Moving to Tokyo, Japan
Outline
Internet + Cell Service
Trying to search for a cell phone plan in Japan?
Go to a Yodobashi Camera (ヨドバシカメラ) or Bic Camera (ビックカメラ) store
These big electronics stores have well-staffed cell phone section where you can browser through various plans
Stores by major stations also tend to have more English speaking staff
Go to a Yodobashi or Bic Camera staff and ask for a recommendation
They will go over the various plans and help you pick the best one for your needs & price range
⚡ Do not go to the specific cell phone plan salesperson at the branded booths unless you are 100% sure you want their plans
Personal Recommendation:
Plan: SoftBank 光 + YMobile Bundle Plan
Great for working at home with the fast Softbank 光 fiber internet connection
Cheaper than buying the two services separately (saved on setup costs and reduced monthly billing)
Simple integration with PayPay
As of Nov 2022:
SoftBank 光 is pricier but the fastest internet plan for Tokyo
YMobile is a budget-friendly cell phone plan that has the same coverage as SoftBank
Recommend YMobile for those who want coverage in rural areas (mountains, beaches, etc.)
Rakuten Mobile is the cheapest cell phone plan but has limited coverage
Payment Methods
Easiest way to pay for your cell phone plan would be with a credit card
Japan Post Bank is the way one to open a bank account with.
For more information, refer to the How To Open A Japan Post Bank Account - MATCHA article.
Then apply for a Rakuten credit card before trying to get a cell phone plan.
Got money in a different currency? Consider Wise Debit Card as a payment method.
Notes on Cell Phone Plans in Japan
Japan's major cell service providers:
AU
Docomo
Softbank
Rakuten Mobile
Data + voice vs data-only plans?
It is cheaper to get a data-only plan and use a VoIP app like LINE or WhatsApp for voice calls
Generally, data-only plans does not support phone calls or SMS (text messages)
Great for those who have company phones
Not great when trying to use 2-step verification for online services (security or sign ups)
Vocabulary:
| English | Japanese | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Unlimited plans | 無制限 / museigen |
Helpful Articles
Buying Used Items on Facebook
Home Centers in Tokyo
Closest thing to Home Depot 😅
Near central Tokyo:
Great Things To Buys
Dryer for clothes
Event if it is small, it makes a huge difference in simplifying laundry days!
EN: Compact clothes dryer
JP: 小型衣類乾燥機
Solid size for a small apartment: 3.0kg ~ 4.0kg
Recommendation:
EN: My Wave Warm Dryer 3.0
JP: マイウェーブ ウォームドライヤー3.0
Keepa (Price Tracker): https://keepa.com/#!product/5-B06XBBNMRX
Other Resources
Japanese Review Sites
Last updated