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This guide is perfect for travelers looking to stay connected without overpaying or getting lost in translation.
SoftBank SIM Cards & eSIM for Tourists: How to Get and Activate
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Traveling to Japan and need a local SIM card for your smartphone? SoftBank is one of the major mobile operators in Japan that offers SIM cards and eSIM for both short term and long term use. This article provides an overview of SoftBank SIM card and eSIM options for tourists.
In this article
I. Overview about SoftBank – What you need to know
SoftBank is one of the major mobile network operators in Japan. Some key facts about SoftBank in Japan:
- Founded year: 1981
- Full company name: SoftBank Group Corp.
- Types of services provided: Mobile, fixed-line, broadband, e-commerce, technology investments
- Number of subscribers: 45.621 million mobile subscribers as of March 2021 for SoftBank Corp.
- Coverage: SoftBank Corp. operates mobile network throughout Japan
- Estimated number of network of stores, agents: Over 1,000 SoftBank stores in Japan
- Customer support: 24/7 call centers, support available in Japanese, store locations and opening times vary across Japan
II. SoftBank coverage in Japan
SoftBank has the most extensive 4G LTE and 5G coverage in Japan covering almost the entire population.
Some key facts about SoftBank’s coverage in Japan:
- SoftBank has the most consistent quality network coverage across Japan, with a score of 83.8% for Consistent Quality. This means SoftBank’s network is sufficient to support common mobile applications and tasks for users.
- SoftBank remains the sole winner for Games Experience and 5G Games Experience. This means users feel in control of games, receive immediate feedback, and experience little delay when gaming over SoftBank’s network, especially 5G network.
- SoftBank wins 5G Video Experience outright with a score of 77.4 points, meaning users can stream 1080p video with satisfactory loading times and little buffering over SoftBank’s 5G network.
- SoftBank does not hold either the Download Speed Experience or 5G Download Speed awards, but provides the second fastest download speeds after the joint winners NTT Docomo and au.
SoftBank has the most consistent quality coverage and best experiences for gaming and video streaming according to this network performance data, though it does not have the fastest average download speeds.
>>> So with extensive 4G and 5G coverage by SoftBank, tourists will have reliable high-speed internet access when traveling across Japan - be it cities, rural areas, subway stations or remote islands.
III. SoftBank speed in Japan
SoftBank has one of the fastest and highest quality mobile networks in Japan.
Some key facts about SoftBank’s speeds based on the Speedtest Global Index data for Japan:
- For mobile internet speeds in Q4 2023, Rakuten Mobile delivered the fastest median download speed at 51.16 Mbps, followed closely by NTT Docomo, SoftBank and au.
- SoftBank had the lowest median mobile multi-server latency at 43 ms, followed by Rakuten Mobile and au.
While not the fastest, SoftBank's mobile network offered low latency and good consistency according to these Speedtest Global Index results for Japan.
*Data from SoftBank Opensignal report October 2023
IV. Does SoftBank Japan support eSIM?
Yes, SoftBank does offer eSIM support in Japan for compatible phones enabling activation of SoftBank mobile service without needing a physical SIM card.
Some key facts about SoftBank eSIM in Japan:
- Compatible devices – SoftBank eSIM currently works on all iPhones from XS and newer models. Many flagship Android phones from Samsung, Google, Motorola also support eSIM.
- eSIM plans – SoftBank provides the same prepaid data plans on eSIM as available on physical SIM cards. Plans range from daily, weekly to monthly durations with unlimited or fixed data options.
- Digital activation – Users can digitally download SoftBank eSIM profile by scanning QR code on compatible phones without visiting any store.
- Multi-SIM support – Having eSIM means your phone can hold 2 active plans – SoftBank eSIM plus your home country physical SIM.
So with eSIM support, SoftBank Japan offers the latest connectivity option for modern travelers who prefer the convenience of digital activation over physical SIM cards.
Notes: When choosing eSIM as your data option, check out your device's eSIM compatibility first.
