iPhone pricing in Japan

TO READ THE FULL POST, PLEASE GO TO THE NEW HOME: www.mobileinjapan.com

Since I’ve received countless info request since my blog post explaining what you should do to get an iPhone in Japan, here’s a recap’ of the current iPhone pricing plan in Japan, as sold by Softbank (special offers by Yodobashi Camera, Bic Camera or others are not taken into account, for simplicity’s sake).

All prices include taxes. The iPhone has to be bought with a 24 months contract. Prices in red are the minimum requirements.

Contract fee:

JPY 2,835 for a new Softbank contract, or JPY 1,995 for a Softbank contract upgrade. This is a one-shot fee.

TO READ THE FULL POST, PLEASE GO TO THE NEW HOME: www.mobileinjapan.com

English iPhone maps and addresses in Japan

TO READ THE FULL POST, PLEASE GO TO THE NEW HOME: www.mobileinjapan.com

So, you have your iPhone and wished you could use the included Google Maps to find an address ?

Not only will you have to master japanese writing, but the address system in Japan is quite the nightmare.

From the moment I’ve arrived in Japan, I started using Diddlefinger. This is a godsend for people still learning the language !

Their website offers multiple ways of looking for a Japanese address, the English Address Search being the most useful in my eyes. With this website, you can not only remember points but export them in Google Maps.

TO READ THE FULL POST, PLEASE GO TO THE NEW HOME: www.mobileinjapan.com

Getting an iPhone 3G in Japan

TO READ THE FULL POST, PLEASE GO TO THE NEW HOME: www.mobileinjapan.com

Getting an iPhone on July 11 was possible only if you were willing to queue for hours.

As time passes, however, it gets easier to find both the 8GB and 16GB version.

One thing to remember: the Apple Store in Ginza and the online store do not sell iPhones !

Where to buy an iPhone?

I got mine at Softbank in Omotesando, their flagship store, since they offer english-speaking services. It’s on the Omotesando street. You can either drop at the Harakuju station (JR Line) or Meiji-jingumae station (Tokyo Metro)

In Tokyo, you canalso go to the Softbank Shibuya store, the Roppongi store or at the Narita airport mini-store. Just go there to check the closest to your place.

Some people have had no problem registering in English at either Bic Camera (english list of stores) or Yodobashi Camera. Some smaller shops have their iPhones and since most clerks are always very helpful, you can try your luck there (just don’t expect english-speaking clerks everywhere).

At the time of this writing, still expect some queues in some shops.

What to bring with you ?

First of all, you must be a resident in Japan to get your iPhone. There’s no prepaid option for it.

Since Softbank seem to alter their policies every two days, play it on the safe side, bring:

TO READ THE FULL POST, PLEASE GO TO THE NEW HOME: www.mobileinjapan.com