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Narita Airport : Best Wi-Fi and Prepaid SIMs in Japan

NAVITIME TRAVEL EDITOR

In our fast paced society, it’s hard to go even a day without the internet, even when traveling abroad. If you’ve forgotten to rent yourself a SIM or Wi-Fi device for your trip to Japan, don’t worry about it! Although many places recommend that you prepare a SIM or Wi-Fi router before you leave for Japan, there are several services that you can find in Narita Airport that will offer you a Japan SIM card, prepaid SIM or Wi-Fi router without having to reserve one in advance. This article will help you get yourself online in Japan in 2019, whatever situation you find yourself in. NB: This information is current as of January 2019.

Renting a Pocket Wi-Fi

For pocket Wi-Fi, it is probably best to make a reservation before traveling to Japan. It’s just all around cheaper and you can usually pay a fee of less than 1000 yen per day and have it delivered to the airport or pick it up at your hotel. Not making a reservation might stick you with a higher day by day cost, but if you need one, there are several pocket Wi-Fi rental shops in the arrival lobby of Narita Airport. Without a reservation, it’ll be by inventory so you’ll have to hope they have an extra or two waiting in the back for you to rent.

Narita Airp. T2 B1F SoftBank Global Rental/Imoto-no Wifi XCOM GLOBAL/Telecom Square

Imoto-no Wifi XCOM GLOBAL Japan Wi-Fi rental has a flat rate of 780 yen per day for their device, which is great for anyone looking to keep to budget. It allows for up to five different devices to connect simultaneously and can connect to the internet from anywhere in Japan. They also have discounts if you stay in Japan for longer than one week. Imoto-no Wifi XCOM GLOBAL Telecom Square Telecom Wi-Fi offers two types of Wi-Fi plans. It’s “Wide Type” is meant for people who are traveling outside of the cities and cost 1512 yen daily, although you can get a plan for the month for 16,200 yen. Their second Wi-Fi plan is called “City Type” and is meant for people who are sticking closer to the urban areas. This plan costs 1296 yen daily but has some plans that make it a bit cheaper. Their 7-day plan is 5500 yen, 15-day plan is 9720 yen and their monthly plan is 12,960 yen. You can connect to 10 devices on Telecom so they are probably the best for large groups. Telecom Square SoftBank Global Rental SoftBank is a major mobile network provider in Japan and as such their internet connection is fast and reliable. SoftBank has a flat rate for their device of 840 yen per day. It allows for five devices to be connected onto their unlimited 4G LTE network. SoftBank Global Rental

if you register in advance, and a bit over 1000 yen if you come into the airport and rent then. Purchasing a SIM Card

Purchasing a SIM Card

Many people prefer getting Wi-Fi routers because of its usefulness when sharing with multiple users, but it does have its pitfalls. For one, losing or forgetting to return it can be extremely expensive, not to mention trying to keep it constantly charged. Or, for lone travelers, it’s a bit much for just one person. Thus we come to the purchasing of a SIM Card.

Return Wi-Fi routers

Things to keep in mind before buying a SIM card

Not all phones can take SIM cards from different countries. In fact, many phones come regionally ‘locked’ meaning that you’ll have to call your local provider to ask them to unlock your phone for international SIM use. Another thing to keep in mind is the type of SIM card that your phone can take. There are three types Nano, Micro, and Standard. If you purchase online, you’ll probably want to search what sort of SIM card your particular model takes. If you purchase at the counter at Narita Airport, the clerk will probably be able to provide you with the right size for your device.

type of SIMs

Making phone calls: Getting a SIM with voice calling and a telephone number at the Airport

Normally, both Wi-Fi routers and SIMs are data only, but you can find two companies that offer voice and text in their prepaid SIMs. These are especially convenient for those who are here on a business trip and need to call or make appointments with local numbers or if you’re part of a tour group that needs a local number. It’s probably best if you get this at the airport before heading out into Japan as finding voice and data SIMs outside of the airport can be very difficult if not outright unavailable.

Getting a SIM with voice calling

Both companies have a similar voice and data SIMs plans for the same price for the same data usage. 1GB plan: 5500 yen (plus tax) / 15days 3GB plan: 7500 yen (plus tax) / 15days Both also have SIM sizes that seem to only come in nanoSIM for its voice and data plans but this shouldn’t be a problem as nanoSIM cards can easily be converted to a different size using SIM converters. Please be aware that you must bring your passport to show at the kiosk before renting. There is no credit card registering when sighing up for a voice and data SIM but please also be aware that you cannot add data to your plan or extend the amount of days that your SIM can be used for. JAPAN PREPAID SIM powered by TRE mobile Calls on the Japan Prepaid SIM that are under 10 minutes long are free. If your call is over 10 minutes the call may be cut off. The Japan Prepaid SIM can be found at XCOM GLOBAL kiosks are found in two different places at Narita Airport. Terminal 1: North Wing 1st floor, Arrivals Lobby Terminal 2: Basement Level 1, Train Ticket Gates Level Telecom Square Before renting, please check with the kiosk about your voice service limitations and how to recharge should you run out of voice calling. Telecom Square kiosks are found in five different places at Narita Airport Terminal 1: Basement Level 1, in front of Train Ticket Gates Terminal 1: 1st Floor, Central Exit Terminal 2: Basement Level 1, Train Ticket Gates Level Terminal 2: 1st Floor, Central Exit Terminal 3: 2nd Floor, near food court

Unlimited Data SIMs

In the past, buying a SIM from the airport was considered more expensive than other places but that isn’t true anymore. You can get unlimited data SIMs from the airport for about the same price as anywhere else. However, unlimited data plans do have their downfalls, such as speed after a set amount of data is consumed so please check with the staff about this before buying.

You can get unlimited data SIMs from various kiosks in Narita Airport such as Telecom Square, Imoto-no WiFi XCOM GLOBAL, SoftBank Global Rental & AnyFone, JAL ABC, 7-Eleven, etc.

Unari-kun by JAL ABC The cheapest of these would be the “Unari-kun” SIM plan offered by JAL ABC. There are three time length plans, all with unlimited data. They come in nanoSIM and microSIM card sizes although if you need a standard sized SIM there are adapters so you don’t have to worry. The prices are as such: 7 days - 4000 yen 15 days - 5500 yen 30 days - 6500 yen

JAL ABC Counter

Affordable but not unlimited: AnyFone JAPAN

The prepaid data SIM issued by AnyFone JAPAN provides 5 or 10 apps unlimited data. Apps include facebook, wechat, whatsapp, kakaotalk, LINE, Google Maps, Instagram, and more . For those who use these applications, the price is probably better than getting unlimited data plans. Prepaid data SIMs cannot be reloaded with more data, however, so you’ll probably want to be cautious outside of the aforementioned apps.

AnyFone SIM

5 Apps: 1GB/7 days 3800 yen 2GB/30 days 6000 yen 3GB/30 days 7000 yen 5GB/30 days 8000 yen 10 Apps: 1GB/7 days 4800 yen 2GB/14 days 6500 yen You can grab an AnyFone JAPAN SIM from the following kiosks in Narita Airport. SoftBank Global Rental and AnyFone JAPAN Rental: Terminal 1, 1st floor, central entrance Terminal 2, Basement Level 1, near railway area Terminal 2, 1st floor, International Arrivals Gate A Terminal 2, 1st floor, International Arrivals Gate B AnyFone Japan

JAPAN TRAVEL SIM and Prepaid SIM for Travel

For those who are looking for something cheaper or isn’t sure how much internet they’ll need , there’s the Japan Travel SIM by Air BIC CAMERA and the Prepaid SIM for Travel by SoftBank. They are on sale at the Air BIC CAMERA kiosk on the 4th floor of Terminal 2, at the Lawsons in Terminal 3 or at any 7-Eleen in Narita Airport. These SIMs are rechargeable so their initial fee is pretty low considering. And these travel SIMs can also be bought in town should you not get one at the airport.

Air BIC CAMERA

The price of the Japan Travel SIM is as follows: Base Price: 1.5GB for 30 days – 1850 yen Recharging: 2GB for 3000 yen, 500MB for 1500 yen You can’t add more days for this SIM and must purchase a new SIM once the time is used. The Prepaid SIM for Travel is a bit more expensive but has as campaign that gives you two more gigabites per each SIM you purchase so it might be cheaper depending on how much you intend to use. Base Price: 1GB for 31 days (Changed to 3GB for campaign running since March 2018) – 2480 yen Recharging: 500MB for 1620 and adds 31 more days to your SIM

・ JAPAN TRAVEL SIM ・ Prepaid SIM for Travel

Vending Machine SIMs

You’ve probably heard that you can find almost anything in Japanese vending machines and SIMs are no exception. There is a vending machine that sells u-mobile SIMs. They sell three types of SIMs. 2GB for 7 days – 2500 yen 3.5GB for 7 days – 4000 yen Unlimited for 7 days – 5000 yen

Kiosks at the airport can be highly inconvenient because of opening hours usually being from 7am to 9pm and if you arrive before or after those hours you might have to skip out on internet. However the vending machines are open 24/7 so you don’t have to worry about your arrival times as you’ll always have access to some sort of SIM.

If you register in advance, you can get a free 20 day SIM called “Japan Welcome SIM” for 0 yen from the “Docomo world counter” in the airport. With high-speed internet capacity and access to 100,000 Wi-Fi, all you’ll have to do for your free SIM is browse some advertisements, download some applications and watch some videos. If you don’t want to go through the hassle, they do have additional purchases as well. It’s great for those on a super low budget! Japan Welcome SIM

NTT Docomo World Counter

WAmazing for travelers from Taiwan and Hong Kong Although they are mostly targeting travelers from Taiwan and Hong Kong, take advantage of “WAmazing”, a free SIM that provides 500MB of data for 15 days. You can charge your SIM through the convenient WAmazing app that you’ll probably need to download before you get to Japan, and you are able to pick up a WAmazing SIM at any of four free vending machines set up in all three of Narita Airport terminals. As with the Japan Welcome SIM, you can top up your data for an additional price that you pay through your WAmazing app.

Narita airport has so many ways to get you connected. Even if you forget to register for a SIM or Wi-Fi before you come to Japan, there isn’t a need to worry as you’ll definitely be able to grab something from the numerous options above.

Narita Airport - Karuizawa Bus by Goryo Bus

Update date：2024/04/19

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What’s the best tourist SIM card for Japan (2024 guide)

By: Author Kris

Posted on Last updated: January 22, 2024

If you’re headed to Japan and want to stay connected while exploring, we’ve got you covered with the top tourist SIM cards. No need to worry about losing touch with your loved ones or missing out on those Insta-worthy moments.

We’ve spent a lot of time in Japan and traveled all over the country. The first trips we would very often come across a “Handy” phone in our hotel room – a phone we could use throughout our stay. But those days are long gone now.

Nowadays, if you want to stay connected, you better have a local SIM card if you don’t want to rely on public hotspots. And trust me, from experience, we can assure you that a local SIM card is still highly recommended.

There are several spots offering free internet, mainly in the larger cities, and handy apps to connect to WiFi hotspots for free. We share more information on this app in this article. Still, there are still plenty of places that require a data subscription for internet usage.

Whether you prefer the convenience of ordering physical SIMs online and picking them up at the airport or exploring the innovative world of eSIMs, there are numerous ways to ensure you stay connected on your journey.

Keep scrolling for the best options!

This post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission (for which we are deeply grateful) at no extra cost to you.

In a hurry? Our picks for the best Japanese SIM cards

Here are our top picks :

• Mobal Data SIMs : These SIMs are great for data-hungry users. Mobal has unlimited data plans with a very reasonable fair usage policy. You don’t have to worry about data speed and can be online the whole day.
• Mobal Voice + Data SIMs : If you need a Japanese Phone number to make voice calls or to use some specific Japanese apps.
• Sakura Data SIMs : Sakura SIMs, ordered through Klook, are the price-conscious option. They are cheaper than Mobal but have a stricter fair usage policy.
• Simcardgeek Esims : If your phone supports eSIMs this is the best and easiest way to go
• Airalo eSIMs : The cost-conscious option in the eSIM department for those who don’t need huge data packages.

Want more information on eSIMs? Skip to the eSIM section in this article . For a more extensive comparison of eSIMs, we would like to refer you to this article .

Japanese SIM cards

Japan Tourist SIM cards

Will you be in Japan for more than 3 months?

Mobal also has a long-term plan that does not require any paper contracts or other red tape.

Discover great apps for traveling to Japan. 

Japan Tourist SIM cards – The top choices

In this article, we discuss no less than 30 different Japan tourist SIM cards.  All of which have slightly different options.  It’s good to have a choice but with all these different options it is hard to see the forest for the trees.

We discuss all the details of the SIM cards further down in this article but here are our top choices:

For the occasional data user

Most SIM cards offer unlimited data but all providers have implemented a fair usage policy. If you consume more than what is covered by the fair usage policy your data speed will be reduced. Sakura Mobile cannot share the exact details of the fair usage policy, therefor we recommend them for occasional use. Their prices are very competitive but they cannot be used for video streaming or as a hot spot for your laptop.

If you just want to make sure that you can fall back on your data plan if you need it but you already know that you will only have to use it occasionally, these are your best options.

Short stays

At JPY ¥4,000 for 8 days the SIM cards provided by Sakura Mobile are reliable and very cheap. 

The SIM card offers unlimited high-speed data at 4G or 3G speeds.  You will find a very detailed document to check if your mobile is compatible with the local network. Sakura Mobile uses the NTT Docomo network in Japan, generally seen as the best network in the country.

Thanks to the detailed information you can buy this SIM with peace of mind, knowing that it will work once you are there. If you’re still unsure you can pay a supplement for compatibility insurance. With this insurance, you will receive a WiFi device in case the SIM does not work in your phone.

Alternatively, if your phone is incompatible (see our FAQ below) with the NTT Docomo network you can opt for a Mobal SIM that works on both the NTT Docomo and the Softbank network.

Click here for more information and to order your Sakura Mobile SIM card from Klook: Sakura Mobile Tourist SIM

Longer stays

If you are 2 of 3 weeks in japan.

For stays of 2 or 3 weeks , you’re in most cases also best off 16 or 21-day cards of Sakura Mobile that can be found on Klook.  At JPY ¥6,000 and JPY ¥6,500 they are the cheapest options that can be found for these durations.

Both SIMs offer unlimited high-speed data at 4G or 3G speeds.  4G is offered in major cities while the 3G is applicable in more rural areas. You will find a very detailed document to check if your mobile is compatible with the local network. Sakura Mobile uses the NTT Docomo network in Japan, generally seen as the best network in the country. It has a coverage of over 99%.

Once you have read through the detailed information you can buy this SIM with peace of mind, knowing that it will work once you are there.

If you’re still unsure you can pay a supplement for compatibility insurance. With this insurance, you will receive a WiFi device in case the SIM does not work in your phone.

Alternatively, if your phone is incompatible with the NTT Docomo network you can opt for a Mobal SIM that works on both the NTT Docomo and the Softbank network.

