Need a Japanese Sim Card with Phone Number for a Short Stay?

You’re visiting Japan for a short stay, whether for business, travel, or family reasons, and you need a local Japanese phone number to make calls, receive SMS, or handle bookings.

Regular data only eSims and Sim cards won’t give you voice or SMS access. If you need to contact hotels, make restaurant reservations, receive delivery updates, or register with apps that require a Japanese number, you’ll need a voice-enabled Sim card or eSim, along with an unlocked mobile/cell phone.

We’ve used and tested these options personally and break down below the best short-term plans that include both data and a Japanese phone number, with English support and no complicated setup.

Disclaimer:  This article has affiliate links. We may earn a small commission at no cost to you. See privacy policy.

TL;DR – Best Options for Short Trip Visitors Who Need a Japanese Phone Number

If you need to make calls or receive messages using a local Japanese number, your best options are:

  • Mobal Voice + Data eSim – Delivered instantly via email. Good for last-minute bookings or travellers already in Japan. Includes Japanese number for voice/SMS.
  • Mobal Voice + Data Sim (Physical Card) – Delivered to your home before you fly. Comes with a Japanese number for calls/SMS. Good if you prefer a physical SIM and want to avoid any tech setup in Japan.

These plans are designed for visitors. No contracts, no auto-renewals, and full English-language support.

Note, all pricing information is accurate as of December 2025.

Why You Might Need a Japanese Phone Number, Even for a Short Stay

Even if you’re only visiting Japan for a week or two, having a Japanese number can be extremely useful:

  • Hotels, restaurants, and delivery drivers often won’t call international numbers.
  • Some booking platforms require a Japanese number to complete reservations.
  • Apps like LINE or Rakuten need SMS verification from a local number.
  • If you’re visiting for work, having a Japanese number looks more professional.
  • Staying in touch with local contacts or navigating services is much easier.

Option 1: Mobal Voice + Data eSim

The Mobal eSim QR code is physically shipped to your home. You can complete the activation process pre-departure, and once your flight lands, you insert it, follow the activation process instructions, and it is ready for use.

Why choose this?

  • Japanese mobile number (070, 080 or 090 prefix)
  • Unlimited incoming calls and texts
  • Includes high-speed 4G data
  • The Mobal Voice+Data short-term eSim is a 30-day plan that includes 7GB of high-speed data. Pricing is ¥3960 ($26 USD) upfront plus ¥4950 ($32 USD) on activation, plus call costs incurred. See call cost details further below.
  • Your eSim activation QR code is physically shipped to your address before departure, or you can collect it at airports and select train stations on arrival in Japan.
  • Works in any unlocked and eSim capable phone (see how to check both of these further below)

📌 Note: Japanese law requires a simple identity check before activation. Mobal walks you through this step during checkout, and it can all be completed before you depart your home country, so your eSim will be instantly activated on arrival in Japan. If you collect your eSim QR code after arriving in Japan, make sure you have Wi-Fi access to complete the verification and activation process.

👉 Order your Mobal Data+Voice eSim here

Option 2: Mobal Voice + Data Sim Card

The Mobal Sim card is shipped to your home, you can complete the activation process pre-departure and once your flight lands, you insert it, follow the activation process instructions and it is ready for use.

Key features:

  • Japanese mobile number (070, 080 or 090 prefix)
  • Unlimited incoming calls and texts
  • Includes high-speed 4G data
  • The Mobal Voice+Data short-term Sim card is a 30-day plan that includes 7GB of high-speed data. Pricing is ¥3960 ($26 USD) upfront plus ¥4950 ($32 USD) on activation, plus call costs incurred. See call cost details further below.
  • Shipped to your address before departure, or you can collect it at airports and select train stations on arrival in Japan.
  • Works in any unlocked phone (see how to check this further below)

📌 Note: Japanese law requires a simple identity check before activation. Mobal walks you through this step during checkout, and it can all be completed before you depart your home country, so your Sim card will be instantly activated on arrival in Japan. If you collect your Sim card after arriving in Japan, make sure you have Wi-Fi access to complete the verification and activation process.

