Last verified: February 2, 2026 (JST)
Rakuten Mobile's "SAIKYO Plan" has become Japan's most popular carrier among international residents—but is it really the best choice? This complete guide explains the automatic billing system, real unlimited data, coverage improvements with the new platinum band, and whether it's worth switching to in 2026.
What is the SAIKYO Plan?
Launch Date: June 1, 2023
Meaning: SAIKYO (最強) translates to "Strongest" in English, positioning it as Rakuten Mobile's most powerful and improved plan offering.
What Changed: The SAIKYO Plan replaced the previous UN-LIMIT VII plan, with the key improvement being the elimination of the 5GB monthly cap for domestic roaming areas. This means truly unlimited high-speed data across Japan's nationwide network—no more speed restrictions in partner coverage areas.
Current Pricing: How Much Does It Really Cost?
Standard Pricing (2026)
Rakuten Mobile uses a single plan with automatic tiered billing based on your actual monthly data usage:
- 0-3GB: ¥1,078/month (¥980 before tax)
- 3-20GB: ¥2,178/month (¥1,980 before tax)
- 20GB+ (Unlimited): ¥3,278/month (¥2,980 before tax)
Important: The previous ¥0 tier for 0-1GB usage (from the older UN-LIMIT VI plan) was discontinued and no longer exists.
With Family Discount
Add SAIKYO FAMILY Discount (¥110/month off per line):
- 0-3GB: ¥968/month
- 3-20GB: ¥2,068/month
- Unlimited: ¥3,168/month
How Auto-Billing Works: Pay Only What You Use
Rakuten Mobile's billing system stands apart from traditional Japanese carriers with its remarkably simple approach. Rather than forcing you to choose between multiple plan tiers upfront or worry about switching between options mid-month, the SAIKYO Plan operates on a single plan structure that automatically adapts to your usage. The system tracks your monthly data consumption and bills you for the appropriate tier at the end of each billing cycle—completely hands-off, with no manual intervention required.
This "pay only for what you use" model creates genuine flexibility. Your bill naturally fluctuates based on your actual needs rather than locking you into a fixed amount of data you may not need. Tarifica recognized this innovation by naming the SAIKYO Plan "Consumer Value Plan of the Month for October 2024," noting that while other Japanese carriers offer usage-based billing, only Rakuten Mobile combines automatic adjustment with single-plan simplicity and competitive pricing.
Real-world examples:
- January: Use 2GB → Pay ¥1,078
- February: Use 15GB → Pay ¥2,178
- March: Use 50GB → Pay ¥3,278
- April: Use 1GB → Pay ¥1,078
Important limitation: There's currently no way to cap your usage at a specific tier via the website. If you accidentally exceed 3GB, you'll automatically move to the ¥2,178 tier without any mid-month notification or ability to set automatic caps.
Key Features
Unlimited Data—How "Unlimited" Is It?
The SAIKYO Plan offers genuinely unlimited high-speed data after exceeding 20GB per month, making it one of Japan's few truly unlimited consumer mobile plans. Unlike carriers that advertise "unlimited" while imposing hidden caps or immediate throttling, Rakuten delivers on this promise for normal usage patterns. Fair usage policies do exist to prevent abuse, but they're designed to target only the most extreme consumption rather than typical heavy users.
Speed throttling situations can occur if you push multi-hundred GB usage in a single month through continuous high-volume downloading, experience peak network congestion times in heavily populated areas, or engage in excessive tethering that resembles business-level usage rather than personal consumption. For the vast majority of users—even those consuming 30-100GB monthly through video streaming, gaming, or working remotely—you'll experience no restrictions whatsoever. Only extreme edge cases face any limitations, and even then, Rakuten communicates with users rather than imposing immediate penalties.
5G Support
Rakuten includes 5G service at no extra charge across all SAIKYO Plan tiers, a significant advantage as many carriers still charge premiums for next-generation network access. The network has expanded rapidly, growing from limited availability to nationwide presence across all 47 prefectures. As of September 2024, Rakuten operates 17,494 outdoor 5G base stations, with particularly impressive growth in the Kanto region covering Greater Tokyo—a 110% increase in coverage since January 2024 alone.