If you are longer than 24 days in Japan

If you will be in Japan longer than 24 days the 30-day card of Simcard GEEK that costs JPY ¥4,980 is a good buy.  The card comes with 7GB of high-speed data which should be sufficient to cover your needs.  This SIM card also connects to the NTT Docomo network which is generally recognized as Japan’s best network.

Simcard GEEK has a fair usage policy of 3GB/day.

Click here for more information and to order your SIMcard Geek SIM card: SIMcard Geek 30-day Tourist SIM

For the heavy data user

If you want to be online the whole day,  enjoy streaming music, or watch YouTube videos, you’re better off with the below SIM cards.  This may also be the case for those who will be sharing your data plan with friends or family members, maybe by means of a mobile WiFi device.

These SIMs also have a fair usage policy. In this case, however, you know the details of the policy and can therefore pay attention to it so that you are not faced with surprises.

Mobal offers SIM cards for 8 or 16 days with an unlimited data plan .  The cards have a fair usage policy which limits high-speed data to 3GB per day. 3GB is quite a lot, it will allow you to browse the internet for 36 hours, stream 600 songs, or watch 6 hours of standard definition video. 

Consuming this amount of data in one day would probably mean that not much time is left to see the many stunning sights Japan has to offer.

Click here for more information and to order your Mobal SIM card: Mobal Tourist SIM

Mobal has a SIM with an unlimited data plan for 31 days.   This card has a fair usage policy which limits high-speed data to 3GB per day. 3GB is a lot, in the previous paragraph we gave a small overview of what exactly you can do before you reach this threshold. 

If you go out and discover the city you will probably never consume that much data in one day and if you stay in your hotel you can use the WiFi provided by the hotel.

Japan SIM card for tourists – The details

Mobal is a company with a mission to help international travelers in Japan stay connected.

They’ve got offices in New York and the UK, so if you need any help, you can count on them to provide support in English.

Whether you’re staying for a short while or a long time, they’ve got data and data+voice options to keep you connected.

What we like most about them is that their website has all the info you need and they’re super quick at getting back to you when you reach out. When we once had a question we heard back from them within just two hours!

Size : Multi-size SIM cards.  The SIM can be adapted to fit in any mobile phone.

Network :  NTT Docomo, Softbank (3G & 4G)

Shipping :  Shipping is always free.  Data-only SIMs are shipped worldwide, for data+voice+text SIMs the list of countries is limited .  If shipping is not available to your country you can simply collect your SIM, for free, at one of the many pick-up locations.  There are locations at the airports and in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and other major cities across Japan.

Below are the shipping times.

Japan: 1 – 3 business days USA and UK: 2 – 5 business days (expedited, next business day, shipping to these countries is available for a fee) Other countries: 8 – 15 business days

Shipping of voice+text sims requires that a copy of your ID is to be sent to Mobal at the time of your order.  All details about shipping and pick-up locations are extensively explained on the website .

Activation : No activation is required for these SIM cards. They’re ready to use. You just need to insert the SIM and set the APN.

Topping Up : Data only SIM’s have unlimited data at 4G LTE speed.  Data+voice SIM’s have 7GB of data at 4G speed per calendar month.  This can work in your favor.  If you arrive on 23 October, and stay until 7 November (as an example) you will get 14GB of data. 7GB in October and a new bundle of 7GB as soon as November starts.

If you want more data at high speed you can top-up your account in your online account.

Fair usage policy : If you use more than 3GB in one day your data speed may be reduced to 128 kbps for 24 to 48 hours.

Click here for more information and to order your Mobal SIM card: MOBAL Tourist SIM

Simcard Geek

Simcard Geek is a sister company of Mobal. Despite being powered by Mobal they have a different product range than what you can get from Mobal directly.

Network : NTT Docomo (3G & 4G)

Shipping :  Shipping is always free and is available to your home or your accommodation in Japan.  You can also choose to pick up your SIM at any of the postal offices at the airports in Japan.

SIM cards are sent out a few weeks before your pick-up date.  If you order your SIM long in advance it may not directly be shipped.

Japan: 2 – 5 business days (expedited shipping is available for a fee) USA: 2 – 5 business days   UK: 2 – 5 business days (expedited shipping is available for a fee) Australia: 3 – 7 business days   Other countries: 8 – 15 business days

Pick-up at the airport in the postal office: your SIM will be ready for pick-up after 2 to 5 business days or 2 to 3 business days with expedited shipping.  Make sure to verify that the postal office is open at your arrival time.

Activation :  The Japan SIM card is active upon receipt. To start using your SIM you simply can follow the instructions in the supplied English user guide to enter your APN settings.

Fair usage policy : Unlimited SIM cards have a fair usage policy.  If you use more than 3GB in one day your data speed may be reduced for 24 to 48 hours.

Click here for more information and to order your SIMcard Geek SIM card: Simcard Geek Tourist SIM

Sakura Mobile

Sakura Mobile is a reputable Japanese company that specializes in providing wireless services for visitors to Japan. They offer a range of affordable solutions to keep you connected throughout your stay.

They offer English support. Our support question was answered quickly, correctly, and in clearly understandable English.

One standout feature of Sakura Mobile is its compatibility insurance option. For an additional fee of 500 JPY, you can add this insurance to your purchase if you’re unsure whether their SIM will work with your device. This provides peace of mind and ensures that you’ll be able to stay connected without any hiccups.

In the unlikely event that you do encounter connectivity issues, Sakura Mobile offers a solution to those who took the insurance option – an upgrade to a Pocket Wi-Fi device at no extra cost. Alternatively, if you prefer, they can also provide a refund.

You have multiple options when it comes to ordering Sakura Mobile SIMs. You can either purchase them through Klook or directly on their corporate website . While the widest range of options is available on their own site, it’s worth noting that Klook offers certain exclusives not found on the corporate website.

On the other hand, when ordering directly, you can choose from more pick-up locations or have the SIM shipped to any address within Japan, including hotels.

Size : Multi-size SIM cards. Normal, Nano or Micro sim.

Network :  NTT Docomo (3G & 4G)

Shipping :  When you order through Klook the SIM can be collected at Terminal 3 (the International terminal) of Haneda International Airport or Terminal 1 and 2 of Narita International Airport. There is also a pick-up location in the arrival lobby of the Kansai airport.

If you order direct you can have the SIM delivered to hotels and Airbnb’s or collect it at the airport (Haneda, Narita, Kansai, Chubu, New Chitose) or at the office in Shinjuku.

Activation : No activation is required for these SIM cards. They’re ready to use. You just need to insert the SIM and set the APN.  You can download a document that explains how to do this.

Available direct :

Available through Klook :

Click here for more information and to order your Sakura Mobile SIM card:

Japan SIM cards with pick-up abroad (via Klook)

Here are a few extra options for those who live in Thailand, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Vietnam or India.

The below providers offer SIM cards that are either shipped to your home or that can be collected at your airport of departure.

Personally I would prefer to pick-up my SIM in Japan.  This has the advantage that somebody can assist you with setting it up and in the unlikely event that it doesn’t work, you would be able to look for an alternative or arrange a refund on the spot.

A pick-up abroad might, however, be a convenient option if you don’t want to lose time collecting your SIM upon arrival.

Buying a SIM card in Japan

Don’t worry if you’re already in Japan when you’re reading this. 

It’s also possible to buy a tourist SIM card in BIC Camera and Yodobashi Camera stores as well as at Narita and Haneda airports. 

You can even order one online and pick it up in several locations in downtown Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka as well as other cities.

At the airport

If you want to start using your SIM card immediately you can buy one at the airport.

In the arrivals hall are sales counters from various operators and they will certainly be able to assist you in English. 

The drawback is that your choice will be more limited than in the shops in the city and you will be paying more, as is always the case at airports.

BIC camera also operates one small store in Narita and 2 in Haneda airport terminal 3 (see here and here ).  The sales points from the operators will likely be able to better assist you and give you advice while the stores from BIC camera will likely be cheaper.

In the cities

Another option to buy a SIM card in Japan would be to head to one of the BIC Camera or Yodobashi Camera stores in the cities. 

They sell various prepaid SIM cards for Japan tourists.  Usually, someone will be able to assist you in English but don’t expect the store personnel to speak the same level of English as they would at the airport. 

If you know what you need they will be able to point you to the correct package or confirm that what you picked is what you think it is. But you better speak some Japanese if you want to go into lengthy discussions about what would be the best option for you.

Finding these stores is easy.  Your hotel should be able to tell you the nearest one or you can use Google Maps.

A visit to a BIC Camera or Yodobashi Camera store is something that we absolutely recommend.  It is a fun experience during which you can marvel at all the electronic gadgets that are for sale.

But maybe you prefer to compare the various options from the comfort of your hotel room.  This is possible as well. 

You can order your SIM online with Mobal and pick it up directly at one of the many pick-up locations across Japan.

They have a very informative website and offer English support in case you have any additional questions. 

Japan eSIMs

Good news if you have a modern phone that supports embedded SIMs (eSIMs). You no longer have to worry about fiddling with your phone to replace the SIM card. All you have to do is click a link or scan a QR code.

Your SIM can stay in your device and you can switch between your own cellular plan and the Japanese plan. Super convenient and super easy.

Four providers offer eSIMs :

Simcard GEEK

Airalo esims.

Airalo eSIMs are available for a duration of 7 or 30 days and come with a data package ranging between 1 GB and 10 GB.

These are data-only contracts so voice calls are not supported.

• Size: eSIM card.
• Network: Softbank
• Duration: 7 or 30 days
• Pick-up: You will find all the information in the e-mail or the app.
• Activation: You can activate the eSIM when you want to start using it. You will need a WiFi connection to activate it.
• Topping Up: You can buy a new SIM if you’ve consumed all data of your existing eSIM.

Use our exclusive   WAPITI10OFF promo code to get an additional 10% off your Airalo eSIM.

Check all Airalo eSIM options: Airalo eSIM

The activation link is sent minutes after your purchase so you can still buy this SIM after you’ve arrived in Japan.

Check out this list if you’re not sure if these eSIMs are compatible with your phone.

The eSIMs connect to Japan’s Docomo network and is native to Japan. It connects to the Docomo network directly and is fast & reliable. You don’t need to enable data roaming for it to work.

The SIMs are data only, voice & text is not supported.

These are the various options:

Click here for more information about the Simcard GEEK eSIM options: Simcard GEEK eSIMs

In addition to the regular SIMs that we discussed above , Mobal also offers a selection of eSIMs.

Their eSIMs make use of the Docomo network and are native to Japan. All the options are data only, voice & text is not supported.

The data speed is 4G LTE. If the included data amount is fully used you can continue surfing until the SIM expires but at a slower speed of 200 kbps.

Click here for more information about the Mobal eSIM options: Mobal eSIMs

Frewie offers 2 eSIMS for use in Japan. When ordering a Frewie eSIM through Klook you will get a confirmation mail with a QR code to activate your eSIM. The mail is sent within 24 hours of your purchase.

The Frewie eSIM is a data-roaming SIM that connects to the Docomo network in Japan. It’s not a native Docomo eSIM, you will need to activate data roaming for it to work. Because it uses roaming it can be somewhat slower than the above eSIM options from Simcard GEEK.

One SIM works only in Japan, the other works in Japan & South Korea. Both are data only. The data package varies with the duration of the SIM.

Check prices and more info:

Frewie Japan SIM (5 – 30 days)

Frewie Japan & S-Korea SIM (14 or 30 days)

Japan SIM card for longer stays

For a short stay, you’re best off with a prepaid SIM card but if you’re staying in Japan for several months you could consider an unlimited long-term plan.  

Japanese providers are known to have a lot of red tape.   

A contract with them usually requires a lot of paperwork and a commitment of 2 years. For some, you even need to have a residence visa and/or a Japanese bank account.

Two providers offer long-term SIM plans :

Mobal offers an alternative to the red tape. 

Their long-term plan comes with no minimum duration, no activation, and no termination fee. 

The customer service team speaks English, is super-responsive, and you can easily order the SIM card online.

This is what you will get:

Japanese Phone number : A real Japanese phone number starting with 070, 080 or 090 (Softbank).  A voicemail service is included.

Free calls : All incoming calls and texts are free. Outgoing calls to other Softbank customers (including Mobal customers) are free from 1 AM to 9 PM.

Network : Your Mobal SIM will give you access to both the NTT Docomo network as well as the Softbank network so you’re sure to have the best reception whenever possible. The sim can be used in any unlocked device that supports the 3G or 4G Band 1 (2100MHz) frequency.

Shipping :  Shipping is always free but not available to all countries.  If shipping is not available to your country you can simply collect your sim for free, at one of the many pick-up locations.  There are locations at the airports and in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and other major cities across Japan.

Shipping of voice+text sims requires that a copy of your ID is sent to Mobal at the time of your order. 

If you don’t want to share these details online you can pick up your package in Japan. All details about shipping and pick-up locations are extensively explained on the website .

Activation : To activate your SIM follow the activation instructions provided with your sim.  During business hours the activation should be processed within 2 hours.

Upgrade data plan : The data+voice SIM has 7GB of data at 4G speed per calendar month.  If you want more data at high speed you upgrade your plan in your online account.

Fair usage policy : If you use more than 7GB in one month your data speed will be reduced to 128kpbs for the remainder of the calendar month.

Click here for more information and to order your Mobal SIM card: MOBAL Long-term SIM

Sakura Mobile offers a similar long-term plan specifically aimed at overseas tourists who will spend a considerable time in Japan.

The plan has no minimum duration, it can be canceled at any time. There’s a one-time activation fee for the voice service. (only to be paid if you want to use the voice+text features) 

To order the package you will need to provide a copy of your current passport. A utility bill with your address on it is also required as proof of residence if you want the SIM to be shipped to your home.

Japanese Phone number : A Japanese phone from NTT Docomo.

Calls : All incoming calls and texts are free. With the Sakura Dail app or the special prefix number you can call at special discounted rates. ( check the rates )

Network : NTT Docomo.  There’s a dedicated page to see if your device is compatible.

Shipping :  The SIM card can be shipped to your home address if you provide a proof of residence.  This is not required.  You can also collect it at the airport or in the Sakura Mobile office.

Normally it takes 2 to 5 days for the package to arrive. You will receive a tracking code with which you can track the shipment.

Activation : No activation is required for the data plan. A one-time fee of 5,500 JPY is required to activate the voice service.

Data plan : You can choose from 2 plans.  A lite plan with 4GB data/month or a premium plan with 25GB data/month.   Both plans are unlimited which means you can continue browsing at slower speeds if you’ve consumed the included data.  It’s also possible to top-up your data plan online.

Fair usage policy : Unknown

Click here for more information and to order your Sakura Mobile Long-Term SIM card: Sakura Mobile Long-term SIM

FAQ About Tourist SIM Cards for Japan

Will your phone work in japan .

Before you buy a SIM you need to be sure that your phone is compatible with Japan’s telecom network. It needs to be able to operate on one of the bands used by the telecom operators in Japan. 

