Japan is a leader in mobile phone technology and usage. In addition to calling, email and messaging, mobile phones are packed with features such as internet browsers, games, cameras, televisions, electronic wallets/train passes, gps/navigation and music players. Because of these features, mobile phones have become an important and integral part of everyday life.

The biggest Japanese mobile phone companies are NTT Docomo, au by KDDI, and Softbank (formerly Vodafone, and before that J-phone). There are also a few smaller carriers, some of which provided specialized services such as prepaid service and mobile internet.

Do foreign phones work in Japan?

Due to different technologies, mobile phones from your home country may not work in Japan. Most importantly, there is no GSM network in Japan, so GSM-only phones do not work. The following are needed for a handset to work in Japan:

• For Voice - The handset must be compatible with a Japanese mobile phone network (typically 3G UMTS 2100 MHz or 3G CDMA2000 800 MHz). Compatible handsets may be used via international roaming (check with your home provider for details) or a rental or prepaid SIM card from a Japanese carrier (unlocked handsets only). Alternatively, phones with wireless network (WIFI) connectivity can use internet based telephone services (voip), such as Skype, when connected to a WIFI network.

• For Data - Phones that work in Japan for voice (see above) can also receive and send data (such as e-mails and web content) via international roaming or a rental/prepaid SIM card, but note that the cost for data transfer can easily skyrocket without an appropriate data plan. Alternatively, phones with wireless network (WIFI) connectivity can take advantage of the numerous paid and free wifi hotspots found around the country. See our internet page for more details.

Do Japanese phones work outside of Japan?

Many phones that are sold in Japan can operate on 3G and GSM networks (only in certain countries) with the appropriate international roaming plans, although some of their advanced functions will likely not work overseas. This means that a person with a handset and service provided by a Japanese mobile phone carrier can use their phone when traveling outside of Japan.

Although Japanese carriers will now unlock most phone models, it still may not be possible to use a Japanese phone with a foreign service provider due to network differences. Also, Japanese phones are designed at a hardware and software level to work with a particular carrier. As a result they are not fully interchangeable even between Japanese service providers and some of their features may not function when used off the network they were intended for.

How to get a mobile phone in Japan?

Rental Phones and SIM Cards

Renting is the most economical way for the average traveler to get a phone, and typically requires a picture ID and a credit card. Many companies have kiosks at the airports, while other companies will mail a phone to your hotel or to your home. You can return the phones at the airport or through the mail depending on the company.

The fees for rental phones vary and usually consist of the rental fee (typically 250-1000 yen per day) plus a usage fee (typically 70-200 yen per minute domestic outgoing, incoming calls are free). All of the companies at the airports have same day rentals, while some companies offer discounts for advanced reservations.

Prepaid Phones and SIM Cards

Due to past criminal abuse of prepaid phones, phone sellers are required to verify the identity and place of residence of their customers. Typical proof can be in the form of a Japanese driver's license, a Japanese passport or an alien registration card. Some stores will accept foreign passports along with a hotel address as verification.

Prepaid phones start around 5000 yen. Credit, which is used for outgoing calls, email, internet, etc. depending on what features your phone supports, must be purchased in advance. With most companies, incoming calls are free and outgoing calling rates are comparable to those of rental phones. Not all prepaid SIM cards support mobile internet.

Credit can be bought at cell phone stores and convenience stores, and is typically valid for 60 days from activation. Phone numbers remain active as long as you have valid credit in your account, but will expire after three months to a year without use.

Subscription Plans

With subscription plans you pay for your usage at the end of a monthly billing cycle as opposed to prepaid phones where you buy your usage before you use it. Phones may be free or subsidized although that typically requires a 2 year service contract. Alternatively, the phone may be purchased at full price in which case service is available on a month-to-month contract.

All the latest and most advanced phones are available with subscription plans and the selection of handsets is huge. Subscription plans are only available to residents and require an alien registration card and a Japanese bank account.

Guide to Telephones in Japan: Mobile Phones Payphones and Landlines How to Dial