Hello, I’m a new admit to TUJ in Japan for ℅ 29 and I’m trying to plan for living in Tokyo/Japan as a whole for all 4 years of college. Of all the things I am having some issue with, finding a cell service provider that matches my needs. I have my own phone (not eSIM compatible because it hasn’t been paid off yet) and a spare eSIM compatible fully paid off phone at my disposal. I am currently researching my options and I have gotten many different company names and recommendations. Currently, I am not going with DOCOMO or SOFTBANK even though they are the most popular due to the fact that their websites are hard for me to navigate due to my limited Japanese as well as pricing from what I could gather. However, I am looking at Sakura Mobile, Ahamo, POVO, and LineMo. From what I am understanding, they all use the DOCOMO towers and frequencies but aren’t completely just that company. I’m shopping for at least 30GB a month and no more than like $35USD. I’d also need it to be an eSIM as well as come with a real Japanese phone number so I can use it to set up bank accounts and rent property. I’m also looking for something that doesn’t lock me into a 2-year contract and is billed and renewable monthly. If possible, I’d like it to be able to be set up before I get to Japan and perhaps English help/tech support. I know Sakura is the more expensive of the options I’m looking at but it seems to be the one that gets recommended most often. If anyone who has used these companies could please tell me their experience or answer my questions I’d greatly appreciate it. Thank you in advance.
by crocs_on_tricycles