Best Japan SIM cards for Tourists: Ultimate Guide

Rachel Tran

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Published: September 2024

How can you get Japan SIM cards? Which SIM card in Japan is best? Find out here!

While there are many connectivity options to stay connected in Japan, such as roaming on their home country phone plans, or using free WiFi in Japan, that is either expensive or unsecured for both short term travelers. The best option is to get your own Japan SIM cards or eSIM plans.

This article will introduce everything you need to know about SIM cards and eSIM options for Japan travel, from which type to choose, how much it costs, where to buy and more.

I. Should I buy a Japan SIM card?

Yes, in most cases, a Japan SIM card is highly recommended. You need reliable internet access for navigating, using translating apps, booking taxis, and staying connected.

A Japan SIM card is often selected for its convenience, affordability, and security. With a SIM card, you will have access to Japan’s reliable and extensive cellular network throughout your trip.

Benefits of buying a Japan SIM card:

• Cost-effective: Avoid expensive roaming charges and enjoy competitive local rates for data and calls.
• Flexible plans: choose a plan that aligns your data needs and trip duration.
• Be active: stay connected on the go without relying on free WiFi hotspots

However, there are things to keep in mind:

• Your phone needs to be carrier-unlocked to use a Japanese SIM card.
• Check if your phone is compatible with Japanese cellular networks (especially for 5G compatibility). Learn how to check if your phone works abroad.

II. How many types of SIM card plans for Japan travel are there?

There are two types: SIM card without voice capability (data-only) and with voice capability (data+voice).

Having voice call features means you have a Japanese phone number and that you can make analog (traditional) phone calls and text SMS.

But, it is still good if you only have a SIM plan with data only because you can use voice apps to make calls and text messages.

III. Who are the main mobile operators in Japan?

Japan has 03 major mobile network operators (MNOs): NTT Docomo, au (KDDI), and SoftBank and some mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) like Rakuten Mobile and Sakura Mobile.

The three major MNOs all offer extensive coverage and competitive plans:

• NTT Docomo: the largest mobile operator in Japan, known for its wide coverage but high prices.
• Au (KDDI): the second largest mobile operator, having strong network performance, especially in urban areas, competitive prices.
• SoftBank: the third largest mobile operator, having many marketing campaigns and offering budget-friendly plans.

Below we can see the coverage maps of each carrier:

IV. Which are best Japan SIM card options? Comparison

Whether you are buying a prepaid Japan SIM Card before departure or after arrival, it is helpful to know what is available and which the best Japan SIM plans are.

Let’s see in details:

1. Sakura Mobile (MVNO of NTT Docomo)

NTT Docomo does NOT sell prepaid SIM Cards directly to travelers but via their MVNOs, like Sakura Mobile.

We recommend Sakura Mobile to those travelers who want to get support in English.

Below are travel SIM unlimited data plans of Sakura Mobile for short-term travelers (from 1-30 days).

► Learn detailed information about NTT Docomo SIM cards and eSIM

2. au (KDDI)

Au KDDI has two main SIM plans which will be described in the table below:

Note: If your phone does not support 5G, you can still get 4G versions of these plans at the same cost.

► See more information about au KDDI SIM cards and eSIM

3. SoftBank

The prepaid travel SIM card of SoftBank is a prepaid data-only plan that uses LTE 3G signals.

You can get a data only card with 3G. If you use it up, you can buy an additional 500MB for less than 1,650 JPY (about $11.24). Whenever you do so, you will extend the validity of your SIM card by 31 days.

► Learn SoftBank SIM and eSIM cards

4. IIJmio (MVNO)

IIJmio is the MVNO of NTT Docomo. There are 03 types of Japan tourist SIM of IIJmio.

• 1GB of data, used in 30 days, costs $13.79
• 3GB of data, used in 1 month, costs $21.01
• 2GB of data, used in 90 days, costs $21.01

You can buy them in stores all around Japan, like Family Mart, Yodobashi, or 7-Eleven.

5. Mobal (MVNO)

Mobal is the MVNO of two major MNOs: Softbank and NTT Docomo. Among all carriers, they are the ONLY provider offering travel SIM plans with calls and texts.

