Last verified: January 19, 2026 (JST)

Ahamo is NTT Docomo's online-only mobile plan that delivers premium network coverage at budget-friendly prices. Launched to compete with low-cost carriers while leveraging Docomo's industry-leading infrastructure, ahamo offers generous data allowances, included international roaming, and no contract commitments. This guide explains everything you need to know about ahamo, including pricing, features, coverage, limitations, and how it compares to other Japanese mobile plans.

Compare Japanese mobile plans → https://www.japanmobileguide.com

What is Ahamo?

Ahamo represents NTT Docomo's strategic response to the growing demand for affordable yet reliable mobile service in Japan. Unlike traditional Docomo plans sold through retail stores with extensive in-person support and complex multi-tier pricing structures, ahamo operates as an online-only service where everything from application through post-contract support is handled digitally. This streamlined approach eliminates the overhead costs of physical retail operations, allowing Docomo to offer significantly lower prices while maintaining the same premium network quality that made Docomo Japan's most trusted carrier over decades of infrastructure development.

The Core Value Proposition

Ahamo provides 30GB of monthly high-speed data for ¥2,970 (tax included), with an optional add-on delivering an additional 80GB to bring the total to 110GB for ¥4,950 per month. Both plans include 5 minutes of free domestic calling per call—perfect for quick restaurant reservations, appointment confirmations, or brief check-ins—with longer calls charged at standard ¥22 per 30 seconds. Perhaps most impressively, international data roaming up to 30GB is included at no extra charge across 91 countries and regions, making ahamo particularly attractive for frequent travelers who would otherwise pay hundreds of yen per trip for international SIM cards or roaming packages.

The service runs on Docomo's full 4G LTE and 5G network infrastructure, meaning you receive the same excellent nationwide coverage and consistently fast speeds that regular Docomo customers enjoy, but at a fraction of the cost. You're not getting deprioritized "economy class" network access like many MVNOs provide—you're getting full premium network quality with the same priority as Docomo's traditional high-priced plans.

Ahamo Pricing Plans

Standard Ahamo Plan: The Sweet Spot for Most Users

The base ahamo plan costs ¥2,970 (tax included) per month and includes 30GB of high-speed data—a generous allowance that covers most users' typical monthly consumption through messaging, social media, web browsing, music streaming, and moderate video viewing. Once you exceed the 30GB threshold, your speed throttles to 1Mbps rather than dropping to the near-unusable 128Kbps or 300Kbps throttles that many competing carriers impose. This 1Mbps throttled speed remains sufficient for messaging apps like LINE, web browsing without excessive frustration, and even standard-definition video streaming on YouTube at 360p resolution. If you need to restore full speed before the monthly reset, you can purchase additional 1GB data packs for ¥550 each.

The plan includes 5 minutes of free domestic calling per call, which intelligently covers the majority of typical domestic calls without consuming your wallet. Most reservation calls, appointment confirmations, quick check-ins with friends, or brief business calls fall comfortably under 5 minutes. Calls exceeding 5 minutes are charged at ¥22 per 30 seconds—reasonable but something to be mindful of for lengthy conversations. For users who make frequent or long domestic calls, you can add an unlimited domestic calling option for an additional ¥1,100 per month, bringing your total to ¥4,070 for unlimited talk and 30GB data.

Ahamo Oomori (Large): For Heavy Data Consumers

For users whose data needs consistently exceed 30GB—perhaps you stream high-definition video extensively, work remotely using mobile data as your primary internet connection, or frequently tether laptops and tablets to your phone's hotspot—the ahamo Oomori option adds 80GB to your base plan for an additional ¥1,980 per month. This brings your total monthly data allocation to a massive 110GB for ¥4,950 per month (tax included), eliminating data anxiety for even the heaviest users.

