If you're visiting Japan, you don't need a Japanese phone number. But if you have a need for a Japanese phone number, here's what you need to know:

1. Japanese voice and SMS services require identity verification. With requirements changing in April 2026, this functionally means that you need to present your passport in-person at a reception point in Japan.
2. It is illegal to transfer a phone number to someone else, including for your friend to give you their SIM card temporarily.
3. Because of point number one, it is extremely difficult for providers to support foreign customers, but it is not impossible.
4. It is relatively expensive to maintain a phone number that works outside of Japan for long-term use. You cannot simply pause service on most plans for these carriers. Consider the base cost of something like this $30-40 a month (US) as a service fee to be able to use Japanese services outside of Japan.

• IFMobile confirmed in March, 2026.
  • At the time of writing, how they will handle the compliance changes in April 2026 are undetermined.

• Sakura Mobile
  • Based on…
    • Can I use the Monthly service outside of Japan? answer: yes for Voice+Data SIM/eSIM
    • Do I need to be a resident to apply for Monthly contracts? answer: “Rest assured, you do not need to be a resident in Japan to apply for our service and application with a passport is possible.”
  • Do you use Sakura Mobile? Help me confirm this! You can reach me at [email protected]. I'd like to confirm this with one SMS and phone call.

These providers are confirmed working to have phone numbers for foreigners / tourists, but the caveat is that they can only be used in Japan. If you want to sign into e.g., LINE or similar apps, you can do that, but you would need to return to Japan to get new SMS verification codes.

• Mobal can be used for long-term use with in-person identity verification, but cannot be used outside of Japan. Personal use for over 1 year in this mode.
• HanaCell is run by the same company that runs Mobal, and is specifically not for residents of Japan, but does give you a phone number that works in Japan. It is very cheap to maintain long term (maybe $8/mo).