Best SIM Cards for Japan With a Japanese Phone Number
Need a real Japanese phone number while you are in Japan? Many tourist SIM cards give you data only. This guide looks at physical SIM options that can give you calls, SMS and a local Japanese number.
Which Japan SIM card gives you a Japanese phone number?
Mobal Voice + Data SIM is a simple option for international visitors. After activation, it provides a standard Japanese mobile number beginning with 070, 080 or 090, plus normal calls, SMS and mobile data. Sakura Mobile also offers monthly Voice + Data SIMs with 070, 080 or 090 numbers. IIJmio has voice SIM plans, but its application requirements are better suited to people living in Japan.
See Mobal Japan SIM Card →Japan SIM Cards With a Phone Number: Quick Comparison
| SIM | Number | Calls & SMS | Data | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mobal | 070/080/090 | Yes | Yes | Visitors & longer stays |
| Sakura Mobile | 070/080/090 | Yes | Yes | Visitors & residents |
| IIJmio | Japanese number | Yes | Yes | Residents |
| Major carriers | Japanese mobile number | Yes | Yes | Established residents |
Best Physical SIM Cards With a Japanese Phone Number
1. Mobal Japan Voice + Data SIM
Mobal is a useful starting point if you want a physical SIM and a real Japanese mobile number. Its Voice + Data plans include a standard 070, 080 or 090 number. The number is assigned after the SIM is activated.
Incoming calls and SMS are free under Mobal's current service information. Outgoing calls and texts have usage charges. Voice + Data plans also include mobile data.
You can order before your trip. Mobal offers worldwide delivery and pickup options in Japan. It also says its plans have no minimum contract or termination fee. If you end the service, however, you lose that Japanese number.
2. Sakura Mobile Voice + Data SIM
Sakura Mobile offers a standard Japanese mobile number with calls, SMS and data. It is useful for people staying longer in Japan and offers English-language sign-up and support.
Sakura says non-residents can apply. If you use a passport for a Voice + Data application, face-to-face identity verification is required. Do not confuse this plan with Sakura's short-term travel SIM, which is data-only.
3. IIJmio Voice SIM
IIJmio offers voice SIM plans for people who want a Japanese phone number. Its English information says a voice contract needs Japanese contact details, identification such as a residence card, an email address and a credit card in the customer's name.
That makes it less convenient for a new tourist, but potentially useful for someone already living in Japan.
4. Major Japanese Mobile Carriers
Japan's main mobile networks also offer regular phone plans with Japanese numbers. They can suit long-term residents, but local sign-up, identity checks, payment requirements and Japanese-language support may make them less convenient for a short visit.
Voice SIM vs Data-Only SIM
Voice + Data SIM
Choose this when you need a Japanese number, normal calls, SMS and internet.
Voice-Only SIM
This gives you calls and SMS but may not include normal mobile data.
Data-Only SIM
This gives you internet but normally no usable mobile number for regular calls and SMS.
050 VoIP Number
A 050 number is internet-based. It is different from a standard 070, 080 or 090 Japanese mobile number.
Do Tourists Need a Japanese Phone Number?
Many tourists do not. For a short holiday, mobile data may be enough for maps, translation, LINE and WhatsApp. A Japanese number is more useful for longer stays, work, study, deliveries and local contacts.
What Type of Japanese Number Should You Look For?
A standard Japanese mobile number normally starts with 070, 080 or 090. In international format, the first zero is removed and Japan's +81 country code is used. A 050 number is generally an IP/VoIP number and is not the same type of mobile line.
What to Check Before Buying
Make sure your phone is unlocked
A locked phone may reject another carrier's SIM.
Check phone compatibility
Your device needs to support the network used by the provider.
Confirm the number type
Look for 070, 080 or 090 if a standard Japanese mobile number matters to you.
Check ID requirements
Voice SIMs normally need stronger identity checks than tourist data SIMs.
Read call and SMS rates
A monthly plan does not always include unlimited outgoing calls or texts.
Physical SIM or eSIM for Japan?
A physical SIM works with an unlocked compatible phone that has a SIM tray. An eSIM is digital and needs an eSIM-compatible device. If you specifically want a physical Japan SIM with a Japanese phone number, make sure you select the SIM-card version when ordering.
Can You Use a Japanese SIM for SMS Verification?
A voice-enabled SIM with a normal Japanese number can receive SMS, making it more suitable than a data-only SIM when a service sends a code. But no provider can guarantee acceptance by every bank, website or app. The service sending the code decides which numbers it accepts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best SIM card for Japan with a Japanese phone number?
Mobal is a simple option for international visitors who need a physical SIM with a standard Japanese 070, 080 or 090 number. Sakura Mobile also offers Voice + Data SIM plans with Japanese mobile numbers.
Can a tourist get a Japanese phone number?
Yes. Some providers offer Voice + Data SIM services to visitors, although identity checks and pickup rules apply.
Does a Japan tourist SIM include a phone number?
Not always. Many tourist SIM cards are data-only. Look specifically for a Voice + Data SIM if you need calls and SMS.
What do 070, 080 and 090 mean in Japan?
They are prefixes used for standard Japanese mobile phone numbers.
Can I receive SMS with a Japanese Voice SIM?
Yes. A normal voice-enabled mobile SIM can receive SMS. A data-only SIM cannot provide normal SMS on its own.
Can I use my own phone?
Usually, if it is unlocked and compatible with the provider's network.
Need a Physical SIM With a Japanese Number?
If you want calls, SMS, data and a standard Japanese mobile number, choose a Voice + Data SIM rather than a normal tourist data SIM.
See Mobal Japan SIM Card →Affiliate disclosure: VoIPCalling.com may earn a commission if you buy Mobal through links on this page. This does not change the price you pay. Plans, rates and requirements can change, so check the provider's latest details before ordering.