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IIJmio in Japan — Complete Overview
IIJmio is Japan's most popular MVNO among foreign residents — offering Docomo network quality at a fraction of the price. Plans start at just ¥850/month for 2 GB. Setup is online with English support, making it the go-to after receiving your residence card.
Best for: Students and budget-conscious long-term residents who want Docomo coverage without Docomo prices.
✅ Pros
- Cheapest Docomo-network plans (from ¥850/mo)
- Full English website and support
- eSIM and physical SIM
- No shop visit required — mail delivery
❌ Cons
- Requires residence card
- Data-only plans — voice is extra
- Speeds may slow during peak congestion vs direct Docomo
IIJmio Plans & Pricing for Foreigners
Plan | Price | Data | Calls | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 GB Plan | ¥850/mo | 2 GB | Add ¥500/mo | Best budget pick |
| 10 GB Plan | ¥1,500/mo | 10 GB | Add ¥500/mo | Most popular |
| 50 GB Plan | ¥2,000/mo | 50 GB | Add ¥500/mo | Heavy data users |
How to Get a IIJmio SIM in Japan
1
Apply online at iijmio.jp (English available)
2
Upload residence card photo and enter address
3
SIM card arrives by mail in 2–4 days
4
Insert SIM and activate via IIJmio app
IIJmio Reviews from Foreigners in Japan
Raj Sharma
🇳🇵 Nepal → Tokyo
★★★★★
IIJmio has been fantastic as a student. Unbeatable price and setup was easy even without fluent Japanese. Ported my number from SoftBank in about 3 days.
Nguyen Thi Lan
🇻🇳 Vietnam → Osaka
★★★★☆
Switched from Sakura Mobile to IIJmio after getting my residence card. Saving ¥2,000/month with the same Docomo network quality.
IIJmio FAQ — Japan SIM Guide
English support, online-only signup (no shop visit), Docomo network, and prices starting at ¥850/month — unbeatable value for residents.
Yes — add the Voice Option (¥500/mo) for a Japanese mobile number with calls and SMS.
IIJmio uses Docomo (better rural coverage). Rakuten is cheaper with unlimited data but coverage gaps exist outside major cities.
📶 Other Providers
AU
au (KDDI)
¥1,078/mo
DoCoMo
NTT Docomo
¥1,320/mo
🌸
Sakura Mobile
¥3,000/mo
UB
Ubigi eSIM
¥1,200/mo
SB
SoftBank
¥1,365/mo