V. Top SoftBank SIM cards for Tourists & Cost
SoftBank offers prepaid SIM cards with short-term data plans tailored for international tourists visiting Japan. Here are the best SoftBank SIM card options:
Here are two recommended SoftBank SIM card plans for tourists in Japan presented in bullet points:
SoftBank Japan Prepaid SIM Card
- 7 Day Plan: 500 MB data, 100 mins calls/texts. Valid for 7 days. ¥3,500 ($25 approx.)
- 14 Day Plan: 1.5 GB data, 200 mins calls/texts. Valid for 14 days. ¥4,000 ($30 approx.)
- 30 Day Plan: 3GB data, 300 mins calls/texts. Valid for 30 days. ¥5,500 ($40 approx.)
- Data speed reduced to 128 Kbps after plan quota.
- Available at airports, SoftBank stores or ship to hotel. Self-activation.
Global Advanced SIM
- 5 GB data valid for 21 days. Speed reduced to 128 kbps after 5GB.
- Unlimited Japan calls and 100 international minutes.
- ¥3,980 ($29 approx.)
- Suitable for inbound tourists to Japan.
- Available same pick up locations as Prepaid SIM Card. Easy self-activation.
Both SIM options provide prepaid data, call/text allowances at affordable prices, making SoftBank a convenient choice for travelers’ connectivity needs in Japan.
VI. Where can you buy a SoftBank SIM card?
SoftBank SIM cards are easily available at these locations:
- SoftBank stores – available across 300+ stores in all major cities and airports in Japan. Store staff can help set up the SIM.
- SoftBank distributors – SIMs sold at partner retail outlets like Yodobashi Camera, Bic Camera, Yamada Denki, and airport shops.
- Online – can be purchased on SoftBank Global Rental website and delivered globally or to your hotel in Japan.
- Airports – SoftBank SIM vending machines and counters available at Narita, Haneda airports in Tokyo along with Kansai airport in Osaka.
So tourists have multiple convenient options to buy SoftBank SIMs – online delivery or offline stores/airport counters.
VII. A Better Alternatives to SoftBank SIM Card – Japan eSIM
While SoftBank is the most popular choice, tourists also have other mobile network options in Japan:
1. SIM Cards by Other MVNOs
Here are some other popular Japan SIM card options to consider as an alternative to SoftBank when traveling to Japan:
| Operator | Plan Name | Data Allowance | Validity Period | Price (JPY) | Price (USD) |
| Bmobile | Data SIM | 1GB | 30 days | 1,980 | $14.58 |
| Data SIM | 3GB | 30 days | 2,970 | $22.02 | |
| COMST | Data SIM | 1.5GB | 30 days | 2,420 | $18.01 |
| Data SIM | 10GB | 30 days | 8,800 | $65.63 | |
| GTN Mobile | Data SIM | 1GB | 30 days | 5,000 | $37.25 |
| Data SIM | 5GB | 30 days | 10,000 | $74.25 | |
| IIJmio | Travel SIM | 1GB | 30 days | 1,990 | $14.79 |
| Travel SIM | 2GB | 30 days | 3,020 | $22.48 | |
| Mobal | Data SIM | 1GB | 30 days | 3,990 | $29.66 |
| Data SIM | 10GB | 30 days | 16,500 | $123.26 | |
| Nippon SIM | Data SIM | 1GB | 30 days | 1,780 | $13.23 |
| Data SIM | 2GB | 30 days | 1,980 | $14.79 | |
| Sakura Mobile | Data SIM | 1GB | 30 days | 4,950 | $36.90 |
| Data SIM | 10GB | 30 days | 26,400 | $197.01 | |
| Wi-Ho! | Data SIM | 1GB | 30 days | 4,980 | $36.93 |
| Data SIM | 5GB | 30 days | 5,980 | $44.37 |
You can base on these criteria of Japan SIM card above to choose the best alternatives for your trip.
