LINEMO for Foreign Residents in Japan: What to Know First

Living in Japan and need a local phone number? If you're new to Japan or considering switching your plan, this guide breaks down LINEMO's data plans to help you decide whether they fit your needs.

LINEMO can be very budget-friendly, but its data limits may not be enough for everyone. We'll also show Sakura Mobile plans with larger data options if you want more data while you're in Japan.

What is LINEMO and What Are Its Data Plan Options?

LINEMO is an online-only mobile carrier in Japan that runs on SoftBank's network. It offers simple, low-cost 4G and 5G plans without long-term contracts.

LINEMO currently has two main plans:

LINEMO Best Plan

• Up to 3 GB: 990 yen per month (tax incl.)
• Up to 10 GB: 2,090 yen per month (tax incl.)
• Data tiered pricing — price rises automatically if your data use goes above 3 GB during a month.

LINEMO Best Plan V

• Up to 30 GB: 2,970 yen per month (tax incl.)
• 5-minute domestic calls are included for free
• If you use more data (based on rent plan updates), the price may change in tiers.

All plans include an unlimited LINE app data feature called LINE Gigafree, which means LINE messaging and calls don't count against your data limit.

Note: Plan names, prices, and tier rules can change. Always check LINEMO's official plan page for the latest terms.

Calling Options with LINEMO

LINEMO charges voice calls based on your usage, but you can choose optional add-ons depending on your plan and calling habits.

For LINEMO Best Plan (3 GB / 10 GB):

• Pay-as-you-go calls: 22 yen per 30 seconds.
• 5-minute domestic calls: Flat rate of 550 yen per month. Calls longer than 5 minutes incur a charge of 22 yen per 30 seconds.
• Unlimited domestic calls: 1,650 yen per month.

For LINEMO Best Plan V (30 GB):

• Pay-as-you-go calls: 22 yen per 30 seconds (same as the Best Plan).
• 5-minute domestic calls: Included for free.
• Unlimited domestic calls: 1,100 yen per month.

Note: These rates apply to domestic calls only. International call rates are separate and available on LINEMO's official site.

Insider Tip: If you mostly use your phone for messaging or video calls, apps like LINE allow you to make calls over data instead of your voice plan, saving money while staying connected. 📱

Additional Features You Might See

LINEMO also offers optional services you can add if you want them:

• Voicemail and call-forwarding services
• Security features for phishing and scam protection
• LINE MUSIC and other entertainment packages
• Device warranties for phones and tablets

Check LINEMO's site for current pricing and terms for these options.

Is 1 GB a Day Enough Data?

One important thing to consider when choosing a LINEMO plan is how much data you actually need each day. LINEMO plans are billed monthly, so your total data allowance is spread over roughly 30 days. Here's a quick look at what that means for daily usage:

To give this some context, here's what everyday activities might cost you in data:

Looking at these numbers, you can see that LINEMO's smaller plans (3 GB to 10 GB) may only cover light messaging, email, and occasional web browsing. Even the 30 GB plan, which averages 1 GB per day, may feel tight if you stream video, use maps frequently, or play games online.

Insider Tips for Making Your Data Last 📱

• Enable data-saving modes: Most apps let you reduce data usage or prevent background activity when not in use.
• Download offline maps: Apps like Google Maps and Mpas.me allow you to save maps in advance, so you don't need data while navigating.

Are these Good Prices?

In Japan's mobile market, LINEMO's pricing is considered very low for plans under 10 GB. The Best Plan's 3 GB tier at about 990 yen per month is one of the lowest available with a major carrier network.

That said, if you need more data, there are alternatives worth looking at — including Sakura Mobile plans designed for travelers and long-term stays.

Wondering which mobile carrier has the best coverage in Japan? 📱

Read our in-depth guide comparing NTT docomo, SoftBank, and au here.

Advantages of Using LINEMO in Japan

If you're considering LINEMO, here are some key benefits that make it attractive for many users:

Affordable Plans: LINEMO offers some of the lowest-priced plans for light to moderate data use, with low-cost options around 3 GB and affordable mid-range data plans under 30 GB.

No Long-Term Contracts: You won't be tied into 1- or 2-year contracts. Plans are flexible, so you can start or stop without cancellation fees as long as it is after the first month of service.

LINE App Data Options: Certain LINEMO plans and campaigns let you use LINE for calls and messages with little or no data usage counted, but this is not a blanket exemption on all plans at all times, so you need to check the current details when you sign up.

Quick Online Setup: Everything is done online, and you need a Japanese address and valid residence documents, so it is easiest to sign up after you arrive in Japan rather than before. There is no need to visit a store.

SoftBank Network: LINEMO runs on SoftBank's network, offering good 4G/5G coverage in most urban and suburban areas.

Disadvantages of Using LINEMO in Japan

While LINEMO has its perks, there are a few limitations to keep in mind:

Limited by Residential Status: According to the LINEMO official English website, if you are applying using eSIM, you cannot complete the application if your residence card does not show permanent resident status. If you do not have PR status, you will likely need to choose a physical SIM card instead. This may be an issue for U.S. iPhone users especially, as models from the iPhone 14 and later no longer have SIM slots.