Check the technical specs of your phone to see what bands are supported and see if there’s a match with the bands that the operators are using. We’ve listed all of them in the following section.

Your phone will also need to be unlocked.

If you don’t want to do this manually you can find pages online ( like this page ) where you can select your phone and the network operator to verify if they’re compatible.

Network providers in Japan

Japan has four mobile phone companies that operate their own network.  The three major players are NTT Docomo, Softbank (formerly Vodafone), and Au by KDDI.

A fourth challenger is Rakuten Mobile. Rakuten Mobile used to be a virtual operator but started building out its own network a few years ago. Today it covers about 94% of the population.

All other operators are virtual and use one of the existing networks. The tourist SIM cards we discussed in this article all work on either the Softbank or NTT Docomo network.

The network of NTT Docomo is recognized to be the best in terms of coverage.  Softbank comes in second although they are not far behind. Both these networks cover 99% of Japan (population-based).

These are the bands used by the Japanese operators:

Rakuten Mobile

Pocket WiFi device vs Tourist SIM card

One big perk of using a pocket WiFi device is that you can stay connected without having to mess with your phone.

No need to worry about changing your settings. Just remember to turn off your data connection to avoid those annoying roaming fees. With your SIM card still in the phone, you can stay connected with friends, family, work buddies, and anyone else who has your number just like you’re back at home.

If you want people to be able to contact you anytime, a pocket WiFi device is a great option.

Another advantage of pocket WiFi devices is that they let you connect multiple users at once (usually up to 10!).

Batteries of pocket WiFi devices usually last no more than a day. This is probably the biggest disadvantage. It is one more device that you need to charge on a daily basis.

Interested in Pocket WiFi devices?

See which ones you can rent in Japan . Or if you are going to use this often, you can buy your own device , just like us.

Which size of SIM card do you need

SIM cards have become increasingly smaller over the years. First, we had the standard SIM, then the Micro SIM and nowadays almost all modern phones use a Nano-SIM

Usually, providers use multi-size (3-in-1) SIM cards that are compatible with all phones.  Others only offer 2-in-1 (Micro and Nano) which means they will still be compatible with most current models. 

The technical specs of your phone will show what SIM you need.

In some cases, you will need to specify the requested SIM size with your order.

Free WiFi in Japan

You can easily find free WiFi at many places in Japan. Coffee shops like Starbucks, metro stations in all major cities, and JR train stations offer this convenient service.

Connecting to public WiFi networks was a pain the first time we were in Japan. Not only did we, have to do it over and over again. We also couldn’t get the connection to work for half of the time.

But now there’s a great app called Japan WiFi Auto-Connect that takes care of all the hassle for you. It automatically connects your phone to selected public WiFi hotspots. Only the trusted ones managed by reliable companies or authorities are used by the app for security reasons.

The app worked perfectly for 90% of the time during our last trips. Whenever we walked into a metro station or train station the phone usually connected to the WiFi in a matter of minutes.

The Japan WiFi Auto-Connect app is available for Android and Apple and makes free WiFi much more reliable for foreigners.

Still, I suggest not depending on free WiFi entirely, just like we don’t. As you move away from the big cities, finding reliable Wi-Fi spots becomes harder.

And even in the major cities, I find it super handy to have internet access all the time so I can look up stuff whenever something pops into my head – not just when I stumble upon a hotspot.

It’s a matter of convenience, but SIM cards are so cheap that I think it’s worth it.

Having a Japanese tourist SIM card turned out to be priceless.  With Google Maps we could easily find our way around the cities, we discovered interesting places to eat and we weren’t restricted to touristic restaurants since we could use our mobile phone to translate the menus.

It really helped us to travel deeper and get a better, less touristy experience of Japan.

There’re many different tourist SIM cards so we wrote this post to help you choose the one that suits your needs.  All information is accurate at the time of writing.

We will regularly update this article but if you notice any changes we would appreciate it if you let us know so we can update our post.

Enjoy Japan!

Japan SIM Cards: Your Must-Read Guide to Staying Connected in Japan

Plus, the 10 reasons why a Japan SIM Card is your best option!

If you're going to Japan & want to stay connected you'll need to make a decision: Japan SIM Cards, Wi-Fi routers, Roaming & Free Wi-Fi are all options to keep you connected in theory - but which option is best for you and do you really need a SIM Card for Japan? We've done the hard work for you with an ABC Guide on how to get connected in Japan, including some common misconceptions...

A. Free Wi-Fi is not a thing!

Japan has a reputation for being super-advanced but in some areas change has been slow. Surprisingly, free internet is almost impossible to find throughout Japan - even in Tokyo. Most Wi-Fi hotspots are not free & require you to register each use. The free ones aren't exactly free either as they're in cafes & restaurants - so you'll need to pay for food or drinks to connect. If you plan to be on the move rule this option out!

B. Renting a Wi-Fi Router may not make sense!

If you plan a very short stay and are happy to pay daily rental fees, then a Wi-Fi router may be your best option. Remember though that you'll have the hassle of keeping an extra device charged and returning your rental kit to the airport at the end of your trip. An easier and more economical alternative is to buy a data-only SIM. Unlimited Data SIMs are available from 8 to 31 days duration (see: www.mobal.com ) giving you the option to use the SIM in your own device and dispose of it at the end of your trip. You can even use tethering too to connect other devices. Get your SIM delivered to you before you travel so that you can Instagram from the plane on touchdown - or pick-up from the airport when you arrive.

C. Roaming is tricky.

Most cellular providers offer roaming in Japan, but beware - just using your phone for even a short period can result in returning home to bill shock! Some providers such as T-Mobile USA appear to offer great deals with unlimited data in Japan for no extra charge. Note though that data speeds are heavily throttled so this may restrict how you use your phone.

The advice is when in Rome... Get a local Japan SIM and avail of high-speed data and cheap calls if needed. The Japan Unlimited SIM from Mobal gives you data, voice & text with a minimum of 7GB of 4G LTE data per month (larger plans available if needed). If you use more than your high speed data allowance, your data will slow down, but the amount you can use is unlimited - plus, you can buy more high speed data if you need it. You get to control how much data you use, so you'll never return home to bill shock and you'll never run out of data either.

10 Reasons Why a Japan SIM Card is your Best Option

Until recently buying a Japan SIM card for your smartphone was simply not an option for overseas visitors - unless you wanted to sign-up to a complicated 2-year contract with huge fees payable if you left Japan early.

Luckily you can now get a no-contract voice & data SIM as well as prepaid data SIMs - all with English customer service, free incoming calls & free domestic calls on the same network*.

Order online from Mobal and you can choose to have your Japan SIM Card delivered in advance or collect from main airports & cities in Japan on arrival.

If you're still not convinced here's 10 more reasons why you absolutely need a SIM Card for your phone when in Japan!

1. Google Maps

2. phone numbers have status.

Japan is slow to change - think fax machines, single-glazed windows & CDs (yes, really!). If you plan to live in Japan a phone number is a must - you need one to get a job, rent an apartment, open a bank account, ship/receive a package - you basically need a phone number to do just about anything!

For visitors booking hotels and restaurants, a Japanese phone number can often be more acceptable than your credit card, so consider the advantages of a voice and data SIM over a data-only SIM.

3. Shopping Online?

Planning to avail of free delivery to your address when in Japan. Great deals are available from electronics stores such as Bic Camera or clothing outlets like Muji but guess what you need to avail of delivery? A Japanese phone number!

4. Uber/Japan Taxi

If you find yourself out at night (a spontaneous Karaoke night perhaps!) you'll quickly discover public transport isn't 24 hour. If you need an English-speaking driver Uber is useful and Uber taxis don't charge a late-night surcharge - great for getting back home from wherever you are.

5. Eating In is the New Eating Out

Want to order takeout to your room - all from the comfort of your phone? You definitely need a SIM and you may even need a phone number. We recommend you go for the Mayo-Jaga pizza (potato & baked mayonnaise on a tomato base)!

6. Google Translate

Whether it's deciphering zany pizza menus for home delivery or communicating with the locals you will definitely make use of this app. As it doesn't work on batteries we definitely recommend you get a SIM card ;-)

7. Social Media

Being in Japan means lots of photos. Lots of photos means lots of sharing online. Make sure your family and friends are as jealous as possible of your adventures in Japan by keeping them updated through social media! Plus, with average commute times in Japan over an hour you'll end up browsing or wanting to!

8. Music/Podcast/Shazam

Walking through the streets of Japan and hear a song that catches your ear? Don't worry about having to figure out the Japanese to type in lyrics to Google - just use Shazam to find out and discover many new Japanese songs!

9. 4G or LTE speeds

As long as you're on a Japanese network and not an MVNO SIM you'll get the same data speeds as Japanese people do. It's fast as you might expect. Mobal's Japan Unlimited SIM is the only voice & data SIM available to everyone that uses the Softbank network - if you want quality this gets our vote.

10. Emergencies

With extreme weather events & earthquakes a part of daily life having a voice SIM with SMS capability doesn't just mean your analog friends can keep in contact from overseas, it also means you'll receive early warning alerts & updates.

Finally, here are 10 reasons why you should choose Mobal...

• Mobal have been trusted by international travelers for over 30 years.
• You get always on data - Data is totally unlimited, so you'll never run out.
• You get a real Japanese phone number.
• There are options for short-term visitors and long-term residents - all with no contracts, so you use the SIM for as long as you like and cancel anytime.
• You get free incoming calls & incoming texts.
• You can call other Mobal/Softbank users completely free of charge 20 hours of the day from 1am to 9pm.
• You get free shipping to your home address - or free pick-up when you arrive in Japan.
• You get English speaking customer support.
• Your SIM comes with a 100% money back guarantee.
• BONUS - The majority of Mobal profits go to charity. Mobal profits provide a hot school meal for needy kids around the world - including an after-school feeding programme in Tokyo. So, with your Mobal SIM, you're not just traveling the world, you're making it a better place. To find out more click here .

Click here to buy a Japan SIM Card from Mobal today.

* Calls to other Mobal / Softbank users are free 20 hours of the day from 1am to 9pm. Calls made outside this time will be charged per minute.

Japan Here We Come

The Best SIM Cards for travel to Japan

Here we share the best tourist SIM cards to stay connected in Japan.

We have traveled through the country many times. The very first time we often found a “Handy” phone in our hotel room. A telephone that you could use during your stay. But that time is over.

You now have to find a solution yourself if you want to be connected. And that is really recommended. Although there is free internet in quite a few places, and even apps that make it easy to connect to free WiFi hotspots, there are still many places where you will have to have a data subscription if you want to use the internet.

And we always use the internet a lot while in Japan.  We use our smartphones to navigate the vast cities, to find recommended places to eat and cat cafés, and to look up the train and metro schedules.

We also like to browse around the shops where you can find gadgets and care products that we don’t know about. But also there we often have to fall back on our smartphones to discover what it is exactly or how it works.

Roaming tariffs can be insane, they certainly are in our case, and local SIMs aren’t expensive at all.

Below is an overview of the physical SIMs that you can order online and pick up at the airport, eSIMs, and other ways to stay connected in Japan.

We have already used both a physical SIM and an e-SIM, so we also explain how this works.

Don’t worry if you’re reading this article on the day of departure or when you’re already in Japan.  You can also buy a SIM at the airport or in an electronics store in Japan.  I will guide you on how to do this further down in this article.

And, if your phone supports it, you can of course opt for an eSIM at any time.

In a hurry? Our picks for the best Japanese SIM cards

Here are our top picks in case you are short on time :

• Mobal Data SIMs : for data-hungry users who don’t want to worry about their data speed while being online the whole day
• Mobal Voice + Data SIMs : if you want to be able to make regular voice calls or if you need a Japanese Phone number for some other reason
• Simcardgeek/(Powered by Mobal) eSIMs : If your phone supports eSIMs this is the best and easiest way to go
• Sakura Mobile SIMs : the cost-conscious option for those who don’t mind limiting their data usage to save on the budget

Table of Contents

Regular Japan Traveler SIM vs eSIM

During our first trips we always used a regular SIM that we pre-ordered online and picked up at the airport upon arrival. Very convenient and everything always went very smoothly. Below we explain in more detail how this works.

However, we both recently switched to a cell phone that supports eSIMs and thus we used an eSIM for our last trip.

It was the very first time we used such an eSIM, so we were a little nervous about whether everything would run smoothly and the technology would not let us down.

That stress seemed completely unwarranted. All steps on how to install and activate the SIM were neatly explained.

What’s our verdict?

Both worked equally well when considering connectivity and speed. If your phone supports eSIMs, I would opt for an eSIM for Japan. It offers the advantage that you do not have to change SIM cards and that you can, at all times, easily switch from your regular SIM to the Japan tourist eSIM.

We like the Airalo’s eSIMs for their ease of installation and Mobal eSIMs for Japan for their excellent selection of data packages.

We have a full guide on eSIMs for Japan .

But no problem if your phone does not support eSIMs. There are plenty of alternatives that you can order online and quickly pick up at the airport upon arrival. Below is an overview.

Japan Tourist SIM cards – The top choices

The list of Japan traveler SIM cards seems endless. We found no less than 30 different options when we were looking to buy a SIM for our last trip.  All of which have slightly different options.  It’s good to have a choice but with all these different options it is hard to see the forest for the trees.

Below is an overview of our top picks.

Click the more info link to see all the details of these options.

Japan Tourist SIM cards – Top Picks

Japan Traveler SIM cards – The Details

Mobal is an American/Japanese company specializing in communication solutions for international travelers to Japan. Thanks to their international footprint, with amongst others, offices in New York & UK, you’re sure to receive English support in case you need it.

They have solutions for short-term and long-term stays with both data and data+voice options.

Their website is very informative and they are very responsive in case you need more info or help. When we contacted them they got back to us within 2 hours.

The details

Size : Multi-size SIM cards.  The SIM can be adapted to fit in any mobile phone.

Network : The Mobal SIM works on the NTT Docomo network and Softbank network ensuring the best reception whenever possible. The SIM can be used in any unlocked device that supports the 3G or 4G Band 1 (2100MHz) frequency.

Shipping :  Shipping is always free.

Data-only SIMs are shipped worldwide. Data+voice+text SIMs are shipped to certain countries.  If your country is not included you can simply collect your SIM, for free, at one of the many pick-up locations.  There are locations at the airports and in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and other major cities across Japan.

Activation : No activation is required for these SIM cards. They’re ready to use. You just need to insert the SIM and set the APN.

Topping Up : Data only SIM’s have unlimited data at 4G LTE speed.  Data+voice SIM’s have 7GB of data at 4G speed per calendar month.  This can work in your favor.  If you arrive on 23 October, and stay until 7 November (as an example) you will get 14GB of data. 7GB in October and a new bundle of 7GB as soon as November starts.

If you want more data at high speed you can top-up your account in your online account.

Fair usage policy : If you use more than 3GB in one day your data speed may be reduced to 128 kbps for 24 to 48 hours.

