Best SIM Card for Foreigners in Japan 2026: From ¥1,650/mo & No Credit Card Needed

"I just landed in Japan, but my phone doesn't work!" "I went to Docomo and SoftBank, but they told me my visa validity is too short..." "I tried to sign up for a cheap SIM, but got rejected because I don't have a Japanese credit card..."

This is the "Connectivity Wall" that almost every foreigner faces upon arriving in Japan.

Mobile phone contracts in Japan are notoriously complex. Many companies require a "Japanese Bank Account," a "Japanese Credit Card," and a "Visa valid for at least 1-2 years." However, to open a bank account, you need a phone number. To get a phone number, you need a bank account. This is the "Vicious Cycle" that traps many newcomers.

Don't worry. There is a backdoor.

In this article, we introduce the "Golden Route"—a fail-safe strategy for choosing a SIM card, backed by Reddit communities and thousands of expats.

The "Golden Route" Strategy:

1. Day 1-90: Use Sakura Mobile or Mobal (Easy approval, English support).
2. Day 90+: Once you have a bank account and credit card, switch to Rakuten Mobile (Cheaper, unlimited data).

---

🚨 Urgent: Need Data Right Now? (Day 0)

If you are currently at the airport or stuck without internet before your SIM card arrives, download Airalo (eSIM) immediately. It connects instantly without ID checks.

Affiliate disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

---

Comparison: Top 3 SIM Cards for Foreigners (2025)

We have selected the top 3 carriers that do not require a Japanese Credit Card or long-term visa.

Feature	Sakura Mobile	Mobal	Rakuten Mobile
Best For	Cash Payers / Safety	PayPal Users / Students	Long-term (6mo+)
Data/Voice	4GB ~ Unlimited	1GB ~ 30GB	Unlimited
Monthly Cost	¥2,980~	¥1,650~	¥1,078 ~ ¥3,278
Payment	Konbini (Cash) / Card	PayPal / Card	Japanese Card / Bank
Contract Binding	None	None	None
English Support	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Native)	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Native)	⭐ (Japanese mostly)
Visa Requirement	Short-term OK	Short-term OK	Long-term Preferred

---

1. Sakura Mobile

~ The "Safest Choice" for Cash Payers ~

If you don't have a credit card yet and want to pay with Cash at a Convenience Store, Sakura Mobile is your best friend.

Why pick Sakura Mobile?

• Cash Payment (Konbini): The only major expat-friendly SIM that allows monthly payments via "Smart Pit" at convenience stores. No bank account needed.
• Airport Pickup: Order online before you fly, pick it up at Narita/Haneda/Kansai airports upon arrival.
• Docomo Network: Uses Japan's #1 network (NTT Docomo). Works perfectly in subways and rural areas.

User Review★★★★★5/5

"I picked up my SIM at the airport on my first day. Being able to use Google Maps immediately was a lifesaver. It's a bit pricey, but for the first 3 months, the English support and cash payment option were worth every yen."

Verdict: Choose Sakura Mobile if you "Want to pay with Cash" or "Need airport pickup."

---

2. Mobal

~ The "Cheapest Start" with PayPal ~

Mobal is popular among students and working holiday makers because it offers the lowest starting price and accepts PayPal.

Why pick Mobal?

• Cheap Start (¥1,650/mo): Their 1GB plan is perfect if you mostly use Wi-Fi and just need a phone number for paperwork.
• PayPal / Alipay Accepted: You can use your home country's PayPal account. No Japanese credit card required.
• Charity: Profits go to "Seibo," a charity providing meals to children in Malawi. You save money and do good.

Verdict: Choose Mobal if you "Want to pay via PayPal" or "Want the cheapest monthly fee (¥1,650)."

---

3. Rakuten Mobile

~ The "Ultimate Goal" for Long-term Residents ~

Once you settle in Japan (after 3-6 months), your goal should be to switch to Rakuten Mobile. It is the most popular carrier among modern residents due to its unbeatable pricing.

Why switch to Rakuten?

• Unlimited Data (¥3,278/mo): The "Rakuten SAIKYO Plan" gives you unlimited data for a flat fee. No speed throttling.
• Free Calls: Using the "Rakuten Link" app, domestic calls are free.
• Points: You earn Rakuten Points on your bill, which you can use for shopping or paying the bill itself.

⚠️ The Trap: Why not Day 1?

Rakuten Mobile is strict. They often reject foreigners who:

1. Have less than 1 year on their Residence Card.
2. Do not have a Japanese Credit Card.
3. Have a Middle Name that doesn't match their Bank Account exactly.

Strategy: Get a Rakuten Card first. Having the card makes passing the mobile screening 90% easier.

---

Conclusion: The "Golden Route" to Success

Don't overthink it. Follow this roadmap to save time and money.

Step 1: Arrival (The Bridge) Sign up for Sakura Mobile (Cash) or Mobal (PayPal).

• Goal: Get a 070/080/090 phone number immediately.
• Action: Use this number to rent an apartment and open a bank account.

Step 2: Month 2-3 (The Foundation) Apply for a Rakuten Card or EPOS Card using your new bank account.

• Goal: Get a Japanese credit card.

Step 3: Month 6+ (The Switch) Switch (MNP) to Rakuten Mobile.

• Goal: Enjoy unlimited data for ¥3,278/mo.

Ready to start Step 1?

---

FAQ: Common Questions from Foreigners

Q. Can I keep my phone number when I switch to Rakuten later?

Yes! Japan has a system called MNP (Mobile Number Portability). You can transfer your 080/090 number from Sakura/Mobal to Rakuten Mobile later. Both Sakura and Mobal support MNP transfers.

Q. What if my phone is locked?

You must unlock your phone (SIM-Free) before coming to Japan. If your phone is locked to a carrier (like AT&T or Verizon), a Japanese SIM will NOT work. Contact your home carrier to unlock it.

---

Related Guides:

• Bank Account: Top 3 Banks for Foreigners in 2025
• Money Transfer: Wise vs. SBI Remit: Which is Cheaper?
• Jobs: Best Job Sites for Foreigners