The carrier continues aggressive expansion throughout 2025-2026, with priorities focusing on Kyushu and Okinawa regions while simultaneously improving underground coverage in subway systems and basement areas. For users in major cities, 5G connectivity now works reliably for bandwidth-intensive activities like 4K video streaming, cloud gaming, and large file transfers.
Key numbers:
- 17,494 outdoor 5G base stations (September 2024)
- All 47 prefectures covered
- 110% increase in Kanto region coverage since January 2024
- Continued expansion planned through 2026
Platinum Band (700MHz): The Game-Changer
In October 2023, Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) awarded Rakuten the coveted 700MHz "platinum band" frequencies, marking a turning point for the carrier's network reliability. Platinum band refers to lower-frequency radio waves that behave fundamentally differently from the high-frequency bands Rakuten previously relied upon. These radio waves penetrate solid objects—concrete walls, steel-reinforced buildings, underground structures—far more effectively than higher frequencies, which tend to bounce off or weaken rapidly when encountering obstacles.
The commercial launch began on June 27, 2024, addressing what had been Rakuten's most significant weakness: indoor and underground connectivity. Before platinum band deployment, users frequently reported dropped connections inside apartments, office buildings, shopping centers, and subway stations. Since the rollout, user feedback has shifted noticeably, with reports of improved indoor connectivity and fewer dropped connections becoming the norm rather than the exception.
Deployment continues throughout 2026, with 10,661 base stations planned for the 700MHz spectrum as part of Rakuten's broader profitability target for the year. The company also plans a separate satellite-to-mobile service launching in Q4 2026, designed to reach remote mountainous areas and rural locations where traditional tower infrastructure isn't economically feasible.
Technical specifications:
- Uplink: 715.0-718.0MHz
- Downlink: 770.0-773.0MHz
- Total: 6MHz wide band
- 10,661 base stations planned
Real-world benefits:
- Better signal inside buildings (apartments, offices, shopping centers)
- Improved underground coverage (subways, basements)
- Enhanced service in crowded locations
- More consistent connection overall
Rakuten Link: Free Unlimited Calls (With Caveats)
Rakuten Link represents both the SAIKYO Plan's greatest value proposition and its most frequent source of user frustration. Rather than using traditional cellular voice networks, Rakuten Link operates as a VoIP (Voice over IP) application, routing calls through your data connection instead of dedicated phone lines. This technological approach enables Rakuten to offer unlimited calling at no additional charge—an impressive benefit that includes unlimited domestic calls to Japanese mobile phones and landlines, unlimited domestic SMS, and free international calls from Japan to 66 designated countries and regions, all with no time limits.
However, this benefit comes with a critical requirement that catches many new users off-guard: you absolutely must use the Rakuten Link app to access free calling. The phone's native dialer doesn't work for free calls. Every call must originate from within the Rakuten Link application, which requires authentication with your Rakuten Mobile number and Rakuten ID, and needs an active data connection to function. Since data is unlimited on the SAIKYO Plan, the data consumption rarely matters, but the workflow change takes adjustment.
What's included with Rakuten Link:
- Unlimited domestic calls to mobile phones and landlines
- Unlimited domestic SMS
- Free international calls from Japan to 66 countries and regions
- No time limits on any calls
Critical limitations:
- MUST use Rakuten Link app for free calls
- Cannot use phone's native dialer
- App requires data connection
- Emergency numbers (110 police, 119 ambulance, 118 coast guard) MUST use native phone app
Excluded numbers:
- Emergency services (110, 119, 118)
- Premium numbers (0570 connection services, 0180, 188, etc.)
- Some special service numbers
The user experience varies. Most users report that Rakuten Link works well for everyday calling, with generally good audio quality, though not quite as crisp as traditional cellular calls. Occasional connection issues occur, and the app interface receives mixed reviews for usability. But for unlimited free calling on a plan that starts at just ¥1,078 per month, most users find the trade-offs acceptable.
International Roaming
Rakuten includes 2GB of free international data per month when you travel to 106 countries and regions—a valuable benefit for light to moderate travelers, though notably less generous than some competitors. The service activates automatically when you travel; no advance configuration or registration is required. Your phone simply connects to partner networks abroad, and the first 2GB works at full speed at no additional charge.