More about shipping

These are the shipping times:

Japan: 1 – 3 business days USA and UK: 2 – 5 business days (expedited, next business day, shipping to these countries is available for a fee) Other countries: 8 – 15 business days

To have voice+text SIMs shipped to your address you need to send a copy of your ID to Mobal at the time of your order.  All details about shipping and pick-up locations are extensively explained on the Mobal website .

The options

Click here for more information and to order your Mobal SIM card: MOBAL Tourist SIM

SIM Card Geek

SIM card geek is a sister company of Mobal. Both have a different product range but behind the scenes you’re dealing with the same company. The SIMs connect to the NTT Docomo network.

If Mobal’s offer does not meet your needs, you can go for one of the cards from SIM card geek.

Network : All SIM cards use the NTT Docomo network. The SIM can be used in any unlocked device that supports the 3G or 4G Band 1(2100 Mhz) frequency.

Simcard Geek offers a money-back guarantee.  In the unlikely event that the SIM does not work in your phone or mobile device, you can return it and get your money back.  (excluding any shipping charges)

Shipping :  Shipping is always free and is available to your home or your accommodation in Japan.  You can also collect your SIM at any of the postal offices in the airports in Japan.

Activation :  The Japan SIM card is active upon receipt. The SIM comes with instructions (in English) on how to install and start using it.

Fair usage policy : Unlimited SIM cards have a fair usage policy.  If you use more than 3GB in one day your data speed may be reduced for 24 to 48 hours.

More about shipping and pick-up

SIM cards are sent out a few weeks before your travel date.  If you order your SIM long in advance it may not directly be shipped.

Below are the shipping times.

Japan: 2 – 5 business days (expedited shipping is available for a fee) USA: 2 – 5 business days   UK: 2 – 5 business days (expedited shipping is available for a fee) Australia: 3 – 7 business days   Other countries: 8 – 15 business days

Pick-up at the airport in the postal office: your SIM will be ready for pick-up after 2 to 5 business days or 2 to 3 business days with expedited shipping.  Make sure to verify that the postal office is open at your arrival time.

Click here for more information and to order your SIMcard Geek SIM card: Simcard Geek Tourist SIM

Sakura Mobile

Sakura is a Japanese company that offers wireless services for all who are visiting Japan. 

They have various cost-effective solutions to stay connected while you’re visiting Japan.  

Sakura Mobile has English support and also offers compatibility insurance as an add-on. If you’re unsure whether their SIM will work in your device you can add this insurance for 500 JPY. If you opted-in their insurance and encounter problems with getting connected you will get an upgrade to a Pocket Wifi device. (or a refund if you prefer)

Sakura Mobile SIMs can be ordered through Klook or directly, on their corporate website. The widest range can be found on their own site, but you can compare both since you can order things on Klook that you cannot find on their own site.

If you order direct you can also choose from more pick-up locations or have the SIM shipped to any address, including hotels, in Japan.

Size : Normal, Nano or Micro sim.

Network :  NTT Docomo network. The SIM supports these frequencies: 4G: Band 1: 2100MHz & Band 19: 800 Mhz (available in most cities); 3G:Band 1: 2100MHz & Band 19: 800 Mhz

Shipping :  When ordering through Klook the SIM can be collected at Narita, Haneda, and Kansai airport.

If you order direct you can have the SIM delivered to hotels and Airbnb’s or collect it at the airport (Haneda, Narita, Kansai, Chubu, New Chitose) or at the office in Shinjuku.

Activation : No activation is required for these SIM cards. They’re ready to use. You just need to insert the SIM and set the APN.  You can download a document that explains the steps to follow.

The Options

Available direct

Available through Klook

Sakura – Order Direct

Sakura – order from Klook

Buying a SIM card in Japan

If you’re already in Japan when you’re reading this there’s no need to worry. 

Believe it or not, we arrived unprepared the very first time ourselves. It’s relatively easy to buy a SIM card in Japan. We then bought an IIJmio SIM in a Ydodobashi Camera store.

Here are your options for when you’re in Japan.

At the airport

If you want to start using your SIM card immediately you can buy one at the airport.

In the arrivals hall are sales counters from various operators and they will certainly be able to assist you in English. 

The drawback is that your choice will be more limited than in the shops in the city and you will be paying more, as is always the case at airports.

BIC camera also operates one small store in Narita and 2 in Haneda airport (see here and here ).  You can also find SIM cards in the BlueSky shops .

The sales points from the operators will likely be able to better assist you in English and may give better advice. 

In the cities

Another option to buy a SIM card in Japan is to head to one of the BIC Camera or Yodobashi Camera stores. 

They sell various prepaid SIM cards for Japan tourists.  We used the IIJmio SIM during our very first trip to the country. This SIM comes with a brief explanation of how to install it. You can also find all the settings on their website.

The data limit of 1GB is pretty limited but you can buy coupons to recharge the SIM.

Usually, at least some of the staff will be able to assist you in English but don’t expect the store personnel to speak the same level of English as they do at the airport. 

If you know what you need they will be able to point you to the correct package or confirm that what you picked is what you think it is.

But you better speak some Japanese if you want to go into lengthy discussions about what would be the best option for you.

There are several Yodobashi and BIC Camera stores. At your hotel they should be able to give directions to the nearest one or you can use Google maps.

A visit to a BIC Camera or Yodobashi Camera store is something that we absolutely recommend. They have so many electronic gadgets and gizmos in Japan, all things that you won’t find elsewhere. (I still don’t understand why those luxury toilets can hardly be found anywhere else in the world)

But you can also compare the various options from the comfort of your hotel room and order a SIM online. 

An eSIM is the first thing that comes to mind. You can compare the alternatives, buy the one that suits you and install and activate it. All in a matter of minutes.

If your phone doesn’t support eSIMs you can order your SIM online with Mobal and pick it up directly at one of the many pick-up locations across Japan.

Alternative options to stay connected

You don’t want the hassle of changing SIM cards? No problem, in that case you can opt for one of the following alternatives.

Free WiFi in Japan

A lot of places offer free WiFi. You find it in coffee shops (Starbucks) Metro Stations (Tokyo Metro) and JR train stations.

It used to be quite a hassle to repeatedly connect to these networks but there is now an app, Japan WiFi Auto-Connect , that will automatically connect to certain public WiFi hotspots. For security reasons not to all public WiFi hotspots, but only those managed by trusted corporations or public authorities.

It worked perfect for 90% of the time during our last trips. When I walked into a metro station or train station I was usually connected to the WiFi in a matter of minutes.

The Japan WiFi Auto-Connect app is available for Android and Apple.

Thanks to this app, among other things, it has become much easier to make use of free WiFi hotspots.

During our first trips to Japan, we had to fill out a form each time we wanted to use a hot spot, only to realize that the WiFi didn’t work in the end. Now, free WiFi is much more reliable for foreigners.

However, I recommend not relying solely on it, just as we don’t. Hotspots become scarcer as you leave the major cities. Even in the capital, I find it convenient to have internet access at all times and be able to look something up when it crosses my mind, not just when I’m at a hotspot.

It’s a matter of convenience, but for the small price of a SIM card, I think it’s worth it.

Here’s an overview of the WiFi hotspots in Tokyo .

Pocket WiFi Devices

The main advantage of using a pocket WiFi device is that you don’t need to switch the SIM in your phone. You also don’t need to change any of the settings of your phone. You only need to connect to the WiFi signal broadcasted by your WiFi Device.

Do make sure that your data connection is disabled to avoid any nasty data roaming fees.

And if you’re traveling with your family, or with friends, you can all share the same WiFi signal.

As your SIM remains in your phone this also means that friends, family, work relations, and anybody else who has your phone number can reach you as if you were home.

A disadvantage of a pocket WiFi device is that it is one extra device that you need to carry around and that you will need to charge on a daily basis if you use it frequently.

If your phone supports eSIMs , we think that is the ideal solution. Since we got our new phone, with support for eSIM, we have always opted for an eSIM.

Your regular SIM remains in the phone. You will remain reachable on the known number and you can use data via your local eSIM. So the best of both worlds.

Network providers in Japan

Japan has four mobile phone companies that operate their own network.  The three major players are NTT Docomo, Softbank (formerly Vodafone), and Au by KDDI.

A fourth challenger is Rakuten Mobile. It used to be a virtual operator but it is now building out its own network. Today it covers about 94% of the population. Their customer relations team only speaks Japanese.

There are several other providers but these typically piggyback on the network of these 3 majors to offer their services.

The network of NTT Docomo is recognized to be the best in terms of coverage.  Softbank comes in second, they are not far behind, and they still cover 99% of Japan (population-based).

Au by KDDI is seen as the least reliable network of the major players.  They do well in terms of coverage but their reception is not as good inside buildings or underground due to the frequencies they’re using.

Having a Japanese tourist SIM card turned out to be priceless.  With Google Maps we could easily find our way around the cities, we discovered interesting places to eat and we weren’t restricted to touristic restaurants since we could use our mobile phone to translate the menus.

It really helped us to travel deeper and get a better, less touristy experience of Japan.

There are many different tourist SIM cards so we wrote this post to help you choose the one that suits your needs.  All information is accurate at the time of writing.

We will regularly update this article but if you notice any changes we would appreciate it if you let us know so we can update our post.

Enjoy Japan!

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Tokyo Airport Visitor SIM Cards: Guide and Maps to Narita and Haneda

The complete guide to finding a SIM card when arriving in Tokyo. Whether it’s Haneda or Narita, Terminal 1 or Terminal 2, short term visitors or those staying longer term this guide aims to reduce the confusion that comes with buying a SIM card when landing in Japan. From my experience and research, I put together this guide to the best SIM cards for arriving visitors to Japan, and maps to where they can be found.

In summary: If arriving at Tokyo Narita airport, the JAL ABC shops sell SIM cards suitable for travellers staying 1 week or up to 3 months in Japan. For Tokyo Haneda airport, look for the SIM cards at the Air Bic Camera shop.

At Narita Airport , overall I found the the best options were:

For visitors staying less than a week :

• TRE SIM sold at the JAL ABC counter: 2GB of data for 2,647 JPY 1 ;

For visitors staying less than a month :

• Japan Prepaid SIM sold at the JAL ABC counter: 5GB of data for 4,073 JPY 2 ;

For visitors staying up to 3 months :

• The JAL ABC counter should sell a JAPAN Travel SIM that is valid for 3 months with 2GB of data for 4,100 JPY +tax 3 ; So-net is also an option as it can be topped up with 1GB for 2,838 JPY +tax which adds 60 days validity 4 .

See above for maps, or click here for more detail.

At Haneda Airport , similarly the best options appear to be:

• Air Bic Camera shop: b-mobile has a 10 day SIM card for 1,980 JPY that includes 5GB of data 5 ;
• Air Bic Camera shop: b-mobile also has a 21 day SIM (2,970 JPY for 7GB) or the Japan Travel SIM for 2,460 JPY +tax including 1GB (it can be topped up);
• Vending machine: Keikyu Travel SIM offers 2GB for 4,200 JPY with 3 month validity, the SIM can have more data added to it 6 .

The Air Bic Camera store sells the b-mobile and Japan Travel SIM cards; Keikyu can be purchased from the vending machine - see Haneda map above or click here for more detail.

For anyone needing more data than the options listed above, JAL ABC also sells the Unari-kun SIM card which includes unlimited data 7 :

• 7 days for 4,073 JPY
• 15 days for 5,601 JPY
• 30 days for 6,619 JPY

Ordering online for collection at the airport is also a good option. Klook (a voucher website) and Smash Mobile (a Japanese company) have websites where SIM cards can be purchased for collection at Narita or Haneda airport. Scroll down or click here for more information. SIM cards ordered online start from 1,050 JPY.

For foreigners staying in Japan for more than 3 months (e.g. working in Japan), consider purchasing one of these 30 day SIM cards and then switching to a more permanent solution once you have an identity card.

This guide to Tokyo's airport SIM cards includes:

• Buying a SIM card in transit to a domestic flight, and roaming into Japan with a foreign SIM
• Maps to SIM card shops at Narita (NRT) and Haneda (HND)
• Ordering online to pick up a SIM card when arriving in Tokyo

Extending validity and topping-up Japanese SIMs

Not all SIM cards sold to foreigners in Japan can have their validity extended or have value added to them. Of the ones I like to use (as mentioned above), the top-up options include:

• b-mobile can be extended at 500 JPY per day, this may only be able to be applied for 10 days
• IIJmio SIM cards can have more data added (starting from 500mb for 1,500 JPY) by coupon or online, this does not appear to extend their validity;
• Smash Mobile (a SIM card received by delivery, see below for more details) offer foreigner friendly monthly plans that don’t have fixed expiry (resident visa or identity card required).

Phone calls are NOT typically included in Japanese prepaid SIM cards that can be sold to foreigners. See below to find out how I make phone calls when I'm in Japan (or click here ).

If transiting to a domestic flight at Narita Airport a SIM card can be purchased after collecting luggage and passing through customs. As transit passenger join all international arrivals, the directions in this guide help transit passenger as well. Look for the JAL ABC shops after exiting customs (see map above).

If transiting to a domestic flight at Haneda Airport a SIM card can be purchased after collecting luggage and passing through customs. Look for the Air Bic Camera shop to the right after exiting customs (see the map above).

Roaming into Japan with a foreign SIM

Many countries nearby have cheap Japan roaming SIM cards available. These can be a good option if stopping over at such a country on the way to Japan. For example:

• Singaporean carrier Starhub offers 1GB of prepaid roaming data for use in Japan - 8 SGD (roughly 640 JPY, starting from 7 days) 8
• Hong Kong carrier Birdie offers day pass roaming for 15 HKD (roughly 210 JPY per day) 9
• Australian carrier Optus offers 10GB of roaming data for 20 AUD (roughly 740 JPY and lasts for 14 days) 10
• American AT&T includes Japan in their $70/month roaming passport or day pass for $10 (roughly 1,085 JPY) per day 11

I couldn’t find any good roaming packages for people with UK or Canadian mobile phone plans; pick up a local SIM card on arrival in Japan if coming from these countries.

Networks and Coverage

SIM cards discussed in this article either use the NTT Docomo network or the Softbank network (the Softbank and Anyfone SIMs). I’ve found NTT to provide slightly better coverage when using foreign phones due to the use of similar frequencies; the difference isn’t very often noticeable though. The other network in Japan is au by KDDI is mostly unavailable to foreigners as it uses a different technology.

WiFi Rental

Wi-Fi rental is advertised heavily in Japan. It is pitched at visitors who can have a hard time figuring out if their phone will work on local Japanese networks; this is also different for different parts of the country. I’ve never liked renting Wi-Fi or a SIM card when visiting a country, it means having to find the shop to return it upon departure (and what if it’s not even open!).

List of Shop Locations and SIM Cards Sold

Below is a list of the various shops and vending machines that sell SIM cards at Tokyo Haneda and Narita Airports:

Narita Airport SIM Card Locations

The location, SIM cards available, and opening hours of each of the shops at Narita Airport is below:

Vending machines at Narita Airport also sell SIM cards.