👉 Order your Mobal Data+Voice Sim card here

Call and SMS rates (same for all Mobal plans)

Whether you choose the Sim card or eSim Voice+Data option, the call and messaging rates are the same:

  • Incoming Domestic and International calls and SMS: Free
  • Domestic calls (Japan): ¥44 per minute (~$0.30 USD)
  • International calls:
    • With prefix 0063: ¥65 per minute to selected countries (~$0.45 USD), ¥200 per minute to other countries (~$1.28 USD)
    • Selected countries include Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Malaysia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States
  • Domestic SMS: ¥33 per message (~$0.22 USD)
  • International SMS: ¥140 per message (~$0.95 USD)

If you’re using messaging apps like WhatsApp, LINE or iMessage, that will count as data usage. This applies even if you’re sending a message or voice note.

How to Check Whether Your Mobile Phone is eSim Capable and Unlocked

You can easily check whether your phone is eSim capable by dialling *#06# on your mobile phone. Do this before paying for an eSim to ensure you have eSim capability. Many older phones and cheaper versions of newer mobile phones are not eSim capable. If the EID barcode appears, it means your mobile phone is eSim capable.

  • On a non-eSim capable phone, you will most likely see only the IMEI and SN barcodes.
  • On an eSim-enabled phone, you will see the IMEI1 and/or IMEI2, EID and SN barcodes.
  • Note that IMEI is your unique phone identification number and the SN is your unique phone Serial Number – every mobile phone in the world has these two numbers.
  • On a Windows laptop computer, open the bottom right corner menu. If Cellular settings are visible, then your laptop supports eSim.

You can easily check whether your phone is unlocked by:

  • iPhone: Go to Settings -> General -> About, scroll to Carrier Lock. If it says “No Sim Restrictions” then your device is unlocked.
  • Andoid: Go to Settings -> Network & Internet -> Mobile Network, turn off Auto network selection. If you see multiple available networks, then your device is unlocked. If only one shows or you get an error, your phone may be locked.

If you do these actions and find that your mobile phone is NOT eSim capable, or is network LOCKED, then your best options are to either purchase a Sim Card (unlocked phones only), rent a Pocket WiFi or contact your provider to see whether you can get your phone unlocked. Our recommended options are:

What Can’t You Do Without a Japanese Number?

Data-only Sim cards and eSims are great for browsing, navigation, and messaging apps, but they won’t help if:

  • A business or hotel tries to call you
  • A service needs SMS verification
  • You need to make a local call without WiFi
  • You’re using platforms that only accept Japanese numbers

That’s where a voice-enabled Sim card or eSim makes all the difference, even if you’re only in the country for a short time.

Security and Privacy Note

These eSims and Sim cards give you encrypted mobile data, so you don’t need to rely on public or hotel WiFi. It’s safer, faster, and always available when you’re on the move.

FAQs

Will my Japanese number work after I leave Japan?
No, the number is tied to your short-term plan and will be deactivated after your trip ends. If you are planning multiple trips to Japan over time, then check out the Mobal long-term Sim Card and eSim options.

Can I still use WhatsApp or iMessage with my regular number?
Yes, apps like WhatsApp stay connected to your original phone number, even if your Sim card changes.

Is the voice Sim Card easy to install?
Yes, the physical Sim card just pops into your phone. The eSim is installed via QR code. Both come with full English instructions. You may need to change your phone APN for both options.

Do I need to submit ID?
Yes, Japanese law requires identity verification before assigning a local number. It’s a simple online form with a passport photo.

Our Recommendation for Short-Stay Visitors Who Need a Japanese Number

If you’re only in Japan for a short stay, but still need a local number to stay in touch, confirm bookings, or handle business calls, go with one of the following:

eSim vs Sim Card vs Pocket WiFi for Japan Quiz Results

We have created dedicated articles for each of the traveller profile resulting from the quiz, you can check them out below:

Join our Japan Travel Facebook Groups

Anne at Mt Fuji

Ready to explore Japan your way? Join our Facebook communities today and start your Japan adventure:

Woman in a light gray shirt holding a phone and looking up thoughtfully while standing outdoors under sunny skies, with spring trees and traditional Japanese rooftops in the background. Text overlay reads "Need a Japanese SIM card with phone number for a short stay?" on a pink background.