After exhausting the 2GB allowance, your speed throttles to 128Kbps—extremely slow, but technically usable for emergency messaging or basic map lookups. If you need additional full-speed data, Rakuten sells 1GB blocks for ¥500 (non-taxable), which is reasonably priced compared to many international roaming options.
Coverage spans major travel destinations including popular Asian locations (India, Indonesia, South Korea, Cambodia, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, China, Philippines, Vietnam, Hong Kong), most European countries (UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, and 40+ more), and key Americas and Oceania destinations (USA, Canada, Australia).
Compared to competitors, Rakuten's 2GB free is decent for light travelers but falls short for frequent or heavy international data users. ahamo's 30GB free roaming across 91 countries is substantially superior if you travel regularly, while LINEMO and povo offer only limited or paid roaming options, making them worse choices for international use.
Tethering/Hotspot
Tethering and mobile hotspot functionality comes included with all SAIKYO Plan tiers at no additional charge and with no restrictions—a refreshing contrast to many Japanese carriers that require separate applications or charge optional fees. You can share your phone's internet connection with laptops, tablets, or other devices by simply enabling your hotspot and connecting. The tethered devices consume data from your plan's unlimited allowance, and fair usage policies only apply for extreme continuous usage patterns that resemble business operations rather than personal use.
Contract Terms & Cancellation
Rakuten implemented an important policy change effective April 1, 2025 that modified its previously unlimited-flexibility cancellation policy. While there's still no formal minimum contract period, the carrier now charges up to ¥1,078 (tax included) if you cancel within one year of service activation—but with a significant caveat. This cancellation fee only applies to unused or minimally-used lines, functioning as an anti-resale measure targeting users who sign up for promotional benefits but never actually use the service. Regular active users who genuinely use their line for daily communication are exempt from cancellation fees regardless of timing.
Before April 2025, Rakuten had no cancellation fees whatsoever, making it one of Japan's most flexible carriers. The new policy still maintains more flexibility than traditional Japanese carriers with rigid 2-year contracts, but represents a step back from the earlier no-strings-attached approach. If you use your line regularly for actual communication, calls, and data, you likely won't face any cancellation fees even if you switch carriers within the first year.
Family Discounts: Save ¥110/Month Per Line
Rakuten's family discount system operates through a straightforward group structure that prioritizes simplicity over restrictions. The SAIKYO FAMILY Discount (renamed from "SAIKYO FAMILY Program" on November 18, 2025) provides a ¥110 per month (tax included) discount for each line that joins a family group, with one person serving as the group administrator through the "my Rakuten Mobile" website or app.
What makes this system particularly valuable for international residents is its flexibility. Unlike traditional Japanese family plans that often require proof of family relationship, the same registered address, or matching family names, Rakuten's approach recognizes modern living arrangements. Couples who aren't married, partners, roommates sharing an apartment, or any group of people who want to save money can create a family group. Each member maintains completely separate billing—your bills are not combined or shared—while still receiving the individual discount. There's no limit to how many people can join a family group, and all members must be subscribed to either the Rakuten SAIKYO Plan or SAIKYO Plan (Data Type).
Pricing after SAIKYO FAMILY Discount:
- 0-3GB tier: ¥968/month (down from ¥1,078)
- 3-20GB tier: ¥2,068/month (down from ¥2,178)
- Unlimited tier: ¥3,168/month (down from ¥3,278)
SAIKYO KIDS Discount
For families with children under 12 years old, Rakuten offers an additional discount that combines with the family discount. The SAIKYO KIDS Discount drops the lowest tier to just ¥528/month (¥480 before tax) when both family and kids discounts apply, making it one of Japan's most affordable options for children's phone service.
Children's pricing with combined discounts:
- 0-3GB tier: ¥528/month
- 3-20GB tier: ¥1,958/month
- Unlimited tier: ¥3,058/month
A family of two adults and one child, all using the unlimited tier, would save ¥330 per month compared to non-discounted pricing—a modest but meaningful reduction over the course of a year.
English Support: Best in Japan
Rakuten Mobile has earned its reputation as Japan's most foreigner-friendly carrier through comprehensive English support that extends far beyond token translation. While most Japanese carriers offer Japanese-only interfaces or minimal English documentation, Rakuten provides full English support throughout the entire customer journey, from initial research through daily account management.
