Side-by-side comparison of Japan's four major carriers: Rakuten Mobile, Docomo (ahamo), au (povo), and SoftBank (LINEMO).
Rakuten Mobile
Rakuten Mobile
Rakuten Mobile
Rakuten Mobile
NTT Docomo
NTT Docomo
SoftBank
SoftBank
SoftBank
au
As of October 2025, the Rakuten SAIKYO Plan still auto-adjusts billing at 0–3GB (¥1,078), 3–20GB (¥2,178), and unlimited (¥3,278). Family Program discounts can drop the first tier to ¥968, with additional youth and senior rebates. Calls via Rakuten Link remain unlimited domestically. Pair these tiers with the 700 MHz "platinum band" rollout and the July 2025 5G Sub6 expansion, then verify actual signal in the places you live, work, and study using /coverage before you apply.
Identity verification (eKYC) requires accurate address and ID details. Payment by Japanese credit card or bank account remains standard, though some debit options exist. eSIM activations often finish the same day once eKYC clears. Estimate your typical usage ahead of time, choose the tier that matches, then confirm both 700 MHz and partner coverage at /coverage. If you plan to port your number (MNP), secure an MNP reservation number from your current carrier before starting the Rakuten application.
Compare features below, then apply with referral benefits to save money: see /referral. For deep‑dive guides (eSIM, ID checks, troubleshooting), visit our Blog at /blog.
Common questions about mobile plans in Japan
Rakuten Mobile offers the cheapest option at ¥0-3,278 per month based on your usage. If you use 0-3GB, you pay only ¥1,078/month (¥968 with Family Program discount). For unlimited data, it's ¥3,278/month (¥3,168 with Family Program). This pay-as-you-go structure makes it ideal for light users who want low bills, while heavy users get unlimited data cheaper than most competitors.
NTT Docomo has the best coverage in Japan with 99%+ population coverage nationwide, including superior indoor and rural penetration. Their ahamo sub-brand inherits this network quality at ¥2,970/month for 30GB. Rakuten Mobile now reaches ~99.9% 4G LTE population coverage through its own network plus au partner roaming, with the 700 MHz platinum band (launched June 2024) significantly improving indoor and rural reception.
Yes, foreigners can get phone plans in Japan. You'll need: (1) Valid residence card or passport with valid visa, (2) Japanese address proof, (3) Payment method (Japanese credit card, bank account, or in some cases foreign credit cards). Rakuten Mobile and ahamo both offer English support and foreigner-friendly signup processes with online eKYC identity verification. Tourist SIMs are available for short stays, but long-term plans require a residence card.
Not always. Rakuten Mobile accepts some foreign credit cards and offers bank account payment options. ahamo (Docomo) requires a Japanese credit card or bank account. povo and LINEMO typically require Japanese payment methods. Some MVNOs and prepaid options accept foreign cards. It's best to check each carrier's specific requirements, but having a Japanese bank account significantly expands your options.
ahamo is NTT Docomo's online-only sub-brand offering 30GB + 5-minute free calls for ¥2,970/month with no contract period. Key differences: (1) Uses Docomo's premium network (best coverage in Japan), (2) Includes free international roaming in 91 countries/regions, (3) Online-only support (in-store help costs ¥3,300), (4) Simple single-plan structure vs Rakuten's usage-based tiers. It's ideal for users who prioritize coverage reliability and international travel over price flexibility.
Apply through the official employee referral page to access referral points