Advertising disclosure: This article contains sponsored links. We may receive a commission if you apply through one of these links. Compensation does not determine the ranking or editorial score.
The answer in one minute
For most foreign residents who can manage a mainstream Japanese application, Rakuten Mobile is our best overall SIM and mobile-plan choice: regular pricing rises from ¥1,078 up to 3GB to a ¥3,278 ceiling after 20GB, and both eSIM and shop applications are available. Choose Y!mobile when a shop matters, ahamo for 30GB, short calls and overseas data, povo2.0 for flexible app-based data purchases, or LINEMO for low usage when its document and eSIM rules fit you. If Japanese-language procedures or payment are the main barrier, compare GTN Mobile, Mobal and Sakura Mobile before choosing only by price.
Scope: This guide compares long-term SIM cards and mobile plans for people living in Japan. Tourist SIM cards and short-term travel eSIMs are outside its scope.
How to use this comparison: The five mainstream resident plans are scored on one 100-point method. Foreigner-focused providers are shown separately because their support, payment and fee models are not directly comparable. Temporary campaigns and affiliate commissions add no ranking points.
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Best SIM card or mobile plan by situation
Start with the problem that is most likely to stop your application. The cheapest plan is not the best choice when you cannot complete identity verification, use the required payment method or obtain support in a language you understand.
| Your situation | Start with | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Best mainstream value for most residents | Rakuten Mobile | Automatic price tiers, a ¥3,278 ceiling after 20GB, eSIM and shop applications |
| You need multilingual onboarding or non-card payment options | GTN Mobile | Official multilingual support and alternative payment routes designed for international residents |
| You want an English-first long-term Japanese number | Mobal | Long-term voice plans, English support and no fixed contract term |
| You want English support with physical SIM or eSIM choices | Sakura Mobile | Monthly resident plans with English guidance and clear activation fees |
| You want a physical shop as a fallback | Y!mobile | Shop and online application routes are available |
| You want 30GB, short calls and overseas data | ahamo | 30GB, five-minute domestic calls and overseas data are included under its conditions |
| You want flexible app-controlled data | povo2.0 | Zero base fee and data Toppings purchased when needed |
| You use around 3GB and can handle Japanese online procedures | LINEMO | ¥990 up to 3GB, subject to document and eSIM eligibility |
| You want a low-cost MVNO and have a credit card | IIJmio | English resident information and voice plans from ¥850, but a credit card is required |
A ranking is not an approval guarantee. Your residence status, identity document, address, payment method, device and selected application route must still meet the carrier’s current requirements.
Who this ranking is for—and who it is not for
This guide is for an adult resident of Japan who needs a long-term Japanese voice, SMS and data plan, has a valid Japanese residential address, can provide the required identity documents and wants to compare both price and the practical difficulty of applying.
This article is for you if you:
- need an ongoing Japanese phone number;
- have a residential address in Japan;
- can prepare the documents required for your residence status;
- want a resident contract rather than a temporary travel product; and
- want to compare regular prices without relying on campaigns.
Use a different guide if you:
- are a tourist or short-term visitor;
- only need temporary data;
- need a corporate contract;
- are under 18 and need a guardian arrangement;
- expect guaranteed approval, coverage or speed; or
- need a full step-by-step application tutorial.
First decision: mainstream value or foreigner-focused support?
Choose a mainstream plan first when:
- regular monthly price is your main priority;
- you have the required residence documents and payment method;
- you can complete at least part of the procedure in Japanese; and
- you are comfortable checking device compatibility and coverage yourself.
Start with: Rakuten Mobile, Y!mobile, povo2.0, ahamo or LINEMO.
Compare a foreigner-focused provider first when:
- English or multilingual support is essential;
- you are newly arriving or need help before arrival;
- you do not have the payment method required by mainstream or MVNO plans; or
- avoiding application failure matters more than obtaining the lowest price.
Start with: GTN Mobile, Mobal or Sakura Mobile.
How the main ranking is decided: We score eligibility and document clarity first, followed by English usability, regular price, application and eSIM access, payment, calls and flexibility. Affiliate commission and temporary campaigns add no points. The full scoring table appears in our methodology.