The complete English website at https://network.mobile.rakuten.co.jp/en/ mirrors the Japanese site's functionality rather than offering a simplified "English information" page that dead-ends when you try to actually sign up. The entire signup process operates in English, including an English price calculator that helps you estimate your monthly costs based on expected usage. While some sections of the "my Rakuten Mobile" app remain Japanese-only, the core functionality for checking data usage, viewing bills, and managing basic settings works for English speakers.
Customer service operates through multiple channels in English. Phone support at 0800-805-0805 provides English-speaking representatives available 9:00-17:00 Japan Time year-round, and online chat support also offers English assistance. Beyond English, Rakuten supports Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Portuguese, and Spanish, recognizing Japan's diverse international resident population.
Even physical retail support acknowledges language barriers. Rakuten equipped 162 stores nationwide with POCKETALK AI translation devices for in-person assistance, though the quality of English support varies by store location and individual staff experience. Despite the uneven in-store experience, Rakuten's comprehensive online English support means most users can handle signup and troubleshooting without ever visiting a physical location.
This combination of thorough English documentation, English-speaking customer service, and accessible online management makes Rakuten Mobile the clear winner for English support among major Japanese carriers—a critical advantage for international residents who don't speak Japanese fluently.
Pros & Cons for Foreigners
✅ PROS
Pricing & Flexibility
Rakuten's tiered pricing structure delivers exceptional value at every usage level. Starting at just ¥1,078 per month for light users, it's Japan's most affordable major carrier option, while the maximum ¥3,278 monthly cost even with unlimited data eliminates surprise bills entirely. The automatic billing system removes plan management complexity—you never need to predict next month's usage or manually switch between tiers. You simply use your phone normally, and the bill adjusts to match your actual consumption each month, embodying a true "pay only for what you use" model.
English Accessibility
The entire customer experience operates smoothly in English, from initial signup through ongoing support. International residents can complete everything online without Japanese language skills, access English-speaking customer support via phone and chat whenever issues arise, and navigate a foreigner-friendly signup process with no complex paperwork or Japanese-only documentation hurdles. This comprehensive English support dramatically reduces the stress and uncertainty that typically accompanies setting up essential services in a foreign country.
International Benefits
For international residents who maintain connections across borders, Rakuten offers practical benefits. The 2GB free international roaming monthly across 106 countries and regions covers light travel needs, while free international calls to 66 countries via Rakuten Link enables affordable communication with family and friends abroad. The ability to continue paying bills online even after leaving Japan provides continuity if you move away but want to maintain the number temporarily, making it ideal for frequent but light travelers who need reliable international connectivity without premium pricing.
Rewards & Perks
Rakuten integrates mobile service into its broader ecosystem of services and rewards. You earn Rakuten Points on your monthly bills, which you can then use to pay future bills or make purchases. Shopping on Rakuten Ichiba earns 5x points when you're a Rakuten Mobile customer, creating additional value for users who already shop online frequently. The plan includes 50GB of free Rakuten Drive cloud storage and access to free entertainment content—small perks that add up for users engaged with the Rakuten ecosystem.
No Hidden Costs
Rakuten maintains transparent pricing with no surprise fees. There are no contract administration fees, no extra charges for tethering functionality, and only a low ¥1,078 cancellation fee if you leave within the first year (and even that only applies to minimally-used lines). eSIM availability enables instant activation for compatible devices, eliminating delivery wait times.
The carrier's popularity among international residents speaks to its effectiveness—a 2024 survey identified Rakuten as the #1 most-used carrier among international residents in Japan, reflecting its strong reputation within the foreign community.
❌ CONS
Network Coverage Issues
Rakuten's network infrastructure, while rapidly improving, still lags behind the established Big 3 carriers (Docomo, au, SoftBank) that have operated for decades. Rural area coverage remains noticeably weaker, with connection drops occurring more frequently in countryside locations, mountains, and remote regions. Even in urban areas, subways and the interior of some buildings can experience connectivity issues, though the platinum band rollout has substantially improved this situation. The network is actively developing and improving, but it hasn't reached parity with major carriers, particularly in mountainous regions. The planned 2026 satellite service launch aims to address these remote area gaps, but until then, users who frequently travel to rural areas may experience frustration.
