Affordable & Easy SIM Plans for International Students in Japan

For a newly arrived international student in Japan, LINEMO, Ahamo, or UQ mobile are some of the best choices depending on your needs:

First of all, let’s take a look at the most popular SIM carriers in Japan.
1. Softbank
2. Dokomo
3. AU
4. UQ Mobile
5. Sakura Mobile

Best Overall for Students

LINEMO (SoftBank)
- 20GB for ¥2,728/month
- Free use of LINE app without using your data
- Great value, no contract, and easy setup online

Best for Stable Coverage & Simplicity

Ahamo (Docomo)
- 20GB for ¥2,970/month
- Includes 5 minutes of free domestic calls per call
- Reliable Docomo network and easy online application

Best Budget Option

UQ Mobile (au)
- 15GB for ¥2,728/month (Tokutoku Plan)
- 20GB with calls for ¥3,278/month (ComiComi Plan)
- Good network and English support

If you need English customer support, providers like Sakura Mobile or Mobal are student-friendly and offer real Japanese numbers, though they tend to be a bit more expensive.

For a foreign student who recently arrived in Japan, the best SIM card depends on your priorities: price, data allowance, English support, and whether you need a Japanese phone number. Here’s a summary of the top choices based on different needs:

Best Overall (Affordable + Reliable ):

LINEMO (SoftBank Sub-brand)

Price: ¥990/month (3GB) or ¥2,728/month (20GB)
Pros: Reliable SoftBank network, LINE app data doesn’t count toward limit, easy online signup.
Cons: Japanese support only.

Best for English Support:

Sakura Mobile

Price: ¥2,980/month (4GB), ¥4,980/month (25GB)
Pros: Full English support, easy signup with residence card or passport, perfect for first-timers.
Cons: Slightly more expensive than Japanese-only options.

💡 Recommendation:

Ahamo (by Docomo) – Best Overall for Long-Term Use

20GB/month for ¥2,970
Includes 5 minutes of free calls per call
Runs on Docomo’s reliable nationwide network
No contract or cancellation fee
✅ Great balance of data, quality, and price

LINEMO (by SoftBank) – Best for LINE Users

20GB/month for ¥2,728
LINE app use is unlimited (doesn’t count against your data)
No contract, no extra fees
✅ Perfect if you use LINE daily for messages/calls

3GB/month: ¥990
20GB/month: ¥2,728
LINE app data is free (doesn’t count toward data limit)
✅ No contract, low upfront cost
✅ Best for LINE users and daily communication

UQ Mobile (by au) – Flexible with Discounts

15GB/month (Tokutoku Plan) for ¥2,728
20GB/month + Calls (ComiComi Plan) for ¥3,278
Discount applies if you use less than 1GB (saves ¥1,188/month)
Unused data can carry over
✅ Ideal if your usage varies month to month

Best for English Support: Sakura Mobile or Mobal

Sakura Mobile: 4GB or 25GB from ¥2,980/month
Mobal: Japanese phone number included, good for visa, bank setup
✅ Higher price but full English customer service
✅ Good for students or expats who want simplicity

If you’re confident in basic Japanese and want to save money:
Best for tempary residents
🥇 Sakura Mobile – Best for Temporary Residents (with English Support)

25GB: ¥4,980
✅ English support, easy sign-up, accepts passport
✅ Good for tourists, students, or working holiday visa holders
🌐 sakuramobile.jp

povo 2.0 (by au) – Ultra Flexible

Base fee: ¥0 (you only pay for what you use)
Add-ons (valid for 30 days):
- 1GB: ¥390
- 3GB: ¥990
- 20GB: ¥2,700
  ✅ No fixed monthly fee, perfect for light users
  ✅ Pay-as-you-go model
  ⚠️ App and website are Japanese only

IIJmio (MVNO using Docomo network)

2GB/month: ¥850
5GB/month: ¥990
✅ Cheap and reliable
⚠️ Website mostly in Japanese; setup may be tricky for beginners

📝 Conclusion:

Provider	Data	Price (¥/month)	Best For
LINEMO	3GB	¥990	Most people, LINE users
povo 2.0	Pay-as-you-go	¥390+	Occasional/light users
IIJmio	2GB–5GB	¥850–¥990	Budget-conscious w/ tech skill
UQ Mobile	3GB	¥1,628 (or ¥990)	Reliability + some support

✅ Recommendation for Saving Money:
➡️ Go with LINEMO 3GB for ¥990 – cheap, easy, and reliable.
➡️ If you rarely use data, try povo 2.0 and only pay when needed.

🥉 Japan Travel SIM by IIJmio – Cheap Short-Term Data SIM

2GB for 30 days: ~¥1,800
Data only (no voice)
✅ Great for travelers using Wi-Fi most of the time
⚠️ No Japanese number
🌐 Available at airports, BicCamera, Amazon Japan

🧳 eSIM Option (Instant Delivery)

aloSIM / Ubigi / Airalo
From $4–$25, plans range from 1GB to 10GB
✅ Activate instantly without needing a physical SIM
✅ Great for compatible smartphones (iPhone 11+ etc.)
⚠️ Data only, no phone number

Staying connected in Japan doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. With the right SIM plan, international students can enjoy reliable service, plenty of data, and even a Japanese phone number—without breaking the bank. Choose the plan that fits your needs and start your journey in Japan with confidence!

Nihongo Focus