Like the standard plan, ahamo Oomori includes the same 5 minutes of free domestic calling per call, the same 1Mbps throttle speed if you somehow manage to exceed even 110GB, and the same exceptional international roaming benefits. The per-gigabyte value improves dramatically with Oomori—you're paying ¥45 per GB with the base plan (¥2,970 ÷ 30GB), but only ¥28 per GB with Oomori (¥1,980 ÷ 80GB for the additional data), making it an excellent value for consistent heavy users rather than repeatedly purchasing expensive 1GB add-ons.

Current Promotions

As of January 2026, ahamo periodically offers promotional incentives for new customers through their official website. These promotions typically include cashback rewards or point bonuses for customers who sign up during promotional periods and maintain active service for one month or more. Specific promotion details, eligibility requirements, and current offer availability change regularly and are published on the official ahamo website at https://ahamo.com/.

International Roaming: A Major Advantage

Included International Data: The Game-Changer

One of ahamo's standout features—arguably its single most compelling benefit for international travelers—is included international data roaming at no extra charge. Your plan's data allowance (up to 30GB of your 30GB or 110GB allocation) can be used across 91 countries and regions without additional fees, advance registration, or complicated activation procedures. This is exceptional value compared to most Japanese carriers that charge expensive international roaming rates—often ¥2,000-¥3,000 per day or more—or require purchasing separate international plans that add significant monthly costs.

Supported countries and regions include popular destinations across Asia (Thailand, Singapore, Taiwan, South Korea, Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, India, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, Macau), Europe (UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Greece, Portugal, and 40+ more), North America (USA, Hawaii, Guam, Canada, Mexico), and Oceania (Australia, New Zealand, Fiji). This coverage spans approximately 95% of destinations that Japanese travelers visit, making ahamo a practical solution for most international travel scenarios. You can verify your specific destination on ahamo's official coverage map before traveling.

How International Roaming Works: Seamless Connectivity

When traveling abroad to supported countries, your phone automatically connects to partner networks without requiring any manual configuration, separate applications, or advance notification. You don't need to activate international roaming separately, purchase an international SIM card at the airport, or change any settings on your device. Simply arrive at your destination, power on your phone, and your data connection works seamlessly using your regular monthly data allowance. Your Japanese phone number remains active for calls and SMS, and data just works exactly as it does in Japan.

This convenience makes ahamo particularly attractive for business travelers who need reliable connectivity without hassle, frequent tourists who take multiple international trips per year, and international students who regularly travel between Japan and their home countries. The ability to maintain the same phone number and data connection eliminates the friction and expense of purchasing local SIM cards, hunting for airport kiosk hours, or relying on expensive hotel WiFi for connectivity.

Important Limitations to Understand

While 30GB of international data is genuinely generous—far exceeding what most travelers consume during typical week-long trips—it's important to note that only 30GB maximum of your monthly data allowance can be used internationally, even if you have the 110GB Oomori plan. If you exceed 30GB while abroad, you'll need to purchase additional 1GB data packs at ¥550 each to restore full speed, though this rarely becomes necessary for typical travel patterns.

An additional critical restriction is the 15-day consecutive abroad limitation. If you remain outside of Japan for more than 15 consecutive days, your data speed will be throttled dramatically to 128Kbps regardless of how much data you've used or how much data remains in your allowance. This severely restrictive speed—approximately 8 times slower than the domestic 1Mbps throttle—remains in effect until you physically return to Japan and reconnect to the domestic network. Even purchasing additional data packs will not lift this restriction while you're abroad. This means ahamo works beautifully for frequent short trips, week-long vacations, or two-week business assignments, but it's not designed for digital nomads or extended month-long international stays.

Additionally, international calling and SMS charges apply at standard international rates, so the included 5 minutes of free calling only applies to domestic calls made within Japan. Calls made while abroad, even to Japanese numbers, incur international calling charges. For international communication, consider using data-based VoIP apps like LINE, WhatsApp, or Skype to avoid expensive voice call fees.

Coverage and Network Quality

Docomo's Premium Network: The Foundation

Ahamo operates on NTT Docomo's network, which consistently ranks as Japan's most extensive and reliable mobile network through independent testing and user surveys. Docomo's infrastructure covers 99.9% of Japan's population, including dense urban centers like Tokyo and Osaka, sprawling suburban residential areas, rural regions and countryside towns, and even many mountainous areas where competing carriers often struggle. If you've experienced good coverage with Docomo in the past—or know someone who has—you'll get identical coverage with ahamo since it's the exact same network infrastructure.

