Need a Japanese phone number? Compare calls, SMS and setup costs
Do you need to make one call, or keep your own Japanese number? Decide which features you need before comparing the cost.
Sources checked: 2026-09-09
First, check whether you need to buy anything
I only need to call an office once
Check whether your existing voice service or a phone borrowed with permission will work. Ask the office whether it needs a number to call you back.
I need calls and incoming SMS
Check for a Japanese voice number and SMS support. Some data-only eSIMs do not include either feature.
I already have a Japanese number
Check whether you can use your current number before paying for a second line just for an appointment.
Examples for ongoing use in Japan
These are regular-price examples from the providers, not an exhaustive market ranking. Data allowances and support differ; the lowest monthly number is not the whole cost.
| Service / example | Monthly, tax included | Setup and other costs | What to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mobal voice-only | ¥1,430 | SIM: regular price ¥4,950 | English support. No mobile data. Outgoing calls and SMS cost extra. |
| Mobal voice + 1GB | ¥1,650 | SIM: regular price ¥4,950 | English support. Check the price of a larger plan if you need more data. |
| Sakura Mobile 5GB | ¥3,278 | Activation: ¥5,500 | Example: voice + 5GB with English sign-up. Outgoing calls and SMS cost extra. |
| IIJmio 5GB | ¥950 | Check setup and SIM issuance fees on the official price list | Voice + 5GB. Check Japanese sign-up, payment methods and ID requirements for foreign nationals. |
Mobal also displayed a temporary ¥4,455 SIM offer when checked. The calculation uses the regular ¥4,950 because the offer’s end date was not verified. Actual bills reflect partial months, calls, SMS and optional services.
Compare the number of months you will use it
Setup + monthly price × months
- Mobal voice-only
- Mobal voice + 1GB
- Sakura Mobile 5GB
Excludes calls, SMS, options, discounts and first-month proration. IIJmio is not in this simple calculation because its setup conditions differ.
Four things to check before ordering
- Is your phone model compatible and SIM-unlocked?
- Can you apply with the identity documents and payment method you have?
- Can it be delivered to your address, or can you reach a pickup location? Do not assume same-day pickup in Sapporo.
- Does it support the calls you need and the SMS verification service you want? Acceptance by every service is not assured.
About referral links
Referral fees do not determine the order shown. The links currently go directly to official provider pages. Any future link that earns a referral fee will be labelled Ad / affiliate.
See the Sapporo checklist and Japanese call scripts