App Dependency
The requirement to use Rakuten Link for free calls creates workflow friction that some users find dealbreaking. You must open the Rakuten Link app for every call rather than using your phone's native dialer, which feels unnatural and adds extra steps. Some users report the app is occasionally buggy or slow, and it requires an active data connection to function. Most frustratingly, emergency calls to 110 (police) or 119 (ambulance) require switching to the native phone app, creating a moment of confusion during high-stress situations when you need help immediately.
Data Management Challenges
The absence of usage cap controls creates potential for accidentally exceeding your intended tier. If you plan to stay under 3GB to pay only ¥1,078 but accidentally exceed that limit, your bill automatically jumps to ¥2,178 with no mid-month notification or warning. The service website currently provides no way to set automatic data caps at specific tiers, and there are no proactive mid-month alerts to warn you when you're approaching tier boundaries. Users must manually monitor their usage through the app to avoid unexpected tier jumps.
Policy Changes
As a relatively young carrier still establishing itself in the market, Rakuten has changed policies in ways that reduce flexibility. The introduction of cancellation fees in April 2025 marked a shift away from the company's original no-strings-attached approach, and the elimination of the previous ¥0 tier for under-1GB usage removed an ultra-budget option. While these changes align Rakuten more closely with industry standards, they signal that the company's policies remain subject to change as it pursues profitability. Early adopters benefited from more generous terms that have since been scaled back.
Is Rakuten SAIKYO Plan Worth It in 2026?
✅ YES, Choose Rakuten if you:
Budget-Conscious Users
If cost is your primary concern, Rakuten delivers unmatched value. Starting at just ¥1,078 per month makes it Japan's cheapest major carrier option, with a predictable maximum cost of ¥3,278 capping even unlimited usage. For users consuming anywhere from 0-20GB monthly, Rakuten typically offers the most affordable pricing in the market. The automatic tiered billing means light-usage months cost less, while heavy-usage months remain reasonable—you're never overpaying for unused data or facing surprise overages.
English Support Requirements
Non-Japanese speakers face significant barriers at most Japanese carriers, but Rakuten eliminates these obstacles entirely. If you don't speak Japanese fluently, need customer service in English for troubleshooting and account changes, want foreigner-friendly signup without Japanese-speaking friends to help translate, or require ongoing support access throughout your time in Japan, Rakuten's comprehensive English support makes it the practical choice. The ability to handle everything online in English, combined with English-speaking phone and chat support, removes the language anxiety that typically accompanies essential service setup.
Urban/Suburban Residents
Rakuten's network performs reliably in well-covered areas. If you live in major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, or Fukuoka, work or study in urban or suburban locations with strong network presence, and don't travel frequently to rural areas or remote countryside, you'll experience solid connectivity. The platinum band deployment has particularly improved building penetration in urban areas, addressing what was previously Rakuten's weakest point in cities. For users whose daily life occurs entirely within metropolitan areas, network limitations rarely become noticeable.
Rakuten Ecosystem Users
If you already shop on Rakuten Ichiba, use other Rakuten services, or want to maximize value through the Rakuten Points system, adding Rakuten Mobile creates synergies. Earning points on your monthly bills that can offset future purchases, receiving 5x points on Rakuten Ichiba shopping, and accessing integrated Rakuten services creates a value proposition beyond the mobile service itself.
❌ Skip Rakuten if you:
Reliability is Non-Negotiable
Users who cannot afford connectivity issues should choose more established networks. If you travel to rural areas frequently for work or leisure, work in remote locations outside major cities, cannot tolerate connection drops or dead zones, or need guaranteed coverage everywhere in Japan without exception, Rakuten's developing network may cause frustration. While improving rapidly, Rakuten still experiences gaps in rural coverage, mountainous regions, and some indoor/underground locations that the Big 3 carriers serve reliably. For users whose work depends on constant connectivity or who regularly visit countryside areas, the coverage trade-off may not be worth the cost savings.
Heavy International Traveler
Rakuten's 2GB monthly international roaming is adequate for light travelers but insufficient for frequent international trips with heavy data needs. If you travel abroad regularly and consume significant data overseas—streaming video, uploading photos, video calling for hours daily—you'll need more than 2GB per month. Consider ahamo's 30GB free international roaming instead, which provides substantially more data across 91 countries despite the higher monthly cost.
