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.
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SoftBank is one of the major mobile network operators in Japan. Some key facts about SoftBank 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 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.
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:
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
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:
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.
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
Global Advanced SIM
Both SIM options provide prepaid data, call/text allowances at affordable prices, making SoftBank a convenient choice for travelers’ connectivity needs in Japan.
SoftBank SIM cards are easily available at these locations:
So tourists have multiple convenient options to buy SoftBank SIMs – online delivery or offline stores/airport counters.
While SoftBank is the most popular choice, tourists also have other mobile network options in Japan:
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.
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:
>>> 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!
To extend or add more data after activating your SoftBank SIM card or eSIM, you can easily top-up balance in Japan:
So multiple convenient options for tourists to quickly top-up both SoftBank SIM card and eSIM during their Japan visit.
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.
SoftBank SIM is valid only in Japan. It cannot be used for roaming outside Japan.
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.
Yes, SoftBank SIM cards and eSIM plans allow voice calls and SMS texting along with mobile data.
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.
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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