Free Calls in Japan With Rakuten Link: The 2025 Guide

Complete guide to making unlimited free domestic calls in Japan using Rakuten Link app. Learn what's included, platform differences, international usage, and common gotchas to avoid.

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Last verified: August 22, 2025 (JST)

If you use Rakuten Mobile, you can place unlimited domestic calls for free when you dial through the Rakuten Link app. It also lets you call Japanese numbers for free when you are in eligible countries overseas. Below is a concise, no-nonsense guide to how it works, what is included, and the gotchas to avoid.

What Rakuten Link Is

Rakuten Link is Rakuten Mobile's calling and messaging app. When you dial from this app, your normal phone number shows to the other party and domestic calls are free, with some number exceptions noted below. Download links: iOS and Android.

What Is Free

  • Calls to Japanese mobile and landline numbers from inside Japan when you dial via Rakuten Link. Your caller ID is shown as usual.
  • Calls to Japanese numbers while you are abroad if you are in Rakuten's eligible countries and regions or connected by Wi-Fi where required. Authenticate the app in Japan before you travel.
  • Between Rakuten Link users calls are free. Rakuten Link data use does not count toward your high-speed data quota under current policy.

If you do not use Rakuten Link, standard voice rates apply. Domestic calls are ¥22 per 30 seconds on the regular dialer.

What Is Not Free or Not Supported

Some numbers cannot be dialed from Rakuten Link or are excluded from free calling. In these cases your phone may automatically switch to the standard dialer and regular charges apply.

  • Emergency numbers in Japan such as 110, 118, 119. The app switches to the default phone app for these calls. You cannot place emergency calls to foreign destinations via Link while roaming.
  • Premium or special numbers such as 0570 (Navi Dial), 0180, and certain short codes like 188, #7119, #8000, #8008, #8011, #8080. See the official list.

Important Differences: iPhone vs Android

Rakuten Link's feature set differs by platform.

  • iPhone: Rakuten Link does not handle incoming calls or SMS. Incoming calls are received with the iOS phone app. When you are overseas, incoming calls to your Japanese number may incur pay-as-you-go charges via the standard app in some locations. Outgoing domestic calls placed from the Link app remain free, with the usual exclusions.
  • Android: Rakuten Link supports outgoing and incoming calls. If you dial an excluded number, the OS may switch to the standard phone app.

International Use At A Glance

  • Authenticate Rakuten Link in Japan before departure.
  • In eligible countries, you can call Japanese numbers for free from the Link app.
  • Calls to international numbers use country-based per-minute rates.
  • For areas outside the eligible list, use Wi-Fi with Link to place calls.
  • Emergency calling abroad is not supported from Link. Use the local default dialer.

How To Make Sure Your Call Is Free

  1. Open the Rakuten Link app and dial the number.
  2. Confirm you are seeing the Rakuten Link call screen before the call connects.
  3. If the phone switches to the standard dialer, charges may apply. Cancel and re-dial in Link unless you are intentionally calling an excluded number.

Quick Setup Tips

  • Install the app on iOS or Android.
  • Log in with the Rakuten ID tied to your Rakuten Mobile line and complete first-time authentication in Japan.
  • For best results, set up Link with mobile data on and avoid VPNs. The service is not guaranteed when connected through a VPN.

Common Questions

Does Rakuten Link use my high-speed data? Rakuten states Link usage does not count toward your high-speed data quota. This policy can change without notice.

What happens if I call without Link? Your phone uses the standard voice network and you are billed at the regular rate. Domestic calls are ¥22 per 30 seconds.

Can I text for free? Link supports free in-app messaging between Link users. For SMS to non-Link users, charges and availability depend on device and region. See the app's charge table on the official page.

I tried to call 0570 or 110 in Link and it did not work. That is expected. Those numbers are excluded or rerouted to the standard dialer and normal charges apply.

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