For People Moving to Japan

Your Mobile Plan in Japan
From ¥1,078/month

Unlimited data, free domestic calls, and English support. Apply online in minutes with your residence card.

📱
Unlimited Data
☎️
Free Calls
eSIM Ready
🌐
English Support
Get Started with Referral Bonus

Sign up and earn Rakuten Points

How to Apply Compare Plans

Why Trust This Guide?

Created by someone who went through the same process. This guide is regularly updated with the latest plans and pricing. We earn a small referral bonus when you sign up, at no extra cost to you.

Why Rakuten Mobile?

The go-to carrier for newcomers to Japan

💰

Unbeatable Price

Starting from just ¥1,078/month (tax incl.) for up to 3 GB. Pay only for what you use.

🌐

Unlimited Data

Go unlimited for only ¥3,278/month. No surprise bills, no hidden fees.

📞

Free Domestic Calls

Call anywhere in Japan for free using the Rakuten Link app. No limits.

eSIM in 3 Minutes

Apply online and activate your eSIM instantly. No need to visit a shop.

✈️

Overseas Data

2 GB free roaming in 100+ countries. Stay connected before and after your move.

🔒

No Lock-in

No contract period, no cancellation fees. Cancel anytime you want.

Rakuten SAIKYO Plan

One plan. Costs less when you use less.

~3GB
¥1,078/month

tax included

  • Perfect for light users
  • Free calls via Rakuten Link
  • 2 GB overseas roaming
20GB~
¥3,278/month

tax included · unlimited

  • Unlimited data in Japan
  • Free calls via Rakuten Link
  • 2 GB overseas roaming

Pricing auto-adjusts based on your monthly data usage. No plan changes needed.
View full plan details on Rakuten Mobile →

Sign up with our referral link to earn bonus points

Sign Up Now →
Before You Travel

Moving to Japan? Scan this link

Step 1: Create a free Rakuten ID (do this first!)

Step 2: Scan the QR code and log in with your Rakuten ID to connect your account to the referral bonus. When you arrive in Japan with your residence card, you can apply and earn bonus Rakuten Points.

Note: You can't apply from overseas, but saving the link now makes it easy when you arrive.
Scan to save Rakuten Mobile referral link

Scan with phone camera

Save Referral Link

Tap to open and bookmark for later

Referral Link:

https://r10.to/hNjeBd

Tap to open or copy to clipboard

100+
Visitors Helped
9
Languages Supported
3min
Average Setup Time

Ready to Get Started?

Sign up with our referral link to earn bonus Rakuten Points

Sign Up Now →

Referral link: https://r10.to/hNjeBd

Not sure which carrier to pick? Compare Rakuten vs ahamo vs LINEMO vs povo side by side

How to Apply

You'll need a Japanese residence card — here's the timeline

1

Create a Rakuten ID

Do this first! Register a free Rakuten ID here from anywhere in the world. The form supports multiple languages. You'll need this ID before applying for Rakuten Mobile.

2

Scan the QR Code & Log In

Important: Scan the QR code below now and log in with your Rakuten ID. This connects your account to the referral bonus. You cannot apply from overseas, but logging in now ensures you're ready when you arrive in Japan!

3

Arrive in Japan

At immigration, you'll receive your Residence Card (在留カード). This is your key document.

4

Apply Using Your Saved Referral Link

Use the referral link you saved from the QR code to apply online (log in with your Rakuten ID) or visit a Rakuten Mobile shop. You'll earn ✨ bonus Rakuten Points (楽天ポイント)! You'll need your residence card and a Japanese payment method (credit card or bank account).

5

Get Connected

Choose eSIM for instant activation in ~3 minutes, or get a physical SIM delivered to your Japanese address.

What You'll Need

💳

Residence Card

Issued at immigration when you enter Japan with a valid visa.

💳

Payment Method

A credit card, debit card, or Japanese bank account.

📱

Compatible Phone

Most modern smartphones work. Check compatibility on the Rakuten site.

Ready to Get Started?

Sign up with our referral link to receive bonus Rakuten Points (楽天ポイント) as a reward. Points can be used for shopping, mobile bills, and more.

Sign Up with Referral Link →

On desktop? Scan the QR code with your phone →

Scan to sign up for Rakuten Mobile and earn bonus points

Scan with phone camera

Success Stories

★★★★★

"This guide was a lifesaver! Got my Rakuten eSIM activated within 5 minutes of landing in Tokyo. The bonus points were a nice surprise too."

Sarah M.
ALT Teacher, Tokyo
★★★★★

"Super helpful comparison with other carriers. Went with Rakuten and couldn't be happier. English support made everything so easy."

Marcus L.
Graduate Student, Osaka
★★★★★

"The step-by-step guide helped me understand exactly what to do. Applied at a Rakuten shop and had my SIM card the same day."

Yuki T.
Software Engineer, Fukuoka

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply from outside Japan?

No. You need a Japanese residence card to apply. Save this page and apply after you arrive and complete immigration.

Can I use my current phone?

Most unlocked smartphones (iPhone, Samsung, Pixel, etc.) are compatible. You can check your device on the Rakuten Mobile website.

Is there a contract or cancellation fee?

No. Rakuten Mobile has no minimum contract period and no cancellation fees. You can cancel anytime.

What is Rakuten Link?

A free app that lets you make unlimited domestic calls and send SMS for free. It works over data/Wi-Fi.

Do I get a phone number?

Yes. You'll receive a Japanese phone number (080/090/070) which is essential for daily life in Japan.

Can I use data overseas?

Yes. You get 2 GB of free roaming data per month in over 100 countries and regions.

Ready to Get Connected in Japan?

Use our referral link to sign up and earn bonus Rakuten Points

Sign Up Now →

Referral link: https://r10.to/hNjeBd

Know someone moving to Japan?

Share this guide and help them get connected

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