Japan phone number : Get a Voice Call SIM / eSIM for Tourists (It's Possible!)

While traveling in Japan, you'll surprisingly often find situations where you want to use a phone, such as confirming accommodation reservations or booking restaurants. However, most SIM cards and eSIMs sold for foreign visitors are data-only and don't include voice call functionality.

This article explains why it's difficult for short-term travelers to use SIMs or eSIMs with voice call functionality in Japan, and where you might be able to purchase them.

Why aren't voice-enabled SIMs widely sold to tourists?

The "Act on Prevention of Illegal Use of Mobile Phones" is behind it

In Japan, to prevent SIM cards and eSIMs from being misused for crimes and fraud, the **Act on Prevention of Illegal Use of Mobile Phone Voice Communications Devices**, enforced in 2006, **requires identity verification and submission of address information in Japan for voice-enabled SIM contracts.**

Reference: Act on Prevention of Illegal Use of Mobile Phone Voice Communications Devices, Article 3 (Reference URL: Cabinet Office)

In other words, there's a rule that SIM cards and eSIMs with voice call functionality can only be sold to "individuals whose identity has been verified." Even if short-term foreign tourists present a hotel address, it's not considered a formal residence.

MVNOs also avoid voice support to mitigate risks

Low-cost SIM providers (MVNOs) also offer only data-only prepaid SIMs and eSIMs for foreign visitors, to simplify contract procedures and avoid the risk of fraudulent use.

Actually, there's a way to use a voice-enabled SIM!

Mobal

"Mobal" offers SIMs for foreign visitors that include voice calls + SMS + data communication, and you can apply before your trip. While you can apply online, both SIM cards and eSIMs require in-person identity verification, so the process isn't fully online. Identity verification is required upon receipt.

Voice-enabled plans generally incur an activation fee for the SIM card/eSIM and a monthly fee.

This option is not very suitable for people staying in Japan for a short period.

Mobal is a very good service for those who plan to stay in Japan for several months.

Even if you haven't yet secured a permanent residence in Japan, you can undergo identity verification and receive your SIM card or eSIM in certain locations, and easily sign up for a voice-enabled plan.

Rakuten Mobile

If you're staying in Japan for more than six months, it might be a good idea to sign up for a voice-enabled plan with Mobal until your living arrangements in Japan are settled, and then switch to a major, more affordable service with a larger data allowance like Rakuten Mobile.

Rakuten Mobile offers services in multiple languages, so if you have the necessary identity verification documents and proof of address, you can easily sign up.

Rakuten Mobile

Is a voice-enabled SIM really necessary?

For short-term visitors, data-only SIMs or eSIMs, combined with VoIP apps like WhatsApp or Messenger, are often sufficient.

Since identity verification and address confirmation are required, the process isn't fully online. Also, the price is more than three times higher compared to data-only plans.

However, a **SIM with a real phone number and call function** will be reassuring in situations like these:

• You need to contact the police or a hospital in an emergency.
• You plan to use apps that require SMS authentication.

Voice-enabled SIMs are available in Japan, but with conditions

• Due to Japanese law, contracts for voice-enabled SIMs require identity verification and address submission.
• Even for tourists, pre-application SIMs like Mobal can provide voice call + data communication.