If you are looking for an eSIM for travel to Japan, temporary return, business trips, or studying abroad, you may have questions such as, "Are there eSIMs with phone numbers available in Japan?" and "What is the difference between data-only eSIMs and those with phone numbers?"
The eSIMs available in Japan include data-only eSIMs that only provide internet connectivity and eSIMs with phone numbers that come with Japanese phone numbers, voice calling, and SMS functionality.
By choosing a phone number eSIM that supports voice calls, you may be able to make and receive regular calls to hotels, restaurants, hospitals, workplaces, and more within Japan.
With SMS reception plans, you may also be able to receive authentication codes and regular SMS messages.
However, just because it is labeled "with phone number" does not guarantee that you can use voice calls or SMS.
The type of phone number, the ability to make and receive voice calls, send and receive SMS, identity verification, and expiration dates vary by product.
In this article, we will clearly explain the conditions under which phone number eSIMs can be used in Japan, the types of compatible plans, the differences from data-only eSIMs, and how to choose based on your purpose, such as travel, business trips, or studying abroad.
Can I use a phone number eSIM in Japan?
If it is a phone number eSIM compatible with Japanese communication networks, it can be used within Japan.
Depending on the plan, you may be able to use the following features:
- Mobile data communication within Japan
- Use of a Japanese phone number
- Voice calls within Japan
- Receiving calls from within Japan
- SMS reception
- SMS sending
- SMS authentication for certain services
- Tethering
However, not all phone number eSIMs support voice calls or SMS within Japan.
There are travel eSIMs that provide foreign phone numbers, and some products may only allow data communication even if a phone number is displayed.
Before purchasing, please check the types of phone numbers available for use in Japan and the necessary features.
For information on phone number plans, please see Phone Number eSIM.
What is a phone number eSIM?
A phone number eSIM is an eSIM that allows not only data communication but also the use of a phone number.
Unlike a traditional SIM card, there is no need to insert a physical card into your smartphone.
You can add a communication plan to your smartphone using a QR code issued after purchase or a dedicated app.
There are mainly the following types of phone number eSIMs:
- Type that supports data communication and voice calls
- Type that supports data communication and SMS
- Type that supports both voice calls and SMS
- Type that only supports SMS reception
- Type that provides a foreign phone number
- Type that displays a phone number but does not support calls or SMS
The name "with phone number" alone does not allow you to determine the available features.
You need to check the support for voice calls, SMS reception, and SMS sending individually.
Types of phone number eSIMs available in Japan
eSIMs with Japanese mobile phone numbers
This type provides Japanese mobile phone numbers starting with 070, 080, or 090.
If it is a plan that supports voice calls, you can make calls to Japanese mobile and landline phones and receive calls with a Japanese number.
With SMS-compatible plans, you may be able to receive SMS with a Japanese number.
eSIMs with 050 numbers and communication services
Numbers starting with 050 are generally used for IP phone services.
Since calls are made using data communication, the mechanism differs from that of regular mobile phone numbers.
In some services, you may not be able to use the 050 number for SMS authentication or membership registration.
Travel eSIMs with foreign phone numbers
Even if you can use data communication in Japan, the assigned phone number may be from a country other than Japan.
With this type, you may not be able to register it as a Japanese phone number, or calls to Japan may be treated as international calls.
SMS reception-only phone number eSIMs
Some products provide a phone number but do not support voice calls and only allow SMS reception.
If you are purchasing it for SMS authentication, please check if the service you plan to use accepts that number.
Differences between phone number eSIMs and data-only eSIMs
| Comparison Item | Phone Number eSIM | Data-Only eSIM |
|---|---|---|
| Data Communication | Supported | Supported |
| Phone Number | Provided | Generally none |
| Regular Voice Calls | Supported depending on the plan | Not supported |
| SMS Reception | Supported depending on the plan | Not supported |
| SMS Sending | Supported depending on the plan | Not supported |
| LINE・WhatsApp | Available | Available |
| SMS Authentication | May be available | Generally not possible |
| Identity Verification | May be required | Often not required |
| Cost | Can be relatively high | Often relatively low |
| Purchase/Activation | May take time for verification | Relatively easy |
If you only need data communication for maps, social media, translation, LINE, etc., a data-only eSIM can suffice.
If you want to make regular calls to hotels or stores in Japan or want a Japanese phone number as a contact, consider a phone number eSIM that supports voice calls.
Main Situations Where a Phone Number is Needed in Japan
Calling hotels or restaurants
You may need to call hotels or restaurants in Japan to change reservation times, report late check-ins, or inquire about lost items.
If you cannot use the messaging function on the reservation site or email, a phone number eSIM that can make calls within Japan is convenient.
Contacting hospitals or transportation services
You may need to contact hospitals, railway companies, or taxi companies due to health issues, lost items, or transportation troubles.
Calling your workplace or business partners
During business trips or short-term work in Japan, you may use regular phone calls to communicate with business partners or internal contacts.
Registering a contact number with schools or accommodation facilities
During studying abroad or long-term stays, you may be asked to register a Japanese phone number with schools, student dormitories, or real estate companies.
Using SMS authentication
You may be required to use SMS authentication for Japanese ride-hailing apps, reservation services, or membership registrations.
However, even with a phone number eSIM, it is not guaranteed that you can authenticate with all services.
Receiving contact from delivery or shipping services
When receiving packages in Japan, you may receive calls or SMS from delivery personnel.
Is a phone number necessary for short trips to Japan?
In general, a Japanese phone number is not necessarily required for short sightseeing trips.
The following services can be used with a data-only eSIM:
- Google Maps
- Transit navigation
- Translation apps
- Hotel and flight reservation confirmations
- LINE
- Messenger
- SNS
If you can communicate with family and friends via LINE or WhatsApp and handle inquiries to hotels through reservation sites or email, a data-only eSIM may be sufficient.
For those who primarily use data communication, please check Japan eSIM products and pricing plans.
Is a phone number eSIM recommended for business trips to Japan?
During business trips to Japan, there may be opportunities to make regular calls to business partners, hotels, rental car companies, and restaurants.
Therefore, a phone number eSIM that supports voice calls may be convenient.
However, if you can communicate for work via Slack, Teams, Zoom, LINE, etc., a data-only eSIM may also suffice.
Before your trip, check the following items:
- Is regular calling to Japan necessary?
- What communication methods do your business partners use?
- Will you include a Japanese phone number on your business card or contact information?
- Are there services that require SMS authentication?
- Will you use tethering or online meetings?
Is a phone number eSIM necessary for studying abroad or long-term stays?
For short-term study abroad, you can use a data-only eSIM as a communication method immediately upon arrival and then switch to a long-term contract SIM later.
On the other hand, during long-term stays, there may be situations where a Japanese phone number is needed:
- Registering a contact number with schools
- Applying for part-time jobs
- Real estate contracts
- Receiving packages
- Registering for bank accounts or services
- Inquiries to hospitals or public institutions
If you are staying for several months or more, consider comparing not only short-term phone number eSIMs but also monthly SIMs or communication contracts.
Can I make and receive calls with a phone number eSIM?
If it is a phone number eSIM that supports voice calls, you can make and receive calls from the standard phone app on your smartphone.
However, you need to check the support for outgoing and incoming calls separately.
| Check Item | Content to Check |
|---|---|
| Domestic Outgoing Calls | Can you call Japanese mobile and landline phones? |
| Domestic Incoming Calls | Can you receive calls from within Japan? |
| International Outgoing Calls | Can you call foreign phone numbers? |
| Call Charges | What is the pricing structure (pay-as-you-go, free calls, flat rate, etc.)? |
| Excluded Numbers | Can you call emergency numbers or toll-free numbers? |
Even if a phone number is displayed on the device, if it is not clearly stated as supporting voice calls, you may not be able to use regular phone services.
Can I use SMS with a phone number eSIM?
If it is an SMS-compatible plan, you may be able to receive SMS with the assigned phone number.
Depending on the plan, it may only support SMS reception and not SMS sending.
Please check the following before purchasing:
- Is SMS reception supported?
- Is SMS sending supported?
- Is it only for domestic SMS?
- Can you also receive international SMS?
- Is it compatible with SMS from short codes?
- Are there charges for sending SMS?
Can I use SMS authentication with a phone number eSIM?
If it is an SMS-compatible phone number eSIM, you may be able to receive authentication codes.
However, just because it supports SMS reception does not mean it can be used for all SMS authentication.
Services such as the following may not accept short-term or prepaid numbers:
- Banks
- Securities companies
- Credit cards
- Electronic payment services
- Government services
- Services that require a number in the user's name
If you are purchasing for SMS authentication, please check not only the conditions of the eSIM product but also the phone number conditions of the services you plan to register with.
Is identity verification required for a phone number eSIM?
For eSIMs that provide Japanese phone numbers or voice call functionality, identity verification may be required.
Identity verification may require the following information or documents:
- Name
- Date of birth
- Address
- Passport
- Residence card
- Photo of the individual
- Start date of use
For products aimed at foreign travelers, identity verification may be possible with a passport.