The network supports both 4G LTE connectivity across all coverage areas and expanding 5G deployment in urban centers and along major transportation corridors. As Docomo continues its aggressive 5G rollout throughout 2025-2026, ahamo customers automatically benefit from improved speeds and lower latency in 5G coverage areas without paying any extra fees or requiring plan upgrades. The 5G access is included at no additional cost, unlike some carriers that charge premium fees for next-generation network access.

Where Docomo particularly excels—and where ahamo inherits this advantage—is building penetration. The network maintains reliable signals inside steel-reinforced concrete structures, underground subway systems, basement floors, and interior rooms of large buildings where weaker networks fade to frustrating one-bar connectivity or complete dead zones. For daily life in Japan's modern apartment buildings and underground shopping complexes, this building penetration makes a noticeable practical difference.

Comparison with Budget Carriers: The Critical Distinction

Unlike many budget mobile carriers (MVNOs like IIJmio, mineo, BIC SIM, and others) that lease network capacity from major carriers and experience significantly slower speeds during peak congestion hours, ahamo users get full priority access to Docomo's network infrastructure. This means no speed throttling during busy periods, no deprioritization behind "premium" customers, and consistently fast data speeds throughout the day regardless of network load.

This is a critical distinction that's often overlooked when comparing pricing alone. Many budget carriers offer attractive pricing—sometimes as low as ¥850-¥1,000 for basic plans—but deliver frustrating performance during lunch hours (12:00-13:00), evening commutes (18:00-20:00), and weekends when network usage peaks and MVNO traffic gets deprioritized behind direct carrier customers. Pages load slowly, videos buffer constantly, and apps time out during exactly the times you're most likely to be using your phone. Ahamo eliminates this compromise entirely, providing full-speed network access 24/7 regardless of congestion.

If you've ever experienced an MVNO during peak hours and found yourself frustrated by sluggish performance despite having data remaining in your allowance, you understand why ahamo's premium network access justifies its slightly higher pricing compared to ultra-budget options.

Application Process and Requirements

Online-Only Application: Streamlined but Japanese-Only

Ahamo is applied for exclusively online through the official ahamo website at https://ahamo.com/. There are no physical stores or authorized dealers where you can sign up for ahamo in person—this online-only approach is fundamental to keeping costs low. The application process is streamlined and can typically be completed in approximately 15-30 minutes if you have all required documents prepared and ready to upload.

Requirements: What You'll Need

To apply for ahamo, you need valid identification such as a Japanese driver's license, residence card (在留カード), My Number card, or passport with accompanying residence documentation that proves your current Japanese address. Foreign residents should prepare their residence card, which is the most straightforward identification document for the application process.

You'll also need a payment method—either a Japanese credit card or Japanese bank account for automatic monthly payment. Foreign credit cards are frequently rejected even from major international networks like Visa or Mastercard, so a Japanese payment method is strongly recommended to avoid application failures. Additionally, you'll need an email address for account notifications, statements, and customer service communication—any standard email service like Gmail, Yahoo, or Outlook works fine.

If you're bringing your own device (BYOD) rather than purchasing a phone through ahamo, verify that your device is compatible with Docomo's network frequencies and supports VoLTE (Voice over LTE) for voice calls. Ahamo provides an official compatibility checker on their website where you can enter your device model to confirm compatibility before applying. Key frequency bands for optimal performance include Band 1, Band 3, Band 19, and Band 21 for 4G LTE connectivity.

Language Support: The Primary Trade-Off

It's critically important to understand that ahamo does not provide any English-language support whatsoever. The website and all customer service interactions are conducted exclusively in Japanese. There's no English toggle on the website, no English-speaking customer service representatives, and no English documentation beyond limited third-party guides. If you're not comfortable navigating Japanese websites, reading Japanese contract terms, or communicating in Japanese for troubleshooting, you will likely need assistance from a Japanese-speaking friend or partner, or consider using browser translation tools like Google Translate's camera function to photograph and translate each page during application.

