breakdown
- LINEMO (SoftBank-based)
- povo 2.0 (au-based)
- Rakuten Mobile (Rakuten's own network)
- IIJmio
- Nippon Communications SIM (日本通信 SIM) — NTT docomo-based
- Required Documents and Application Process
- Required Documents
- Online Application Process
- Which Plan Is Right for You?
After arriving in Japan, mobile internet is one of your most urgent needs — you need it for navigation, translation, and staying in touch. Japan's mobile plans range from a few hundred yen a month to over ¥10,000. So how do you choose? This guide covers everything from major carriers vs. budget MVNOs to specific plan recommendations, so you can make the right call quickly.
Japan's Two Types of Mobile Plans
Major Carriers (三大キャリア)
- docomo (NTTドコモ)
- au (KDDI)
- SoftBank (ソフトバンク)
Characteristics: Widest network coverage, best customer support, but the most expensive. Monthly fees typically run ¥6,000–¥10,000+. These carriers also have stricter requirements for foreign applicants (your Residence Card must have sufficient remaining validity).
Budget SIM / MVNO (Virtual Network Operators)
These providers lease network infrastructure from the major carriers and offer service at lower prices. Key players include LINEMO (SoftBank-based), povo 2.0 (au-based), IIJmio, Rakuten Mobile, and Nippon Communications SIM (日本通信 SIM).
Characteristics: Monthly fees of ¥1,000–¥4,000, generally easier for foreigners to sign up, suitable for most expats.
Plan Comparison Table (2026)
| Provider | Monthly Fee | Data | Network | eSIM | Ease for Foreigners | Standout Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LINEMO | ¥990 / ¥2,728 | 3GB / 20GB | SoftBank | ✅ | Easy | LINE calls/data don't count toward limit |
| povo 2.0 | ¥0~ (add-on based) | By toppu | au | ✅ | Easy | ¥0 base fee, maximum flexibility |
| Rakuten Mobile | ¥1,078–¥3,278 | 3GB / 20GB / Unlimited | Rakuten + au | ✅ | Easy | Unlimited data plan available |
| IIJmio | ¥850–¥2,068 | 2GB–15GB | docomo / au | ✅ | Medium | Stable speeds |
| Nippon Communications SIM (日本通信 SIM) | ¥290–¥2,178 | 1GB–20GB | docomo | ❌ (some plans) | Medium | Lowest entry price |
Prices shown are tax-inclusive monthly fees as of early 2026. Check each carrier's official website for the latest plans.
Provider Breakdown
LINEMO (SoftBank-based)
Simple plans at ¥990/month (3GB) or ¥2,728/month (20GB). LINE calls and data don't count toward your monthly limit — useful since LINE is widely used across Japan and much of Asia for messaging and calls.
- Fully online signup, eSIM supported
- No physical stores — customer service is online-only
- SoftBank network, excellent urban coverage
povo 2.0 (au-based)
¥0 base monthly fee — you add data "toppings" as you need them:
- 3GB / 30 days: ¥990
- 20GB / 30 days: ¥2,700
- Unlimited / 7 days: ¥330
Best for: People with variable data needs, those who want full cost control, or a secondary SIM as backup.
Note: If you go 180 days without any paid usage, your account may be deactivated.
Rakuten Mobile (Rakuten's own network)
The most competitive unlimited plan — ¥3,278/month (tax included) for unlimited high-speed data within Rakuten's own coverage area.
- Simple and easy for foreigners to sign up (Residence Card required)
- eSIM supported, fully online sign-up available
- Rakuten Points (楽天ポイント) cashback rewards
Note: In areas with weak Rakuten coverage (rural cities, mountains), you'll roam on au with a 5GB/month speed cap.
🔗 Rakuten Mobile Official Site
IIJmio
A long-established MVNO using docomo or au networks, known for stable speeds. Multiple data options (2GB–15GB) suit people with consistent data usage.
- From ¥850/month (2GB)
- Family discount for multiple SIMs on one account
- Consistently reliable speeds
Nippon Communications SIM (日本通信 SIM) — NTT docomo-based
The lowest entry price at ¥290/month (1GB) — perfect for people who mainly use Wi-Fi and just need a backup connection.
- docomo network, broad nationwide coverage
- ¥1,390/month (10GB), ¥2,178/month (20GB)
- Unlimited calling add-on available
🔗 Nippon Communications SIM (日本通信 SIM) Official Site
Required Documents and Application Process
Required Documents
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Residence Card (在留カード) | Must have adequate remaining validity (3+ months recommended) |
| Passport | Required by some carriers |
| Japanese address | Address as registered on your Jūminhyō |
| Payment method | Credit card or Japanese bank account |
Online Application Process
- Choose your carrier and plan
- Visit the carrier's website and click "Apply" (申し込む)
- Upload photos of both sides of your Residence Card for identity verification
- Enter your address and payment method
- Select SIM type (physical SIM or eSIM)
- After approval (usually 1–3 days), receive physical SIM by mail or eSIM activation QR code
- Complete setup (configure APN settings)
Which Plan Is Right for You?
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Just arrived, need internet immediately | Airport prepaid SIM → switch to a contract plan later |
| Heavy LINE user | LINEMO |
| Budget is the priority | Nippon Communications SIM (日本通信 SIM) (from ¥290) or povo 2.0 (¥0 base) |
| Need unlimited data | Rakuten Mobile (best for city dwellers) |
| Prioritize stable speeds | IIJmio (docomo network) |