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Plans for Residents

🔗 Related Guides

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👤 Plans for TouristsPlans for Tourists
🔄 SIM CardsSIM Cards
📶 Pocket Wi-Fi RentalPocket Wi-Fi Rental
📝 How to Register Your SIMHow to Register Your SIM

🏠 Best SIM Plans for Residents in Japan

If you live in Japan medium or long term, choosing the right SIM plan can greatly improve your daily life.
This guide explains the best SIM options for residents, including major carriers, sub-brands, and budget providers.

🔍 Who Is This Page For?

This page is ideal for:

  • Residents staying for several months or more
  • Students and full-time workers
  • People who need reliable internet every day
  • Anyone deciding between major carriers and budget SIMs

🏆 Top Recommended SIM Plans for Residents

1️⃣ UQ mobile — Best Balance of Price & Stability

Why it’s recommended:

  • Runs on au’s stable, high-quality network
  • Fast speeds throughout the day
  • Excellent balance of price and performance

Typical Plans:

  • 20 GB — around ¥2,728/month
  • Optional unlimited calling add-ons

Best for:
People who want stable performance without paying too much.

2️⃣ Y!mobile — Great for Families & Reliable Speeds

Benefits:

  • Uses SoftBank’s strong and stable network
  • Family discount available
  • In-store support available (good for foreigners)

Best for:
Families or residents who want consistent speeds and simple support.

3️⃣ LINEMO — Cheapest High-Speed Option

Benefits:

  • 3 GB → ¥990
  • 20 GB → ¥2,728
  • Fast speeds (SoftBank network)
  • Easy online sign-up

Best for:
Light users or anyone wanting the lowest monthly cost.

4️⃣ Rakuten Mobile — Unlimited Data at Low Cost

Benefits:

  • Unlimited data in Rakuten areas
  • Free calls using Rakuten Link
  • Simple, step-based pricing structure

Note:
Indoor coverage can be weak in some locations.

Best for:
Heavy data users (videos, social media, hotspot use).

5️⃣ povo — Flexible, Pay-as-You-Go Style

Features:

  • Base plan starts at ¥0/month
  • Buy “toppings” only when needed
  • Uses au’s stable network

Best for:
Wi-Fi-heavy users or people who want the cheapest maintenance cost.

🧭 Major Carrier vs. Budget SIM — Which Should You Choose?

TypeProsCons
Major Carriers (au / SoftBank / Docomo)Fastest speeds & best coverageMost expensive
Sub-brands (UQ / Y!mobile / LINEMO)Great balance of price & speedFewer physical stores
MVNOs (mineo / IIJmio / etc.)Very cheap plansSpeeds drop during peak hours

🎯 How to Choose the Best Plan

Choose based on your lifestyle:

Your Usage StyleBest Choice
Stable speeds + good valueUQ mobile
Family or couplesY!mobile
Lowest costLINEMO
Heavy data useRakuten Mobile
Minimal use / Wi-Fi lifestylepovo

📝 What You Need to Apply

Residents typically need:

  • Residence card
  • Passport
  • Credit card
  • Japanese address
  • (Sometimes) a Japanese phone number

📦 Where to Apply

✔ Apply Online (Recommended)

  • Lowest prices
  • Fast delivery
  • Easy verification process

✔ Electronics Stores

  • Bic Camera, Yodobashi Camera, Yamada Denki

✔ Carrier Shops

  • au, SoftBank, Rakuten stores

🔚 Conclusion

For most residents, the safest choices are:

➡ UQ mobile, Y!mobile, LINEMO, or Rakuten Mobile

Choose based on your data usage and monthly budget — you can’t go wrong with these options.