[Guide to Living in Japan] How to Get a Smartphone (Mobile Phone)
One of the first things you need in order to start living in Japan is a smartphone or a mobile phone contract. Smartphones are an essential part of our daily lives, whether it's for job hunting, communication, banking procedures, or using map applications. This article will be explaining how to get a smartphone contract in Japan and some important points to take note of.
Basic Information About Smartphone Contracts in Japan
In Japan, there are two main ways to get a smartphone contract:
① Contract with a major carrier (Docomo, au, Softbank, etc.)
② Use a low-cost SIM (MVNO) (Rakuten Mobile, UQ Mobile, Y!mobile, IIJmio, etc.)
What is Required for the Contract
To sign a contract for a smartphone, you will need the following documents:
- Residence card (with expiration date)
- Passport
- Bank account or credit card (for payment purposes)
- Your contact details (email address or another phone number under your own name)
Some low-cost SIM companies may not allow you to sign a contract unless you have 90 days or more left on your residence card, so be mindful of the expiration dates on your documents.
Where Can I Get a Contract?
Smartphone contracts can be arranged at the following locations:
- Electronics retail stores (Yodobashi Camera, Bic Camera, etc.)
- Shops of each carrier
- Online (Internet) application
What Is the Difference Between Major Carriers and Low-Cost SIMs?
|
Factor |
Major Carriers |
Low Cost SIM |
|
Monthly Fee |
Expensive (over 5,000 yen) |
Cheap (around 1,000 to 3,000 yen) |
|
Communication Speed |
Fast |
It may be a little slow |
|
Support |
Many stores, easy to find support |
Online-centric |
|
Ease of Process of Contracting |
Foreigner friendly ◎ |
Some of them may only be available to provide service in Japanese |
Many of the major carriers have branches with staff who can speak foreign languages, so if you're not confident in your Japanese, choosing one of the major carriers with staff that speaks your languange, might be a good option.
Contract Procedure (e.g. Docomo)
① Visit a store or apply online
② Submit the necessary documents
③ Choose a plan（data plan, call fees)
④ Identity Verification（document check and photo)
⑤ Once the contract has been signed, you can receive your phone then and there, and begin your use.
How to Get a SIM Card Only (If You Want to Use Your Own Smartphone)
For those who want to continue using a phone they bought before coming to Japan, contracts only for a SIM card are also available. In this case, the smartphone must be "SIM-free" or "SIM-unlocked."
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I Sign Up Without a Credit Card?
A. Yes. Many companies also offer the option of direct debit to your bank account. However, online contracts may require a credit card. .
Q: Are There Any Restrictions On The Contract Period?
A. In the past, two-year contracts were the norm, but now there are more and more plans without a set period. Check whether there are any cancellation fees.
Q: What If You Can't Speak Japanese?
A. At some Docomo and Softbank stores, foreign language speaking staff (English, Vietnamese, Chinese, etc.) is always present. There are also multilingual pages on the web.
Recommended Plans (Latest in 2025)
-
Rakuten Mobile (UN-LIMIT)
⇒ Unlimited data (pay only for what you use). Maximum 3,278 yen per month (tax included) - Y!mobile Simple 2S Plan
⇒ Up to 3GB: 2,365 yen (tax included) per month. You can have peace of mind knowing they use SoftBank lines. - UQ Mobile Special Offer Plan
⇒ From 1,078 yen (tax included) per month with family and home set discounts
|
|
Rakuten Mobile |
Y!mobile |
UQMobile |
|
Plan name |
UN-LIMIT |
Simple2S Plan |
Special Offer Plan |
|
Amount |
Monthly maximum 3,278 Yen (tax included) |
2,365 Yen (tax included) until 3GB monthly |
Monthly 1,078Yen (tax included) ~ |
|
Merits |
Unlimited Data (Pay only for what you use) |
Peace of mind with SoftBank lines |
Family discount Home Set Discount |
Summary: Enjoy a Comfortable Life in Japan With a Plan That Suits You!
You may feel anxious at first about signing up for a smartphone contract in Japan, but if you understand the necessary documents and the flow, the process will go smoothly. First, it is important to decide on your target data volume and budget, and then choose a plan that suits you.
