How To Get A Japanese Phone Number: A Guide For Foreigners

Getting a Japanese phone number is one of the first practical hurdles foreign residents face, since a Japanese number, starting with 090, 080, 070, or the newly introduced 060, is often required before you can open a bank account, sign an apartment lease, or subscribe to basic services.

You'll generally need a residence card, a form of ID, and either a Japanese bank account or credit card to apply, though MVNOs like Mobal and Sakura Mobile are specifically built around foreign residents who don't have all of that sorted out yet.

This guide covers the major carriers and budget MVNOs available, what a voice plan versus a data-only SIM actually gets you, current setup costs, and the full step-by-step process for getting a Japanese phone number as a foreigner.

Why do you need a Japanese phone number? 

Having a Japanese phone number will let you get a bank account, sign an apartment or house lease, get a subscription service, etc. At the very least, it will make your life in Japan much easier.

Japanese mobile numbers have started with 090, 080, or 070, but starting in July 2026, Japan's five major carriers began rolling out a new 060 prefix as well, the first new mobile number range added since 2013, driven by the older prefixes running low on available numbers.

Your existing number isn't affected either way; this only applies to newly issued numbers going forward.

One other number format worth knowing: numbers starting with 050 are IP phone (VoIP) numbers, not standard mobile numbers, and many banks and government services won't accept a 050 number for identity verification or SMS codes, so don't rely on one if you need a number for the exact purposes described above.

Also worth knowing upfront: the old "2-year contract with a hefty cancellation fee" that Japanese carriers were once known for has largely disappeared. Regulatory reforms between 2019 and 2022 pushed NTT Docomo, SoftBank, au, and most MVNOs to drop mandatory contract lock-ins and multi-thousand-yen cancellation fees entirely; any remaining early termination fee on a current plan is capped at roughly 1,000 yen by regulation. You can cancel or switch providers far more freely than older guides to Japanese phone contracts might suggest.

What type of Japanese phone plan are you looking for? 

Major Japanese phone carriers have two types of plans to choose from when getting a SIM card: 

Voice + data plan

Any voice and data plans include having a Japanese number attached to your phone via a SIM or eSIM card.

Regardless of the carrier, all providers charge a set-up fee of about 3,300 yen and a monthly fee based on your data plan. 

When you make a phone call, you use the cellular network that your carrier provides. Otherwise, you can make calls over Wi-Fi, such as with LINE or Facetime Audio.

Data-only SIMs

Data-only SIMs are cheaper as they do not include a Japanese phone number.  Depending on the carrier, you can add SMS capabilities for a small fee of under 100 yen per month, while others offer SMS + data plans. 

The SIM capability allows you to receive verification codes, which is useful for online and app registration. 

If all you need is to receive a one-off SMS verification code, for something like registering for an event ticket or activating an online account, a full voice plan or even a data-only SIM might be more than you need.

Mobal offers a "Voice Lite" plan built specifically for this: a minimal, short-term option focused on receiving SMS rather than committing to ongoing voice or data service. It's worth checking whether a provider offers something similar before signing up for a bigger plan than you actually need.

How much does it cost to get a Japanese phone number?

Various Japanese phone number plan comparison

Japanese phone companies are either a major network such as Softbank or a MVNO (mobile virtual network operator). MVNOs tend to have better pricing and deals when it comes to voice calls, data, SMS, or a combination of the three.

Mobal

You’ve probably seen their sponsor's ads with English and Japanese Youtubers in Japan. 

While Mobal’s SIM card caters to international travelers visiting Japan, it offers long-term plans for those staying for more than 90 days.

Their sim card will cost ¥2,970 with various monthly fees depending on how much data you want.

Mobal’s price plan comparison

Mobal offers English support, accepts various foreign credit cards, and the majority of profits go to various charities .

Sakura mobile

Their pocket wifi is pretty well-known, but did you also know that Sakura Mobile offers long-term Japanese phone plans, too?

Sakura Mobile operates under Docomo, which is one of Japan’s largest and most reliable networks.

With a ¥5,500 activation fee and a data range now spanning from around 5GB up to 100GB per month across several tiers (expanded from the narrower lineup they used to offer), their services might be a bit pricier than the cheapest MVNOs, but the range of options has grown. If you travel a lot or are a regular data usage user, then Sakura Mobile's plan might be for you. Plus if you are a student, you will get a discount.

Additionally, they have English support and accept credit cards outside of Japan.

One thing worth knowing before you compare these providers: major carriers like NTT Docomo and Rakuten Mobile require a residence card or special permanent resident certificate to sign up at all, which rules them out if you've just landed and haven't gone through your local ward office yet.

Sakura Mobile is the exception here, since it accepts a passport plus a valid entry visa as identification for foreign nationals without a residence card, making it a practical "day one" option. If you already have a residence card and are more focused on long-term cost, the major carriers and budget MVNOs like IIJmio open up as genuine options once that document is in hand.

IIJmio

While not the most English-friendly, IIJmio offers different plans at a much lower cost than most Japanese network operators. 

The initial fees will cost ¥3,300, and the SIM or eSIM card itself will cost between ¥200 and ¥400. But with 5 plans ranging from 2GB to 55GB of data and costing between 400 to 2000 yen per month, you will pay the least amount with IIJmio in the long run. 

If you still think the pricing is a bit high, IIJmio has various campaigns that essentially halve their Japanese phone plan prices.

IIJmio’s price plan comparison

Prices shown are IIJmio's current standard rates, confirmed directly against their site. IIJmio runs frequent time-limited campaigns on top of these base prices, so check their plan simulator for the current promotional rate before signing up rather than relying on any specific discounted figure in this article.

The overall process of getting a Japanese phone number

1. Choose a Japanese phone plan

This article introduced Mobal, Sakura Mobile, and IIjmio, but there are also Rakuten Mobile, AU, Docomo, and Softbank which are major Japanese cellular service providers.

Make sure your phone is unlocked so that the phone can use an overseas mobile provider. Without an “unlocked” phone, you will not be able to connect to these providers.

2. Apply online or in-store

Many Japanese phone providers will let you apply online, but depending on the service, they might request more information. Identity verification itself has also shifted toward being entirely online: as of a 2026 revision to Japan's telecom identity confirmation law, providers like IIJmio no longer accept a simple photo upload of your ID.

Instead, you verify through Japan's My Number card public authentication system (JPKI), or by scanning the IC chip on an ID card with your smartphone and matching it to a selfie via a dedicated verification app. Other providers use similar smartphone-camera-based eKYC flows. In practice this means you can often complete identity verification entirely from your phone, without mailing documents or visiting a store, but you'll need a compatible ID (a residence card or My Number card with an IC chip) and a phone camera on hand when you apply.

In general, be sure to have an email address, bank account or credit card number, and identification such as your Japanese driver's license, My Number, or Residency card.

Foreign nationals can generally contract on the same terms as Japanese nationals once they have a valid residence card and standard ID; the friction most people run into isn't a legal restriction; it's simply not yet having a Japanese bank account or enough time in the country to have a residence card issued, which is exactly the gap providers like Mobal and Sakura Mobile are built to fill.

If you already have a Japanese number and just want to switch providers, look into MNP (Mobile Number Portability, ナンバーポータビリティ), which lets you keep your existing number when you move to a new carrier.

If you are struggling to apply online via the company's Japanese site, you can make a reservation at one of their stores so a staff member can help you. Keep in mind that not every store has English-speaking staff, and an in-store application can take around 2 to 3 hours from start to finish, so budget accordingly if you go this route.

3. Wait for the SIM card

If you applied online with Mobal or Sakura Mobile, you can pick it up at one of their locations or have the SIM delivered to you.