There are 3 vending machines located in the Tourist Information Centre, located in the Central building - turn left if coming out of the South Customs; turn right if coming out of the North Customs.

The vending machines are:

• NTT, selling Prepaid SIM for Japan , which includes 700mb and priced from 3,278 JPY
• U-NEXT, selling U-mobile Prepaid SIM , which includes 1.54GB of data (I haven’t been able to confirm the price - tax rates have changed since I last visited Japan)
• INPLUS, which sells a 1GB SIM card, but I haven’t seen it myself

Tokyo Haneda Airport SIM Card Locations

At Haneda airport, I found one shop and one vending machine available in the arrivals area:

Ordering a SIM card online

Ordering a SIM card online for collection at Narita or Haneda is the cheapest option, though it means planning ahead (which I don’t always have time for). Examples of SIM cards available for collection include:

• Smash Mobile, 1GB with 7 day validity for 2,500, more details here
• Klook, 1GB with 6 day validity for 1,050 JPY , longer validity and more data available, order online here

Klook is a voucher website that will arrange a SIM card for collection upon purchase of their voucher. Show the voucher at the counter to collect the SIM card.

Smash Mobile and Klook will provide directions on how to collect the SIM card upon arrival. Check the counter opening times though, SIM cards can only be collected when the counter is open.

Receiving a delivered SIM card at a residential address

Many SIM card providers in Japan offer to deliver a SIM card to a hotel, office, home address, or selected post offices (such as at major airports). While this offers some alternatives to the above, I find the Klook voucher hard to beat.

Some of the SIM cards that can be bought by delivery include:

• Smash Mobile , 1GB of data for 2,500 JPY (including delivery, plus tax), more data options available
• b-mobile , 5GB of data for approximately 2,400 JPY, more data options are also available
• Japan Travel SIM (with VOIP card), 1GB of data for approximately 2,800 JPY (including delivery)

If staying more than 21 days , order a Smash Mobile SIM. Other providers tend to have short expiry.

Smash Mobile SIM cards are valid from 7 to 90 days. Top-up options:

• Extra data costs 3,800 JPY plus tax for 3GB
• Extra validity (only available on the unlimited plan) costs 5,500 JPY for 30 days

b-mobile SIM cards are valid for 10 or 21 days. Top-up options:

• Extra data costs 500 JPY per gigabyte
• Extra validity costs 500 JPY per day

Details of Smash Mobile can be found here: https://smashmobile.jp/travelers/

Details of b-mobile can be found here: https://www.bmobile.ne.jp/english/product.html

Details for the Japan Travel SIM can be found here .

Making phone calls with a Japanese SIM

Prepaid SIM cards for short-term visitors to Japan do not usually include local phone calls.

To make phone calls while in Japan I like to use a service such as Skype. Skype usually works well with a data connection and calls are 2-10 cents (USD) per minute depending on whether the call is going to a landline or mobile. For calling back home, I prefer using an app such as WhatsApp.

To receive phone calls in Japan , I’ve only ever tried using the app Line . I haven’t found a good solution to receiving phone calls from Japanese numbers while visiting Japan; let me know if you have a good idea.

It is apparently possible to receive calls with the Japan Travel SIM card (and its associated VoIP card) but I’ve never tried. I’ve also heard it’s possible using Softbank or a provider called Wi-Ho . These are the only ways I know of to get a phone number as a short-term visitor to Japan, a number that could be used by people outside the country can also use to call.

To find out more about the different options for calling people (and being called) while travelling, I wrote a helpful guide that can be found here: https://landinglastminute.com/calling-while-travelling-guide/

Roaming a Japanese SIM card to another country

The only Japanese SIM card I found that offers prepaid roaming (to other countries) that can be sold to a visitor to Japan is the IIJmio Global Travel SIM Service. This is the same company behind the Japan Travel SIM mentioned earlier in this guide. Prices start from around 6,800 JPY and it can be purchased from Bic Camera or online (Japanese only): https://www.iijmio.jp/gts/

References:

TRE SIM prices, it’s one of the SIM cards sold by JAL ABC

Japan Prepaid SIM prices, it’s also sold by JAL ABC

Japan Travel SIM prices (by iijmio)

So-net prices

b-mobile SIM card prices

Keikyu Travel SIM prices, it’s a re-branded iijmio travel SIM

Unari-kun prices, it too is sold by JAL ABC

Singaporean Starhub roaming prepaid options

Hong Kong Birdie roaming prepaid options

Australian Optus roaming prepaid options

American AT&T roaming passport

Tags: sim-card tokyo japan

• ← Visitor SIM Cards at Abu Dhabi Airport: An Arrivals Guide
• Taipei Airport Prepaid SIM Cards: A Map and Guide for Visitors →

Written by Chris who travels frequently for work and understands what it can be like to arrive somewhere new and unfamiliar.

I wrote Landing Last Minute to help the hurried traveler get necessary information about any destination.

Japan SIM Cards: Everything You Need To Know

by Melissa Giroux | Last updated Dec 3, 2023 | Asia , Japan , SIM Cards , Travel Tips

Visiting Japan soon? Make sure to know what to expect when it comes to purchasing a Japan SIM card .

Fortunately, Asia is one of the best places where you can buy a SIM card easily. You should be able to find a cheap SIM card pretty much anywhere in Asia. In fact, most data packages are affordable, which makes the whole thing easier!

In this guide, we’ll explain where to buy a SIM card in Japan in person and online. We’ll also discuss prepaid SIM cards and eSIMs if your mobile supports them.

Before you read this guide, you may wonder if you actually need a SIM card in Japan. If you don’t mind not having Internet, you’ll likely find free Wifi in restaurants, shopping malls, and hotels.

That said, if you need data to get around, call a cab, or translate Japanese – you may want to get a SIM card for your travels in Japan.

Best SIM Cards In Japan

If you’re traveling in Japan, we recommend using a SIM card from Mobal, SoftBank, B-mobile, or Airalo. (I’ll get back to Airalo later on, so keep reading to learn more!)

That said, if you’re planning on visiting other countries during your trip to Asia, you might want to make sure to pick an option that offers coverage in other Asian countries.

How To Buy A SIM Card In Japan

You can either buy a Japanese prepaid SIM card in person in some international airports, mobile provider stores, convenience stores, or online.

Usually, you can expect higher costs and low data offers at the airport, so we don’t recommend buying a SIM card at the airport.

That said, you won’t necessarily find SIM card shops in every airport, so it’s essential to keep this in mind. And, when you see a shop, you might also have limited options.

For this reason, I’d recommend buying a SIM card directly from the mobile provider store. Note that you may need your passport to buy one.

Although, this means you won’t get data right upon your arrival. So, if you prefer to be connected at all times, you could use an eSIM or purchase an Asia prepaid SIM card online.

Now, let’s take a look at the data plans offered by Mobal, SoftBank, and B-mobile.

Planning your upcoming adventures? Travel by bus! (It's cheap!)

Mobal SIM Cards

Mobal offers several different tourist plans:

• Unlimited data, valid for 8 days for JPY 3,990 ($26.62)
• Unlimited data, valid for 16 days for JPY 5,990 ($39.96)
• Unlimited data, valid for 31 days for JPY 7,490 ($49.07)
• Unlimited data, valid for 30 days for JPY 7,500 ($50.04)
• Unlimited data, valid for 60 days for JPY 12,000 ($80.06)
• Unlimited data, valid for 90 days for JPY 16,500 ($110.08)

SoftBank SIM Cards

Softbank offers a prepaid SIM for travelers, which includes:

• 3 GB data, valid for 31 days for JPY 1,650 ($11.01)

B-mobile SIM Cards

B-mobile offers two SIM-only plans for tourists:

• 5 GB, 10 days, JPY 1,980
• 7 GB, 21 days, JPY 2,970

Overall, we think Mobal is the best option if you plan to buy your SIM card in person. That said, any would do if you can’t find their store!

How To Buy A Japan Prepaid SIM Card Online

If you wish to have your SIM card ready for your arrival, you could purchase it online or on websites like Amazon.

You’ll find different plans on Amazon. For example, the Prepaid Asia-Pacific SIM Card works in more than 17 countries and gives you unlimited data for 14 days. Japan is included.

But there are many other options worth considering, so have a look and make sure the countries you plan on visiting are listed.

Browse your options on Amazon

Another option is to purchase a prepaid Asian SIM card on SimOptions .

They currently offer two data plans in Japan:

• 10 GB, valid for 30 days for $24.90
• 10 GB, valid for 14 days for $49.90

Browse your options on SimOptions

Alternatively, you can order a Japan SIM card that you can collect at the airport or directly at your hotel on jrailpass.com .

This is the website where you can purchase train passes for your travels in Japan. So, while you’re there, you can purchase a SIM card and a train pass.

Here’s an overview of the plans available:

• 10 GB, valid for 15 days for $45.12
• 10 GB, valid for 30 days for $51.75

Browse your options on Jrailpass.com

Finally, the last option is to buy an eSIM card for Japan or, if you’re traveling to multiple countries, an eSIM plan for Asia.

How To Buy An eSIM Card For Japan

eSIM is a new concept that allows you to have a virtual SIM card inside your phone. If your mobile phone supports eSIM cards – it’s definitely one of the best options to get data in Japan.

Curious? Learn more about eSIMs for travelers on eSIM Roamers .

I started using eSIM as soon as my mobile phone supported it. And I first tried it when visiting my family in Canada. To buy eSIMs, I usually use Airalo . Keep reading to learn more about the best eSIMs for Japan.

Airalo Japan

If you want to buy an eSIM for Japan, you could purchase one on Airalo .

This website offers many eSIM cards worldwide and special plans for Asia and Japan. I’ve been using Airalo for several months, and it works fine.

Here are the options available :

• Moshi Moshi: 1 GB, valid for 7 days for $4.50
• Moshi Moshi: 2 GB, valid for 15 days for $6.50
• Moshi Moshi: 3 GB, valid for 30 days for $8.50
• Moshi Moshi: 5 GB, valid for 30 days for $11.50
• Moshi Moshi: 10 GB, valid for 30 days for $18
• Moshi Moshi: 20 GB, valid for 30 days for $26

Here’s an overview of the options available for Asia :

• 1 GB, valid for 7 days for $5
• 3 GB, valid for 30 days for $13
• 5 GB, valid for 30 days for $20
• 10 GB, valid for 30 days for $37
• 50 GB, valid for 90 days for $100
• 100 GB, valid for 180 days for $185

The options mentioned above are part of Asialink and offer coverage in 14 countries, including Japan.

Alternatively, if you’re traveling in other countries that are not mentioned on the list, you can try Discover Global, which offers coverage in 87 countries, including Japan.

Here’s an overview of the options available on Discover Global :

• 1 GB, valid for 7 days for $9
• 3 GB, valid for 15 days for $24
• 5 GB, valid for 30 days for $35
• 10 GB, valid for 60 days for $59
• 20 GB, valid for 180 days for $89

Now, one important thing to note about Airalo is that you’ll need to keep an eye out for the provider in each country.

Suppose you ever have trouble connecting to the Internet during your trip. In that case, it might be because you’re connecting automatically to networks and need to select a network manually instead.

When you purchase the eSIM, you’ll get access to the list of networks supported in each country.

Go to Airalo

Japan Wireless

Japan Wireless offers two types of data plans in Japan. You can choose between a 30-day plan and a daily plan.

• 5 GB, valid for 30 days for $14.03
• 10 GB, valid for 30 days for $24.82
• 30 GB, valid for 30 days for $43.15
• 1 GB for $3.42/day
• 2 GB for $4.59/day
• 5 GB for $8.27/day

You can get a 10% discount by using my promo code: JWMELISSA.

Go to Japan Wireless

Holafly Japan

Alternatively, you could look at your options on Holafly . You can read our Holafly review to learn more about this eSIM store.

Here’s an overview of their plans for Japan:

• Unlimited data, valid for 5 days for $19
• Unlimited data, valid for 7 days for $27
• Unlimited data, valid for 10 days for $34
• Unlimited data, valid for 15 days for $47
• Unlimited data, valid for 20 days for $54
• Unlimited data, valid for 30 days for $64
• Unlimited data, valid for 60 days for $84
• Unlimited data, valid for 90 days for $99

Their Asia eSIM work in 12 countries (including Japan), and they offer the following plan:

• 8 GB data for 30 days for $47

Go to Holafly

Nomad Japan

Finally, Nomad is also a great eSIM provider.

Here’s an overview of the plans available for Japan:

• 1GB, valid for 7 days for $6
• 3GB, valid for 30 days for $15
• 5GB, valid for 30 days for $17
• 10GB, valid for 30 days for $50
• 20GB, valid for 30 days for $69

Nomad also has APAC , an eSIM plan for Asia. This plan offers coverage in Japan.

Here’s an overview:

Go to Nomad

Final Thoughts On SIM Cards In Japan

As you can see, getting a prepaid SIM card in Japan or even an eSIM for your travels in Japan is pretty straightforward.

You’ll even be able to stay connected wherever you go in Asia without changing your SIM card, especially if you purchase an Asia plan.

I believe the eSIM card is the most convenient way to get data in Japan if you wish to have data upon your arrival. This way, you won’t need to go to a store to buy a SIM card.

Obviously, you need to make sure your mobile phone supports eSIM first.

Traveling to Japan soon? Read one of the following blog posts:

• How many days in Tokyo
• Best cities to live in Japan
• Cheap accommodation Japan

MY TOP RECOMMENDATIONS

BOOK HOTEL ON BOOKING.COM

BOOK HOSTEL ON HOSTELWORLD

GET YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE

LEARN HOW TO START A TRAVEL BLOG

LEARN HOW TO VOLUNTEER ABROAD

• Pocket WiFi

Guide to Japanese SIM Cards for Travelers

Should you choose a SIM Card to travel in Japan?

Purchasing a prepaid SIM Card is one of many options for you to connect to the internet when traveling abroad.

Connection to the internet has become nowadays a MUST when traveling to a foreign country, and Japan is not the exception.

The question is: How useful is purchasing a SIM Card when traveling to Japan?

In this article, I will show you this guide to Japanese SIM Cards for travelers: from the variety of SIM Card services to connection speed, and even how to purchase a SIM Card.

I hope this information is useful for you when traveling to Japan.

*Please note that this article contains affiliate links.

Why choose a SIM Card

Since there are many options for you to choose from when it comes to internet connection, it is important to know the “Pros” and “Cons” of using a prepaid SIM Card.

What are the merits of buying a prepaid SIM Card (Pros)

• Relatively cheap
• Easy to use once you are connected
• After your visit, you just dispose of the SIM Card and that’s it.

What are the possible downsides of buying a prepaid SIM Card (Cons)

• Can only be used for one device
• It is not compatible with every mobile phone
• Services usually don’t do refunds if you’re mobile phone happens to not be compatible

5 Best SIM Card services in Japan

Here are 5 of the most popular SIM Card services that you will be able to find for your Japan trip.

