Service Plans
The service options available to you will depend on the service provider you choose. The features and prices of plans with the Big Three are fairly similar. One additional factor that may affect the amount you pay monthly for service is the type of device you choose; smartphones will require the addition of a data plan and 4G capable devices will require a (slightly more expensive) 4G/LTE data plan.
In Japan, mobile phone contracts typically run for two years. Because of this, you may be asked to enter into a two-year contract at any of the three major providers, regardless of how long you plan to stay. MVNOs, on the other hand, offer prepaid service. SoftBank also offers prepaid service on a select range of devices; ask about this at a SoftBank store if you are interested.
In Japan, mobile phone contracts typically run for two years. Because of this, you may be asked to enter into a two-year contract at any of the three major providers, regardless of how long you plan to stay. MVNOs, on the other hand, offer prepaid service. SoftBank also offers prepaid service on a select range of devices; ask about this at a SoftBank store if you are interested.
A Note on 4G Service: The Japanese government limits the amount of 4G data that can be downloaded by one person. In a three-day period, you may not use more than 1 GB; in a 30-day period, you may not use more than 7GB. If either of these limits is exceeded, your data speed will be slowed.
Sakura Mobile offers a discount to JET participants. If you are reading this page prior to your departure for the program, you can sign up for this service and have your SIM card delivered to your JET orientation hotel.
Sakura Mobile, Special Offer for JETs
https://www.sakuramobile.jp/lp/?i=jet
Sakura Mobile, Special Offer for JETs
https://www.sakuramobile.jp/lp/?i=jet