Whether you want to use your Japanese phone primarily for data transfer, phone calls, or something else entirely depends on your requirements and way of life. From the iPhone to the most recent Android devices, Japanese phones feature cutting-edge technology and designs to suit every taste. In order to assist you in making the best choice when selecting a mobile phone in Japan, we have compared the three major mobile carriers and MVNOs in Japan below. We focus on plan types, network coverage, and customer service. Please read Buying a SIM Card in Japan if you are thinking about buying a SIM-free mobile phone.

In general, docomo has the strongest network with the fastest speed, followed by AU. Rakuten is the new kid on the block, and while their network is steadily growing, it’s underwhelming for speed and coverage. There are always patches where one is better than the other, but in general, docomo takes the lead. At the time of writing, the AU network has the best coverage on 5G, with docomo lagging slightly behind.

Rakuten Mobile has a unique roaming agreement with AU, so in places where Rakuten Mobile isn’t available yet, it falls back to some offering from AU. This is NOT the same network as main AU or Povo. It is part of the wholesale network that is being rented out to MVNOs. I couldn’t test this as it happens automatically, but I often noticed that my AU line had reception while Rakuten Mobile did not.

Rakuten Mobile often shows ‘5G’ connection, but the speed and throughput is far from it, often comparable with lower 4G speed. Yes, the connection to the tower is 5G, but that doesn’t mean anything if you don’t get 5G benefits; it just eats more battery. This was the only provider where I actually felt that when I entered a URL, I often had to wait a few seconds before anything actually happened, especially in buses or trains.

Docomo has a roughly 50 percent market share of the Japanese mobile phone market, followed by AU and Softbank among the major Japanese mobile carriers. If you ask the majority of Japanese people, they'll probably tell you that Docomo has the most satellites for mobile reception, AU has the most phone options, and Softbank has the most data usage options. From the heavy data user to the long-distance caller who never hangs up, there is a plan for every Japanese mobile phone user. Based on data usage, minutes, and texts in the basic package, each of the three carriers offers a variety of contract options. A brief overview of the various plan options available during your time in Japan is provided below.

Extensive Coverage: The major carriers have wide network coverage across Japan, especially in urban areas. You can expect good signal strength and data connectivity in most places.

High-Quality Service: These carriers offer high-quality communication services with reliable connections, fast data speeds, and clear call quality.

Variety of Plans: They provide a range of mobile plans to suit different needs, including data-heavy plans, family plans, and options for international use.

Smartphone Subsidies: You can often get the latest smartphones at discounted prices when signing a contract with these carriers, making it more affordable to upgrade your device.

Cost: Mobile plans in Japan, especially those offered by major carriers, can be relatively expensive compared to other countries. Data and call charges can add up quickly.

SIM Lock-In: Major carrier's SIM cards are often locked, so you will need to either consult with the carrier to unlock it or go through the procedure yourself.

Complex Plans: The variety of plans can be overwhelming, and it may be challenging to find the best plan to suit your specific needs. Understanding all the terms and conditions can be time-consuming.

English Customer Support: While major carriers offer customer support, English-language support may be limited, potentially causing difficulties for non-Japanese speakers.

Alternative Options: There are alternative mobile providers, known as MVNOs, that may offer more flexible and cost-effective plans. However, coverage and support may vary with these providers.

The major three carriers in Japan (NTT Docomo, AU, and SoftBank) eliminated early termination fees for all contracts. However, specific terms and conditions may vary among carriers and change over time. Therefore, thoroughly reviewing contract terms, plan details, and pricing structures is crucial before making a decision.

It is essential to carefully consider your usage patterns, budget, and preferences when choosing a carrier in Japan. Each of the major carriers has its strengths and weaknesses, so researching and comparing their offerings is advisable to make an informed decision.