Can foreigners apply?
Yes. Rakuten Mobile's official information notes that, for smartphone identity verification, currently supported documents for foreign nationals are a residence card or a special permanent resident certificate.
Your name, birthday, and address should match your document. If you recently moved, update your registered address before applying.
Eligible visa types include student visas, work visas (engineer, humanities, international services, and others), specified skilled worker, technical intern training, permanent resident, spouse visas, and more. In general, if you hold a valid residence card you can apply. Short-term stay visas (tourist visas) are not eligible.
Prepare your identity document and payment method.
Create or sign in to your Rakuten ID.
Choose SIM or eSIM and complete identity verification.
| Decision point | Rakuten Mobile | Docomo | au | SoftBank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price clarity | Three tiers, capped at ¥3,278 | Depends on discounts | Depends on discounts | Depends on discounts |
| Best fit | Lower monthly phone costs | Store support priority | Coverage and bundle priority | Store and family discount priority |
| Not ideal for | People who need maximum coverage stability | Lowest-price seekers | Lowest-price seekers | Lowest-price seekers |
| Main caution | Check home and work coverage | Real price without discounts | Real price without discounts | Real price without discounts |
| Before applying | ID document, MNP, compatible phone | Identity and payment method | Identity and payment method | Identity and payment method |
Official Rakuten Saikyo Plan pricing
According to the official plan page, Rakuten Saikyo Plan is usage-based: up to 3GB is 1,078 yen per month, over 3GB to 20GB is 2,178 yen, and over 20GB is 3,278 yen. These prices include tax and exclude call charges or paid options.
The official page also notes that speed may be controlled during congestion or to provide fair service. Treat it as a very cost-efficient plan, but still check your main living and working areas.
Under 3GB is ¥1,078 including tax. In heavy-use months, data charges are capped at ¥3,278 including tax.
Check Rakuten Mobile plansPrepare before applying
Prepare your Rakuten ID, identity document, payment method, delivery address, and a phone that supports Rakuten Mobile. For eSIM, your phone must support eSIM and be SIM-unlocked if required.
If you are moving your number from another carrier, check the MNP process first. Do not cancel your old plan before you understand how to keep your phone number.
Note on debit cards: only debit cards from Rakuten Bank or Suruga Bank are accepted. If you use a debit card from another bank, prepare a credit card or bank account for direct debit instead.
Common mistakes for foreign residents
The most common problem is that the name or address entered in the form does not match the identity document. Check Latin letters, katakana, building names, and room numbers carefully.
Another issue is an identity document close to expiration. If your period of stay is ending soon, renew your status first before applying for a long-term service.
For foreign names with multiple parts, enter everything up to the first space on your residence card in the 「姓」(last name) field, and the rest in the 「名」(first name) field. If you have a middle name, enter it together with your first name in the 「名」field.
When should you apply?
If your current mobile bill is higher than 3,278 yen per month and you do not need a complex family bundle, Rakuten Mobile is worth checking now.
If you are worried about coverage, read the review article, check the service area map, and consider eSIM or dual SIM as a lower-risk first step.
Airport counter service
Rakuten Mobile has dedicated counters at Narita International Airport and Chubu International Airport (Centrair). At these counters you can sign a new contract, receive your SIM card, and get setup support.
It is recommended to arrive at the counter at least 150 minutes before your departure time. This is a convenient option if you are arriving in Japan and want a SIM immediately at the airport.
Using Rakuten Mobile overseas
Rakuten Mobile includes up to 2GB of free data roaming per month in 90 countries and regions worldwide. This is very convenient when visiting family abroad or traveling for work.
After using the 2GB allowance, speed is capped at 128kbps but you can continue using data without a data limit. If you need sustained high speed, you can purchase additional data at 500 yen per 1GB.
From 2025, Rakuten Mobile also supports use on designated international flights at no extra charge.
Inbound roaming service for visitors to Japan
Since March 2023, Rakuten Mobile has offered an inbound roaming service that allows overseas visitors to use the Rakuten network in Japan with their home SIM card.
Currently partnered with 3 Hong Kong, with plans to expand to more carriers. Users can keep their home SIM and access 4G/5G data and voice calls in Japan.
If you have family or friends visiting Japan from abroad, check whether their home carrier is listed as a Rakuten roaming partner before their trip.