Detailed Guide to Choosing a Network Operator in Japan From A-Z

When you first come to Japan, choosing Carriers in Japan suitability is one of the top priorities of many people. With the rapid development of technology, carriers in Japan not only provide mobile services but also support many other utilities such as fixed-line Internet, packages that come with phone devices. Let's join T-connect Learn more about each carrier to make the best choice.

Major carriers (Big 3)

Among the carriers in Japan, the three largest carriers with a market share of 90% are NTT Docomo, SoftBank, and au by KDDI. Each carrier has its own characteristics and advantages.

NTT Docomo

NTT Docomo is Japan's largest mobile network operator with over 80 million subscribers. Founded in 1991, Docomo is known for its nationwide coverage and stable service quality. With a dense number of stores across major cities and rural areas, Docomo has been and is the top choice, meeting all the needs of users in Japan.

They provide a full range of services from 4G to 5G with high speed. The system of transmitting and receiving stations is heavily invested, ensuring good connection quality even in remote areas.

In particular, Docomo is sole carrier providing coverage on Mount Fuji since 2013, allowing visitors to share live photos, check-in on social networks and stay in touch with teammates while climbing.

Popular packages

NTT Docomo offers a variety of packages:

• Giga Lite: Plans for low data users, flexible pricing based on usage.
• Giga Max: For frequent users with large data volumes.
• Package combined with fixed Internet: This saves a lot of money if you need to use the Internet at home.

In addition, Docomo also has many promotional programs with phones at attractive prices, helping you easily own the latest smartphone models.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantage:

• Stable signal quality, good technical support
• Widest coverage among carriers in Japan
• Switch Networks Online Without Credit Card
• Professional customer service
• Multiple stores supported

Disadvantages:

• The fare is quite high.
• Complicated registration procedure
• Contracts usually last 2 years

Average monthly cost

• Basic package: 6,000 – 7,000 yen
• Premium Package: 8,000 – 10,000 yen
• Large data package: 12,000 – 15,000 yen

by KDDI

au by KDDI is the second largest carrier in Japan with wide coverage and good customer service. It is highly rated for its frequent and easy-to-understand promotions.
With a wide network of stores, au by KDDI ensures that users can easily find support or sign up for services. They have a variety of plans to suit business users.

Popular packages

• Unlimited Max 5G: Provides high speed and large capacity, suitable for frequent users.
• Family Plan: Allows family members to share data capacity.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantage:

• Flexible service
• Stable network quality
• Many incentives for loyal customers
• Integrates well with other KDDI services

Disadvantages:

• The fare is quite high.
• Complicated network transfer procedures
• Trainee visas are not accepted when registering for installment plans or phone bundled services.

Average monthly cost

• Basic package: 6,000 – 8,000 yen
• Business package: 10,000 – 15,000 yen
• Premium package: 12,000 – 18,000 yen

Softbank

SoftBank is the third largest mobile carrier in Japan, known for its attractive promotions and diverse services. They especially focus on the young and foreign customer segments.

SoftBank is also a popular choice thanks to its cheap and high-performance data SIM packages, providing modern 5G wave services, meeting users' Internet needs well. They also have many incentives for students and long-term users.

Popular packages

• Merihari Unlimited: Provides unlimited data at high speeds.
• Student Discount: Special offers for students, suitable for limited budgets.
• SIM Data: Suitable for users who only need Internet and do not use many calls.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantage:

• Many promotions
• Good English support
• Diverse family services

Disadvantages:

• Coverage may be unstable in remote areas
• High equipment costs
• Complex contract policies
• Trainee visa is not accepted when registering to buy a phone with

Average monthly cost

• Basic package: 5,500 – 7,000 yen
• Large data package: 7,500 – 12,000 yen
• Family Package: 9,000 – 15,000 yen

Low-cost network operators (MVNOs)

MVNO Concept

MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) are virtual carriers that use the infrastructure of major carriers such as Docomo, SoftBank, and au. MVNOs often offer services at significantly lower prices, making them suitable for users with limited budgets or low usage needs. This is a new trend among carriers in Japan.

List of popular MVNOs

Rakuten Mobile

Rakuten Mobile, part of the Rakuten e-commerce group, has made a big splash in the Japanese telecommunications market with its competitive pricing strategy.
With prices starting from just 2,980 yen per month, this carrier especially attracts users with its free data policy for the first year.

Rakuten Mobile's strength is its seamless integration with the Rakuten points ecosystem, allowing users to accumulate points and use them for many other services. In particular, they provide multilingual support including English and Vietnamese, and do not require a deposit, making registration easier for foreigners.

Y! Mobile

Y!mobile, a subsidiary of SoftBank Group, has positioned itself as a high-quality low-cost carrier in the market, very suitable for individual users or students.

With prices starting from 3,480 yen per month, Y!mobile offers stable network quality inherited from SoftBank's infrastructure.

This network is highly appreciated for its simple registration process and policy of accepting a variety of visa types. With a wide network of stores, Y!mobile makes it easy for customers to access services and receive direct support.

UQ Mobile

UQ mobile, a subsidiary of au KDDI, offers a high-quality service experience at affordable prices starting from 3,980 yen per month, making it a popular choice for families.
Inheriting au's network infrastructure, UQ mobile ensures coverage and service quality equivalent to the parent network.

They stand out with attractive internet combo packages and special incentives for students. Flexible phone number portability is also one of the strengths of this network.

OCN Mobile

OCN Mobile, owned by NTT Communications, is an ideal choice for users looking for a cost-effective solution with prices starting from just 1,980 yen per month.

OCN Mobile's highlight is its policy of not requiring long-term contracts and a simple online registration process. They are one of the pioneers in providing eSIM services, making it convenient for users to switch carriers and use multiple SIMs.

IIJmio

IIJmio, as a long-standing independent carrier in the market, has built a solid reputation with competitive prices starting from 1,760 yen per month.

IIJmio's unique feature is its ability to allow users to use the networks of all three major carriers, ensuring optimal coverage. They offer economical family plans and professional technical support.

In particular, IIJmio does not require a penalty fee for early contract cancellation, creating flexibility for users in switching services.

Compare prices and services

• MVNOs are 30-50% cheaper than major carriers
• Equivalent network quality
• More limited customer support
• Simpler registration process
• No long-term commitment required
• Flexibility in changing packages

Necessary documents when registering for mobile network in Japan

Note:

• If you don't have a bank card, you can sign up for monthly cash payments.
• Invoice will be sent to registered address.
• Payment must be made on time to avoid service disconnection.
• You should make a bank card before registering for convenience.

Note common problems

Language problem

The language barrier is one of the biggest challenges when signing up for telecommunications services in Japan. Most carriers only support Japanese for transactions and documents.

While some major stores in downtown areas have English-speaking staff, they are limited. Carrier apps and websites are also often only available in Japanese, making it difficult to manage your account and track your charges.

Customer service

Carriers in Japan provide a wide range of professional customer support services. With a 24/7 hotline system, customers can receive support at any time when facing an emergency.

In addition, the widespread network of stores makes it easy for users to access direct services. In particular, major carriers also provide chat support services via applications and email support in English, making it convenient for foreign customers.

How to handle when encountering problems

When encountering problems, please check your device first, then contact the support center or go directly to the nearest store for resolution.

Choosing a network operator in Japan depends on many factors such as budget, usage needs and living area. T-connect hopes that through this article, with the diversity of network operators in Japan, you can easily find a package that suits your needs and conditions. Don't forget Contact T-connect If you need further assistance during registration or using the service!