Best mainstream SIM cards and mobile plans: 2026 ranking
| Rank | Plan | Score | Regular price used | Best for | Main caution |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rakuten Mobile | 89/100 | ¥1,078 up to 3GB; ¥2,178 up to 20GB; ¥3,278 after 20GB | Overall value and heavy data use | Check coverage and identity-verification route |
| 2 | Y!mobile | 80/100 | 5GB ¥3,278; 30GB ¥4,378; 35GB ¥5,478 | Applicants who want a shop fallback | Regular price is high before discounts |
| 3 | povo2.0 | 71/100 | Base fee ¥0; 3GB/30 days ¥990 | Flexible app-controlled use | Topping management and online procedures |
| 4 | ahamo | 67/100 | 30GB ¥2,970; 110GB ¥4,950 | 30GB, short calls and overseas use | Japanese-focused process and document restrictions |
| 5 | LINEMO | 64/100 | Up to 3GB ¥990; up to 10GB ¥2,090; 30GB ¥2,970 | Low-use pricing or a simple 30GB plan | Online-only; eSIM eligibility and language barriers |
Documents, eSIM and application-route matrix
| Carrier | Important document point | eSIM position | Application route | Language caution |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rakuten Mobile | Use an accepted document and a verification route matching your address and document status | Available with a compatible device and eligible verification method | Online or shop | English web guidance exists; verify the language of the support channel you need |
| Y!mobile | Many non-permanent residents need a residence card plus foreign passport | Available | Online store or shop | English-speaking staff are not guaranteed at every shop |
| povo2.0 | Calls + Data verification can read the residence card IC chip and compare it with a face image | Available for eligible applications | App and online | Procedures and support are online |
| ahamo | Foreign nationals are instructed to use a residence card; current address and entered information must match | Available with supported devices and documents | Primarily online | Japanese-focused application and support environment |
| LINEMO | Non-permanent residents need a residence card plus passport; permanent residents use a residence card | Official English guidance limits eSIM applications to permanent and special permanent residents | Online only | Detailed procedures and support are largely Japanese |
Our 1st to 5th recommendations
1st: Rakuten Mobile — best overall for value and changing data use
Editorial suitability score: 89/100
Rakuten Mobile takes first place because its regular price changes automatically with usage: ¥1,078 up to 3GB, ¥2,178 after 3GB and up to 20GB, and ¥3,278 after 20GB. It also provides English plan information, online and shop application routes, physical SIM and eSIM choices, and domestic calls through Rakuten Link subject to exclusions.
Advantages
- Strong regular-price value from light to heavy use
- A fixed monthly price ceiling after 20GB, subject to fair-use and network conditions
- English web guidance
- Physical SIM and eSIM
- Online and shop application routes
- Rakuten Link domestic calls, with excluded numbers
Cautions
- English availability differs by support channel
- eSIM activation depends on successful identity verification and screening
- Document or address updates can change the available verification route
- Coverage should be checked at home, work and frequently used locations
Best for: Residents who want one plan that remains competitive when monthly data use changes, especially people who may exceed 20GB.
Not ideal for: Someone who requires a guaranteed English-speaking support channel or has not checked Rakuten coverage in the places that matter.
Sponsored link
Confirm the regular price, coverage and identity requirements before applying.
2nd: Y!mobile — best when a physical shop matters
Editorial suitability score: 80/100
Y!mobile is the strongest option in this ranking when you want a physical shop as an alternative to a fully online application. Its regular plans provide 5GB, 30GB or 35GB. The main weakness is price: the regular monthly fees used here are ¥3,278, ¥4,378 and ¥5,478 before home-internet, card, family or other discounts.
Advantages
- Shop and online application routes
- Physical SIM and eSIM
- Official document categories for foreign nationals
- Bank-account and credit-card payment routes
- Ten-minute domestic calls included with Simple 3 L
Cautions
- Regular prices are high before discounts
- Advertised lower prices require separate conditions
- English-speaking staff are not guaranteed at every shop
- Device installment eligibility can differ from SIM-only eligibility
Best for: A resident prepared to pay more for the option to visit a shop when an online procedure is difficult.
Not ideal for: A single-line user who cannot meet the discount conditions and prioritizes the lowest regular monthly price.
