Living in Japan and need a Japanese phone number? Whether you’re new to Japan or already using LINEMO, this guide will break down its data plan options and help you decide if it’s the right choice for you.
While LINEMO provides some of the most affordable plans, it might not offer enough data for your typical uses.
We’ll also introduce Sakura Mobile as another affordable alternative, offering SIM cards packed with more data to suit your needs.
Table of Contents
What is LINEMO and What Are Its Data Plan Options?
LINEMO is a Japanese mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) offering affordable 5G and 4G plans through SoftBank’s service.
📊LINEMO offers two main plans📊:
Consider Sakura Mobile🌸, which provides up to 40 GB of data!
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Calling Options:
Do you enjoy talking on the phone? LINEMO provides different options based on the plan you choose:
LINEMO Best Plan:
- Pay-as-you-go: 22 JPY/30 seconds
- Flat-rate domestic calls up to 5 minutes: 550 JPY/month
- Domestic calls flat rate with no time limit: 1,650 JPY/month
LINEMO Best Plan V:
- Flat-rate domestic calls up to 5 minutes: Free
- Domestic calls flat rate with no time limit: 1,100 JPY/month
For flat-rate domestic calls up to 5 minutes: calls longer than 5 minutes, an additional call charge of 22 JPY per 30 seconds will be incurred.
※Calls and SMS rate prices are for domestic calls only. Please visit the LINEMO site for information on international rates.
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Additional Features to Consider:
Both LINEMO plans offer:
- Voicemail Pack: answering machine service, call forwarding service, and incoming call notification function: 220 JPY per month
- Security Pack Plus (L): (for both Android and iPhone) protects your phone from nuisance calls, phishing sites, and other dangers. 660 JPY per month
- LINE MUSIC for Softbank: listen to your favorite music, watch music videos, sing karaoke, and use selected LINE stamps as much as you like
- Standard Plan: 980 JPY per month
- Student Plan (for students under 24 years old): 480 JPY per month
- Carry-in Device Warranty: covers your Android smartphone or tablet against breakdowns, water damage, battery deterioration, etc. 715 JPY per month
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Is 1 GB a Day Enough Data?
One thing to consider is the data limitations of the plans.
These plans are billed monthly, so you would have to stretch your data over about 30 days.
If you split your data evenly among the 30 days of the month, this would mean:
For context on data usage, people might be looking at:
| Activity | Estimated Data Usage |
|---|---|
| Using Google Maps & Sending Texts | 500MB~800MB per day |
| Browsing the internet | ~50MB per hour (~2.33MB per usage) |
| Using Social Media | Between 2.05MB and 6MB per minute |
| Using Spotify | ~115 MB per hour (depending on sound quality) |
| Watching Netflix | Up to 7GB per hour (depending on picture quality) |
| Watching YouTube | Up to 9GB per hour (depending on picture quality) |
| Mobile Games | Anywhere from 10MB~100+MB per hour |
Insider Tip: Maximize Your Data Usage📱
Enable data-saving modes on your apps to make the most of your data. Many apps offer settings that reduce data consumption, and you can also prevent them from running in the background when not in use.🛑 This simple trick can help your data last for longer periods.⏳
Download offline maps before heading out! Apps like Google Maps and Maps.me allow you to save maps for offline use, so you don’t need to rely on data for navigation. 🗺️
Running Low on Data?
🌸Sakura Mobile allows you to easily top up your data anytime, so you can stay connected without interruption!🌐📶
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Are These Good Prices?
LINEMO’s Best Plan at 900 JPY per month for 3 GB of data is the lowest price under 10 GB among all carriers in Japan.
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Who Should Consider Using LINEMO in Japan?
LINEMO’s rates and data volume can be useful for certain users but may not suit everyone’s needs.
Users who might benefit from using LINEMO’s plans include:
- Simple Activation: offers simple activation in just two steps with full online support.
