Japan phone options

Hey guys, I'm going to Japan in about a month for 3 weeks. I want to be able to make local calls while I'm there. I care less about making international calls and I don't even need Internet access. What is the cheapest way of doing this? I have and iPhone 4, so is it better to rent just a SIM card or to rent a phone? What should I do? Thanks in advance.

how many calls do you plan to make?

I don't plan on making a lot of calls but I would need it here and there to contact friends in Japan.

Buy a Softbank prepaid phone. You can buy it at Softbank Roppongi without resident's card, just passport. Costs about 6000yen, including 3000 yen prepaid card & phone.

If you are very lucky, you will be able to do the same at Don Quijote (DonKi) for 3980 yen, (including 3000 yen prepaid card & phone.) but they usually need passport + 1 Japanese ID.(or 2 Japanese ID)

I don't plan on making a lot of calls but I would need it here and there to contact friends in Japan.

You might also just consider international roaming. Check with your carrier, as you may be able to get on a travel plan that could be very competitive to the prepaid calling rates.