Sponsored link
Calculate the regular price and only count discounts whose conditions you can meet.
3rd: povo2.0 — best for flexible, app-confident users
Editorial suitability score: 71/100
povo2.0 has a zero-yen base fee and uses optional data packages called Toppings. A 3GB Topping valid for 30 days costs ¥990. This can suit people whose usage changes, but it is less suitable for anyone who wants a conventional shop-supported monthly plan.
For a Calls + Data contract, the official identity process can read the IC chip in a residence card and compare it with a facial image. The name, address and date of birth must match, and the residence card guidance also includes conditions concerning remaining validity and address information.
- Advantages: zero base fee, flexible data purchases, low 3GB price and online English information.
- Cautions: Topping expiration periods, app-led account management, reduced speed without an active data allowance and no physical-shop application route comparable to Y!mobile.
povo2.0 is managed through online procedures and its Topping lineup can change. Check the official page before deciding.
4th: ahamo — best for 30GB, short calls and overseas use
Editorial suitability score: 67/100
ahamo combines 30GB with domestic calls of up to five minutes per call for ¥2,970. Adding its 80GB large-data option produces 110GB for ¥4,950. Its official page also includes overseas data use within the stated countries, regions and time limits.
Foreign nationals are instructed to use a residence card. The name, address and date of birth entered in the application must match the document. The official requirements page also states that second-generation residence cards issued on or after June 14, 2026, and specified residence cards with My Number functionality cannot be used in the normal online route as of its June 2026 notice.
- Advantages: competitive 30GB price, five-minute domestic calls, 110GB option, overseas data and eSIM support.
- Cautions: Japanese-focused procedure, strict document matching and current restrictions on some newer residence-card formats.
Best for: Residents who can manage the Japanese application and want 30GB, included short calls and regular overseas use.
Not ideal for: Someone holding an affected newer residence-card format who expects to complete the standard online route, or anyone who needs English-guided human support.
Sponsored link
Check your residence-card format and application route before opening the application.
5th: LINEMO — strong pricing only when its eligibility rules fit you
Editorial suitability score: 64/100
LINEMO costs ¥990 when monthly use stays at or below 3GB, ¥2,090 when use is above 3GB and at or below 10GB, and ¥2,970 for 30GB with five-minute domestic calls. Its lower ranking reflects practical application barriers rather than poor pricing.
The official English information states that non-permanent residents need a residence card plus the photo page of a passport. It also states that eSIM applications are limited to permanent and special permanent residents because of the identification documents available for that route. LINEMO is online-only.
The English landing page may not be updated at the same time as the Japanese plan page. Check the current Japanese plan page and the application conditions immediately before applying.
- Advantages: low 3GB and 10GB regular prices, a 30GB option with five-minute calls, and LINE-related data benefits subject to exclusions.
- Cautions: online-only procedure, largely Japanese detailed support, residence-status restrictions for eSIM and no shop fallback.
Best for: An eligible resident who wants a low regular price and can complete the online procedure.
Not ideal for: A non-permanent resident who requires eSIM, a person who needs a shop, or someone unable to manage a Japanese online application.
Sponsored link
Confirm the latest Japanese price page, your documents and eSIM eligibility first.
Best plan by residence status and application route
Non-permanent residents
Do not choose from price alone. Confirm whether a passport is required in addition to the residence card, whether the selected verification method can read the card’s IC chip, whether eSIM is available for your status, whether the current address is accepted, and whether another route exists if online verification fails.
Permanent and special permanent residents
You may have a wider selection of identity-document and eSIM routes, but you must still confirm document validity, exact name format, address consistency, NFC compatibility, eSIM device support and payment ownership. Permanent residence does not guarantee approval.
Newer residence-card formats
Carrier support for newer residence-card formats can change faster than plan pricing. ahamo currently publishes a specific restriction affecting some cards issued from June 14, 2026. Check every carrier’s current identity-document page immediately before applying.
Best plan by data use and support needs
Light use: around 3GB
LINEMO and povo2.0 both have ¥990 options in this comparison. Rakuten Mobile costs ¥1,078 up to 3GB. Compare the application difficulty, Topping validity, support route and your need for higher data tiers—not only the ¥88 difference.
