Best Phone Plans in Japan for Students : A 2025-2026 guide

Arriving in Japan is an exhilarating experience! Once you’ve navigated immigration and settled into your accommodation, one of the first practical steps is figuring out the best phone plans in Japan for students. Staying connected is essential for everything from using maps and translation apps to keeping in touch with family and friends back home. More importantly, having a Japanese phone number is often a mandatory requirement for many other administrative procedures, such as opening a bank account.

Choosing the right phone plan can seem daunting with so many options available. This guide will walk you through the best choices for new students, considering ease of application, cost, and data needs.

Table of Contents

Understanding Your Options

There are generally two main categories of mobile providers in Japan:

MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) & Providers Specializing in Foreigners: These companies “borrow” network infrastructure from the major carriers… and often offer more flexible contracts and English support, making them some of the most popular foreigner-friendly phone plans in Japan.
Major Carriers & Their Budget Brands: These include Docomo, au, SoftBank, and their more affordable sub-brands like Y!mobile and UQ Mobile, as well as newer players like Rakuten Mobile. They typically offer better network coverage and speed but might require more stringent contracts and Japanese language proficiency.

Top Recommendations for New Students

Let’s dive into some specific plans and providers that are well-suited for international students:

1. Sakura Mobile

Why it’s great for students: Excellent English customer support is a major plus for newcomers. They utilize Docomo’s reliable network and offer straightforward plans without long-term contracts.
Pros: Fully English support (website, customer service), reliable Docomo network, no binding contracts, easy online application.
Cons: Can be slightly more expensive than budget MVNOs.
Typical Plans: Starting around ¥2,980/month for 5GB data + voice calls.

2. Mobal

Why it’s great for students: Convenience, as you can often receive your SIM card before you even depart for Japan or pick it up at the airport.
Pros: SIM card can be obtained pre-departure, English support, options without long-term contracts, accepts international credit cards.
Cons: Data costs might not be the absolute lowest available.
Typical Plans: Similar pricing to Sakura Mobile.

3. GTN Mobile (Global Trust Networks)

Why it’s great for students: Offers multilingual support beyond English, catering to a wider range of international students.
Pros: Multilingual support, flexible plans, simplified application process for foreign residents (student ID often sufficient).
Cons: Might not be as widely known as Sakura or Mobal.
Typical Plans: Competitive pricing, sometimes starting as low as ¥1,200/month for 3GB.

4. Rakuten Mobile

Why it’s great for students: Incredible value for data, especially if you use their Rakuten Link app for free calls.
Pros: Flexible “Rakuten SAIKYO Plan” with tiered pricing and unlimited data after 20GB (~¥3,278), free domestic calls via Rakuten Link app.
Cons: Network coverage can be slightly less robust in very rural areas compared to Docomo. Support is primarily in Japanese, though online translation is available. Requires a Residence Card and often a Japanese bank account for full benefits.
Typical Plans: Adjustable pricing, unlimited data option.

5. Y!mobile & UQ Mobile

Why they’re great for students: Offer a good balance of affordability and reliable network (SoftBank for Y!mobile, au for UQ Mobile). They also have physical stores for in-person support.
Pros: Strong network coverage, physical store locations, often more affordable than the main carriers.
Cons: Can have slightly more restrictive contracts and might require more Japanese language ability for support. Require a Residence Card and Japanese bank account.
Typical Plans: Around ¥2,365/month for 4GB.

Key Things to Consider Before Choosing a Plan:

Data Needs: How much do you typically use for social media, streaming, and studying?
Budget: How much can you afford to spend on your phone bill each month?
Contract Length: Do you prefer a flexible month-to-month plan or are you okay with a longer contract for a lower price?
Language Support: How to get a phone plans in Japan if you don’t speak Japanese? Prioritizing English support is key.
Network Coverage: Consider the coverage in your accommodation and around your school (though most major networks have good coverage in urban areas like Kyoto).

To get your phone plans in Japan as a student, you’ll typically need the following documents:

Residence Card (Zairyu Card): This is almost always required.
Passport: For identification purposes.
Japanese Bank Account: Increasingly required for low-cost carriers.
Credit Card (International cards often accepted by foreigner-focused providers).
Student ID: Sometimes helpful for student discounts.

Getting Started: Recommended Steps

For Immediate Connectivity (Optional): Consider a prepaid data eSIM (like Airalo) for your first few days upon arrival.
Your First Month: To start, choose one of the flexible, foreigner-friendly phone plans in Japan we listed above (Sakura Mobile, Mobal, GTN Mobile) to get connected quickly without major hurdles.
After Setting Up: Once you have your Residence Card with your address and a Japanese bank account, explore the more cost-effective options from Rakuten Mobile, Y!mobile, or UQ Mobile for long-term savings.

Choosing the right phone plans in Japan doesn’t have to be stressful. By understanding your options and prioritizing your needs, you can find a plan that keeps you connected throughout your exciting study abroad journey. Good luck!