This language barrier is the primary trade-off for ahamo's lower pricing compared to carriers like Rakuten Mobile that offer comprehensive English support. For Japanese-speaking foreigners or those with reliable Japanese language support available, this isn't a concern. For non-Japanese speakers without support, this represents a significant practical obstacle that may make ahamo unsuitable despite its technical advantages.

What's Not Included

No Family Discounts: Individual Pricing Only

Unlike regular Docomo plans that offer family discounts ("Docomo with Home" and similar programs) when multiple family members sign up and combine their lines under one billing account, ahamo does not participate in any family discount programs. Each line is individually priced at the standard ¥2,970 or ¥4,950 rate regardless of how many family members use ahamo or whether they share a household. For families with 3-4 members all using mobile service, this lack of family discount can add up to significant missed savings compared to traditional family plans or competitors like Rakuten Mobile that offer family discount programs.

No Bundled Discounts: Fixed Pricing

Ahamo also doesn't participate in bundled service discounts such as home internet package deals ("Docomo Hikari Set Discount") or electricity service bundles that regular Docomo customers can access to reduce their monthly bills. The pricing is fixed and doesn't reduce based on other services you subscribe to with NTT or Docomo. While this simplifies billing and makes pricing more transparent, it means users who currently benefit from bundled discounts with traditional carriers may not save as much as expected by switching to ahamo.

Limited Customer Support: Online-Only Assistance

Since ahamo operates as an online-only service, customer support is provided primarily through online chat via the ahamo website and app, plus comprehensive self-service tools and FAQ documentation. There's no phone support hotline where you can call and speak with a representative, and physical Docomo stores generally do not provide ahamo support (or charge a ¥3,300 fee for basic assistance). While chat support is typically responsive during business hours and can resolve many common issues effectively, users who strongly prefer phone support or in-person assistance may find this online-only approach limiting.

For basic account management tasks like checking data usage, viewing bills, changing payment methods, or purchasing data add-ons, the ahamo app and website provide intuitive self-service tools that work well. Most common technical issues can be resolved through the extensive FAQ library and support articles. However, complex technical problems—SIM card activation failures, unusual billing discrepancies, or device-specific compatibility issues—may require more patience and back-and-forth communication through chat compared to calling a traditional support hotline and speaking with a technician immediately.

Device Options

Bring Your Own Device: The Primary Approach

Ahamo is primarily a SIM-only service, meaning the vast majority of users bring their own compatible device rather than purchasing a phone through ahamo. If you already own an unlocked smartphone that supports Docomo's network frequencies—whether purchased in Japan, brought from abroad, or bought through a previous carrier—you can simply purchase an ahamo SIM card during signup and insert it into your existing phone without any hardware purchase required.

Before applying, use ahamo's official device compatibility checker (available on the ahamo website) to confirm your phone will work properly with the service. The checker verifies support for required network bands and features. Key technical requirements include support for Docomo's 4G LTE bands—especially Band 1 (2100MHz), Band 3 (1800MHz), Band 19 (800MHz), and Band 21 (1500MHz)—and VoLTE (Voice over LTE) capability for making voice calls since ahamo requires VoLTE for calling functionality.

Most modern smartphones from major manufacturers (Apple iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, Sony Xperia, etc.) support these frequencies and work excellently with ahamo. Some older devices or phones designed exclusively for other markets may lack critical bands and experience coverage gaps or calling issues.

eSIM Support: Faster Activation

Ahamo supports eSIM activation for compatible devices, including recent iPhone models (iPhone XR and newer), select Android devices from Samsung, Google Pixel series, and other manufacturers that support eSIM profiles. eSIM provides significantly faster activation since you don't need to wait for a physical SIM card to be delivered via mail—typically 2-3 days for physical SIM delivery. Instead, the eSIM profile can be downloaded and activated immediately or within hours after completing your online application and identity verification.