Moderate use: around 20GB to 30GB
- ahamo 30GB: ¥2,970 with five-minute domestic calls
- LINEMO Best Plan V 30GB: ¥2,970 with five-minute domestic calls
- Y!mobile Simple 3 M 30GB: ¥4,378 before discounts
- povo2.0: compare the current Topping list because packages and validity periods can change
Heavy or unlimited use
Rakuten Mobile is the only plan in this five-plan comparison with a regular price ceiling of ¥3,278 after 20GB and official unlimited-data wording, subject to fair-use and network-management conditions. Test coverage before using any mobile plan as a fixed-broadband replacement.
When support matters more than price
Start with Y!mobile when the ability to visit a shop is essential. Rakuten Mobile also offers shops. Do not treat an English website as equivalent to an English application, English chat, English telephone support or guaranteed English-speaking shop staff.
English-first alternatives for residents who need more support
GTN Mobile, Mobal, Sakura Mobile and IIJmio are not placed inside the main 1st-to-5th ranking. Their service models differ: some charge higher monthly or activation fees in exchange for multilingual help, pre-arrival access or alternative payment methods, while IIJmio is a lower-cost MVNO that requires a credit card. Ranking them with the same price-based scale would hide those differences.
| Provider | Why it may be easier | Price or payment point | Choose it when |
|---|---|---|---|
| GTN Mobile | Official support in 13 languages and an application route available before arrival | Official information includes convenience-store or cash payment routes | Multilingual onboarding or payment access is the main obstacle |
| Mobal | English support and long-term plans with a real Japanese phone number | Voice Lite is ¥990 per month; voice and data starts from ¥1,650; cancel-anytime wording applies | You want an English-first ongoing number with a simple service model |
| Sakura Mobile | English resident guidance with physical SIM and eSIM monthly plans | Voice and data starts at ¥3,278 for 5GB, plus a ¥5,500 activation fee | You accept a higher total cost for English-oriented onboarding |
| IIJmio | Official English information for residents and low-cost voice plans | Voice plans start from ¥850; a credit card is required | You want a low-cost MVNO and already have an accepted credit card |
Official checks: GTN Mobile · Mobal long-term SIM · Sakura Mobile monthly pricing · IIJmio resident SIM information
What if you do not have a Japanese credit card?
Do not assume every low-cost plan accepts the payment method you have. IIJmio’s English resident page requires a credit card. GTN Mobile publishes convenience-store and cash-related payment options for its foreign-resident service. Other carriers may accept bank-account payment, debit cards or only cards that pass their checks. Confirm the payment page before preparing an application.
Resident plans are different from tourist SIM cards
Tourist SIM cards and travel eSIMs can be easier to buy, but they are often data-only, temporary and unsuitable when you need a continuing Japanese voice number, MNP or recurring resident billing. Sakura Mobile, for example, separates travel products for stays of up to about 90 days from monthly resident services that require valid identification.
How to choose before applying
Five-step decision flow
- Resident or visitor? Visitors should use a travel-SIM or travel-eSIM comparison.
- Need a shop? Start with Y!mobile, then check Rakuten Mobile.
- Need eSIM immediately? Confirm your residence status, document version, NFC phone and carrier-specific rules.
- How much data? Compare low-use, 30GB or heavy-use candidates separately.
- Need English human support? Confirm the exact channel before selecting a plan.
Application checklist
- My identity document is valid.
- My current address meets the carrier’s requirements.
- My name, date of birth and address will be entered in an accepted format.
- I know whether a passport is also required.
- I have checked whether my document is a second-generation or specified residence card.
- My smartphone supports NFC if IC-chip reading is required.
- My phone is SIM-unlocked or SIM-free.
- My phone supports the carrier’s required bands and features.
- My device supports eSIM if I selected eSIM.
- My payment method is accepted and in the required name.
- I have separated the regular price from discounts and campaigns.
- I understand call charges, overseas limits and cancellation conditions.
- I have checked coverage at home, work and frequently used locations.
- I have prepared MNP information if I am keeping my Japanese number.
- I know which support route to use if online verification fails.
When keeping your current plan may be better
Do not switch only because another plan ranks higher in this guide. Keeping your current plan can be the safer choice when the expected saving is small or switching would remove benefits you already use.
