Does Rakuten Mobile offer eSIM?
Yes, Rakuten Mobile, a prominent mobile carrier in Japan, has been a strong proponent of eSIM technology since its inception. As of 2026, eSIM remains a core offering for their mobile services, providing a convenient and digital alternative to traditional physical SIM cards. Rakuten Mobile was one of the first major carriers in Japan to widely adopt and promote eSIM, making it a standard option for new subscribers and those looking to switch. This commitment to eSIM technology underscores their focus on digital convenience and accessibility for their domestic customer base.
How to get a Rakuten Mobile eSIM (for Japan residents)
For residents of Japan, acquiring a Rakuten Mobile eSIM is a straightforward process, primarily conducted online. The process typically involves:
1. Plan Selection: Rakuten Mobile generally offers a single, flexible plan, often referred to as the "Rakuten Saikyo Plan" or an equivalent by 2026. This plan features tiered data usage with corresponding pricing, often including a generous or effectively unlimited data option within certain parameters. Customers only pay for the data they use up to a certain cap, after which it becomes unlimited at a fixed price.
2. Application Process:
- Online Application: The primary method is through Rakuten Mobile's official website or app. You'll select your desired plan and indicate that you wish to use an eSIM.
- Identity Verification (本人確認 - Honnin Kakunin): This is a critical step. Applicants must provide valid Japanese identification. Acceptable forms typically include:
- My Number Card (Individual Number Card)
- Japanese Driver's License
- Residence Card (在留カード - Zairyu Card) for foreign residents with long-term visas.
- Passport (less common for full registration, often requires additional documents). Verification can be done digitally through an online upload process (eKYC) or by mail.
- Japanese Address: A valid Japanese residential address is required for registration and billing purposes.
- Payment Method: A Japanese credit card or a Japanese bank account is necessary for monthly payments.
3. eSIM Activation: Once your application is approved and identity verification is complete, Rakuten Mobile will provide an eSIM activation QR code or manual activation details.
- QR Code Scan: On your eSIM-compatible smartphone, navigate to your device's cellular settings and select "Add Cellular Plan" or "Add eSIM." Scan the provided QR code.
- Manual Entry: If QR code scanning isn't possible, you can manually enter the SM-DP+ address and activation code.
- Network Connection: After activation, your device will connect to the Rakuten Mobile network, and you can begin using your service. The entire process, from application to activation, can often be completed within an hour if all documents are ready and verified quickly.
Rakuten Mobile eSIM for travellers and tourists
While Rakuten Mobile offers eSIM, it is not a practical or recommended option for short-term travellers or tourists visiting Japan. The primary hurdle lies in the strict requirements for identity verification and residency.
- Local ID Requirement: As detailed above, obtaining a Rakuten Mobile eSIM necessitates a valid Japanese identification document (like a My Number Card, Japanese Driver's License, or a long-term Residence Card). Standard tourist visas or foreign passports alone are generally insufficient for direct subscription to a Japanese carrier's post-paid or even pre-paid plans that require full registration.
- Japanese Address and Payment: A local Japanese address and a Japanese credit card or bank account are also typically required, which tourists will not possess.
- No Tourist-Specific Plans: Rakuten Mobile, like other major Japanese carriers, does not offer specific short-term eSIM plans tailored for international visitors that bypass these residency requirements.
For these reasons, attempting to acquire a Rakuten Mobile eSIM as a tourist would be a frustrating and likely unsuccessful endeavor. Instead, travellers should look towards solutions specifically designed for international visitors.
Rakuten Mobile vs a travel eSIM for Japan
Choosing between a Rakuten Mobile eSIM and a dedicated travel eSIM for Japan depends entirely on your status and duration of stay.
Rakuten Mobile eSIM (Best for Japan Residents & Long-Term Stays):
- Pros:
- Cost-Effective: Extremely competitive pricing for long-term use, especially with their generous data plans.
- Generous Data: Often provides effectively unlimited data at high speeds within Japan.
- Local Number: Comes with a Japanese phone number, essential for local contacts, banking, and services.
- Integrated Ecosystem: Benefits from Rakuten's extensive ecosystem (points, services).
- Cons:
- Strict Requirements: Requires Japanese ID, address, and payment method.
- Not for Tourists: Virtually impossible for short-term visitors to obtain.
- Application Process: Can take some time for verification.
Travel eSIM for Japan (Best for Tourists & Short-Term Visitors):
- Pros:
- Easy Acquisition: Purchased online from global providers (e.g., Airalo, Holafly, Nomad, Ubigi) before or upon arrival.
- Instant Activation: Activated via QR code, often within minutes.
- No Local Requirements: No Japanese ID, address, or bank account needed.
- Works on Arrival: Data connectivity from the moment you land.
- Flexibility: Wide range of data packages and durations to suit different travel needs.
- Convenience: Avoids the need to visit physical stores or deal with complex local registration processes.
- Cons:
- Higher Per-GB Cost: Generally more expensive per gigabyte compared to local long-term plans.
- Data Limits: Typically comes with fixed data allowances (e.g., 5GB, 10GB, 20GB) rather than unlimited options.
- No Local Number: Usually provides data-only service, without a Japanese phone number.
- Network Roaming: Often uses one of Japan's major networks (NTT Docomo, KDDI au, SoftBank) via roaming agreements, which can sometimes have slightly different performance characteristics than a direct local subscription.
In summary, if you are a resident of Japan or planning a long-term stay with appropriate documentation, Rakuten Mobile's eSIM is an excellent, cost-effective choice. For tourists and short-term visitors, a dedicated travel eSIM is by far the most convenient, accessible, and hassle-free solution for staying connected in Japan.