For travelers who want to maintain dual SIM functionality—keeping an international number active on physical SIM while adding ahamo as an eSIM for Japanese connectivity—this option provides excellent flexibility. However, note that eSIM applications are sometimes rejected for temporary visa holders even when physical SIM applications would be approved, so non-permanent residents may need to opt for physical SIM cards.

Device Purchase: Limited Selection Available

While ahamo's primary focus is SIM-only service for users bringing their own devices, they do offer a limited selection of smartphones available for purchase during signup or later through account management. The device lineup is significantly smaller than what regular Docomo's retail stores offer, focusing primarily on popular mid-range to flagship models from major manufacturers like Apple, Samsung, and Sony.

Devices can be purchased outright with full payment at the time of order, or through installment payment plans that split the cost across 24-36 monthly payments added to your regular ahamo bill. The selection typically includes the latest iPhone models and select Android flagships, but if you want access to the widest variety of devices, purchasing unlocked phones separately and bringing them to ahamo provides more options and often better pricing.

How Ahamo Compares to Competitors

Versus Rakuten Mobile: Coverage vs. Value

Rakuten Mobile offers unlimited data for ¥3,278 per month—just ¥308 more than ahamo's base plan but with genuinely unlimited data rather than ahamo's 30GB cap. However, Rakuten's network coverage is still actively developing and expanding, with noticeable coverage gaps in rural areas, mountainous regions, and inside buildings where the network struggles with penetration. Ahamo provides significantly more reliable nationwide coverage through Docomo's decades-old established infrastructure, while Rakuten Mobile offers better value if you consume massive amounts of data (50GB+ monthly) and stay primarily within Rakuten's strong coverage areas like major cities. Rakuten also provides comprehensive English support, making it more accessible for non-Japanese speakers, while ahamo operates entirely in Japanese.

Versus Povo (KDDI/au): Flexibility vs. Simplicity

Povo is KDDI/au's online-only brand, similar in concept to ahamo but with a radically different pricing approach. Povo uses a unique "topping" system where you pay a ¥0 base fee and purchase data packages (toppings) as needed—ranging from 3GB for ¥990 to 150GB for ¥12,980. This can be significantly cheaper if you use minimal data or have highly variable monthly usage, but for regular 20-30GB users, ahamo's fixed pricing is simpler and often more cost-effective when you calculate the monthly topping costs. Ahamo's included international roaming (30GB free in 91 countries) is also substantially more generous than Povo's paid international roaming options that require purchasing separate regional toppings.

Versus LINEMO (SoftBank): Data Amount vs. LINE Benefits

LINEMO is SoftBank's online brand offering variable pricing that starts at ¥990 for up to 3GB, automatically increasing to ¥2,090 for 3-10GB usage. Their Best Plan V provides 30GB for ¥2,970—the exact same price as ahamo. However, ahamo includes superior international roaming (LINEMO's international options are extremely limited and expensive, with complex subscription requirements and a 5-month waiting period before roaming becomes available). If you prioritize absolute lowest price for minimal data usage and don't need international roaming, LINEMO is worth considering, but ahamo offers better overall value for most users, particularly international travelers. LINEMO's unique advantage is LINE GigaFree, which makes all LINE usage data-free—valuable for heavy LINE users but irrelevant if you don't use LINE extensively.

Versus Traditional MVNOs: Performance vs. Price

Traditional budget carriers (MVNOs) like IIJmio, mineo, and BIC SIM offer lower base prices, sometimes as low as ¥850-1,000 for small data plans (3-5GB). However, they suffer from significant network congestion during peak hours (lunch time, evening commutes, weekends), resulting in dramatically slower speeds precisely when you're most likely to be using your phone. Pages take 10-30 seconds to load, videos buffer constantly, and apps time out during peak periods. Ahamo provides premium network speeds at all times with full priority access to Docomo's infrastructure, making it worth the price premium for users who rely on consistent performance throughout the day rather than accepting frustrating slowdowns to save ¥1,000-1,500 per month.

