Unlocked/Sim-free Phones in Kyoto

I'm arriving in Japan with a student visa and will stay for 2-years. Does anybody know where I can buy a brand new unlocked/sim-free phone in Kyoto? I've read that online is probably the best bet to look for one, and I have tried my best to navigate around kakaku but the brand new models can only seem to be purchased with a plan. I'm planning on buying a new phone then use it with an MVNO (iijmio, specifically) to save on monthly phone costs (I've heard that if you get a 2-year contract with any of the 3 carriers, monthly bill would reach around 10k yen).

before buying a phone, confirm that iijmio accepts your application.

iijmio is far from being the best choice of MVNO. http://kakuyasu-sim.jp/speed-test-on-5-11-2016#Ranking

Hi Firas! Thanks for sharing the link. It seems I decided too hastily on iijmio.

Since this is an angle I completely forgot to consider (thanks ken for the reminder!), would anybody know how and where I can apply for a data +Voice sim in Kyoto? I'm guessing BIC camera or Yodobashi. Or, say, for UQ mobile, do I need to look for an au store and apply there?

The application procedures depend on the providers, so you should consult their websites. For UQ I applied online, after buying an au-branded phone on Amazon.

Thanks, Firas! I've checked UQ mobile's site and tried going through the application process. Would it be possible to apply using a non-Japanese issued CC? I saw this on their site: 海外発行のクレジットカードはご利用いただけない場合があります。I have a locally-issued Citibank card. Any chance that they'd accept this?

It works for me. Basically they write this so that if someone tries to use a foreign card and it doesn't work for some weird reason, they can say it's not their problem. Same for foreign phones.

Great! Thanks, Firas!

UQmobile uses AU network. be careful that all sim-free phones may not work.