Limited Data for Heavy Users: Main plans focus on light and mid-range data, which may not be enough if you stream a lot of videos or play online games frequently.

Online Support Only: LINEMO does not have physical stores; support is mainly through online chat and the LINE app, and help is generally provided in Japanese, which can be a challenge if you prefer in-person support.

Extra Costs for Calls: Unlimited or long domestic calls usually require optional add-ons, although some LINEMO plans include short unlimited calls (for example, up to 5 minutes) in the base price, so you may still pay extra if you often make long calls.

Limited International Options: If you need service outside Japan, LINEMO offers international roaming and international calling, but these options are not always sold as simple flat-rate "travel bundles," so costs can be harder to predict and may be higher than with a dedicated travel SIM.

Overall, LINEMO works well if you want a cheap, flexible plan, have a Japanese address, and can handle mostly Japanese-language online support. For many international residents and long-term visitors who prefer English support, easier signup with foreign documents, and higher data limits packaged in a more "all-in-one" style, Sakura Mobile may be a better fit.

Who Should Consider Using LINEMO in Japan?

LINEMO is best suited for travelers or residents who prioritize simplicity and a budget-friendly setup, but may not suit everyone's needs.

LINEMO may work well if you:

• Are comfortable managing everything online: Sign-ups and support are digital, so no in-person store visits are needed.
• Can navigate Japanese forms and verification calls: Some processes, including confirmation calls, are only available in Japanese.
• Have access to a Japanese address and payment method: Your SIM can only be shipped to a local address, and a credit card or bank account is required.

LINEMO may not be the best fit if you:

• Prefer English support: All services and instructions are primarily in Japanese.
• Need immediate in-person assistance: There's no physical store support, and what support they do have is an FAQ page or automated chat.

💡Tip: For anyone who wants English-language support and in-person guidance, Sakura Mobile 🌸 offers help through the website, email, phone, or in-office visits in Shinjuku.

Comparing LINEMO to Other Carriers

This chart gives you a quick look at how LINEMO stacks up against Sakura Mobile and other major mobile carriers in Japan:

*Note: Prices are accurate as of February 3, 2026, but prices may have changed. Please visit the providers' websites for the most up-to-date information.

What this means:

• LINEMO's plans are low-cost for basic to mid-range data users, especially if you don't need heavy data every month.
• Sakura Mobile offers larger data sizes with voice + data options and includes full English support and nationwide docomo coverage, which many foreigners find easier to use.
• Other carriers like docomo, au, and SoftBank's main plans typically cost more but may include larger allotments or unlimited data tiers.
• English support varies widely. Most major carriers offer limited or no English support, while Sakura Mobile focuses on international customers with English support.

This table helps you see why some people choose LINEMO for simple, low-cost plans, while others prefer Sakura Mobile for bigger data needs and easier support in English.

Be Sure to Check Device Compatibility

Before ordering a SIM or eSIM, take a moment to confirm that your phone works with Japan's mobile frequency bands. This applies whether you choose LINEMO or Sakura Mobile. 🗾

• Using LINEMO?Check your phone against LINEMO's official compatibility list before applying. For those without Permanent Residency status, physical SIM cards are the only way to go. However, newer US iPhones (14 and above) may not be compatible due to the absence of a SIM slot.
• Using Sakura Mobile?You can confirm your device on our compatibility page, or simply ask our English-speaking support team to check it for you.

If your phone isn't listed, that doesn't always mean it won't work. 🌸 Just send us your device model via our Contact Page, and we'll get back to you by the next business day.

Why Choose Sakura Mobile?

For people settling into life in Japan, a mobile plan needs to work beyond day one. Sakura Mobile is designed for new and long-term residents who want stability, flexibility, and support they can actually understand.

Key Features That Matter for Life in Japan:

• English Support You can Rely OnGet help in English by chat, email, phone, or in-person at our Shinjuku office whenever questions come up about billing, data, or your connection.
• Flexible Data Sizes for Everyday LifeChoose a plan that fits how you actually use your phone—commuting, navigation, video calls, and daily apps—without feeling squeezed by small monthly caps.
• Month-to-Month Plans With No Lock-InNo 2-year contracts. Change or cancel your plan as soon as your situation changes.
• Easy Setup for New ResidentsNo Japanese-only verification calls or confusing paperwork. This makes Sakura Mobile easier to manage when you're still getting settled.
• Strong Nationwide CoverageRuns on the docomo network, so you get reliable service in cities and rural areas.

Sakura Mobile is a better fit if you want a phone plan that supports long-term living in Japan, not just the lowest possible monthly price.

Frequently Asked Questions About LINEMO

Enjoy Your Stay in Japan!

Having a reliable phone plan makes everyday life in Japan much easier, especially when you're settling in for the long term. While LINEMO can work for those comfortable handling everything in Japanese, some residents prefer a simpler option with clearer support.

With Sakura Mobile's Long-Term Voice + Data SIM or eSIM, you get flexible data options, a Japanese phone number, and English support you can rely on, all using the nationwide docomo 5G/4G network. Choose a plan that fits your life in Japan and stay connected without the extra stress.