Getting a Japanese phone number as a foreigner is one of the first practical hurdles you’ll face after arriving in Japan — and it’s one I’ve helped more people with than I can count.
Whether you’re setting up a new life here or just extending your stay, having a local number isn’t optional. You’ll need it to open a bank account, register for services, verify your identity on apps, and even sign up for delivery notifications. In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to get a Japanese phone number as a foreigner, what documents you’ll need, and which option actually makes sense for your situation.
What You Need Before You Start
Before walking into any carrier store or signing up online, make sure you have these essentials ready.
Your Residence Card (在留カード, zairyū kādo) is the single most important document. Every major carrier requires it. Without it, you cannot sign a contract — full stop. If you’ve just arrived and your card shows “under review” on the back, some carriers will still process your application, but not all of them.
You’ll also need a Japanese bank account or credit card for monthly billing. International cards are accepted by some carriers, but the process is smoother with a Japanese one. This is why many expats set up their phone plan and bank account in the same first week — they’re linked.
Finally, you’ll need a registered address in Japan. This matches what’s on your residence card. If you’re in temporary housing, check that the address on your card is up to date before applying.
Your Main Options: Carriers and SIM Plans
As of 2026, foreigners in Japan have more options than ever, and the market has genuinely become more foreigner-friendly. Here’s how the landscape breaks down.
Major Carriers (MNO)
The three main carriers — NTT Docomo, SoftBank, and au (KDDI) — offer full contract plans with all features, including voice calls, data, and SMS. Monthly costs typically range from ¥3,000 to ¥8,000 depending on your data tier.
These are the most stable options, but the signup process can still be challenging if your Japanese is limited. I’d recommend SoftBank if you need English support — they have dedicated English-speaking staff at select locations, including the Omotesandō store in Tokyo.
MVNOs (格安SIM, Kakuyasu SIM)
Mobile Virtual Network Operators like IIJmio, Mineo, and Rakuten Mobile piggyback on the big carriers’ infrastructure and charge significantly less — often ¥1,500 to ¥3,000 per month for a voice + data plan.
Rakuten Mobile in particular has become very popular with the expat community. Their plans are handled almost entirely online and in English, which removes a lot of friction. I’ve seen several friends go from arriving in Japan to having a working number within 48 hours using Rakuten’s online signup flow.
Which Should You Choose?
If you’re here long-term and want a reliable, full-featured plan, a major carrier is worth the slightly higher cost. If you’re budget-conscious or not yet sure how long you’ll stay, an MVNO gives you flexibility with lower commitment. Many residents I know actually use an MVNO for daily use and keep a second number on a different carrier for business.
Step-by-Step: How to Sign Up
Here’s the general process, whether you’re going in-store or online:
1. Gather your documents: Residence Card, passport, Japanese bank card or credit card, and your registered address.
2. Choose a carrier and plan: Decide between a major carrier or MVNO based on your needs and budget.
3. Apply in-store or online: Major carriers require in-store visits for first-time contracts. MVNOs like Rakuten and IIJmio allow full online applications.
4. Complete identity verification (本人確認, honnin kakunin): This involves submitting your Residence Card and sometimes a selfie with the card. Online processes use automated identity checks.
5. Receive your SIM card: In-store, you walk out same day. Online orders typically arrive within 2–5 business days.
6. Activate and configure APN settings: For MVNO SIMs, you’ll usually need to manually input APN settings. The carrier’s app or website will guide you through this step.
According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC), all telecom providers in Japan are legally required to verify the identity of all new subscribers using government-issued photo ID — which is why your Residence Card is non-negotiable.
What Foreigners Often Get Wrong
This is where I see people run into problems, and it’s almost always one of these three things.
Assuming a tourist SIM works for long-term needs. Data-only tourist SIMs — the kind you buy at the airport — do not give you a Japanese phone number. They’re great for internet access, but you can’t receive calls or SMS verification codes on them. I’ve met foreigners who’ve been in Japan for six months still using a tourist SIM and then wonder why they can’t open a PayPay account or register on Mercari.
Going to a carrier store without all their documents. It sounds obvious, but I’ve seen people turned away because their Residence Card showed a temporary address or had a different one than what they listed on the application form. Double-check that your card is up to date at your local ward office (区役所, kuyakusho) before you go.
Not realizing their phone might be SIM-locked. If you brought a phone from overseas, especially from the US or Europe, it may be locked to your home carrier. You’ll need to confirm it’s unlocked before a Japanese SIM will work. Most modern smartphones sold after 2021 are unlocked by default, but it’s worth verifying.
FAQ
Q: Can I get a Japanese phone number without a Residence Card?
Technically, some MVNOs allow applications with a passport plus proof of address, but this is rare and inconsistent. For the smoothest experience, wait until you have your Residence Card in hand.
Q: How long does the whole process take?
In-store at a major carrier, expect 1–2 hours. Online with an MVNO, the application takes about 20 minutes, with SIM delivery in 2–5 business days.
Q: Can I keep my number if I switch carriers?
Yes. Japan has a MNP (Mobile Number Portability, 番号ポータビリティ) system that lets you transfer your number between carriers. Request an MNP transfer code from your current carrier before canceling.
Related Articles
If you found this guide useful, these topics connect closely with the next steps most long-term residents tackle:
– How to Open a Japanese Bank Account as a Foreigner — since your bank account and phone plan are often set up in the same week, it helps to know what to expect from both processes.
– Setting Up Utilities in Japan: Electricity, Gas, and Internet — getting your phone is just one piece of the puzzle when you’re getting settled in a new apartment.
– Understanding Your Residence Card in Japan — since your zairyū kādo is required for almost every official process, it’s worth knowing exactly what it says and what to do if details change.
Conclusion
Getting a Japanese phone number as a foreigner isn’t complicated once you know what to expect — but the documentation requirements and the sheer number of options can make it feel overwhelming at first.
My honest recommendation: if you’re on a budget and comfortable doing things online, start with Rakuten Mobile. If you want walk-in support and don’t mind paying a bit more, head to a SoftBank store and ask specifically for English-speaking staff. Either way, prioritize getting this sorted in your first week in Japan. So much of daily life here — banking, apps, deliveries, government services — flows through your phone number.
Have your Residence Card ready, pick a plan, and get it done. It’s one of those things that unlocks everything else.
