Sendai

๐Ÿ“ฑ

Mobile and Internet Services

Overview of mobile plans, internet options, and how to stay connected in Sendai.

Sections

1. Overview of Mobile and Internet Services in Japan

Japan has a highly developed telecommunications infrastructure, and Sendai, as a major city in the Tohoku region, offers excellent mobile and internet services. The market is competitive, with options ranging from major carriers to budget-friendly providers. However, there are some unique aspects of Japan's telecom system that you should be aware of:

  • SIM Locking: Many Japanese phones are locked to specific carriers, but this is less of an issue for visitors or those bringing unlocked phones from abroad.
  • Language Barrier: While many providers offer English support, smaller or budget providers may only operate in Japanese.
  • Residency Requirements: Long-term plans often require proof of residency, but prepaid and tourist options are available for short-term visitors.

2. Types of Mobile Plans Available

Mobile plans in Sendai (and Japan in general) fall into three main categories:

a. Prepaid SIM Cards (Best for Short-Term Visitors)

  • Who it's for: Tourists or short-term visitors (less than 90 days).
  • Features: Data-only or data + voice options.
  • Validity: Typically 7, 14, or 30 days.
  • Cost: ยฅ2,000โ€“ยฅ6,000 depending on the data allowance and validity.
  • Where to buy: Airports (e.g., Sendai Airport), electronics stores (e.g., Bic Camera, Yodobashi Camera), or online.

b. Postpaid Plans (Best for Long-Term Residents)

  • Who it's for: Residents with a long-term visa.
  • Features: Monthly plans with data, voice, and SMS. Unlimited data plans are also available.
  • Cost: ยฅ3,000โ€“ยฅ8,000 per month depending on the provider and data allowance.
  • Contract: Typically 1โ€“2 years, though some providers offer no-contract options.
  • Providers: Major carriers like NTT Docomo, SoftBank, and au, as well as budget carriers like Rakuten Mobile and MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators).

c. Pocket Wi-Fi (Best for Groups or Heavy Data Users)

  • Who it's for: Visitors or residents who need portable internet for multiple devices.
  • Features: Portable router with unlimited or high-data plans.
  • Cost: ยฅ4,000โ€“ยฅ10,000 per month or ยฅ500โ€“ยฅ1,000 per day for rentals.
  • Where to rent: Airports, electronics stores, or online.

3. Internet Services in Sendai

For home internet, there are several options depending on your needs and length of stay:

a. Fiber-Optic Internet (Hikari)

  • Who it's for: Long-term residents.
  • Features: High-speed internet (up to 1 Gbps).
  • Cost: ยฅ4,000โ€“ยฅ6,000 per month.
  • Providers: NTT East (FLETโ€™S Hikari), au Hikari, SoftBank Hikari.
  • Contract: Usually 2 years, with early termination fees.

b. Mobile Internet (4G/5G Routers)

  • Who it's for: Short-term residents or those who donโ€™t want a fixed line.
  • Features: Portable, no installation required.
  • Cost: ยฅ3,000โ€“ยฅ5,000 per month.
  • Providers: SoftBank Air, Rakuten Mobile.

c. Free Wi-Fi

  • Who it's for: Visitors or those with minimal internet needs.
  • Where to find: Sendai Airport, train stations, cafes, convenience stores (e.g., 7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart), and tourist spots.
  • Limitations: Often time-limited and not very secure.

4. Recommended Providers

Here are some of the most reliable and popular providers in Sendai:

Major Carriers (Full-Service Providers)

  1. NTT Docomo: Best coverage and reliability.
  2. SoftBank: Good for international users, with English support.
  3. au (KDDI): Competitive pricing and good coverage.

Budget Providers (MVNOs)

  1. Rakuten Mobile: Affordable, with unlimited data plans starting at ยฅ2,980/month.
  2. IIJmio: Reliable MVNO with flexible plans.
  3. Y!Mobile: Budget brand of SoftBank, offering good value.

Tourist SIM Providers

  1. Japan Wireless: Offers prepaid SIMs and pocket Wi-Fi rentals.
  2. Sakura Mobile: English-friendly, with tourist SIMs and long-term plans.
  3. Mobal: Data + voice SIMs for tourists, with no contract required.

5. Procedures for Acquiring Mobile SIM Cards and Internet

The process varies depending on whether you are a visitor or a resident.

a. For Visitors (Tourist SIMs or Pocket Wi-Fi)

  1. Where to Buy: Airports, electronics stores, or online.
  2. Documents Needed: Passport.
  3. Steps:
    • Choose a provider and plan.
    • Purchase the SIM or rent a pocket Wi-Fi device.
    • Insert the SIM into your unlocked phone or activate the pocket Wi-Fi.

b. For Residents (Postpaid Plans or Home Internet)

  1. Where to Apply: Provider stores, electronics stores, or online.
  2. Documents Needed:
    • Residence Card (ๅœจ็•™ใ‚ซใƒผใƒ‰, Zairyลซ Card).
    • Passport.
    • Japanese bank account or credit card for payment.
  3. Steps:
    • Visit the providerโ€™s store or website.
    • Choose a plan and provide the required documents.
    • Sign the contract (if applicable).
    • For home internet, schedule an installation date (if required).

6. Costs and Payment Methods

  • Mobile Plans: ยฅ2,000โ€“ยฅ8,000/month depending on the provider and data allowance.
  • Home Internet: ยฅ4,000โ€“ยฅ6,000/month for fiber-optic plans.
  • Payment Methods: Credit card, Japanese bank account, or cash (for prepaid options).

7. Unique Considerations for Sendai and Japan

  • Language Support: While major providers like SoftBank and Rakuten Mobile offer English support, smaller MVNOs may only operate in Japanese. Consider using translation apps or visiting stores with English-speaking staff.
  • SIM Compatibility: Ensure your phone is unlocked and supports Japanese network frequencies (4G LTE bands 1, 3, 19, 21, 28; 5G bands vary).
  • Convenience Stores: Many convenience stores in Sendai sell prepaid SIM cards and offer free Wi-Fi.
  • Tourist-Friendly Services: Sendai is a popular tourist destination, so youโ€™ll find many English-friendly options for short-term mobile and internet needs.

8. Tips for a Seamless Experience

  • Check Coverage: While Sendai has excellent coverage, rural areas in the Tohoku region may have weaker signals. Major carriers like NTT Docomo are best for rural coverage.
  • Use Free Wi-Fi: Take advantage of free Wi-Fi at train stations, cafes, and tourist spots to save on data.
  • Compare Plans: Use comparison websites like Kakaku.com (in Japanese) or English-friendly services like Sakura Mobile to find the best deals.
  • Avoid Long Contracts: If youโ€™re unsure about your stay duration, opt for no-contract plans or prepaid options to avoid early termination fees.

By following this guide, youโ€™ll be well-equipped to set up mobile and internet services in Sendai, whether youโ€™re visiting for a short time or planning to stay long-term. If you have any specific questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask!