Land in Japan.Live it from day one.

03 · Get set up

Your day-one checklist

Five moves in your first days unlock everything else. Number two is the key that opens most of the other doors.

1. 1

   Pick up your residence card

   Landing at a major airport? Your residence card (在留カード) is usually issued right at immigration. It's the master key to every step below — keep it on you.

2. 2

   Get a Japanese number + data — Rakuten Mobile

   A Japanese phone number is what banks, apps, and sign-up forms ask for first. With Rakuten Mobile you can apply online with just your residence card — and if your phone supports eSIM, be connected the same day.

   

   • One simple plan that scales to unlimited data — see the tiers below (tax included)
   • Sign up online with just your residence card — no store visit needed
   • eSIM setup takes about 15 minutes; physical SIM arrives by mail in a few days
   • Free domestic calls with the Rakuten Link app

   ¥1,078/mo (0–3GB)¥2,178/mo (3–20GB)¥3,278/mo (unlimited)

   Prices are tax-included, from the official plan. Always confirm current terms on the official page.

   Before you apply

   New to Rakuten? Start with a free Rakuten ID

   You don't sign up for the phone plan first — you sign up for a Rakuten ID first. It's the single free account behind everything Rakuten, and the referral only counts when you log in with it through the link before applying. Here's the whole path, in order.

   What is a Rakuten ID?

   A free account (just an email and password) that logs you in to Rakuten Mobile, points, shopping and cloud storage — one login for the whole ecosystem. Making one takes about two minutes and costs nothing.

   1. 1
      Create a free Rakuten IDAbout 2 minutes with an email and password. This is your key to everything below — no payment needed to make it.
   2. 2
      Open the referral link and log in with that IDDo this before you apply. Logging in through the link is what registers you for the referral — skip it and it won't count.
   3. 3
      Apply for Rakuten Mobile with your residence cardPhotograph your 在留カード to verify identity — no store visit. eSIM phones can activate the same day.
   4. 4
      Activate and make one 10-second call on Rakuten LinkInstall the free Rakuten Link app and place one short call. That final step completes everything.

   Creating the Rakuten ID is free — you only pay your monthly plan once the SIM is active.

   See eligibility and full terms on the official page →

   The referral offer

   Up to 14,000 pts (switch/MNP), 11,000 pts (new line)

   *Conditions apply, including logging in via the referral link and starting service before applying. *Points are awarded in installments starting the 4th month after the referral-login month.

   See eligibility & full terms, then apply via the referral link →

   This opens the official campaign page. Log in with your (free) Rakuten ID here before applying — that login is what registers the referral.

   Start with the referral linkClicking doesn't sign you up — after you log in with your Rakuten ID you'll see the details and can decide whether to apply. You can stop anytime.Log in through this link first, then apply on the official page.Start→📱 See the full Rakuten Mobile guide — points, plan & sign-up →
3. 3

   Register your address at the ward office

   Within 14 days of moving in, register at your city or ward office. Bring your residence card — and your new phone number goes right on the form.

4. 4

   Open a bank account

   Banks generally ask for your residence card, a registered address, and a Japanese phone number — which is exactly why the SIM comes before this step.

5. 5

   Grab a transit IC card

   One rechargeable tap-to-ride card covers trains, buses, vending machines, and konbini nationwide. Add it to your phone's wallet and you're gliding.