But if you applied with IIJmio, delivery can take about 3-4 days after your ID has been verified. If you don't want to wait, an eSIM is generally the fastest path to a working number, since most providers can activate an eSIM the same day you apply, without waiting for a physical card to ship. If you're only in Japan short-term rather than moving here, a data-only SIM or a prepaid SIM is usually the more practical choice over a full voice contract, and several providers, including Mobal, offer prepaid options specifically aimed at travelers who don't have a Japanese credit card to put down.

4. Activate the SIM card

Once you have your SIM card, insert it into your phone.

Depending on the provider, the SIM card will automatically activate once inserted, or you will need to configure the connection in your phone settings. The phone provider will give you instructions on how to do so.

And if you are struggling with that, contact their support center.

How to get a Japanese phone number for your business

If you want to enter the Japanese market, your business needs to be able to cater and offer the same customer service that consumers expect.

That’s where MailMate’s bilingual receptionist comes in handy. 

Your business will obtain a dedicated Japanese business phone number. For any calls that come, we will state your company’s name and ask for the caller’s name and their phone number or email. MailMate will send you a notification and any notes about the call.

Their service bridges the language barrier that most foreign businesses encounter, allowing you to speedily establish your business within the local market.

Frequently asked questions

How can a foreigner get a SIM card in Japan? 

The easiest way for foreigners to get a SIM card in Japan is to use Sakura Mobile or Mobal. These are English-speaking phone service providers that will deliver the SIM card to your accommodation if you are in Japan. You can also order a SIM card before coming and pick it up at the airport.

How much does it cost to get a Japanese phone number?

The initial cost of getting a Japanese phone number can range from ¥4,000 to ¥5,000 including the activation and SIM card fee. But after this cost, it can cost ¥1,000 to ¥5,000 per month depending on the provider and voice-data-SMS plan you would like to use.

What's the new 060 phone number in Japan?

Starting in July 2026, Japan's major carriers began issuing a new 060 prefix for mobile numbers, alongside the existing 090, 080, and 070 ranges. It works exactly the same as those, it's just a new pool of numbers being opened up because the older prefixes were running low. If you already have a 090, 080, or 070 number, nothing changes for you.

Can I keep my existing Japanese number if I switch providers?

Yes, through MNP (Mobile Number Portability). You request a transfer number from your current carrier and provide it to your new provider during sign-up, and your existing number carries over instead of you getting a new one.

Do Japanese phone contracts still have a 2-year minimum with cancellation fees?

No, not anymore for current plans. Regulatory reforms between 2019 and 2022 led NTT Docomo, SoftBank, au, and most MVNOs to drop the old 2-year lock-in and its roughly 9,500-10,450 yen cancellation fee. Any early termination fee still attached to a current plan is capped at around 1,000 yen, and many MVNO plans have no lock-in or cancellation fee at all.

Can I get a Japanese phone number without a residence card?

It depends on the provider. Major carriers like NTT Docomo and Rakuten Mobile require a residence card or special permanent resident certificate to sign up. Sakura Mobile is a notable exception, accepting a passport plus a valid entry visa as identification for foreign nationals who haven't received a residence card yet.

Is identity verification for a Japanese SIM done entirely online now?

Increasingly, yes. Following a 2026 revision to Japan's telecom identity confirmation law, providers like IIJmio now require verification through Japan's My Number card public authentication system (JPKI) or by scanning an ID card's IC chip and matching it to a selfie via a smartphone app, rather than simply uploading a photo of your ID. This can usually be completed entirely from your phone without mailing documents or visiting a store.

What if I only need a phone number to receive one SMS code?

A full voice plan or even a data-only SIM may be more than you need. Mobal offers a "Voice Lite" plan built specifically for receiving a one-off SMS verification code, for something like an event ticket registration or activating an online account, without committing to ongoing voice or data service.

In closing

Knowing how to get a Japanese phone number is an essential part while living here.

Whether you are living in Japan or running your business, getting a Japanese phone number is not too difficult. Once you have one, you can easily sign up for a bank account, sign a lease, and more to make your day-to-day living easier.