Who Should Choose Ahamo?

Ideal Candidates: Who Benefits Most

Ahamo is perfect for users who want premium network quality without premium pricing. If you value reliable nationwide coverage that works consistently in rural areas and inside buildings, fast data speeds that don't degrade during peak usage hours, and included international roaming that eliminates the hassle and expense of buying tourist SIM cards—but don't need extensive hand-holding customer support or prefer handling account management through apps and websites—ahamo is an excellent choice.

The service particularly suits several specific user profiles. Frequent international travelers who take 2-3 or more trips abroad annually benefit enormously from the included 30GB international roaming, potentially saving ¥300-500 per trip compared to alternatives. Remote workers and digital freelancers who need reliable mobile data for work communication, video calls, and cloud access appreciate the premium network quality and generous 30GB-110GB data allowances. Smartphone users who are comfortable with online-only account management and don't require in-person retail support find the streamlined digital experience efficient rather than limiting. And individuals who want Docomo's industry-leading network quality at roughly half the cost of traditional Docomo plans discover exceptional value in ahamo's simple two-tier pricing structure.

Not Ideal For: When to Consider Alternatives

Ahamo may not be the best choice for several user profiles where competing services offer better fits. Users who require extensive customer support or strongly prefer in-person service at retail stores will find ahamo's online-only chat support frustrating compared to carriers with phone support or physical store networks. Families looking for multi-line discounts should consider alternatives since ahamo doesn't participate in family plans—Rakuten Mobile's family discount or traditional carrier family plans may provide better value for 3+ lines. Individuals who don't speak Japanese and lack reliable Japanese-speaking support face significant barriers with ahamo's entirely Japanese interface and customer service—Rakuten Mobile offers comprehensive English support at competitive pricing. And users who need minimal data (5GB or less monthly) might find cheaper MVNO options more economical despite performance trade-offs, as ahamo's base plan is optimized for moderate to heavy users.

Tips for Getting the Most from Ahamo

International Travel: Maximizing Roaming Value

Take full advantage of ahamo's included international roaming by planning trips strategically. Before traveling abroad, verify your specific destination is included in ahamo's 91 supported countries through the official coverage map on the ahamo website. Download offline maps for your destination using Google Maps or similar apps while still on WiFi in Japan to conserve your 30GB international allowance. Pre-download entertainment content like podcasts, music playlists, or Netflix videos for flights and downtime. Your 30GB international allowance is genuinely generous for typical travel activities—using maps and navigation, messaging via LINE or WhatsApp, checking email and social media, and making VoIP calls—but streaming high-definition video can consume it surprisingly quickly at 1-3GB per hour.

Remember the 15-day consecutive abroad limitation: if you're planning extended international trips longer than two weeks, either return to Japan briefly to reset the counter, or plan alternative connectivity solutions for days 16+ when your speed drops to nearly-unusable 128Kbps. For digital nomads or extended remote work abroad, ahamo's international roaming isn't designed for your use case—consider local SIM cards or international roaming specialists instead.

Data Management: Avoiding Overages and Optimizing Usage

Monitor your data usage regularly through the ahamo app to avoid unexpectedly exceeding your 30GB monthly allowance and triggering the 1Mbps throttle. The app provides detailed breakdowns showing which apps consume the most data, helping you identify usage patterns and adjust habits. If you consistently approach or exceed your 30GB limit month after month, consider upgrading to the Oomori plan (110GB for ¥4,950) rather than repeatedly purchasing ¥550 per 1GB add-ons, which becomes more expensive long-term. The Oomori option costs ¥1,980 more monthly than the base plan, giving you 80GB additional data—effectively ¥25 per GB compared to ¥550 per GB for add-ons.

Enable data-saving features in apps you use frequently. YouTube, Netflix, and other video services offer quality settings that dramatically reduce data consumption—YouTube at 360p uses approximately 250-300MB per hour versus 720p at 1-1.5GB per hour. Social media apps like Instagram and Twitter offer "data saver" or "reduced data" modes that load lower-resolution images and videos.

