Is Rakuten Mobile Really Cheaper? A Honest Price Comparison for Foreign Residents in Japan
If you’ve been living in Japan for a while, you’ve probably noticed how expensive mobile phone plans can get. Whether you’re on Docomo, au, or Softbank, the monthly bills can feel surprisingly heavy — especially when you’re already managing the costs of life in a foreign country. Many foreign residents are now taking a second look at Rakuten Mobile as a serious alternative. But is it actually worth switching?
In this article, we’ll break down the real numbers in a straightforward Rakuten Mobile vs Docomo au Softbank price comparison for foreigners in Japan, and help you figure out whether making the switch makes sense for your situation.
Monthly Cost Comparison: Rakuten Mobile vs the Big Three
Let’s start with the most important question: how much will you actually pay each month?
Rakuten Mobile
Rakuten Mobile offers a single, simple unlimited data plan at ¥3,278 per month (tax included). There are no tiered options or confusing add-ons — just one flat rate for unlimited domestic calls and data. For many foreigners who rely heavily on data for maps, translation apps, and staying connected internationally, this simplicity is a major plus.
Docomo
Docomo’s entry-level unlimited plan (eximo) starts at around ¥4,565/month for light users, but for genuine unlimited data usage, you’re looking at ¥7,315/month or more, depending on your contract options. Discounts are available if you bundle with home internet or add family lines, but the base price is significantly higher.
au (KDDI)
au’s main unlimited plan (Unlimited MAX) is similarly priced in the ¥7,238–¥8,008/month range before discounts. Their sub-brand UQ Mobile offers cheaper options starting around ¥2,728/month, but data caps and speed restrictions apply at higher usage levels.
Softbank
Softbank’s unlimited plan sits at around ¥7,238/month for their standard offering. Like the others, they have sub-brands (Y!mobile) with lower entry prices, but again with data limitations once you exceed certain thresholds.
Quick Summary Table
| Carrier | Unlimited Plan (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rakuten Mobile | ¥3,278/month | Truly unlimited, one plan |
| Docomo | ¥7,315/month | Discounts available with bundles |
| au | ¥7,238/month | Sub-brand UQ Mobile is cheaper |
| Softbank | ¥7,238/month | Sub-brand Y!mobile is cheaper |
The difference is stark. Switching from one of the big three to Rakuten Mobile could save you ¥3,000–¥4,000 every single month — that’s ¥36,000–¥48,000 per year.
The Referral Campaign: Extra Points for Switching
Here’s something many foreigners don’t know about: Rakuten Mobile currently runs an employee referral campaign that gives you extra Rakuten Points when you sign up through a referral link.
Here’s how the numbers break down:
- MNP (switching from another carrier): 14,000 points via referral link (vs. 13,000 points in the standard campaign — 1,000 points more)
- New number signup: 11,000 points
These points are paid out in three installments, starting four months after the month in which the referral login was made. So it takes a little patience, but the points do arrive — and 14,000 Rakuten Points is genuinely useful value.
Wondering what you can actually do with 14,000 points once you receive them? Check out this helpful guide: How to Use 14,000 Rakuten Points Best Ways for Foreign Residents in Japan.
Why Foreign Residents in Japan Often Prefer Rakuten Mobile
Beyond price, there are a few specific reasons why Rakuten Mobile tends to appeal to foreign residents.
Simpler Contract Structure
The big three carriers are notorious for complex plan structures, bundled services you didn’t ask for, and contracts that are difficult to read even in Japanese. Rakuten Mobile’s single-plan approach is much easier to understand, and their app-based management (through the My Rakuten Mobile app) is intuitive even if your Japanese isn’t perfect.
No Hidden Fees
With Rakuten Mobile, the ¥3,278 monthly fee is what you pay. There are no “network maintenance fees” or unexplained surcharges that sometimes appear on bills from larger carriers.
International Roaming Support
For foreigners who travel back to their home country or take trips around Asia, Rakuten Mobile includes 2GB of overseas roaming data per month at no extra charge. This is a genuinely useful perk that most carriers charge significantly for. If you’re curious about how this works in practice, take a look at: Rakuten Mobile Overseas Roaming Free 2GB: How to Use It Abroad as a Foreign Resident in Japan.
Integration with the Rakuten Ecosystem
If you already use Rakuten for shopping, travel bookings, or other services, using Rakuten Mobile boosts your Rakuten SPU (Super Point Up Program) multiplier. This means more points on your everyday spending — which adds up over time.
Potential Downsides to Consider
Being fair means acknowledging the limitations too.
Network coverage: Rakuten Mobile’s network still has some gaps in rural areas of Japan. In major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka, coverage is generally solid. But if you live or frequently travel to rural areas, it’s worth checking the coverage map before committing.
No physical store density: While Rakuten has been expanding its physical presence, it still has far fewer shops than Docomo, au, or Softbank. If you prefer face-to-face support in Japanese, this could matter.
Point installment timing: As mentioned, the referral points arrive in installments starting four months after signup. If you need immediate financial benefit, keep this timeline in mind.
Who Should Switch — and Who Should Think Twice?
Good fit if you:
- Live or work primarily in a major Japanese city
- Use a lot of mobile data each month
- Already have or are open to a Rakuten account
- Travel internationally occasionally and want roaming included
- Want to simplify your monthly expenses
Think twice if you:
- Live in a rural area with limited Rakuten coverage
- Rely heavily on carrier-specific services (like Docomo’s d-point ecosystem)
- Prefer in-person customer support in Japanese
How to Sign Up via Referral
If you’ve decided Rakuten Mobile makes sense for your life in Japan, signing up through a referral link is straightforward and gives you more points than the standard campaign.
The process involves:
- Clicking the referral link to access the signup page
- Choosing MNP (if switching) or new number
- Completing identity verification (your residence card/zairyu card is accepted)
- Activating your SIM or eSIM
One note: the referral link must be used for the login step during application to ensure the bonus points are properly credited. Make sure you use it at the right moment during the process.
Final Thoughts
When you put the numbers side by side, the case for Rakuten Mobile is hard to ignore — especially for foreign residents who want solid unlimited data without paying ¥7,000+ every month. The referral campaign sweetens the deal by adding up to 14,000 points for MNP transfers, which is real money in the Rakuten ecosystem.
If you’re ready to make the switch or just want to explore your options, you can use the referral link below to get the maximum available points:
👉 Sign up for Rakuten Mobile via referral link
Take your time, check the coverage map for your area, and make the decision that’s right for you. But if you’re currently paying over ¥5,000 a month for mobile service in Japan, it’s definitely worth a closer look.