In recent years in Japan, situations requiring SMS Verification using a Japanese phone number—such as purchasing live event tickets, reserving collaboration cafes, or registering for Japanese mobile apps—have been steadily increasing. However, most travel SIM cards and eSIMs for Japan are Data-only SIMs. When you need a Japanese phone number, you must choose a Voice SIM or eSIM with a Japanese phone number.
Compared to other countries, Japan has strict conditions for acquiring phone numbers, making it a high hurdle for tourists and foreigners who have just started living in Japan to sign a contract.
In this article, for those traveling to Japan, we will clearly explain when a Japanese phone number is needed, how to obtain one, the types of SIMs and eSIMs, and recommended SIMs and eSIMs by purpose.
When Do You Need a Japanese Phone Number?
What Types of Japanese SIMs and eSIMs Are Available?
5 Points to Check Before Obtaining a Japanese Phone Number
4 Japanese Voice SIMs & eSIMs Easy for Foreigners to Contract
4 Japanese Voice SIMs & eSIMs Contractable with a Resident Card [For Long-Term Residents]
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why HanaCell Japan SIM / eSIM is Recommended
Summary
When Do You Need a Japanese Phone Number?
For Short-term Travel and Event / Concert Attendance
It is easy to think that “a Data-only SIM or eSIM is enough for travel,” but in Japan, there are many situations where a phone number is required even for short-term stays.
- Purchasing concert and event tickets
- Reserving character collaboration cafes and pop-up stores
- Booking popular restaurants
- Registering for Japanese apps such as ride-hailing services
- Account registration and using various services requiring SMS Verification
In particular, those who visit Japan for live concerts or events often need a Japanese phone number depending on the ticketing service or event organizer. In addition, popular collaboration cafes and limited-time shops often require phone number entry or SMS Verification during reservation.
For International Students, Working Holiday Makers, and Employment
If you stay in Japan long-term for studying abroad, working holiday, or employment, a Japanese phone number becomes an essential part of daily life. In Japan, a Japanese phone number is frequently requested as a contact number for contracts and various administrative procedures, and having an environment where you can use phone calls and SMS makes things go smoothly.
- Opening a bank account
- Signing a rental apartment contract
- Applications and hiring communications for part-time jobs or job hunting
- Administrative procedures and various member registrations
- Receiving courier deliveries and identity verification for various services
In particular, immediately after arriving in Japan, you need to quickly proceed with opening a bank account and searching for housing. Having a Japanese phone number ensures smooth procedures and communication, allowing you to start your new life with peace of mind.
For those planning a long-term stay, we recommend choosing a Voice SIM or eSIM that provides a Japanese phone number rather than a Data-only SIM.
What Types of Japanese SIMs and eSIMs Are Available?
Japanese SIMs and eSIMs are broadly divided into “Data-only” and “Voice SIMs (with Phone Number)”.
| Data-only SIM / eSIM | Voice SIM / eSIM (with Phone Number) | |
|---|---|---|
| Internet Data | ✓ | ✓ |
| Voice Calls | – | ✓ |
| SMS | – | ✓ |
Most SIMs and eSIMs sold for tourists are Data-only.
If you need a Japanese phone number, you must choose a Voice SIM or eSIM with a phone number.
5 Points to Check Before Obtaining a Japanese Phone Number
Before using a Japanese Voice SIM or eSIM with a phone number, there are several points you should check in advance. Verify your smartphone’s compatibility, contract conditions, and pickup methods to choose the SIM or eSIM that suits you best.
1. Check if Your Smartphone is SIM-Unlocked
To use a Japanese SIM or eSIM, your smartphone must be SIM-unlocked.
Devices purchased overseas or from telecom carriers may have a SIM lock. Before signing up, verify whether your smartphone is SIM-unlocked.
2. Confirm if It is a Voice SIM / eSIM with a Phone Number
Many tourist SIMs and eSIMs are internet-only data plans.
If you need SMS Verification for live concert tickets, Japanese app registration, or making/receiving calls, select a Voice SIM or eSIM with a Japanese phone number.
Japanese phone numbers include mobile numbers starting with 090, 080, 070, or 060, and IP phone numbers starting with 050.
Since 050 numbers may not be accepted for ticket services, event bookings, or SMS Verification, if you want wide usability, choose a SIM or eSIM provided with a 090, 080, 070, or 060 number.
3. Check the Documents Required for Contract
When contracting a Japanese Voice SIM or eSIM, submitting identity verification documents is required. Necessary documents vary by service: some services allow contracts with relatively minimal documents such as a Passport, while others require a Resident Card (Zairyu Card) or address registration in Japan.
Tourists, international students, or working holiday makers coming to Japan should check in advance whether they meet the contract conditions and required documents for their specific situation.
4. Check Accepted Payment Methods
Supported payment methods differ depending on the mobile carrier.
Especially with Japanese carriers, overseas credit cards may not be usable, or a Japanese bank account / credit card may be required.
5. Check if You Can Receive It Before Arriving in Japan
If you want to use your phone number immediately after arriving in Japan, the delivery method of the SIM or eSIM is also crucial.
