Looking to Save on Your Phone Bill in Japan? A Simple Guide to Rakuten Mobile’s Rakuten SAIKYO Plan
“Is there a way to lower my monthly phone bill in Japan?”
“I don’t use that much data, but my mobile bill still feels expensive.”
“Japanese mobile plans seem complicated. Which one should I choose?”
If you have ever asked yourself these questions, you are not alone.
A smartphone is an essential part of everyday life in Japan.
We use it for messaging, maps, online shopping, banking, social media, photos, videos, and much more.
That is why choosing a mobile plan that fits the way you actually use your phone can make a big difference.
In this article, I will explain Rakuten Mobile’s Rakuten SAIKYO Plan in simple English.
What Is the Rakuten SAIKYO Plan?
Rakuten SAIKYO Plan is Rakuten Mobile’s main smartphone plan.
One of its biggest advantages is its simple pricing structure.
Your monthly fee changes automatically depending on how much data you use.
The standard monthly prices are:
- Up to 3GB: ¥1,078 including tax
- More than 3GB up to 20GB: ¥2,178 including tax
- More than 20GB: ¥3,278 including tax
This means you do not have to choose a fixed data allowance every month.
If you use less data, you pay less.
If you use more than 20GB, your monthly plan fee reaches ¥3,278, with unlimited domestic data under the plan’s conditions.
This simple structure can be especially useful for people whose data usage changes from month to month.
Benefit 1: Pay Less When You Use Less Data
Not everyone uses their smartphone in the same way.
Some people watch YouTube and streaming services every day.
Others mainly use their phone for:
- LINE
- Messaging
- News
- Weather
- Maps
- Web searches
If your monthly data usage stays within 3GB, the regular monthly plan fee is ¥1,078 including tax.
This can be useful if you do not want to keep paying for a large data allowance that you rarely use.
Your monthly fee automatically adjusts according to your usage.
That makes the plan relatively easy to understand.
Benefit 2: A Clear Maximum Price for Heavy Data Users
Rakuten SAIKYO Plan can also be attractive for people who use a lot of mobile data.
For example, you may:
- Watch YouTube regularly
- Stream movies or TV shows
- Use social media frequently
- Make video calls
- Use your smartphone for work
- Connect your laptop or tablet through tethering
Once your monthly usage exceeds 20GB, the standard plan price is ¥3,278 including tax.
Domestic data is unlimited under the plan conditions.
However, network speeds may be restricted during busy periods or under certain network conditions to ensure fair service for all users.
If your monthly data usage varies significantly, having a clear upper price can make your mobile costs easier to manage.
Benefit 3: Free Domestic Calls With Rakuten Link
Calling fees can add up quickly, especially if you make phone calls regularly.
Rakuten Mobile provides an app called Rakuten Link.
When you make eligible domestic calls through Rakuten Link, you can call mobile phones and landlines in Japan for free.
However, some phone numbers are excluded.
If you make a call using your smartphone’s standard phone app instead of Rakuten Link, the standard charge is generally ¥22 per 30 seconds.
So one important point to remember is:
Use the Rakuten Link app when making eligible domestic calls.
This can help reduce your monthly phone expenses if you make calls frequently.
Benefit 4: Save More With the SAIKYO FAMILY Discount
Rakuten Mobile also offers the SAIKYO FAMILY Discount.
Eligible family members who join the same family group may receive a monthly discount on their Rakuten SAIKYO Plan.
For example, with the applicable family discount, the cost for up to 3GB may be lower than the standard monthly price.
If several people in your household or family are considering switching mobile providers, it may be worth checking the latest family discount conditions.
Discount rules and eligibility requirements may change, so always confirm the details on the official Rakuten Mobile website.
Benefit 5: Tethering at No Additional Charge
Tethering allows you to use your smartphone as a Wi-Fi hotspot.
You can connect devices such as:
- A laptop
- A tablet
- Another smartphone
to the internet through your phone’s mobile data connection.
This can be convenient when:
- Working outside your home
- Traveling
- Using a laptop in a café
- Staying somewhere without Wi-Fi
- Connecting a tablet while on the go
For people who use both a smartphone and a computer, tethering can be a particularly useful feature.
Rakuten Mobile Can Also Be Useful When Traveling Abroad
Another feature worth knowing about is overseas data usage.
Rakuten SAIKYO Plan includes overseas data in more than 100 countries and regions, with up to 2GB per month available under the applicable conditions.