Since the process may take time, apply well in advance rather than just before you plan to use it.
How to choose a phone number eSIM for use in Japan
Check if a Japanese phone number will be assigned
First, check the country of the assigned phone number.
If you want to use it as a contact number within Japan, choose a plan that provides a Japanese phone number.
Check for outgoing and incoming voice calls
If you want to make calls, check for outgoing support; if you want to receive calls, check for incoming support.
Make sure to confirm that it supports both outgoing and incoming calls, not just labeled as "voice compatible."
Check for SMS reception and sending support
If you want to use SMS authentication or regular SMS, SMS reception support is necessary.
If you want to reply to SMS, choose a plan that also supports sending.
Check the usage period
Short-term eSIMs have validity periods of 3, 5, 7, 15, or 30 days.
Also, check whether the usage period of the phone number matches the validity period of the data communication.
Check the data capacity
In addition to calls and SMS, check the data capacity needed for maps, social media, videos, etc.
For a guideline on data usage, please see Estimated Data Usage.
Check the call charges
Even with voice call support, call charges may not be included in the plan price.
- Domestic call charges per minute
- Free call time
- International call charges
- Incoming call charges
- How to add extra charges
Check if the same phone number can be extended
If you want to use the same number for a long time, check if the plan allows for extensions or renewals.
Some products may assign a different phone number when purchasing a new plan.
Check the support system
In case of issues with setup or activation, check the available support methods such as chat, email, and Japanese support.
Recommended eSIM types by purpose
| Purpose | Recommended Type | Choosing Points |
|---|---|---|
| Short-term sightseeing trips | Data-only eSIM | Good enough if focused on maps, SNS, and translation |
| Calling hotels or stores | Voice call compatible eSIM | Check if it supports domestic outgoing calls |
| Receiving calls | Incoming call compatible eSIM | Check the Japanese number and incoming call charges |
| SMS authentication | SMS reception compatible eSIM | Check the number conditions on the service side |
| Business trips to Japan | Voice and data compatible eSIM | Check call charges and tethering |
| Short-term study abroad | Data-only or phone number eSIM | Choose based on whether a number is required for school registration |
| Long-term study abroad or stays | Phone number eSIM or monthly SIM | Check if you can continue with the same number |
Who should consider a phone number eSIM?
- Those who want to make regular calls to hotels or stores in Japan
- Those who want to receive calls with a Japanese phone number
- Those who want to register a Japanese phone number as a contact
- Those who want to receive SMS
- Those who want to use SMS authentication for certain services
- Those who will use work-related calls during business trips to Japan
- Those who will study abroad or stay long-term
- Those who want to contact people who do not use LINE, etc.
Who should consider a data-only eSIM?
- Those who are taking a short trip to Japan
- Those whose main purpose is using Google Maps or translation
- Those who can communicate via LINE or WhatsApp
- Those who do not need a Japanese phone number
- Those who want to keep costs down
- Those who want to purchase and set up easily
- Those who can receive SMS on their regular main line
How to use a regular SIM and Japan eSIM together
On dual SIM compatible devices, you can keep your regular main line for phone numbers and SMS while using the Japan eSIM for data communication.
| Setting Item | Regular Main Line | Japan eSIM |
|---|---|---|
| Line | ON if SMS reception is needed | ON |
| Mobile Data Communication | Not used | Used |
| Data Roaming | OFF | Follow product instructions |
| Voice Calls | Used as needed | Only if voice compatible |
| Automatic Data Switching | OFF is recommended | |
With this method, you can maintain your regular phone number while using the Japan eSIM for data communication.
However, if you make or receive calls or send SMS using your overseas main line, international charges may apply.
From purchase to setup of a phone number eSIM
- Check if your device supports eSIM
- Check if the SIM lock is removed
- Determine if you need a Japanese phone number
- Check the necessity of voice calls and SMS
- Select the number of usage days and data capacity
- Check call charges and validity period
- Check the conditions for identity verification
- Purchase online
- Check the purchase confirmation email and QR code
- Add the eSIM in a stable Wi-Fi environment
For information about compatible devices, please check List of eSIM-Compatible Devices.
For detailed setup instructions, please see eSIM Setup Guide.
Settings to check after arriving in Japan
- Turn ON the line for the phone number eSIM
- Check if you are connected to the Japanese network
- Select the eSIM to be used for mobile data communication
- Set data roaming according to product instructions
- Select the line to be used for voice calls
- If necessary, perform a short test call
- Check incoming calls from another phone
- If SMS reception is supported, check test SMS
There may be charges for testing calls and SMS.
