How to Get a Phone Number in Japan as a Foreigner (2026 Guide)
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How to Get a Phone Number in Japan as a Foreigner (2026 Guide)
Need a Japanese phone number? Whether you're a student, worker, or long-term resident in Japan, having a local phone number is essential — you need it for bank accounts, apartment registration, job applications, and everyday services that require SMS verification.
Quick answer: The fastest way to get a Japanese phone number as a foreigner is a prepaid Docomo Voice SIM from C.T.S — no contract, no visit to a carrier shop, and activation within 1–3 days. Plans start at ¥980/month. Order online at ct-s.jp.
Why You Need a Japanese Phone Number
Many services in Japan require a Japanese phone number (090/080/070). Without one, you cannot:
- Open a bank account — banks require SMS verification during registration
- Sign up for apps — PayPay, LINE, Mercari, and other essential apps need a Japanese number
- Register your address — some municipal offices ask for a contact number
- Apply for jobs — employers expect a local number on your resume
- Receive delivery updates — Amazon Japan, Yamato, Sagawa use SMS notifications
- Set up utilities — gas, electricity, and internet providers require phone contact
A data-only SIM or eSIM does not give you a phone number — you specifically need a Voice SIM for this.
Your Options for Getting a Japanese Phone Number
| Option | Contract? | Price | Setup Time | ID Required? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C.T.S Docomo Voice SIM | No contract | From ¥980/month | 1–3 days | Yes (eKYC online) | Everyone |
| Major carrier store (Docomo/au/SoftBank) | 1–2 year contract | ¥3,000–¥8,000/month | Same day (in-store) | Yes + Residence Card | Long-term residents |
| MVNO (IIJmio, Mineo, LINEMO) | No contract | From ¥990/month | 3–7 days | Yes | Japanese speakers |
| Prepaid SIM (airport) | No | ¥3,000–¥5,000 | Same day | Passport only | Short-term (data only, usually no calls) |
Why C.T.S Docomo Voice SIM is the Easiest Option for Foreigners
Walking into a Docomo, au, or SoftBank store as a foreigner can be frustrating — staff often don't speak English, the paperwork is entirely in Japanese, and many plans require a 1–2 year contract with early termination fees. MVNOs like IIJmio and Mineo are cheaper but their websites and support are almost entirely in Japanese.
C.T.S solves these problems:
- Order online in English — no store visit needed
- No contract — prepaid monthly, cancel anytime by notifying before billing date
- Multilingual support — Vietnamese, Indonesian, Burmese, English, Japanese via WhatsApp and Messenger
- eKYC verification — complete ID verification online, no need to visit an office
- Docomo network — Japan's largest network with the widest coverage, especially in rural areas
- Free shipping — SIM delivered to your door in 1–3 days
Available Docomo Voice SIM Plans
| Plan | Data | Calls | Initial Fee | Monthly Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic (200kbps) | 200kbps unlimited | Japanese number included | ¥4,980 | ¥980 |
| 10GB | 10GB high-speed | Japanese number + optional call package | ¥5,500 | ¥2,450 |
| 20GB | 20GB high-speed | Japanese number + optional call package | ¥5,500 | ¥2,980 |
| 25GB | 25GB high-speed | Japanese number + optional call package | ¥5,500 | ¥3,500 |
| 50GB | 50GB high-speed | Japanese number + optional call package | ¥5,500 | ¥4,800 |
| 50GB + Unlimited Calls | 50GB high-speed | Unlimited calls included | ¥8,000 | ¥6,280 |
All plans include a Japanese phone number (090/080/070). Initial fee covers SIM activation + first month of service.
Optional Call Packages
The basic plans include a phone number but charge per-minute for calls. You can add a call package for flat-rate calling:
- Free first 5 minutes — calls under 5 minutes are free, charged after
- Free first 10 minutes
- Free first 15 minutes
- Unlimited calls — all domestic calls free, any duration
Select your preferred call package when ordering. You can change it later by contacting C.T.S support.
How to Order: Step by Step
- Choose your plan at ct-s.jp/collections/docomo
- Select a call package (or choose "None" for data + number only)
- Complete payment — credit card, SmartPit, PayPay, LINE Pay, or bank transfer
- Complete eKYC — C.T.S will send you instructions to verify your ID online (Residence Card or passport)
- Receive your SIM — shipped free within 1–3 business days to any address in Japan
- Insert and activate — put the SIM in your phone, follow the APN settings guide, done
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Japanese phone number without a Residence Card?
For Voice SIM, ID verification is required by Japanese law (携帯電話不正利用防止法). You'll need either a Residence Card (在留カード) or a valid passport with a registered address in Japan. Tourists on short stays typically cannot get a Voice SIM — use a data-only eSIM instead.
Can I keep my number if I switch plans?
Yes. If you want to change from a 10GB to a 50GB plan (or vice versa), contact C.T.S support. Your Japanese phone number stays the same.
Can I use this number for banking and apps?
Yes. The Docomo Voice SIM gives you a real Japanese mobile number (090/080/070 format) that works with all Japanese banks, PayPay, LINE, Mercari, Amazon Japan, and any service requiring SMS verification.
How do I pay monthly fees?
C.T.S sends payment instructions via email after your first month. You can pay through WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, or a monthly payment email link. Payment methods include credit card, bank transfer, SmartPit (convenience store), PayPay, and LINE Pay.
What happens if I want to cancel?
Simply notify C.T.S before your next billing date (20th–25th of each month). No cancellation fee, no contract penalty. The initial fee is non-refundable as it covers SIM activation and registration.
Ready to get your Japanese phone number? Browse Docomo Voice SIM plans at ct-s.jp/collections/docomo — order online, support in your language, delivered to your door.