Finding a mobile plan in Japan can be confusing: long contracts, high prices, and lots of Japanese-only paperwork. LINEMO is one of the simpler, cheaper options, especially if you already use LINE every day and are comfortable applying online. This guide explains LINEMO in plain English for foreign residents living in Japan.
What Is LINEMO?
LINEMO is an online-only mobile brand operated directly by SoftBank, one of Japan’s big three carriers.
Instead of going to a shop, you sign up and manage everything online, which allows them to keep fees low. The service uses the same network infrastructure as SoftBank, so coverage and speed are generally very good, including 4G and 5G in supported areas.
Key points:
- Online-only brand (no physical shops)
- Runs on the SoftBank network
- Focused on simple, low-cost plans
- Designed to work closely with the LINE app (chat, calls, stickers)
Main Plans and Prices
LINEMO keeps things simple with just two core data plans:
- Best Plan
- Data: 3 ~ 10GB per month
- Monthly fee: 990~2,090 yen depending on usage
- Speed after limit: up to 300 kbps
- Best Plan V
- Data: 30 GB per month
- Monthly fee: 2,970 yen
- Speed after limit: up to 1 Mbps
- Free calls up to 5 minutes per call
- Domestic calls: 22 yen per 30 seconds
- Call options (domestic):
- Free calls up to 5 minutes per call: 550 yen/month (for Best Plan)
- Unlimited domestic calls: 1,100 ~ 1,650 yen/month
- Cancellation fee: 0 yen
The Big Perk: LINE Giga Free
One of LINEMO’s unique features is LINE Giga Free: data used for many LINE functions do not count against your monthly data allowance.
Covered LINE usage includes (with some exceptions):
- Text messages and image exchange
- Voice calls
- Video calls
- Many regular chat functions
This means even if you use up your data, you can usually continue using LINE smoothly for messaging and calls, which is a big plus if you coordinate life in Japan through LINE with friends, family, schools, or workplaces.
Who Can Sign Up? (Requirements)
To sign up for LINEMO, you typically need:
- A valid Residence Card (在留カード) or other accepted ID
- Your name and address in Japan, exactly as shown on your ID
- An email address for contact
- Payment method: credit card or Japanese bank account
- Basic personal details (date of birth, nationality, etc.)
After applying, you must submit identification documents online. LINEMO checks these before activating your line.
eSIM or Physical SIM: Start Quickly
LINEMO offers both physical SIM and eSIM:
- Physical SIM:
- A standard plastic SIM card
- Shipped to your address in Japan
- You insert it and follow the setup guide
- eSIM:
- No physical card; the SIM information is downloaded to your phone
- Can be activated fully online
- In many cases, you can start using LINEMO within about a day, sometimes even within hours after approval
Not all phones support eSIM, so check your device first. If your phone is eSIM-compatible and unlocked, eSIM is usually the fastest and most convenient way to start.
Special Offer: Get PayPay Points When You Sign Up for LINEMO
If you decide to try LINEMO, there is a special campaign available through the link below:
- Switching from another carrier (MNP):
Get 10,000 yen worth of PayPay Points - Getting a brand-new phone number:
Get 7,000 yen worth of PayPay Points
You must apply through this invitation link for the points to be granted:
👉 Apply for LINEMO with PayPay Points bonus
Important: Campaign details, amounts, and conditions may change, so please check the latest information on the LINEMO application page before you apply.