- Low-Cost: The 900 JPY/month plan of 3 GB is the lowest price under 10 GB among all carriers.
- LINE Giga Free: allows unlimited use of the communication app LINE (videos, calls, and chats).
However, LINEMO might not be the best fit for:
- Non-Japanese Speakers: the application process, all support services, and most materials are only in Japanese and only online.
- Ahead of Schedule: Looking to get ahead of schedule? Keep in mind you’ll need a Japanese address. It may also take some time for your application to be processed before your SIM can be shipped.
- No Japanese Phone Number or E-Mail Address: LINEMO may call your Japanese phone number to confirm your details. (The call will be in Japanese.)
- No Credit Card or Japanese Bank Account: To pay for your LINEMO service, you can pay by credit card or direct debit.
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Why Choose Sakura Mobile? Affordable Unlimited Data and Flexible Data Options:
Sakura Mobile specializes in long-term SIM, eSIM, and pocket WiFi plans designed for staying or moving to Japan.
We also aim to provide a hassle-free experience with no binding contracts, unlike traditional Japanese carriers.
Key Features:
- Up to 40 GB of High-Speed Data for 4980 JPY: Stream, work remotely, and enjoy HD videos without worrying about data.🎥
- Reliable Coverage: Available in 99% of Japan, thanks to docomo’s 4G LTE network. 📶
- Convenient Pickup & Delivery: Order online, pick up your SIM at any international airport, or have it delivered directly to your residence or place of stay.🛬
- English-Speaking Customer Support: Year-round support for seamless connectivity during your stay in Japan.📅
- Online Top-Up: Add more data at any time, so you don’t run out.
- Discounted International Calls: By using Sakura Mobile’s prefix number when you make international phone calls, you will be charged less than the regular rate. This is great for those who plan on calling home often!🌍
Sakura Mobile offers a promo set for Pocket WiFi and Voice + Data SIM or eSIM. Be sure to take advantage of this offer!
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Want to Be Connected As Soon As Possible?🚀
Sakura Mobile also offers eSIMs for quick and easy activation.
No need for physical SIM cards–just scan the QR code sent to your email, and you’re good to go when you touch down in Japan!
(※Make sure you activate your QR code and get the eSIM issued when you arrive in Japan and plan on using it!)
With an eSIM, you also don’t have to worry about losing or breaking a physical SIM card, and it’s better for the environment with no additional plastic.🌱In addition, the eSIM plan provides flexibility regarding the amount of data and the rental period.
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Things to Make Sure of:
Is Your Phone Compatible with Japanese Frequency Bands?
Before ordering your SIM or eSIM, check if your phone is compatible with Japan’s frequency bands.🗾 This is important regardless of whether you use LINEMO or Sakura Mobile.
To ensure compatibility with LINEMO, you can check your device against their compatibility list:
To ensure compatibility with Sakura Mobile, you can check your device against our compatibility list:
Sakura Mobile device compatibility
If your device isn’t listed on Sakura Mobile’s list, don’t worry! Our customer support team is here to help. Just reach out with your questions, and we’ll get back to you by the next day. We want to make sure you’re fully prepared for your time in Japan with seamless connectivity.
However, in the unlikely situation where you find your phone incompatible with our SIM card, for whatever reason, or if you are unsure whether it is compatible with Japanese frequency bands, Sakura Mobile offers SIM compatibility insurance where you can immediately upgrade your plan, and we’ll send you a pocket WiFi device.
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Enjoy Your Stay in Japan!
Whether you’re here for work, school, or just exploring, staying connected is essential.
With Sakura Mobile’s Long-Term Voice + Data SIM or eSIM, you can ensure you’ll always have reliable connectivity, whether you’re hopping on a train or working remotely.
Enjoy your stay in Japan without worrying about your phone plan–Sakura Mobile’s got you covered!
Ready for hassle-free mobile service in Japan? Order your Sakura Mobile SIM or eSIM now and stay connected from the moment you arrive!
