WHV in Japan: How to get a phone number, data, and pocket wifi

Getting a local phone number is crucial upon arrival in Japan if you’re planning to stay a year or several months. Many procedures and operations will require you to have one (banking, employment, social security…) and sometimes you may even be called to confirm your identity.

Internet connection is also important. Luckily in Japan, you can access free wifi in many public spaces, such as metro stations, convenience stores, and cafes.

Devices

If your cell phone is a relatively recent model (less than 5 years) and is unlocked (i.e. not tied to an operator), it will work without a problem in Japan. If you’re thinking about buying a phone in Japan, beware that most are locked to specific operators; the first unlocked iPhone only came out in 2017.

If you’re hesitating, it is likely preferable to just buy a new phone in your home country before coming to Japan. Be careful that certain Chinese phones are not always compatible with Japanese frequencies.

Also note that in Japan, Apple holds a large share of the smartphone market. While that’s good news for iPhone users, Android users will have a harder time getting their devices repaired.

Phone plans

In Japan, people virtually never never make classic phone calls anymore, but rather use the messaging app, Line. For administrative procedures, however, you still need a phone number. To obtain one, you will need to have a residence card.

For phone plans, gigs of data are usually limited. In some cases, calls and texts might be billed by usage as well.

What should you look out for when doing your research?

• Activation/installation fees
• Cancellation fees
• Availability of customer service in English (if applicable)
• Gigs of data
• Pricing structure

Here are the options at your disposal:

1. Prepaid

Avantages

• There is not contractual commitment
• You pay for what you need, between 3,000 and 5,000 yen
• Easy to buy in stores

Drawbacks

• Compared to equivalent class plans, prepaid plans are more expensive
• The SIM card is deactivated after 6 months of inactivity

Prepaid plans are becoming rarer and rarer in Japan. It is most relevant to working holiday makers and visitors who are staying a shorter period in Japan.

A couple of companies that offer prepaid: B-Mobile, Sakura Mobile.

2. Classic phone plans

Avantages

• Large selection of plans to choose from, and may include a new device for free
• Strong network connection
• Good customer service
• Possibility of bundling with home internet service

Drawbacks

• Commitment of 12 months minimum
• Plan may obligatorily include services that you don’t need
• Complicated and costly cancellation options
• Must purchase a phone from the operator, which could be locked
• WHV holders are often denied

The three main operators are NTT Docomo, AU by KDDI and Softbank (Vodafone). Their offers are comparable but the signup is simpler with Softbank. You may be turned away as a prospective client, if the remaining validity on your WHV does not cover the minimum commitment period of one year.

3. Plans without commitment (or almost)

Avantages

• Option to use your own device
• Easy monthly payments via autopay or at convenience stores
• Customizable plans
• Reasonable prices, transparent invoices
• Designed for young people and expats

Drawbacks

• Sometimes has a commitment of 6 to 12 months
• May have cancellation fee
• Activation fee

For working holiday makers wishing to stay between 6 and 12 months in Japan, this solution should be the most appropriate. The selection of operators is constantly growing and evolving, but the most common ones are UQ, Mineo, Line Mobile, OCN, Mobal, Iijmio, Rakuten. Another option is GTN Mobile, which offers service in multiple languages. Even if online registration is technically possible for your operator of choice, I still recommend that you go in person, as procedures can be confusing otherwise.

This blog post on GaijinPot compares plans offered by a few large Japanese operators.

In general, monthly rates for plans with 5 GB of data start at 2,000 yen.

Whatever type of plan you are looking for, you can go to malls specializing in electronics including Bic Camera, Yodobashi, Labi, and Yamada Denki. The various operators will each have their own kiosk or store.

Like many administrative procedures in Japan, signing up for phone service can take some time. Be prepared to budget at least a couple of hours in the store.

Pocket wifi

If you don’t need or want a Japanese SIM card, you could consider getting a pocket wifi instead. It is not the cheapest option per se, but it might make sense if you don’t have internet at home. This way, you can kill two birds with one stone. Additionally, the network connection is generally even better than what you would get in a data package. With a pocket wifi, you will have wifi connection wherever you bring it.

To give you an idea of the cost, Big Camera offers pocket wifi with unlimited gigs for 4,000 yen.

A few operators that offer pocket wifis include Sakura Mobile, Sunnet, and UQ.

And there you have it. Good luck choosing the right option for you!