2. eSIM from Japan eSIM providers
If you’re looking to travel to Japan and want to avoid the hassle of switching SIM cards or paying expensive roaming fees, then Gigago is your solution.
With esimjapan.net you can access high-speed 4G/5G mobile data directly on your device, without hassle or roaming fees.
Simply choose an eSIM data package, scan the activation QR code, and you’re ready to explore Japan with seamless connectivity. Plans start from just $5 for 3 days up to $88.50 for a full month.
Some key benefits:
- No physical SIM card needed – it’s all digital!
- Flexible plans to suit all trip lengths
- Works across Docomo, KDDI and SoftBank networks
- Easy setup via the camera on your eSIM compatible device
- 24/7 support if needed
>>> With Gigago Japan eSIM you can browse maps, stream shows and stay in touch back home without worry. Installation takes minutes, and their detailed guides ensure a smooth process.
Give yourself peace of mind and guaranteed connectivity throughout your Japan trip. Browse packages and get your eSIM today – you’ll be connected and ready to enjoy every moment!
VIII. How to top-up SoftBank Japan SIM/eSIM
To extend or add more data after activating your SoftBank SIM card or eSIM, you can easily top-up balance in Japan:
For SoftBank SIM card
- Online top-up – Use the prepaid SIM card number to top-up your balance on SoftBank Global Rental website.
- Cash top-up – Go to a SoftBank retail store in Japan and pay cash to recharge your SIM.
- 7-Eleven stores – Majority of 7-Eleven stores in Japan have SIM top-up machines to add money to SoftBank SIM.
- Top-up cards – Purchase SIM top-up cards from SoftBank stores, resellers, and enter the code to recharge account.
For SoftBank eSIM
- Online top-up – Login to your eSIM account on SoftBank Global website and pay by card to add more data quota.
- App top-up – Use ‘SoftBank Quick Top-up’ app to recharge your eSIM by entering phone number and paying by credit card.
So multiple convenient options for tourists to quickly top-up both SoftBank SIM card and eSIM during their Japan visit.
IX. FAQs about SoftBank in Japan
Q1. Does SoftBank offer free SIM cards for tourists?
No, SoftBank does not provide any free SIM cards. You have to purchase a prepaid SIM card plan based on your duration and data needs.
Q2. Can I use SoftBank SIM in other Asian countries?
SoftBank SIM is valid only in Japan. It cannot be used for roaming outside Japan.
Q3. Is SoftBank or Rakuten better for tourists?
SoftBank is better owing to wider coverage, faster speeds, availability of stores and English support. Rakuten Mobile is cheaper but has limited 4G-only network.
Q4. Does SoftBank SIM work for voice calls?
Yes, SoftBank SIM cards and eSIM plans allow voice calls and SMS texting along with mobile data.
Q5. Can I use my SoftBank SIM in a 4G router or pocket WiFi?
Regular SoftBank SIM won’t work in a 4G router. You need to purchase a specific ‘Prepaid SIM for GSM LTE WiFi Router’ from SoftBank for pocket WiFi and routers.
So in summary, SoftBank SIM cards provide complete cell phone service – calls, texts and mobile data on tourist’s own phones in Japan. For 4G routers and hotspots, a dedicated data-only SIM card is required.
X. Conclusion
To conclude, getting a SoftBank SIM card or eSIM is highly recommended for hassle-free mobile connectivity when visiting Japan.
SoftBank has unparalleled coverage across Japan with superfast 5G in cities and reliable 4G in rural areas. Their prepaid SIM plans offer great value with unlimited data options starting just over $20 for 3 days. eSIM support also enables digital activation for latest phones.
SoftBank SIM cards can be conveniently purchased online or at stores/airport counters across Japan. Managing your prepaid SIM or eSIM is easy with online account and abundant Japanese top-up options available. Going for SoftBank SIM or eSIM is a sure-shot choice for staying connected during your Japan trip.
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