Please conduct a short test after confirming the product conditions.
Check items if you cannot use calls or SMS
- Is it a voice call and SMS compatible plan?
- Is the eSIM line ON?
- Is it the start date of use?
- Is the validity period not expired?
- Is there signal reception?
- Is the line used for outgoing calls correct?
- Is the phone number input method correct?
- Is there remaining call balance?
- Are there any settings for call rejection or spam SMS?
Turning airplane mode ON and then OFF or restarting your smartphone may resolve the issue.
If the problem is not resolved, do not delete the eSIM immediately.
You may not be able to reuse the QR code, and it may become impossible to reset the same eSIM or phone number.
For connection troubleshooting methods, please see Troubleshooting Japan eSIM Connection Issues.
Points to note when using a phone number eSIM
Check the validity period of the phone number
With short-term eSIMs, the phone number may become unusable at the same time the plan ends.
Do not register short-term numbers with important accounts
Registering short-term numbers with banks, payment services, or SNS may prevent you from receiving authentication codes after the usage period ends.
There is a possibility of number reuse
After the contract ends, the phone number may be reassigned to another user.
Before ending usage, please delete or change the phone number from the registered services.
Emergency calls may not be supported
Travel or prepaid eSIMs may not allow calls to emergency services such as police, fire, or ambulance.
There may be restrictions on toll-free or short numbers
Some products may not allow calls to numbers like 0120 or 0570 or to short numbers.
Call charges may be separate
Even with voice-compatible plans, call charges may not be included in the data plan price.
Frequently Asked Questions about Phone Number eSIMs
Can I use a phone number eSIM in Japan?
You can use it if it is a plan compatible with Japanese communication networks.
Please check the product specifications for voice calls and SMS support within Japan.
Will I definitely be assigned a Japanese phone number?
It is not guaranteed that you will be assigned a Japanese number.
There are products that provide foreign numbers or 050 numbers, so please check the country and type of the number.
Can I definitely make calls with a phone number eSIM?
It is not guaranteed that you can make calls.
Please check if it supports outgoing and incoming voice calls.
Can I receive SMS with a phone number eSIM?
You can if it is an SMS reception compatible plan.
Even if it has a phone number, there are products that do not support SMS.
Can I use it for SMS authentication?
It may be possible to use it.
However, the service may not accept short-term or prepaid numbers.
Is identity verification required?
For plans that provide Japanese phone numbers or voice call functionality, identity verification with a passport may be required.
Is a phone number eSIM necessary for short trips?
If your main activities are maps, SNS, translation, and LINE, a data-only eSIM may suffice.
Can I make LINE calls with a data-only eSIM?
If you can connect to the internet, you can use LINE or WhatsApp calls.
Can I call stores in Japan?
If it is a plan that supports domestic voice calls, you can make calls from the standard phone app.
Are incoming calls free?
It varies by plan.
Even if incoming calls are free within Japan, charges may apply when used overseas.
Can I continue using the same phone number after my trip?
With short-term plans, you may not be able to use it after the validity period ends.
If you want to maintain the same number, please check the extension conditions.
Can I reset the eSIM after deleting it?
You may not be able to reuse the QR code.
Please check with support before deleting.
For inquiries about purchases or setup, please see Japan eSIM Support.
For other questions, please check Frequently Asked Questions about eSIM.
Summary | Check for Japanese Number, Calls, and SMS Support Before Choosing
If it is a plan compatible with Japanese communication networks, you can use a phone number eSIM in Japan.
However, just because it is labeled "with phone number" does not guarantee that you will be assigned a Japanese phone number, and some products may not support voice calls or SMS.
Before purchasing, please check the following items:
- The country and type of the assigned phone number
- Whether it can be used within Japan
- Whether it supports outgoing and incoming voice calls
- Whether it supports SMS reception and sending
- Whether it can be used for SMS authentication
- Whether identity verification is required
- Data capacity and usage period
- Call charges and SMS sending charges
- Whether the phone number can be extended
- Whether it can call emergency or special numbers
For short trips to Japan, if your main activities are maps, SNS, translation, and LINE, a data-only eSIM that is easy to purchase may be sufficient.
For those who want to make regular calls to Japan, receive calls, or use a Japanese phone number as a contact, choose a phone number eSIM that supports voice calls.
For information on phone number plans, please see Phone Number eSIM.
For data communication plans for travel to Japan, please check Japan eSIM products and pricing plans.
For those who want to compare usage days and data capacity, please see Comparison of Japan eSIM Pricing and Plans.