After exceeding the included overseas data allowance, the connection speed is restricted.
Separate settings may also be required before using the service overseas.
This could be convenient for international residents in Japan who occasionally travel overseas or return to their home country.
Always check the supported countries, regions, and current conditions before traveling.
Rakuten Points Are Another Advantage
If you already use Rakuten services, Rakuten Mobile may offer additional benefits.
Rakuten Mobile users can earn and use Rakuten Points through eligible Rakuten services.
Rakuten Points can be used for various purchases and, depending on the applicable conditions, may also help reduce your mobile bill.
If you regularly shop through Rakuten Ichiba or use other Rakuten services, this ecosystem may be another reason to consider Rakuten Mobile.
Who Might Like the Rakuten SAIKYO Plan?
Rakuten SAIKYO Plan may be worth considering if you:
- Want to reduce your monthly phone bill
- Use different amounts of data each month
- Mainly use LINE, email, maps, and web browsing
- Sometimes use a lot of data
- Watch YouTube or streaming services
- Make domestic phone calls regularly
- Want a relatively simple pricing structure
- Use Rakuten services and Rakuten Points
- Want to use tethering
- Occasionally travel outside Japan
The plan may be especially appealing if you prefer a pricing system that automatically changes according to your data usage.
What Should You Check Before Applying?
Price is important, but it should not be the only factor when choosing a mobile provider.
Before applying, check the following:
- Is Rakuten Mobile coverage available at your home?
- Is coverage good in the places you visit regularly?
- Is your current smartphone compatible with Rakuten Mobile?
- Do you want to keep your current Japanese phone number?
- Do you need a physical SIM or eSIM?
- Are there any cancellation conditions with your current carrier?
- Do you need additional calling or support options?
Mobile reception can vary depending on your location, building, and surrounding environment.
Therefore, it is a good idea to check Rakuten Mobile’s coverage information before switching.
SIM or eSIM: Which Should You Choose?
Rakuten Mobile offers both physical SIM cards and eSIM.
Physical SIM
A physical SIM is a small card inserted into your smartphone.
This may be easier if you are already familiar with changing SIM cards.
eSIM
An eSIM is built digitally into compatible smartphones.
There is no physical card to insert.
If your device supports eSIM and you complete the required online identity verification, activation may be faster.
Before applying, make sure your smartphone supports the SIM type you want to use.
Saving Even a Small Amount Each Month Can Add Up
Your mobile phone bill is a recurring monthly expense.
Even a small reduction can become a meaningful amount over time.
For example, if you reduce your phone bill by ¥3,000 per month:
¥3,000 × 12 months = ¥36,000 per year
Over five years:
¥36,000 × 5 = ¥180,000
That is why reviewing recurring expenses can be worthwhile.
You may also want to review other regular costs such as:
- Internet services
- Streaming subscriptions
- Insurance
- Paid apps
- Credit card annual fees
Small monthly savings can become significant over several years.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Keep Paying the Same Phone Bill Without Reviewing It
It is easy to sign up for a mobile plan and continue paying for it for years without checking whether it still fits your needs.
Rakuten Mobile’s Rakuten SAIKYO Plan offers a relatively simple pricing structure based on how much mobile data you use.
Key features include:
- Lower pricing for lighter data usage
- A clear price level after exceeding 20GB
- Unlimited domestic data under applicable conditions
- Eligible free domestic calls through Rakuten Link
- SAIKYO FAMILY Discount
- Free tethering
- Overseas data in supported countries and regions
- Rakuten Point benefits
If you feel that your current mobile phone bill is too expensive, it may be a good time to compare your current plan with other options.
Even saving ¥1,000 or ¥2,000 per month can make a noticeable difference over the course of a year.
The most important thing is not simply choosing the cheapest plan.
Choose a mobile plan that matches how you actually use your smartphone.
Check Rakuten Mobile’s Rakuten SAIKYO Plan
Prices, network coverage, campaigns, supported devices, and other conditions may change.
Before applying, check the official website for the latest information.
▶ Learn More About Rakuten Mobile’s Rakuten SAIKYO Plan
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This article contains advertising and promotional links.
Information is based on publicly available information as of August 2026.
Prices, discounts, campaigns, services, and eligibility conditions are subject to change or cancellation. Please check Rakuten Mobile’s official website for the latest details before applying.
