How to Get a Japanese Phone Number | Online Contracts and More!

Need a Japanese phone number? Here’s how to get one. If you’re staying in Japan for work, school, or an extended visit, having a Japanese phone number is essential. It’s required for opening a bank account, renting an apartment, verifying online accounts, and even purchasing concert tickets. While apps like LINE and WhatsApp are common, many services still require a real phone number.

In this guide, we’ll explain how to easily get a Japanese phone number, compare different options, and introduce a hassle-free solution with full English support—perfect for foreigners who want a simple, stress-free setup.

Table of Contents

1. How to Apply for a Phone Number Online

2. How to Apply for a Phone Number In-Store

3. Why Do You Need a Japanese Phone Number?

4. Understanding SIM Cards: Data-Only vs. Voice + Data

5. The Providers We Recommend

6. Why is Sakura Mobile Less Expensive?

7. For those who prefer a Full English Application Process with Customer Support

1. How to Apply for a Phone Number Online

If you’re moving to Japan for work, school, or a long-term stay, ordering a voice + data SIM or eSIM online before you arrive is the easiest way to get a Japanese phone number. This ensures you have a working phone number as soon as you land.

Why Order Online?

✔️ Convenience – Apply from anywhere; no need to visit a store.

✔️ Airport Pickup – Get your SIM immediately after landing.

✔️ Fast Delivery – Receive your SIM within a few days if you’re already in Japan.

✔️ English Support – No need to navigate Japanese-language contracts.

How to Get a Japanese SIM Card

1. Choose a provider and make sure to select a voice + data SIM (not a data-only SIM).
2. Complete the online application with your name, shipping address, and payment details. Some providers may require ID verification (passport or residence card).
3. Wait for delivery – Most providers ship within 2–3 days.
4. Insert the SIM into your phone, follow the activation steps, and start using your Japanese number.

If you order from Sakura Mobile, you can pick up your SIM at the airport or have it shipped anywhere in Japan.

How to use a Japanese eSIM

If your phone supports eSIM, you can get a Japanese phone number without waiting for a physical SIM card.

📌 How to Set Up an eSIM:

1. Check if your phone is unlocked and eSIM-compatible.
2. Order an eSIM online. Most providers will send a QR code or download link.
3. Scan the QR code, install the eSIM, and activate it on your phone.

Sakura Mobile offers eSIM plans with Japanese phone numbers and allows you to pick up your QR code at the airport or receive it by mail (if you have a registered Japanese address).

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2. How to apply for a Phone Number In-Store

It may seem easy to walk into a phone store and sign up for a plan, but getting a Japanese phone number in-store can be time-consuming and complicated, especially if you don’t speak Japanese.

The three major carriers—docomo, SoftBank, and au—have stores across Japan where you can apply for a phone contract. While applying in person is an option, you should know a few things before you go.

What to Expect When Applying In-Store

⏳ It takes time – The process can take 2–3 hours, including paperwork and approval.

🗣️ Limited English support – Most store staff do not speak English. Some docomo and SoftBank locations have English-speaking staff, but it’s best to check in advance. 

📋 Application process – After you walk in, staff will ask about your budget, contract preferences, and whether you want a new phone. They’ll scan your ID and explain different plan options, often trying to upsell additional services.

💳 Approval process – Once you choose a plan, your application is sent for approval. This can take over an hour. Some applications get denied, and carriers don’t disclose the reasons. If you’re denied, you’ll need to try again at a different store or with another provider.

If approved, you’ll receive your Japanese phone number and, if applicable, a new phone.

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3. Why Do You Need a Japanese Phone Number?

A Japanese phone number is required for:

• Opening a bank account
• Renting an apartment
• Enrolling in school or starting a job
• Registering for online services and utilities

Many official documents and forms require a number starting with 090, 080, or 070. Unfortunately, free calling apps like LINE or Skype won’t work for these situations.

Beware of 050 Numbers

Some data-only SIMs provide a 050 phone number—this is an IP phone service that works over the internet. While 050 numbers are cheaper, they cannot be used for official purposes like banking or signing a lease.

If you need a phone number for official registrations, make sure to get a voice + data SIM with a 090, 080, or 070 number.

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4. Understanding SIM Cards: Data-Only vs. Voice + Data

When getting a SIM card in Japan, it’s important to choose the right type based on your needs. Many people assume all SIM cards allow them to make calls and send texts, but that’s not always the case.

There are two main types available:

Data-Only SIM

A data-only SIM gives you access to the internet but does not come with a phone number. This means you cannot make traditional phone calls or send SMS text messages. However, you can still use internet-based calling and messaging apps like WhatsApp, LINE, Skype, or FaceTime.

Best for:

✔️ Tourists who mainly use WiFi and messaging apps

✔️ Short-term visitors who don’t need a Japanese phone number

✔️ Those who don’t plan on making local calls

Limitations:

❌ Cannot make or receive regular phone calls

❌ Cannot send or receive SMS messages

Voice + Data SIM

A voice + data SIM includes a Japanese phone number, allowing you to make and receive calls, as well as send and receive SMS text messages. This type of SIM is necessary if you need a phone number for work, banking, or other official purposes in Japan.