There are 03 Mobal SIM card options with calls and texts to choose from:

• 7GB of data + outgoing calls and texts, used in 30 days, costs $55.15
• 7GB of data + outgoing calls and texts, used in 60 days, costs $89.30
• 7GB of data + outgoing calls and texts, used in 90 days, costs $123.44

If you do not plan to make calls or texts while traveling in Japan, you had better get a data-only plan.

• 25GB of data, used in 8 days, costs $32.83
• 50GB of data, used in 16 days, costs $44.65
• 50GB of data, used in 31 days, costs $55.15

V. Where to buy Japan SIM cards

You can buy SIM cards online before departure, counters at Japanese airports, or in retail stores of Japanese mobile operators, and consumer electronics stores.

1. Buy a prepaid SIM at Japanese airports

Buying a travel SIM card upon arrival at Japanese airports is convenient, with a wide range of options available at dedicated airport counters.

For example, at Narita Airport, there are both SIM card counters of Sakura Mobile, Softbank,… ; SIM card vending machines; and other shops like JAL ABC (provider operating under Japan Airlines) at multiple terminals.

Upon purchase, be prepared to show your passport and potentially other forms of ID. You can pay by cash or credit card. The SIM card prices at airports are often higher than online and outside due to airport fees.

2. Buy online before departure

You can buy Japan SIM cards online and get them in two ways:

• pick them up at the airport or hotel: the most recommended way. It allows you to start using the SIM card instantly upon arrival, eliminating any potential delays.
• have them delivered to your home country: you will receive the card before arriving in Japan, giving peace of mind.

Some online travel SIM providers offer both two options, so you can choose the one that fits you most.

Just simply search for “Japan SIM cards” and you can choose from top results, such as online travel agencies like KKday, Traveloka, or e-commerce platforms like Amazon.

If you choose to pick the SIM at Japanese airports, you must present the ticket at meeting points as guided.

Tip: While buying a physical online is convenient, eSIMs offer even greater flexibility and instant activation upon arrival.

3. Buy a prepaid SIM once you arrive in Japan cities

Another option to get Japan tourist SIM cards is to buy from electronic retailers in Japan’s cities like Tokyo or Osaka.

Consider visiting large electronic stores like Yodoabashi Camera.

Alternatively, you can buy SIM cards online through CDJapan Rental, and have it delivered to your hotel.

However, though this option is more cost-effective than buying at the airports, it is not always the most convenient option. You may encounter some trouble:

• Language barriers: staff in electronic stores may not speak English fluently, making it hard to get help or understand plan details.
• Time and effort-consuming: though you can use Google Maps to find the SIM shops nearby, it still takes time and effort.
• Complicated procedure: be prepared to show your passport and potentially other identification documents, which can be a hassle for some tourists.

VI. What if you forget to buy a SIM card for Japan? Buy eSIM

If you cannot buy a prepaid SIM card for Japan, consider buying Japan eSIM online, both before and after you arrive.

Here is why eSIMs for Japan are so convenient:

• No physical card needed: eSIM is digital because they are embedded in the phone.
• Instant activation: install your eSIM online via a QR code and start using it immediately. No need to wait for delivery.

However, remember that your phone needs to support eSIM technology.

Where to buy a Japan eSIM?

While Japanese mobile operators do offer eSIMs, buying from a reputable international provider like Gigago can be simpler, as it avoids the hassle of registration.

Gigago offers a wide range of eSIM data plans for Japan. You can choose the one that suits your needs.

Plans start from $7.50 – $88.50 for 1GB per day. Whether you are a light user or need lots of data for streaming, Gigago has a plan that fits your budget.

VII. Can tourists get a Japanese mobile number?

It depends on your trip length.

• If you are a short-term traveler: you can get a phone plan with limited voice calls and a phone number, but these plans often have restrictions.
• If you are a long-term visitor, you will need to show your ID (residence card or Japanese driver’s license) and address in Japan to get a SIM card with a traditional Japanese phone number.

For most short-term travelers, an unlimited data SIM card is the best choice. This gives you a large amount of data for internet access, allowing you to use apps like WhatsApp, Viber, LINE for free voice and video calls without the need for a Japanese phone number.

VIII. FAQs