Buy a Phone in Japan
New or used, from a carrier or unlocked — how buying a smartphone works, and how it connects to your contract.
Where phones are sold
- Carrier & sub-brand shops — sell devices tied to a contract, often with installment plans and campaigns.
- Carrier online stores — same devices, shipped to you or set up as an eSIM.
- Electronics retailers — sell both carrier devices and SIM-free (unlocked) phones.
- Manufacturer & unlocked — buy the phone outright, then choose any compatible plan or SIM.
- Used / refurbished — check the network bands, battery, and that it is not payment-locked (赤ロム).
Phone cost and service cost are separate
Phone cost
- Device price
- Paid once, or split into installments
- Still owed if you cancel the service
Mobile service cost
- Data
- Calls & SMS
- Options
- Stops when you cancel
Paying in installments
Example device price¥120,000
Split into installments24 months
Added to your monthly bill¥5,000 / month
A device bought on installments is a separate agreement from your mobile service. If you cancel the service, the remaining device balance is usually still owed.
Bands & compatibility
A phone works best if it supports the frequency bands of the network you choose. Devices sold by a Japanese carrier are tuned for that carrier. An unlocked phone bought abroad may work but can miss some bands — check before you rely on it.
Related guides
Related guides
Sources
- Device manufacturer specifications
- Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (総務省)