- You still have a device installment, return-program obligation or cancellation-related condition to confirm.
- Your current line is tied to a family, home-internet, payment-card or point benefit that would be reduced or lost.
- You rely on a carrier email address, voicemail, shop service, international option or other feature not included by the new plan.
- Your current coverage is reliable and the alternative has not been tested at home, work and frequently used locations.
- Your identity document, address, payment method or compatible phone is not ready for the new application.
Free checks to complete before applying
- Open the carrier’s official coverage map for your home, workplace and usual stations.
- Check the official compatible-device list and confirm SIM lock, eSIM and frequency-band support.
- Read the current identity-document page for your residence status and document version.
- Compare the regular price, one-time charges, call fees and any conditions you would lose by switching.
- Use the carrier’s official support channel before applying when any condition is unclear.
Important notes
- Approval is never guaranteed.
- A successful eSIM download does not guarantee complete device compatibility.
- Coverage-map inclusion does not guarantee indoor reception or a specific speed.
- An English landing page may not contain every current condition.
- A shop does not guarantee an English-speaking employee.
- Device installment approval can differ from SIM-only contract approval.
- Campaign points and discounts can change or end.
- Do not send identity documents to an unofficial intermediary.
- Open the carrier’s current official conditions before submitting personal information.
Final choice: open the application page only after these checks
Rakuten Mobile remains the first mainstream option for most eligible residents when you have checked coverage, identity verification, payment and device compatibility. Use a different section if your deciding factor is a shop, overseas data, eSIM eligibility or multilingual onboarding.
Need a shop? Review Y!mobile. · Need 30GB and overseas data? Review ahamo. · Need a low-use plan? Recheck LINEMO eligibility. · Need multilingual help or different payment options? Review the English-first alternatives.
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How we score the main five mobile plans
We use a published 100-point editorial suitability method for foreign residents. Affiliate commission, cashback, limited-time points and conditional discounts do not add points.
| Category | Points | What we evaluate |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility and document clarity | 25 | How clearly the carrier explains who can apply and which documents are required |
| English usability and support | 20 | English plan information, application guidance and practical support routes |
| Regular price and data value | 20 | Tax-inclusive pricing without temporary discounts |
| Application route, SIM and eSIM access | 15 | Online, shop, physical SIM and eSIM options, including status restrictions |
| Payment flexibility | 10 | Officially supported payment methods and account-holder requirements |
| Calls, overseas use and flexibility | 10 | Included calls, overseas data, automatic pricing and data-purchase flexibility |
| Total | 100 |
Score breakdown
| Carrier | Eligibility /25 | English /20 | Price /20 | Application /15 | Payment /10 | Utility /10 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rakuten Mobile | 22 | 14 | 20 | 14 | 10 | 9 | 89 |
| Y!mobile | 23 | 15 | 10 | 15 | 9 | 8 | 80 |
| povo2.0 | 18 | 10 | 17 | 11 | 7 | 8 | 71 |
| ahamo | 17 | 5 | 15 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 67 |
| LINEMO | 17 | 6 | 16 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 64 |
Estimated 12-month regular plan cost
| Plan condition | Monthly price | 12-month reference cost |
|---|---|---|
| Rakuten Mobile, up to 3GB | ¥1,078 | ¥12,936 |
| Rakuten Mobile, over 3GB to 20GB | ¥2,178 | ¥26,136 |
| Rakuten Mobile, after 20GB | ¥3,278 | ¥39,336 |
| Y!mobile Simple 3 S, 5GB | ¥3,278 | ¥39,336 |
| Y!mobile Simple 3 M, 30GB | ¥4,378 | ¥52,536 |
| Y!mobile Simple 3 L, 35GB | ¥5,478 | ¥65,736 |
| LINEMO, up to 3GB | ¥990 | ¥11,880 |
| LINEMO, over 3GB to 10GB | ¥2,090 | ¥25,080 |
| LINEMO Best Plan V, 30GB | ¥2,970 | ¥35,640 |
| ahamo, 30GB | ¥2,970 | ¥35,640 |
| ahamo, 110GB | ¥4,950 | ¥59,400 |
We do not score approval probability, unverified English-speaking staff availability, affiliate payouts or network speed measured under different devices and conditions. Coverage and performance can vary by location, building, congestion, device and supported frequency bands.
Methodology, official sources and last checked
We reviewed official plan pages, identity-document pages, eSIM information, payment information and application guidance available on July 21, 2026. The main five resident voice-and-data contracts were scored using regular tax-inclusive prices. GTN Mobile, Mobal, Sakura Mobile and IIJmio were reviewed as separate alternatives because their support, payment and fee structures are different. Temporary campaigns and affiliate commissions were excluded from every editorial conclusion.
Main official sources
- Rakuten Mobile: Rakuten SAIKYO Plan
- Rakuten Mobile: identity verification documents
- Y!mobile: current plans
- Y!mobile: identity documents
- LINEMO: current Japanese plan page
- LINEMO: English plan and application information
- povo2.0: plan and Topping overview
- povo2.0: identity verification
- ahamo: prices and data
- ahamo: accepted identity documents
- GTN Mobile: foreign-resident service and pre-arrival application
- GTN Mobile: multilingual support
- Mobal: long-term Japan SIM plans
- Sakura Mobile: monthly resident pricing
- IIJmio: resident SIM information in English
Change log
July 21, 2026: Reworked the article around the dominant resident-SIM search intent; added GTN Mobile, Mobal, Sakura Mobile and IIJmio as separate English-first alternatives; moved detailed scoring below the decision content; added payment and new-arrival guidance; added a keep-your-current-plan check and free pre-application checks; strengthened the final qualified CTA; retained the supplied sponsored links; and preserved accessible tables and tracking attributes. The visual hierarchy was also refined with article metadata, a one-minute answer panel, question-based navigation, clearer decision cards, improved table scanning and higher-contrast CTA buttons.
This article does not contain a controlled same-device speed test, an approval-rate dataset, a nationwide English shop survey or original applications using every residence status and card version.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best mobile plan in Japan for most foreign residents?
Under our published method, Rakuten Mobile is the best overall choice because it combines competitive regular pricing, automatic data tiers, a fixed price ceiling after 20GB, English web guidance, eSIM and shop applications. It is not the best choice for every location or support need.
Can a foreign resident get a Japanese phone contract?
Many foreign residents can apply, but eligibility depends on the carrier, residence status, identity documents, address, payment method and application route. Approval is not guaranteed.
Do I need a residence card and passport?
It depends on the carrier and your residence status. Y!mobile and LINEMO state that many non-permanent residents need both a residence card and foreign passport, while permanent-resident routes differ.
Can a non-permanent resident get an eSIM?
Sometimes, but not with every carrier or verification method. LINEMO’s official English guidance limits eSIM applications to permanent and special permanent residents. Other carriers use different rules.
Which plan is cheapest for around 3GB?
LINEMO and povo2.0 both have ¥990 options in this comparison. LINEMO uses monthly data-based pricing, while povo2.0’s 3GB Topping is valid for 30 days. Rakuten Mobile costs ¥1,078 up to 3GB.
Which plan is best for 30GB?
ahamo and LINEMO both cost ¥2,970 for 30GB and include five-minute domestic calls. The better choice depends on identity verification, eSIM eligibility, support, overseas use and application language.
Which SIM can I get without a Japanese credit card?
Payment rules differ. GTN Mobile publishes convenience-store and cash-related options for foreign residents, while IIJmio requires a credit card for its monthly resident service. Confirm the exact payment method and account-holder requirements before applying.
Are GTN Mobile, Mobal or Sakura Mobile better than a mainstream carrier?
They can be better when English or multilingual support, pre-arrival help or payment access is the main problem. A mainstream carrier can be better when regular price, data value or a specific network feature matters more. Compare the total cost and support route rather than assuming one category is always better.
Is a SIM card different from a mobile plan?
A SIM card or eSIM is the technology that connects your phone to a carrier. The mobile plan is the contract that defines your number, data, calls, payment and service conditions. Searchers often use “SIM card” and “mobile plan” interchangeably, so this guide covers both for long-term residents.
Do campaigns or commissions affect the ranking?
No. Temporary campaigns, cashback, points, family discounts, home-internet discounts and affiliate commissions do not determine the ranking.
