SIM

Quick Answer Best SIM cards for foreigners in Japan (2025): Rakuten Mobile at ¥3,278/month for unlimited data is the best value for heavy users. For moderate use (20GB), ahamo at ¥2,970/month runs on Docomo’s network. Budget users (3GB): IIJmio from ¥858/month. All can be signed up online in English with a residence card — no Japanese required. Getting a phone plan sorted is one of the first things you need in Japan — and one of the most confusing. The major carriers advertise everywhere but their cheapest plans aren’t listed prominently, English support is inconsistent, and if you signed up without knowing what you were doing, you’re probably overpaying by ¥3,000–5,000 a month. This guide cuts through the noise: here are the plans that actually make sense for foreigners, at prices that don’t hurt. ...

Pocket WiFi and SIM cards are both solid options for staying connected in Japan — but which one makes sense depends entirely on your situation. Choosing the wrong option means either overpaying or dealing with constant connectivity problems. Here’s how to decide. Your Options at a Glance Option Speed Cost Setup Time Pocket WiFi (rental) Medium ¥3,000–¥5,000/month Immediate Data SIM card Medium ¥1,500–¥4,000/month Same day Home WiFi router (SIM) Medium ¥3,000–¥5,000/month Same day Fiber internet Fast ¥4,000–¥6,000/month 2–4 weeks Pocket WiFi A portable WiFi router that connects multiple devices (phone, laptop, tablet) to mobile internet via a SIM card inside. Carry it in your bag and you have WiFi anywhere in Japan. ...