Mobal is a MVNO(Mobile Virtual Network Operator) that offers unlimited data cards for 8 days, 16 days, and 31 days. They offer free shipping to most countries in the world as well as various pickup locations within Japan.

The biggest appealing point about mobal’s SIM Cards is that they offer both “data-only SIM” and “data+voice+sms SIM”. The latter one is more expensive, of course, but if being able to use the phone is a priority for you, this is your pick.

Official Website:  https://www.mobal.com/japan-sim-card/

2. Japan Wireless

Japan Wireless offers fixed data limit cards but at a relatively cheaper price. The prepaid SIM Card that they offer is for either 7 days, 15 days, or 30 days with a data amount of 500 MB/day.

Although they don’t offer international shipping, they can send the SIM Card to the airport of your arrival, the hotel where you’re staying, or the nearest post office from you. They also provide support via phone and email, both in English.

Official Website:  https://www.japan-wireless.com/en/rates

3. Simcard Geek

Simcard Geek offers both unlimited data cards and cards with a fixed data limit. Fixed data limit cards are slightly cheaper than unlimited data cards, so if you’re planning on not using the internet a lot, then this might be a good choice for you.

Simcard Geek also provides free worldwide shipping, but depending on the shipping location, it may take between 5 to 12 days in reaching you. So you will need to make the order quite in advance.

Official Website:  https://www.simcardgeek.com/product-category/japan-sim-cards-for-tourists/

4. Japan Travel SIM (IIJmio)

Japan Travel SIM does not have an official website where you can pre-order. But instead, you will find this SIM Card in most electronic shops across Japan. So if you rather go to a shop after getting to Japan to purchase your SIM Card, then this is your choice.

You can also find this SIM Card at Amazon.com, so it is also possible to get it before your trip to Japan.

They offer fixed data limit cards (1GB/30 days, 2GB/90 days) but are rechargeable within the validity period.

Official Website:  https://t.iijmio.jp/en/index.html

5. U-mobile SIM

U-mobile SIM provides data-only SIM cards with a fixed data limit. The prepaid SIM Card that they offer is for either 7 days or 15 days, with a data amount of 220MB/day. This 220MB is high-speed data and if you pass this data amount, your connection speed will fall to 200kbps.

U-mobile SIM is available at the shop counters in the major airports in Japan. You can also find them at Narita airport’s SIM vending machines. Although they don’t provide support and data amount is limited, it is by far the cheapest option.

Official Website:  http://umobile.jp/lp/prepaid_eng/

How to Buy SIM Cards in Japan

There are several ways you can purchase a prepaid SIM Card.

• At the airport: There are shop counters at the major airports in Japan. But be aware that these counters are not opened 24 hours. You can also find SIM Card vending machines at Narita Airport, although they are charged with a surcharge.
• At electronic shops:  SIM Cards can be purchased pretty much at any electronic shop in Japan. If you’re in Tokyo, you shouldn’t have any problem finding a shop where they have prepaid SIM Cards. The largest electronic shops are “Bic Camera”, “Yodobashi Camera”, and “Yamada Denki”.
• Online: Many MVNOs have their own website where you can preorder your SIM Card before coming to Japan. Some services have international free shipping, some have specific points of pick-up such as airports, and others will send it to the hotel where you’re staying. Other than MVNOs, you can also find online travel agencies that offer this service such as Klook. Amazon.com also has SIM Cards that you can buy before your trip.

Some WiFi rental services will also have the option to provide a prepaid SIM Card if that’s the option you want to go with. At Japan Wireless, you can purchase a SIM Card from their website.

Order your prepaid SIM Card online!!

Which is Better in Japan, SIM Card or Pocket WiFi

Another thing I would like to suggest is to rent a pocket WiFi. You can rent a Pocket WiFi online just the same as you would a SIM Card, and pick it up at the airport of your arrival or the hotel you’re staying at.

Here is a chart comparing SIM Card purchasing vs Pocket WiFi rental.

• Speed: Both, SIM Card and Pocket WiFi have a high-speed internet connection, even though when it comes to the SIM Card there is usually a daily limit of high-speed connection.
• Coverage: Again, both options have a wide coverage when it comes to internet connection.
• Cost: Although the pocket WiFi rental isn’t that expensive to begin with, it is usually cheaper to buy a SIM Card.
• Practicality: The SIM Card is more practical in the sense that you don’t need to carry around an extra device and worry about the remaining battery amount. Also, in the case of the pocket WiFi rental, it is necessary to return the device (even though not complicated), which is something you don’t need to worry about in the case of a SIM Card.
• Multi-device: The biggest weakness of the SIM Card is the fact that you can use the internet connection only for one device. On the other hand, the pocket WiFi is able to connect multiple devices at once.
• Heavy using: Prepaid SIM Cards tend to have a daily limit amount of high-speed data, and afterwords the connection slows down. Some pocket WiFi also have this problem, but there are also some pocket WiFi rental services that provide unlimited high-speed internet connection.
• Compatibility: If you’ve never used a SIM Card before, then this might be your biggest concern. First, you need to make sure that the mobile phone you’re taking to Japan is unlocked. After that, you need to make sure the SIM Card you’re purchasing is compatible with your mobile phone. This is a concern you won’t have in the case of a pocket WiFi device.

FAQ about SIM Cards in Japan

Q1. How can I install and activate the prepaid SIM card?

This actually depends on the service you’re using. Most SIM Cards are as simple as inserting it into your mobile phone and following the instructions. Sometimes a brief registration process is required in order to proceed, but most times you don’t have to do that.

Q2. How can I know if my mobile phone is compatible with a SIM card?

First, you have to make sure that your mobile phone is unlocked or is a SIMfree mobile phone. If your mobile phone is locked, that means you can’t use the network of carriers other than yours.

Another thing that you need to know is the size of your SIM card. Most SIM card services provide all sizes, but sometimes that is not the case. So be sure to ask before purchasing.

If your mobile phone is relatively new, you have a good chance that you won’t have compatibility problems. But just to make sure, you can search the compatibility of your mobile phone by visiting the “willmyphonework” website.

Willmyphonework Website: https://willmyphonework.net/

Another thing you can do is just ask your mobile phone provider if it’ll be compatible.

Q3. What other alternatives are there to connect to the internet in Japan?

Other than purchasing a prepaid SIM Card and renting a pocket WiFi, there are many other ways you can get access to the internet.

First, there is the Free WiFi That many companies provide. You can find it in airports, train stations, hotels, and some cafes. There are also services where you can rent an entire phone with data included. There is also the option of international roaming which you would have to discuss with your phone provider.

An unconventional way would also be to go to an Internet Cafe. But that would be inconvenient unless you are interested in the experience itself.

As you can see from the previous comparison chart, both the SIM Card and the pocket WiFi have their own strengths and weaknesses.

Prepaid SIM Cards are practical in the sense that you don’t need to carry an extra device, you don’t need to return anything at the end of your journey, and the setting is fairly easy as long as it is compatible.

On the other hand, the pocket WiFi is good for multiple device connectivity and heavy internet usage. You also don’t need to worry about device compatibility.

Personally, I would recommend renting a pocket WiFi. If you’re traveling in a group, it would be cheaper to rent a pocket WiFi as opposed to buying several SIM Cards. Even if you’re traveling alone, it is most possible you’ll have more than one device you’d like to connect to the internet. Plus, the pocket WiFi device is not bulky so it won’t be much of a bother, and returning the device is as easy as putting the set in any postbox in the country.

Now that I have recommended you to rent a pocket WiFi, the next question would be: where can you get a pocket WiFi device?

Usually, you can order one online and the device will be sent to either the airport of your arrival or the hotel you’re staying at for you to pick up.

There are many companies that offer pocket WiFi rental services. Here is an article where I compared some of the most popular pocket WiFi rental companies. I also provide discount coupons at the moment, so don’t miss this chance.

<<Which Pocket WiFi Rental Company is the Best in Japan?>>

To get more useful information for traveling in Japan, check out these articles below too!

▶︎Japan WiFi Perfect Guide: How to Get Internet Connection in Japan

▶︎Do I Need a Rental Pocket WiFi in Japan?

▶︎Best Pocket WiFi Rental in Tokyo

▶︎How to Find and Use Free WiFi in Japan

▽Related Articles▽

▼Editor’s Picks▼

Born and raised in Costa Rica, I started living in Tokyo from college. I love traveling within Japan & around the world. Since I wasn’t born in Japan, I know the cultural impact that you can get when visiting Japan for the first time and what you might be worried about before your trip. And I’ve lived long enough to somewhat understand the nuances of the Japanese culture that make this country such an attractive place to visit. Hopefully I can provide to you both the information you’re looking for and the information you didn’t know you needed to know.

• Tokyo Cheapo (繁體中文)

The Best eSIMs for Visiting Japan — Tested and Compared

eSIMs are perfect for traveling. Worrying about SIM trays or losing tiny SIMs between the sofa cushions is finally a thing of the past! What’s more, the Japan eSIM market has exploded, with a wide range of offerings from both domestic and international players. To help you choose the best eSIM for your trip, we tried out all the eSIMs that we could get our hands on.

You can get an eSIM with a real Japanese phone number, even if you're just visiting. The voice + data eSIM from Mobal starts at [price amount=4620] for 30 days. Bonus -- the bulk of profits go to charity. -->

Japan eSIMs tested and compared

First, here’s a summary of what we found when we tested the eSIMs: If you’re curious, here’s how we tested the Japan eSIMs .

What exactly is an eSIM?

It’s a virtual SIM that you can download and install onto your phone directly, so no more fiddly physical SIM cards. Most phones released since 2019 have the option to use an eSIM, with Apple’s US iPhone 14 and 15 being eSIM only. eSIMs are convenient when you want to change your carrier, such as when abroad, as you can connect to a new provider in seconds without removing your existing physical SIM card.

Japan eSIMs for tourists and short-term visitors

Here’s a quick overview of some of the Japan eSIM options for your trip. This is not an exhaustive list; just an introduction to some of the main players in the market.

eSIM Japan: Affordable, reliable and easy

eSIM Japan offers economical data-only plans for visitors to Japan. Their plans come in two varieties: a general Japan plan, and city-specific plans for Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and more. They are all the same price, and for all intents and purposes are the same as the general plans. However, all plans work throughout Japan.

When we ordered the 2GB/day Japan Unlimited Pro eSIM, a QR code landed in our inbox immediately, so you can even decide to pick one up while waiting to pick up your luggage at the airport. The time from purchase to use took less than 15 minutes.

The plan begins as soon as you scan the code and install the eSIM. Plans have a set time limit (3, 5, 7, 12, 15, or even 90 days) and a data limit (3GB, 5GB, 10GB, or unlimited), so you can choose a plan that works for the length of your trip. Plan prices vary based on length, from US$ 3.99 for a basic 3-day plan, to US$ 26.99 for an unlimited 12-day plan.

eSIM Japan is provided by China Mobile Hong Kong, but roams to Japan’s KDDI au and SoftBank networks (you’ll need to enable roaming to use it). Despite the roaming, it was fairly fast, with a download speed of 38.27Mbps on average. Webpages loaded in a flash, and both video calling and streaming were smooth, with no lags.

Note: If you are in Hong Kong or Taiwan, you’ll need to use real-name registration. Otherwise, no signup is required.

Mobal eSIMs: Best for emergencies and heavy data users

Popular local provider Mobal recently launched a line of eSIMs for Japan. They sell seven different data-only eSIMs, ranging from a basic 1GB, 8-day eSIM for ¥ 1,920 , all the way up to a hefty 100GB, 31-day eSIM for ¥ 8,000 . They also have a voice and data SIM.

Mobal uses the major Japanese network Docomo, which means that you won’t be roaming. It’s 4G LTE and coverage is countrywide. For activation of the data SIMs, it takes about 15 minutes. We received an email with a link to their service website after 5 minutes. This led us to a page where we waited for our eSIM QR code to be ready for another 10 minutes.

In terms of performance, Mobal is about middle of the pack, at an average of 24.76Mbps. Websites loaded quickly, and video calling was fairly smooth. Overall, it’s a solid, reliable eSIM.

Mobal voice + data eSIM for Japan

There is also a voice + data eSIM , which has an initial fee of ¥ 2,970 . When you activate your eSIM, you’ll need to choose a monthly plan, ranging from 1GB/month for ¥ 1,650 , to 30GB/month for ¥ 4,378 . There is no minimum contract period, and there are no cancellation fees, making it a viable choice for both travellers and residents alike. You get a real Japanese phone number with this eSIM. We tested out the 7GB plan.

Note: Due to regulations in Japan, the voice + data eSIM cannot be emailed to customers; your access code will need to be posted to your residence overseas, or otherwise picked up in person in Japan. You need to apply in advance, upload an ID document and wait for a delivery. Once you get your package in the mail, you need to activate your Mobal eSIM on the Mobal website. You’ll enter a 32-digit EID, then wait for Mobal to activate your eSIM and provision your new Japanese phone number. Technical support is available via email and a web form, though most questions can usually be solved by having a peek at Mobal’s FAQs page.

Airalo: Good performance from a trusted brand

Special offer: Order through our link and get 10% off. The discount is automatically applied at checkout.

If you’re in the market for speed, Airalo isn’t going to play games with you. Airalo eSIMs roam on SoftBank, one of Japan’s major carriers, offering dependable data on the go. Their Moshi Moshi eSIM line of eSIMs has 7, 15, and 30-day packages. The 7-day package is the bare minimum, with only 1GB of data for US$ 4.50 . The 15-day plan offers 2GB, and at the upper end, the 30-day plans come in 3, 5, 10, and 20GB increments. For those of you who burn through your data, that 20GB package will set you back US$ 26.00 .

Getting the Airalo eSIM took no time at all. We signed up for the 2GB/15-day Moshi Moshi eSIM, and after paying, we were immediately taken to a page with our eSIM QR code waiting. We were 100% good to go within 15 minutes. Note that sign-up is required for this eSIM.

When it came to our speed test, this eSIM left all of its competitors in the dust. Our testing had a lightning fast average download speed of 141.61Mbps. Websites loaded almost instantly, and YouTube videos didn’t stop to buffer once. Even our awkward video calls didn’t make this eSIM break a sweat. If you’re the sort of person who really works your data to the bone, Airalo is a good choice.

Ubigi: Solid performance with easy order and setup process

Ubigi is a global eSIM provider currently offering eSIMs for over 200 destinations. A relatively new name in the Japanese eSIM market, they nonetheless have plans to cover most needs. From economical single day 500MB plans for ¥ 390 to beefy month-long plans with 50GB of data for ¥ 9,700 , there’s something for all travelers.

Ordering from Ubigi is a snap. Once we paid, we had a QR code emailed to us in seconds. One quick scan, and we were ready to go. Like most others on this list, Ubigi works with NTT Docomo for reliable coverage across Japan. The company behind Ubigi is Transatel, which is actually owned by NTT.

