When starting your life in Japan for a working holiday, studying abroad, or employment, the very first obstacle you will face is getting a Japanese phone number. Why does having a phone number in your own name—something we take for granted back home—become so desperately needed the moment you arrive in Japan? It's not just for keeping in touch with friends. To live legally and manage daily life in Japan, a local voice call number starting with '070', '080', or '090' is absolutely essential.
In this post, we will cover the specific situations where a local Japanese phone number is absolutely necessary, along with how to activate a Japan SIM card with a residence card (which is impossible with just a passport) and important precautions to keep in mind.
4 Key Situations Where a Japanese Phone Number is Absolutely Necessary
When you first arrive in Japan, it might seem like having internet access is enough to solve everything. However, once you begin the actual settling-in process, you will hit a major wall due to the lack of a "local voice call number." A Japanese phone number is strictly required in the following key situations:
1. Ward Office/City Hall Address Registration and Administrative Procedures
Within 14 days of entering Japan, you must visit the ward office (shiyakusho/kuyakusho) of your residential area to register your address on the back of your residence card. The application form you fill out at this time strictly requires a local phone number where you can be reached. Without a contact number, administrative processing may be delayed, and you could find yourself in a difficult situation if the ward office has no way to contact you in an emergency.
2. Opening a Japanese Bank Account
When opening an account at Japanese commercial banks, including Japan Post Bank (Yucho Bank)—which is usually the first bank international students and working holiday makers use—a Japanese phone number in your own name is a mandatory requirement. A reachable phone number must be registered not only for identity verification but also for urgent contact regarding financial transactions. Without a number, your application to open an account will be rejected.
3. Applying for Part-Time Jobs and Writing Resumes
When looking for a part-time job to cover living expenses in Japan, you must enter a Japanese phone number starting from the job search site registration and resume writing stages. Since hiring managers in Japan primarily use phone calls to schedule interviews or notify you of job offers, you will struggle to even get an application opportunity if you are using a data-only SIM card that does not support voice calls.
4. Receiving Deliveries and Online Shopping
Japan has a very strict delivery culture; if the recipient is not home, the courier will leave a "missed delivery slip" (undelivered notice) and take the package back. To request redelivery or communicate with the delivery driver to get your package, you absolutely need a local phone number. Additionally, SMS verification is required when signing up for local shopping malls like Amazon Japan and Rakuten, as well as food delivery apps.
Essential for Activating a Phone in Japan! Why You Need a "Residence Card" Instead of a Passport
Many people mistakenly think, "Since I have my passport when entering Japan, I can just buy a SIM card at a local store right away, right?" However, under Japan's strict telecommunications laws, to activate an official Japanese phone number (uSIM) that includes voice calls and SMS functionality, you must have a Japanese Residence Card (Zairyu Card).
With just a passport or tourist status, you can only purchase data-only eSIMs or short-term prepaid SIMs, which do not provide a real Japanese phone number starting with '080' or similar. Therefore, if you plan to stay long-term, you must prepare a residence card with your address registered on the back after completing the address registration at the ward office. On the other hand, Pocket Wi-Fi or Home Wi-Fi rentals, which only require data, can be easily rented without separate ID verification.
Choosing the Right Japanese uSIM Plan for You
To get a phone number for a long-term stay in Japan, it is important to choose a reliable network and a reasonable rate plan. Choose a carrier that fits your data usage patterns and calling habits.
- SoftBank uSIM: Recommended for those who want large amounts of data. 50GB and 100GB plans are available, and you can choose between pay-as-you-go calls or completely unlimited calling options. Detailed pricing information can be found on the SoftBank uSIM Plan Page.
- NTT docomo uSIM: Boasts the most stable coverage across Japan. With a total of 15 detailed plans ranging from 1GB to 5GB, 10GB, 20GB, and 30GB, you can choose the exact data capacity that fits your needs. Calling options are also diverse, including 5-minute/10-minute free calls and unlimited calling.
- Rakuten Mobile uSIM: An unlimited data plan for those who want to use data to their heart's content without worrying. It is highly economical, allowing you to choose between pay-as-you-go calls or a 10-minute free calling option.
These plans are monthly subscription services for long-term residents, offering up to a 30% discount depending on the prepayment period, from a minimum of 1 month to a maximum of 24 months. Furthermore, there is no contract period and absolutely no cancellation fees for early termination, making them highly advantageous for working holiday makers and international students.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Can I activate a SIM card that gives me a phone number directly at the airport on the day I arrive in Japan?
Since an official uSIM that supports voice calls requires a physical residence card with completed address registration, it is difficult to get one directly at the airport on the day of entry. In the early stages of your arrival, it is recommended to temporarily use a short-term Pocket Wi-Fi or a data eSIM through our partner esim-pin.com, and then apply for an official uSIM using your residence card after completing your address registration.
Q2. What should I do if I don't have a residence card yet but want to use the internet first?
During the transitional period before registering your residence card, we recommend using a Pocket Wi-Fi or Home Wi-Fi rental service, which does not require identity verification. You can rent them immediately without complicated paperwork, allowing you to use the internet freely right after entering the country.
Q3. Is there a contract period or cancellation fee?
KEICALL's uSIM and Wi-Fi services have no contract periods, and absolutely no cancellation fees are charged upon termination. Working holiday makers or exchange students with flexible stay schedules can comfortably use the service for only as long as they need.
Easily Activate Your Japanese Phone Number with KEICALL
Prepare your Japanese phone number and internet—essentials for life in Japan—comfortably in Korean without visiting complicated Japanese retail stores or dealing with difficult Japanese contracts. On the KEICALL Product Page, you can see everything at a glance, from unlimited Pocket/Home Wi-Fi rentals to various uSIM plans that issue local Japanese numbers. We provide friendly and fast customer support in Korean via KakaoTalk, LINE, and Instagram, so please feel free to contact us at any time.
Tools: Internet Finder