Best for:

✔️ Long-term residents, students, and workers

✔️ Those who need a Japanese phone number for ID verification, job applications, or online services

✔️ People who want to make local calls without relying on apps

Limitations:

❌ Requires identity verification (passport, residence card, etc.)

❌ May have contract terms or cancellation fees, depending on the provider

If you only need internet access and plan to use apps like WhatsApp or LINE for communication, a data-only SIM is the better choice.

However, if you need a Japanese phone number for calls, SMS, or verification purposes, you’ll need a voice + data SIM. Many travelers accidentally purchase a data-only SIM when they need a voice-enabled one, so double-check before buying.

5. The providers we recommend

If you need a Japanese phone number, choosing the right provider can make a big difference in cost, coverage, and ease of sign-up. We’ve selected the best options based on affordability, network reliability, English support, and how simple the sign-up process is.

Scroll right for more →→

*All prices include tax (base price before any discounts or promotions)

All of the above carriers

• have above 99% coverage of the populated area of Japan
• provide SIM cards with phone numbers starting with 070/080/090

 Below, we’ll explain the key features of each carrier and what you can expect from their services.

Sakura Mobile

Sakura Mobile is a foreigner-friendly mobile provider based in Shinjuku, Tokyo, offering affordable voice + data SIM plans with full English support. Their plans start at 3,278 yen per month for 5GB of data, with larger plans available for those who need more.

They are currently reducing their phone number activation fee from 16,500 yen to just 5,500 yen.

One of Sakura Mobile’s biggest advantages is its flexible delivery and pickup options. You can have your SIM card shipped anywhere in Japan, pick it up at the Shinjuku office, or even collect it at the airport when you land.

eSIMs are also available, and if you have the necessary documentation, they can be delivered directly to your device. If not, you can visit the Shinjuku office, where the staff will guide you through the setup.

For those not yet in Japan, ordering in advance means you can pick up your SIM or eSIM at any international airport in Japan upon arrival. Just provide your arrival date, airport, time, and flight number when placing your order.

Click below to play YouTube video↓↓

📌Check out Sakura Mobile here.

👉Sakura Mobile official site

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docomo

docomo is Japan’s largest mobile carrier and is known for its fast speeds and broad coverage, making it the best option for those who travel frequently, live in rural areas, or need a strong and stable connection. Unlike some carriers, docomo uses a tiered pricing system, meaning the final monthly cost depends on how much data you use.

While docomo is more expensive than au or SoftBank (depending on the plan), it provides the fastest speeds in Japan and superior coverage, even in mountainous regions. This makes it a good choice for gamers, remote workers, or anyone who needs high-speed internet on their phone.

📌 Check out docomo here:

👉 docomo official site

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SoftBank

SoftBank is another major carrier in Japan, offering tiered pricing that adjusts based on monthly data usage. The lowest plan starts at 2,200 yen per month for 1GB of data but costs increase as you use more. While SoftBank doesn’t have the same level of coverage as docomo, it still provides a strong network in most cities and towns across Japan.

One advantage of SoftBank is its low administration fee, which is only 3,850 yen for new contracts. This makes it slightly more affordable upfront compared to some other carriers.

📌 Check out SoftBank here:

👉 SoftBank official site

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au

au is Japan’s second-largest carrier, with stores at almost every major train station. Their plans range from budget-friendly options to unlimited data plans. If you use less than 1GB of data per month, the cost is just 2,178 yen, but for heavier users, they offer an unlimited data plan for 7,458 yen per month.

One of au’s key selling points is its discounts on bundled services. If you sign up for au phone service, you can get discounts on home internet, streaming services like Netflix and YouTube Premium, and even new phone purchases. This makes au a great option for those who want to combine multiple services under one provider.

📌Check out au here:

👉au official site

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6. Why is Sakura Mobile Less Expensive?

Sakura Mobile operates as a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO), which means it rents network access from docomo instead of maintaining its own infrastructure. Because of this, it can offer lower prices while still providing reliable coverage across Japan.

While MVNOs may experience slightly slower speeds during peak hours, Sakura Mobile’s network is still fast enough to stream YouTube or Netflix without issues. For most users, the speed difference is barely noticeable in everyday use.

Choosing an MVNO like Sakura Mobile can save you a significant amount on your phone bill. Their cheapest voice + data plan starts at just 3,278 yen per month and uses the same network towers as docomo. If you want affordable, reliable service without unnecessary extras, an MVNO is the best choice.

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7. For Those Who Prefer a Full English Application Process with Customer Support

Signing up for a mobile contract in Japan can be overwhelming, especially if you don’t speak fluent Japanese. Many customers have struggled with confusing contracts, unexpected charges, and difficulty canceling their plans due to a lack of English support.

Sakura Mobile offers full English support, simple contracts, and easy online applications—making it the safest choice for foreigners in Japan.

📌 Check out Sakura Mobile here:

👉 Sakura Mobile official site

CUSTOMER’S VOICE

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