We tried the 3GB Ubigi eSIM. In our testing, we experienced average speeds of 73.72Mbps, and webpages loaded in a flash. YouTube playback was smooth with no buffering, and our video calls were lag-free. Overall, at this price point, Ubigi offers excellent quality and speed that make them a strong contender.

World eSIM: Good speed from a trusted Japanese provider

World eSIM is brought to you by Vision Inc. — the folks behind travel wifi name Ninja Wifi . They have nine Japan eSIMs, with various combinations of data and validity periods. We ordered the 3GB/5-day plan for US$ 8.50 , but you can also get 5GB/10-day, 10GB/15-day, and 15GB/20-day eSIMs. If you prefer to get a daily amount of data, there are 500MB/day x 3 days ( US$ 4.50 ), 1GB/day and 2GB/day options.

Getting our eSIM was straightforward. After signing up on the World eSIM website, we paid and had a QR code sent to our email instantly. A quick scan, and we were ready to go. Download speeds averaged 99.15Mbps, and our streaming was smooth. We found that this was one of the best eSIMs for video calling, during our test. It’s a solid choice, overall.

Sakura Mobile: Trusted local Japan provider

An established SIM and wifi provider that’s popular with people staying in Japan both short and long term, Sakura Mobile also has a line of eSIMs. Prices scale depending on how long you’ll be staying (up to a maximum of 90 days), and how much data you want. Their cheapest option — a 3-day, 1GB data-only travel eSIM, costs ¥ 2,100 .

We tested the 3-day, 3GB data-only eSIM, which cost ¥ 2,750 . There was no option to install it directly through the Sakura Mobile website; the QR code and instructions were emailed to us. The user interface was a little clunky, but we managed to get the eSIM set up in under 15 minutes. We didn’t need to activate roaming to use it.

In terms of performance, Sakura Mobile’s download speeds averaged 84.46Mbps, although they varied significantly across test platforms. Video playback as well as calling was smooth, though, and we were satisfied with the overall performance.

Jetpac: Good price and performance

Singapore-based eSIM player Jetpac have a range of plans for Japan, starting from 3GB for ¥ 1,500 and going up to 25GB for ¥ 3,765 . When we did our test, there was also a promotional 1GB plan for ¥ 150 . We opted for the 3GB eSIM, however. Once we had paid, the Jetpac eSIM was provisioned instantly.

When it comes to speed, the Jetpac eSIM was one of the top performers during our tests. Download speeds averaged an impressive 122.7Mbps, and streaming as well as video calling was super smooth.

You need to enable roaming to use the SIM, though once up and running it will roam on the local SoftBank and KDDI networks. Jetpac pushes customers towards their app, but it’s not actually necessary to download it. A nice little perk is that the Jetpac eSIM gives you access to 1,100 airport lounges around the world; you can use them in the event of a flight delay or cancellation.

Which is better for your Japan trip: An eSIM, or a physical SIM card?

Even with more providers arriving on the scene, the options with physical SIMs are still superior to what you can get with eSIMs. For example, only one of the eSIMs listed here includes a Japanese phone number with calling ability (that’s Mobal ). So if you’d like something more inconvenient but with better options, check out our guide to prepaid SIM cards for travel to Japan .

Also, keep in mind that you might need a second device to install an eSIM, as the second will display the QR code for your first device to scan. If you don’t have a second device, you’ll need some help to install the code — perhaps by asking someone to take a photo of your QR code and then scanning it from their phone.

How did we test the Japan eSIMs?

First of all, a disclaimer: Testing the performance of eSIMs is inherently difficult, due to transient network conditions. You can test the same connection, on the same phone, in the same place, twice in a five-minute interval and get two completely different results for speed and latency.

For our most recent test, we rented six identical Google Pixel 7a handsets, and took them to a studio in Tokyo to test out the eSIMs mentioned in this article. While our video producer recorded the tests, our CEO installed the eSIMs and went through the following:

• Five speed tests, all using the Ookla app and different test servers, assessing the download and upload speeds (we did four tests for upload speeds), as well as latency
• Watched videos on YouTube to assess streaming capabilities
• Made short video calls to look for lag

Our CEO then retested some of the eSIMs the following day, at a different location in Tokyo, to compare results. Due to both Mobal and Sakura Mobile experiencing severe throttling on the initial test day, we have used the data from the second day for their eSIMs.

Some of the eSIMs had to be run on the same device, meaning that not all tests were simultaneous. We know that our testing method isn’t perfect, but it gave us a good idea of the performance of the different eSIMs. We excluded some eSIMs from the article where we had concerns about the ordering process, performance or pricing.

A word on speed tests: We strongly recommend that you don’t run speed tests with your eSIM, as they BURN through data. A single test could use 300MB or more!

While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change. Prices are approximate. This post was first published in October, 2020 and was last updated by Carey Finn on April 1st, 2024.

閱讀中文版本: 去日本旅行的最佳eSIM卡推介

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SIM cards for use within Japan | JAL ABC

• JAPAN HANDS-FREE TRAVEL
• DATA SIM & MOBILE
• AIRPORT COUNTERS
• Sending luggage from the airport
• Sending luggage to the airport
• Haneda Airport
• Tokyo Station
• Luggage Storage Service

SIM cards for use within Japan

• WiFi rental service
• Mobile phones rental service
• Narita International Airport Terminal1
• Narita International Airport Terminal2
• Haneda Airport Terminal2
• Haneda Airport Terminal3
• Kansai International Airport Terminal1
• Chubu International Airport Terminal1

  Exclusive coupon for website visitors

When applying at the airport counter, please mention coupon code 3105 to the counter staff. Reservations are not required.

Prepaid SIM cards that can be used easily in Japan are sold at each airport counter. Please purchase when you access the counter directly. If the data usage is unlimited, it can be used more economically than WiFi rental depending on the period of use

Only at Kansai Airport, started selling "Sumikkogurashi" SIM card

Started selling "Sumikkogurashi" SIM cards ONLY at SIM card vending machines at Kansai Airport! ※Not available at Narita and Haneda airports. Thank you for your understanding.

"Sumikkogurashi"SIM Card Purchase Location

　■Location 　　 Kansai International Airport Arrival floor（1F） SIM Card Vending Machine

Vending Machine

"Sumikkogurashi" SIM cards can only be purchased from vending machines on the arrival floor of Kansai International Airport.

Available for purchase 24 hours a day

■Product ・"Sumikkogurashi"SIM ・Unlimited Japan Prepaid SIM（7・15・30days）

• 1．Please purchase the SIM card after checking device compatibility.
• 2．We are unable to provide refunds or exchanges after purchase.

Purchase airports

▼sim lineup for sale at narita airport, purchase counters.

     Location    

　　Narita International Airport Terminal1 　　Arrival floor（1F） 　　 (South Wing/North Wing)

Business Hours

　　6：30 a.m. ～ 1 hour after the last flight on arrival

　　Narita International Airport Terminal2 　　Arrival floor（1F）

　　6：00 a.m. ～ 1 hour after the last flight on arrival

▼SIM lineup for sale at Haneda Airport

　　Haneda Airport terminal3 　　Arrival floor（2F）

　　24 hours　*1:00 a.m.～4:00 a.m.　counter closed

▼SIM lineup for sale at Kansai Airport

　　Kansai International Airport 　　Arrival floor（1F）

　　7:00 a.m. ～ 10:30 p.m.

・"Sumikkogurashi"SIM card ・Unlimited Prepaid Japan SIM card（7days, 15days, 30days）

　　Narita International Airport Terminal1 　　Arrival floor（1F） 　　(South Wing/North Wing)

　　6:30 a.m. ～ 1 hour after the last flight on arrival

SIM card lineup

A wide variety of SIM card types are available. Select one based on how long you are here for and how much data you intend to use.

No more worries about how much data you've used

Unlimited Type

( 7 days・ 15 days・ 30 days)

The perfect SIM card for an extended Japan stay

Limited Type

Unlimited sim cards, unari-kun sim.

On sale at Narita International Airport only

Unari-kun is a hybrid of an eel, a local delicacy of Narita, and an airplane. This character package is popular with a character that looks more like a dolphin than an eel.

  Purchase Counters  

▼narita international airport terminal1.

Arrival floor（1F）

Business Hours：6:00～the last flight on arrival

▼Narita International Airport Terminal2

Unlimited Japan Prepaid SIM

On sale at Haneda International Airport and Kansai International Airport！

Original SIM card with JAL ABC logo

▼Haneda Airport International Terminal

Arrival floor（2F）

Business Hours：24hours

▼Kansai International Airport

Business Hours：6:00～22:30

Limited data type

Inexpensive, convenient SIM cards

Since the bandwidth of the communication carrier is used directly, communication speed does not decrease even during times when communication usage increases, leading to solid communication quality. Recommended for people that do not use large amounts of data.

JAPAN PREPAID SIM 5GB

Payment Methods

Payment by cash or credit card.

Credit cards that are accepted

You can choose one of the following payment methods.

Credit Card

Purchased at JAL ABC airport counters located in the arrival lobbies of the following airports:

• ■ Please purchase the SIM card after checking device compatibility.
• ■ We are unable to provide refunds or exchanges after purchase.

Can SIM cards be used in any type of smartphone?

Not every SIM card can be used in every smartphone. Please check in advance to see whether or not your smartphone matches the conditions listed below.

①Usable waveband 【Band 1（2100MHz）,Band 19（800MHz）,Band 21（1500MHz）Band 3（1800MHz）】 ②Devices with a technical standards compliance mark, US FCC Mark, or EEA CE marking.

After purchase, it is possible to exchange the SIM for another product?

Sorry, but we are unable to provide refunds, exchanges, or size changes after purchase.

Can you get the SIM card working with my device (perform APN settings, etc.) at time of purchase?

Sorry, but we are unable to perform such settings. Please perform the settings yourself.

Other Data SIM＆Mobile Services

• JAPAN – 3 Days
• JAPAN – 5 Days
• JAPAN – 7 Days
• JAPAN – 10 Days
• JAPAN – 15 Days
• JAPAN – 20 Days
• JAPAN – 30 Days
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Where to Buy a SIM Card at Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT)

Welcome to Tokyo! Getting a local SIM card should be one of the first things to do when you land at Narita International Airport. This will allow you to have cellular data coverage and make calls during your stay in Japan. Buying a SIM card at Narita International Airport is convenient, easy, and cost-effective. Here is a complete guide on how and where to buy a SIM card Narita Airport.

Table of Contents

I. Where to buy a SIM card at Tokyo Narita Airport?

Narita Airport offers several options for buying a SIM card Narita Airport. One option is to order one online before your trip and then pick it up upon arrival. Another option is to purchase one immediately from a vending machine or store counter located in the airport. Here are some of the providers that offer Tokyo Narita Airport SIM Card:

1. SoftBank Global Rental Counter 

SoftBank operates counters in both Terminals 1 and 2 at Narita Airport where they exclusively sell SIM cards. Follow signs indicating the locations of the carrier sections.

If you want to buy a prepaid SIM card or get a temporary phone plan while at the airport, you don’t need to show an ID. You can pay with a credit card/cash. Data-only SIM cards start at about $10 for 1 GB of data good for 1 month. Some options give you more data and last longer, up to 6 months.

• Opening hours : Daily from 4:30 to 23:00
• Location : on the area outside customs inspection before the arrival hall, Terminal 1.

2. Bic Camera 

Although SIM card sales aren’t mentioned directly on the website of Narita Airport, Bic Camera near the arrival area in Terminal 2 has a good choice of data SIMs from major Japanese carriers. The electronics store is a reliable place to find SIM options after arriving in Terminal 2.

• Opening hours : Everyday from 7:30 to 21:00
• Location : in the main building on the 4th floor, terminal 2.

3. Narita Travel Service Center

The JR EAST Travel Service Centers at Narita Airport sell SIM card from major Japanese providers like Docomo, AU, and Softbank. There are two locations in the airport: one in Terminal 1 and 3 Station, and the other is located at 1-1 in Terminal 2.

• Opening hours : Daily from 8:30 to 19:00
• Terminal 1 – 3 at Narita Airport
• Terminal 2 at Narita Airport

4. 7-Eleven

Three 7-Eleven stores at Narita Airport sell prepaid SIM card Narita Airport – one in Terminal 1, one in Terminal 2, and another in Terminal 3. They are open 24 hours and provide SIMs from Docomo, AU, and SoftBank. A 7-day SIM card costs around 26 USD.

• Opening hours : 24/7
• Terminal 1 : On the first floor before passing through security, look near the exits for arrival passengers. Follow signs for the “Bus Terminal” area.
• Terminal 2 : Also on the first floor before security, check near the exits on the west side of the terminal and the bus stop zone.

Purchasing a SIM card at Lawson in Narita Airport is very convenient for international travelers arriving in Japan. Lawson is a major convenience store with locations in both terminals. They sell Tokyo Narita Airport SIM cards from major carriers preloaded with data that can be used right away without registration. Popular short-term options include 1-day packages with 1-2GB of data for $13-20 USD. Help is available in-store in English.

• Opening hours : 4:30 am – 10:00 pm Daily
• Terminal 1:  Outside customs and quarantine, before you exit into the arrivals area.
• Terminal 2 : In the basement shopping area, near the food court. Take the elevator or stairs downstairs.

6. Vending Machine

In both terminals by the international gates, look for Bic Camera vending machines selling SIM cards. 7-11 and Lawson outside also have machines. More machines are by the info desks and deeper inside take coins/bills. Prices match stores. The machines let you buy a SIM without checkout line waits. Bring Japanese cash as they only take money, not cards.

• Opening hours : Daily 24/7
• Terminal 1: 1st Floor in Central Building – Near the South Wing area on the first floor, or Basement 1
• Terminal 2: 1st Floor in the main building
• Terminal 3: 1st Floor in the main building

Most Tokyo Narita Airport SIM card can be activated on the spot. Prices range from around 16 – 33 USD for prepaid data SIMs depending on the data allowance. Make sure to have your passport on hand. Hope this helps you find a SIM easily at Narita Airport!

II. What You Need to Prepare for Getting a SIM Card Narita Airport

Here are some tips on what to have ready when purchasing your SIM card Narita Airport:

• Passport : This is mandatory to present as proof of identity when buying a SIM card.
• SIM card compatible device : Your phone needs to be unlocked and support the frequencies used in Japan. Most modern smartphones are compatible, including iPhones and Android devices.
• Credit/debit card or cash : Most places accept credit/debit card payments. But it is wise to also carry some cash in Yen in case you encounter any stores that only accept cash. ATMs are available at the airport to withdraw cash.
• Japan travel itinerary : Have an idea of your travel dates within Japan. SIM card plans are available for 1 week, 2 weeks, or even a monthly duration. Pick one that covers your entire trip.
• Activation instructions : Read the activation guide provided with your SIM card properly. You may need to provide personal details or activate the SIM online before it starts working.

Following the above preparations will ensure your SIM card Narita Airport is activated quickly when you land in Tokyo, allowing you to get connected right away.