With services supporting international delivery, you can receive the SIM card before departing for Japan and start using it immediately upon landing.
In addition, some services allow pickup at Japanese airport counters. This is convenient for those who do not have time for international delivery or want to use it right upon arrival without waiting for mail.
4 Japanese Voice SIMs & eSIMs Easy for Foreigners to Contract
Most Japanese mobile carriers require presenting a Resident Card and registered address in Japan at contract time. Therefore, tourists, concert attendees, and newly arrived students/working holiday makers cannot contract with them.
Here are SIMs and eSIMs that even these individuals can contract with minimal required documents or apply for prior to arrival in Japan.
- Tourists visiting Japan
- Concert and live event attendees
- Those who want to obtain a phone number before coming to Japan
- Those who want to obtain a phone number immediately after entering Japan
| Service | Features | International Shipping | Pickup at Japan Airports | Contract Period | Recommended For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HanaCell Japan SIM / eSIM |
Best for phone number maintenance $0 on unused months ($29 / 3GB on active months) |
✓ | ✓ | None | Temporary returnees / Frequent visitors |
| Mobal |
Multilingual support & convenient for starting life in Japan From ¥1,650/mo (from 1GB) |
✓ | ✓ | None | Students / Working Holiday / Long-term stay |
| JB Mobile |
Japan SIM service for foreigners From ¥1,210/mo (from 1GB) |
✓ | – | Yes | Students / Working Holiday / Long-term stay |
| JP SMART SIM |
Plans available for foreign residents From ¥880/mo (from 1GB) |
– | ✓ | None | Students / Working Holiday / Long-term stay |
*Fees are subject to change, so please check the latest information when reading or updating the article.
HanaCell Japan SIM / eSIM
HanaCell Japan SIM / eSIM supports free worldwide shipping including Korea, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, allowing you to receive your SIM or eSIM before leaving for Japan. No fees occur on months you do not use it, and the annual maintenance fee is only $12 (first year free). It is a convenient service for those visiting Japan multiple times for temporary returns, sightseeing, or live event trips.
Mobal
Mobal is a telecom service designed for foreigners. You can apply from overseas and receive a SIM or eSIM with free shipping before arriving in Japan. Because it supports international roaming, you can start using it even before departing for Japan. Furthermore, English and Chinese support is provided, and there are no contract commitments, making it ideal as your first phone number in Japan.
JB Mobile
Offers a flexible lineup from short-term tourist data SIMs to medium/long-term voice call plans. Being able to receive SMS Verification and incoming calls on a Japanese phone number while staying overseas is a major strength.
If canceled in less than 3 months, a cancellation fee of ¥3,850 (tax included) will be charged. *As of August 2026
JP SMART SIM
Does not require a Japanese bank account or Japanese credit card; contracts can easily be made via convenience store payments using a Passport or Resident Card. Multilingual support is extremely thorough, making it ideal for foreign students or workers who have just arrived in Japan.
4 Japanese Voice SIMs & eSIMs Contractable with a Resident Card [For Long-Term Residents]
For those who have acquired a Resident Card, Japanese mobile carriers (MVNOs / low-cost SIMs) are also options.
Compare data capacity, calling options, and monthly fees to choose a service that fits your usage style.
- International Students
- Working Holiday Residents
- Work Visa Holders
Immediately after arriving in Japan for study or working holiday, no address is printed on the back of the Resident Card. First, complete address registration at your municipal office, and apply after the address is printed on the Resident Card.
Note that while there is a phone number field on the notification form during address registration, if you do not have a Japanese phone number yet, you may leave it blank or fill in a contactable number such as your school, employer, or acquaintance in Japan to proceed with procedures.
| Service | Monthly Fee | Network Carrier | Multilingual Support | Store Support | Recommended For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LINEMO |
Unlimited chat and video calls on LINE app
Up to 3GB: ¥990 / |
SoftBank Network |
✓ English, Korean, Simplified Chinese, etc. *Application process only |
– | People who frequently message or call on LINE |
| Rakuten Mobile |
Tiered Monthly Rate System
Up to 3GB: ¥1,078 / |
Rakuten Network / au Network |
✓ English, Korean, Traditional/Simplified Chinese, etc. *Available at select stores |
✓ | People who use a large amount of data |
| povo |
¥0 Base Fee Topping System
Purchase required data as needed (e.g., 3GB/30 days ¥990) |
au Network |
✓ English, Korean, Simplified Chinese, etc. *Application process only |
– | People looking for a sub-line or low-cost usage |
| AEON MOBILE |
Plans selectable in 1GB increments from 1GB to 10GB
1GB ¥858 – 10GB ¥1,848 |
Docomo Network / au Network |
✓ English, Korean, Traditional/Simplified Chinese, etc. *Available via phone/in-store |
✓ | People who want to consult in-store before contracting |
*For overseas-issued credit cards, even if officially listed as usable, errors may occur during online identity verification (3D Secure) or system review. In principle, using a bank account opened in Japan or a credit card issued in Japan is recommended.