Traditional Calling Preference
If you strongly prefer using your phone's native dialer for all calls, don't want to rely on VoIP apps, frequently call premium numbers (0570 customer service lines, etc.) that aren't supported by Rakuten Link, or find the Rakuten Link app workflow frustrating, the calling experience may feel like a downgrade from traditional carriers.
Established Network Preference
Some users prioritize peace of mind over cost savings. If you prefer proven reliability from carriers with decades of infrastructure development, can afford higher prices for comprehensive coverage, or value network quality above all other factors, consider alternatives like ahamo, LINEMO, or povo that operate on more mature networks despite higher costs.
How to Sign Up (English Process)
Rakuten Mobile delivers the easiest English signup experience among major Japanese carriers, with a streamlined process designed specifically for international residents. The entire application operates online through their English website, eliminating the need for in-person visits or Japanese-speaking assistance.
Requirements for Foreigners
Before starting your application, gather these essential items:
- ID: Residence Card (在留カード) - Required for all foreign applicants
- Payment: Japanese credit card OR Japanese bank account (more flexible than most carriers)
- Address: Must match your Residence Card exactly, including middle names if listed
- Email: Any email address (Gmail, Yahoo, etc. all work)
Application Process
The signup process follows a clear step-by-step flow:
- Visit the English site: https://network.mobile.rakuten.co.jp/en/
- Click "Apply Now" button
- Select SAIKYO Plan (only one plan to choose from)
- Choose SIM type (physical SIM or eSIM for compatible devices)
- Upload Residence Card photo during identity verification
- Enter payment details (credit card or bank account)
- Complete identity verification (eKYC process)
- Wait for SIM delivery (2-3 days) or eSIM activation (immediate for eSIM-compatible devices)
English support available during signup: If you encounter any questions or issues during the application process, contact English-speaking support at 0800-805-0805 (9:00-17:00 JST daily). Representatives can walk you through any confusing steps or troubleshoot problems in English.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How fast is Rakuten Mobile's network in 2026? A: In major cities, download speeds typically range from 20-80Mbps. With 5G in optimal locations, speeds can exceed 100Mbps. Rural areas may see lower speeds.
Q: Can I use my existing phone? A: Check Rakuten's compatibility list at https://network.mobile.rakuten.co.jp/en/product/byod/. Most modern smartphones work, but some overseas models may have limitations.
Q: What if I exceed 3GB by accident? A: Your bill automatically increases to ¥2,178 for that month. There's currently no way to set data caps or alerts via the website.
Q: Is the unlimited plan really unlimited? A: Yes, for normal usage (even 50-100GB/month). Only extreme continuous high-volume usage (200GB+) may trigger fair usage policies.
Q: Can I cancel anytime? A: Yes, but there's a ¥1,078 fee if you cancel within the first year (since April 1, 2025 policy change).
Comparison with Major Carriers
| Feature | Rakuten SAIKYO | ahamo | LINEMO | povo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | ¥1,078 (0-3GB) | ¥2,970 (30GB) | ¥990 (3GB) | ¥0 + toppings |
| Unlimited | ¥3,278 | ¥4,950 (110GB) | No unlimited | 24hr unlimited |
| English Support | ✅ Full | ❌ None | ⚠️ Limited | ⚠️ Limited |
| Network Quality | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Int'l Roaming | 2GB free | 30GB free | Paid | Paid |
| Tethering | ✅ Free | ✅ Free | ✅ Free | ✅ Free |
| Contract | ¥1,078 fee <1yr | None | None | None |
Best Overall Value: Rakuten SAIKYO for English speakers and budget-conscious users
For detailed comparisons, see our complete carrier comparison guide.
Final Verdict
Rakuten Mobile's SAIKYO Plan is worth it in 2026 for:
- English-speaking foreigners
- Budget-conscious users (¥1,078-¥3,278)
- Urban/suburban residents
- Those who prioritize affordability over perfect coverage
The platinum band rollout has significantly improved indoor coverage, addressing one of Rakuten's biggest historical weaknesses. Combined with English support and competitive pricing, it's now the top choice for many international residents in Japan.
However, if you need guaranteed coverage everywhere (especially rural areas) or travel internationally with heavy data needs, consider alternatives like ahamo despite the higher cost.
Ready to save money on your Japan mobile plan? Apply for Rakuten Mobile with our referral and get up to ¥14,000 in points →