Call Management: Optimizing the 5-Minute Allowance

Since only the first 5 minutes of each call is free, develop the habit of keeping calls under 5 minutes when possible to maximize value. For conversations that will clearly exceed 5 minutes, hang up and call back after 4 minutes and 30 seconds—each new call gets another 5-minute free window. Alternatively, use free messaging and calling apps like LINE, WhatsApp, Skype, or FaceTime over your data connection to avoid call charges entirely for longer conversations. These VoIP calls consume approximately 1-2MB per minute (60-120MB per hour), making them extremely data-efficient compared to consuming expensive per-minute voice calling charges.

For users who make frequent or long domestic calls regularly and find themselves consistently exceeding the 5-minute allowance, the ¥1,100/month unlimited calling add-on may provide better value and peace of mind than constantly monitoring call durations or racking up per-minute charges.

eSIM Advantages: Dual-SIM Flexibility

If your device supports eSIM functionality, consider using ahamo as an eSIM profile while maintaining your existing carrier on a physical SIM card. This dual-SIM setup provides significant flexibility and redundancy, allowing you to maintain two active phone numbers simultaneously—perhaps keeping your home country number active for family and banking while using ahamo for Japanese connectivity, or maintaining a work number separate from a personal number.

The dual-SIM approach also provides backup connectivity: if ahamo experiences temporary service issues or you enter an area with weak Docomo coverage but strong coverage from your other carrier, you can switch between networks seamlessly without losing connectivity entirely.

The Honest Take

Best value for premium network quality?

Yes, without question. If you want Docomo's industry-leading coverage and consistently fast speeds without paying Docomo's traditional pricing—which often exceeds ¥6,000-8,000 monthly for comparable data allowances—ahamo delivers exceptional value. The ¥2,970 monthly cost for 30GB with included international roaming is genuinely competitive within Japan's mobile market, and the service quality is uncompromising. You're getting full premium network access, not deprioritized MVNO service, at roughly half the price of traditional carrier plans with similar features.

Perfect for everyone?

No, and it's important to be realistic about limitations. The Japanese-only support is a significant barrier for non-Japanese speakers that shouldn't be dismissed—troubleshooting technical issues through Japanese-only chat when you can't read or communicate in Japanese effectively can be genuinely frustrating or even impossible without assistance. The lack of family discounts means families with multiple lines might find better overall value elsewhere, particularly with carriers like Rakuten Mobile that offer family discount programs. If you need extensive customer hand-holding, prefer in-person service at retail stores, or want comprehensive English support, traditional carrier plans or Rakuten Mobile might suit you better despite higher costs or different trade-offs.

Worth switching to?

For most users who are comfortable with online services, can handle Japanese-language interfaces (or have reliable translation assistance), and want reliable mobile connectivity without overpaying, absolutely. The combination of Docomo's premium network infrastructure, generous data allowances, standout international roaming features for travelers, and simple transparent pricing makes ahamo one of the best mobile plans available in Japan today for users whose needs align with what the service offers.

The service delivers on its core promise of simplicity, reliability, and value. Just ensure you're comfortable with online-only account management and Japanese-language support requirements before making the switch—these are the trade-offs that enable ahamo's attractive pricing.

Explore ahamo and other plans → https://www.japanmobileguide.com

Quick Reference

Feature	Standard Ahamo	Ahamo Oomori
Monthly Price	¥2,970 (incl. tax)	¥4,950 (incl. tax)
Data Allowance	30GB	110GB
Data Speed After Limit	1Mbps	1Mbps
Included Calls	5 min/call domestic	5 min/call domestic
International Roaming	30GB in 91 countries*	30GB in 91 countries*
Network	Docomo 4G/5G	Docomo 4G/5G
Contract Period	None	None
Cancellation Fee	None	None
Customer Support	Online chat (Japanese)	Online chat (Japanese)

*Note: Speed is throttled to 128kbps after 15 consecutive days abroad, regardless of data usage.