*Fees are subject to change, so please check the latest information when reading or updating the article.
LINEMO
LINEMO is an online-exclusive brand provided by SoftBank. It supports “LINE Giga Free,” where LINE chat, voice calls, and video calls are exempt from data usage, making it popular among frequent LINE users. While in-store applications are not supported, procedures can be completed online, making it a preferred choice for long-term residents seeking low rates.
Rakuten Mobile
Rakuten Mobile features a simple tiered plan where fees are determined by monthly data usage. On months with low data usage, costs remain low, and usage over 20GB is fixed rate unlimited. It is also popular among users of the Rakuten Ecosystem.
povo
povo adopts a “Topping system” with a ¥0 base fee where you purchase only the services you need. It suits those who use little data or want to add data capacity only when needed. However, note that if there is no paid Topping or calling usage for a certain period, service suspension or contract cancellation may occur, so check usage conditions in advance.
AEON MOBILE
AEON MOBILE offers a wide range of plans from 1GB to 200GB, making it easy to choose according to your usage style. In addition, applications and consultations are available at AEON stores nationwide, making it friendly for those uneasy about online procedures in Japanese.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes. Even for tourists, there are Japanese Voice SIMs and eSIMs with phone numbers that can be contracted with relatively minimal documents such as a Passport. If you plan to attend concerts, reserve collaboration cafes, or use services requiring SMS Verification, Voice SIMs / eSIMs for foreign tourists are recommended.
No. Data-only SIMs are strictly for internet communication and do not support SMS Verification or voice calls using Japanese mobile numbers. If you need SMS Verification for purchasing concert/event tickets, registering app accounts, or using various services in Japan, choosing a Japanese Voice SIM / eSIM with a phone number is safe and reliable.
Yes. Japanese mobile phone numbers start with 090, 080, 070, or 060. Note that while IP phone numbers starting with 050 also exist, they may not be recognized as mobile numbers and might be unusable for SMS Verification or account registration. If you plan to buy tickets for concerts or events, choosing a service that provides 090/080/070/060 numbers ensures peace of mind.
Yes. Services that support international shipping allow you to receive your SIM before arriving in Japan.
Japanese Voice SIMs and eSIMs from HanaCell offer free international shipping.
Yes. Even for short-term stays like traveling, there are Japanese Voice SIMs and eSIMs that can be contracted with minimal documents such as a Passport. This is convenient for those who want to use a phone number immediately upon arrival in Japan.
Why HanaCell Japan SIM / eSIM is Recommended
HanaCell’s Japan SIM is easy to use for trips to Japan, concert tours, and various events.
Benefit 1: Peace of Mind for SMS Verification with Official Japanese “090/080/070/060 Numbers”
Because an official Japanese mobile phone number is assigned, SMS Verification and voice calls are fully supported. Unlike 050 IP phone numbers which are often rejected, it works seamlessly for ticket sales sites, member registrations, and app SMS Verification, providing peace of mind when buying concert tickets or using services in Japan.
Benefit 2: Easy Application Even for Tourists
While most Japanese mobile carriers require a Resident Card and domestic address registration, HanaCell allows signup with just a Passport when picking up at an airport counter. Even for shipping, relatively few documents are needed. You can apply before departing for Japan and use your Japanese phone number right after arrival.
Benefit 3: Free Worldwide Delivery Including Korea, Taiwan, and Hong Kong
Supports free delivery to countries worldwide, including Korea, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, so you can receive your SIM or eSIM before leaving for Japan. There is no need to set up or visit phone shops after landing; you can use your Japanese phone number immediately upon arrival.
Benefit 4: Extremely Low Maintenance Cost
The base fee is $0 on months you do not use it, reducing maintenance costs while away from Japan. You can keep your Japanese phone number continuously without the hassle of canceling and re-subscribing, making it ideal for visitors returning to Japan repeatedly for events, concerts, or trips.
Flow from Application to Activation for HanaCell Japan SIM / eSIM
- Apply on Official Website
Overseas address registration OK. Payments support overseas-issued credit cards. - Identity Verification
By Japanese law, identity verification is mandatory for issuing Voice SIMs/eSIMs with phone numbers.
・Airport pickup: Present Passport
・Shipping: Upload ID (usable ID varies depending on your country of residence) - Receive SIM Card / eSIM Access Code Sheet
・Airport counter pickup
・Or free shipping to overseas address (takes several days by mail) - Activation Request
Submit activation request on your dedicated customer portal page - Start Using
Insert SIM into smartphone or set up eSIM, turn line ON after arriving in Japan to start using
Summary
When choosing a Japanese Voice SIM or eSIM with a phone number, it is important to check in advance whether it can be used immediately upon arrival in Japan, the required identity verification documents, contract conditions, and international shipping support.
In particular, for those who want to use a phone number right after arriving in Japan or want free international shipping with passport-only application, HanaCell Japan SIM / eSIM is extremely convenient. Select a Japanese Voice SIM or eSIM tailored to your purpose and duration of stay.