III. eSIM as Alternative to SIM Card Narita Airport

Besides physical SIM card Narita Airport, eSIM (embedded SIM) is a popular digital alternative available at Narita Airport. Here are some benefits of choosing an eSIM over a regular SIM card Narita Airport when traveling to Japan:

• Convenience : eSIM allows you to activate a data plan digitally on your phone without having to physically insert a SIM card. This saves you time at the airport.
• Flexibility : You can switch eSIM providers easily without having to remove and change SIM cards. This gives the flexibility to find the best rate or switch plans during your trip.
• Dual SIM functionality : eSIM lets you have your existing home SIM and a Japan SIM active simultaneously on your phone. This dual SIM ability is useful for receiving calls/messages from home.

By utilizing an eSIM from esimjapan.net , travelers can avoid roaming charges and access affordable data to help them navigate Japan freely. Visit esimjapan.net to explore options for keeping connected smoothly during your trip. A digital SIM chip provides a convenient cellular solution: 

IV. FAQs on Buying SIM/eSIM at Narita Airport

Can i buy a sim card late at night or early morning at narita airport.

Yes, you can buy SIM cards anytime as some stores like 7-Eleven and the Telephone Card Shop are open 24 hours a day.

Do SIM card shops at Narita Airport accept credit/debit cards or is it cash only?

Most SIM card providers accept major credit cards including Visa and Mastercard, as well as debit cards like Cirrus. However, some smaller resellers may only take cash payments in Japanese Yen.

Which network provider has the best SIM card or eSIM plan for Japan travel?

SoftBank, AU, Docomo, and esimjapan.net are some recommended options. Compare their coverage, speeds, prices, and validity to find one that best fits your trip. SoftBank generally has the widest coverage in Japan.

Can tourists get eSIM plans for Japan or is it only for residents?

Many eSIM providers like esimjapan.net and Always Online Wireless cater specifically to travelers and offer affordable short-term plans. As a tourist, you can get eSIM in Japan, just check the provider’s website beforehand.

What is the average cost of a SIM card or eSIM plan for 2 weeks in Japan?

A 2-week Japan SIM card typically costs around 30 USD. eSIM plans to start at USD 8 and go up depending on the data allowance. For 15 days, an eSIM may cost about USD 30 for 15GB of data.

V. Final Words

In summary, Tokyo Narita International Airport has multiple convenient options to purchase SIM cards or eSIM for your phone. Visit the dedicated SIM card Narita Airport outlets like Narita Travel Service Center or 7-Eleven for guaranteed authentic cards at standard rates. Do some research to find a provider and plan a duration that suits your Japan travel needs. For ultimate flexibility, consider eSIM. Follow the necessary preparation steps outlined earlier for a smooth experience. Enjoy your trip!

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I am looking to buy a data sim card for 3 weeks at Haneda airport, Terminal 3 on arrival.

Which service provider is the best to go with?

Any other advice?

It's for a Samsung A53 unlocked phone.

3 replies to this topic

Any provider .. just find the booths as you exit customs

https://tokyo-haneda.com/en/service/facilities/cellular_phone_rental.html

Consider ordering one ahead of time from Amazon. One less thing to deal with at the airport.

https://tokyocheapo.com/business/internet/prepaid-cheap-japan-sim-card-options/

BIC Camera at Haneda Airport.

https://tokyo-haneda.com/en/shop_and_dine/detail/tenant_00215.html?timestamp=1712310060386

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Goodbye pocket Wi-Fi: Shared data roaming is the new travel essential you need on your next trip

Already have Rappler+? Sign in to listen to groundbreaking journalism.

This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.

Nowadays, a reliable internet connection is essential when traveling abroad, as it enables you to get a ride from the airport to your accommodation, use maps, communicate (plus bargain!) with locals using translation apps, and so much more.

But with the several options out there, how do you choose the best way to be connected? While pocket Wi-Fis and international SIM cards are common options, savvy travelers are now beginning to opt for roaming services. Here are some reasons why roaming services are the better choice, especially Globe’s latest offering: Roam Surf4All, the first and only one of its kind in the market today.

It lets you do your thing, alone or together 

Pocket Wi-Fi users are familiar with having to stick together – or else they will lose their internet connection. Unless there are two or more pocket Wi-Fis, it’s difficult to split into groups or go on solo adventures. 

But that wouldn’t be a problem with a data roaming service, especially with Globe’s Roam Surf4All’s latest innovation. This new offering lets you share your data roaming service with your travel buddies without staying close. If some of you want to go shopping, while others prefer indulging in food crawls or perhaps taking time for themselves, you can split up and pursue your own itineraries with ease. 

It lets you access and enjoy more online services

Since the network bandwidth is not shared, you can enjoy up to 5G speeds abroad with roaming services versus the slower speeds of a shared pocket Wi-Fi. You also won’t experience daily connection slowdowns and browse at normal speeds (as long as you have sufficient GBs). 

There will also be no need to restrict your usage. Whether you want to browse social media, share unlimited content, or keep up with your favorite dramas online, you can do so without worries about compromising the connection of your travel buddies.

It’s more convenient, secure, and reliable

There are so many things you need to do when traveling abroad – booking flights and accommodations, applying for visas, booking tours, buying tickets to attractions, and so on. 

When you get to your destination, picking up local SIM cards or a pocket Wi-Fis at late hours can be an extra hassle. Not to mention that pocket Wi-Fi providers might ask for a security deposit before handing over the device. You also can’t afford to leave it to chance and rely on public Wi-Fi, which risks endangering your personal and financial information. Save yourself from the trauma of getting hacked in a foreign country!

But if you just choose to use your data roaming services, all you have to do is register to the Roam Surf4All promo and turn on your mobile data and data roaming once you land in your destination. And since your SIM is active, you have no problem receiving OTPs and activating promos. 

Once you arrive at the airport of your destination, you can relax and have your first authentic meal instead. When it’s time to leave, you don’t need to allocate extra time in the airport to return it, too (and worry about not getting back your security deposit if you lose your rented pocket Wi-Fi device.)

It lets you save and protects you from bill shock 

People used to think data roaming services would result in bill shock. But that’s not the case. There are promos with fixed charges that you can subscribe to so you know exactly what you need to pay for, just like Globe’s Roam Surf4All.

Since these subscriptions are shareable, you can split the cost with the people you’re traveling with, making it all the more affordable. You can also set a data limit per member, allowing you to stay within the data allocation, monitor each member’s usage, and add or remove a member anytime through the GlobeOne app. 

Globe’s Roam Surf4All promos start at P2,599 for 5 GB worth of data for five days for up to five users. That’s only P104 per person per day. For group travelers who will have longer stays, there’s also a RoamSurf4All plan P5,499 for 10 GB that can last for 15 days for only P73 per person for a day and a RoamSurf4All plan P7499 for 12 GB that can last for 30 days for only P50 per person per day.  Check out the graphic below for the other promos:

Getting started with Roam Surf4All is simple. To register:

• Access the GlobeOne app
• Click Buy Promos
• Click More Promos Abroad
• Look for the Roam Surf4All promo you prefer

Once successfully registered to the promo, you can manage your data and add up to four Globe/TM members!

Easily add members to your group data:

• Click “Add Member” in the group data dashboard
• Click the Phonebook icon to choose from the contact list or manually type in the number of the member
• Once added, both owner and member will be notified

Upon arrival abroad, members can just turn on their Mobile Data and Data Roaming to start browsing. Do remember that the promo validity of Roam Surf4All starts upon registration. 

I used to be one of those Globe postpaid subscribers slash bill shock believers but after having tried the data roaming service while I was traveling in Europe and Japan, my perception has changed. It’s indeed an easier way to be connected, since Globe has worldwide coverage in over 100 countries, making it ideal for cross-country trips. 

Just register for one RoamSurf4All promo and you’ll be able to use it with any Roam Surf partner. No need to worry about losing connection or connecting to unsecured public Wi-Fi during layovers or wherever you are.

My subscription was also just charged along with my monthly postpaid bill so it was convenient to settle after coming home from my trip.

Stay connected wherever you go with Globe’s Roam Surf4All – available for Globe Postpaid, Prepaid, and TM subscribers. For Prepaid and TM users, Roam Surf4All is available on both GCash and GlobeOne. – Rappler.com

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6 Best SIM Cards at Kansai Airport | Unlimited Data Options

Published on 2022-07-19 by Sakura Mobile

In order to enjoy your trip to Japan to the fullest, you are going to need to get a SIM card soon after you arrive at Kansai Airport.

However, there are many different providers that you could choose from, all with different plans and prices.

Upon arriving at Kansai Airport, the following questions might come up:

• Which SIM card should I buy?
• I don’t want to buy a cheap SIM card if it isn’t going to work properly.
• I want someone to tell me what criteria I should be looking at when choosing a SIM card.

Rest assured.

In this article, we will be recommending to you 5 of the best SIM card providers at Kansai Airport.

We have included a comparison of each of the providers so that you can decide which SIM card is suitable for you.

Table of contents

3 points to think about when choosing a sim card at kansai airport, compare 6 sim card providers at kansai airport, top 3 sim cards at kansai airport.

• If you don’t know which provider to choose…

Pickup and return

Things to be careful of when buying a prepaid sim card, for long-term stays (more than 3 months), consider getting a long-term contract, japan does not have free wifi so be sure to get a sim card, can you use free wifi at kansai airport.

• Reserve a SIM card in advance on the internet
• Will you have enough data?
• Is there good English support?

Below we will go into more detail about each point.

1) Reserve a SIM card in advance on the internet

If you have the option to reserve your SIM card in advance, we recommend taking it. This has the potential to save you lots of money. For example, you can save 2,000 JPY on an 8-day SIM card just by reserving it online.

You might be thinking that you want to avoid the hassle of navigating through a website and just buy directly at the airport. However, this is not recommended as airport counters have a limited amount on stock.

If you arrive at the airport and the counter that you visit is out of the product you are looking for, you will have to survive in Japan without internet connection until you can get a SIM card from a different provider.

To avoid unnecessary stress, reserve your SIM card online.

2) Will you have enough data?

If you are not sure about the amount of data that you will be using on your trip, we suggest that you go with unlimited.

Japan’s options for free WiFi spots are very limited, and it would be a large inconvenience to have no data when you need it.

Some companies will give you a set amount of data for the number of days that you are traveling. There are times when this is the cheaper option, but if you want to use your phone as much as you want outside of your hotel room, it would be wise to get unlimited data to save stress.

3) Is there good English support?

It is easy to disregard English support by assuming you pick up your SIM card from the airport, put it into your phone, and after that do not have to deal with anything else.

However, there may be times during your trip when the SIM card malfunctions or does not connect properly. In these cases, having English support to help you solve your problems can be a lifesaver.

Not only that, but it is important to make sure customer support can be reached in various ways. In the best-case scenario, you will be able to contact your provider through email, live chat, and the phone.

↑ Go back to the table of contents

Below is a comparison between some of the best SIM card providers that you can find at Kansai Airport. This table should give you a better idea of each company’s prices and services.

Scroll right for more →→

About prepaid SIM cards with phone numbers

In Japan, there are little to no prepaid SIM cards sold with a phone number. In general, travelers to Japan will only be able to purchase what is called a data-only SIM card.

This is because the ID verification process surrounding getting a phone number is very strict in Japan. It is difficult to sell SIM cards with phone numbers due to these regulations.

There are a few companies that do advertise prepaid SIM cards that include a phone number, but some of them may be operating illegally. If you are looking to purchase one of these SIM cards, you should be aware of the risks.

Even with a data-only SIM card, you will have the ability to use applications like Skype or WhatsApp, so it may be wise to use these when you want to make phone calls.

👑 #1. Sakura Mobile

Key features

• Unlimited data plan starting from 4,500 JPY
• Stable, fast docomo 4G network
• 99% of populated area is covered
• Reliable, year-round English customer support
• Pickup at any international airport in Japan
• Order online, pick up as early as the next day
• Delivery to the hotels across Japan is also available for free

Sakura Mobile is the first on our list of SIM card providers. With SIM cards on the docomo network, one of the three biggest networks in Japan, you can expect to have strong connection almost anywhere in the country.

Unlike some other providers that only have pickup counters in certain airports, you can find pickup counters for Sakura Mobile in any international airport in Japan.

Sakura Mobile has a simple online reservation system that lets you pick up your SIM card, in some cases, as soon as the following day. If you get stuck during the reservation process or your stay in Japan, there is also English support available 7 days a week to help you through any problem.

Below is a video that shows the pickup process from Sakura Mobile—watching it should give you a better idea of where to go and how to get your product at Kansai Airport.

🥈 #2. JAL ABC

• Purchase counters at Kansai, Narita, and Haneda
• Many data options for SIM cards
• No online reservation available

JAL ABC is a provider that operates under Japan Airlines, a large and trustworthy company. Unfortunately, they do not have an online reservation system, but all the prices are listed on their website so you know exactly what you are getting.

For those who know for sure that you will not need unlimited data, JAL ABC has multiple smaller-data options.

🥉 #3. U-Mobile Prepaid

• Easy to purchase (vending machines at the airport)
• Suited for users who do not need much data

If you don’t know which provider to choose…We recommend Sakura Mobile

• Unlimited data plan
• Fast connection speed on the docomo network
• Multiple pickup counters all over Japan
• Online reservation, pick up next day at the earliest
• Year-round English support

Sakura Mobile is the provider that we would recommend for your SIM card needs. Over the years, Sakura Mobile has served thousands of visitors to Japan. With over 3,000 customer reviews and an average rating of 4.7/5, Sakura Mobile has gained a reputation among travelers for having reliable service.

Aside from airport pickup, Sakura Mobile can also deliver to your hotel in Japan, or you can pick up your product directly from the Tokyo office.

Currently, Sakura Mobile is offering a campaign on travel SIM cards that will get you free shipping. Be sure to take advantage of it while it is still available!

Below are the details of Sakura Mobile’s airport pickup counter which is located at Kansai Airport.

Pickup location

If you have reserved a SIM card from Sakura Mobile, you should be looking to visit the one pickup location in Kansai Airport.

Sakura Mobile’s Kansai Airport counter is open every day of the week. It has long operation hours, starting at 7:00 am and going until 9:00 pm.

You can find the counter on the first floor of the International Arrival Lobby.

If you want more information on the other Sakura Mobile airport counters around the country, check the following page .

• Sakura Mobile SIM airport pickup counters

Returning your SIM card

You may be wondering if you have to return your SIM card at the end of your stay. There should be no worries there, as you can simply dispose of your Sakura Mobile SIM card when you are done using it.

Not having to think about the return process of a SIM card can be helpful for those who are worried about the steps to returning or are simply forgetful.

Is your phone unlocked?

If your phone is locked, it will not be able to take SIM cards from other carriers. This means you will not be able to use a SIM card from Japan properly. If you are unsure whether or not your device is unlocked (also referred to as SIM-free), you will need to contact your cellphone carrier.

Additionally, you may need to directly visit the carrier in your home country to get your phone unlocked, so make sure to confirm this before you travel to Japan.

What size SIM card does your phone hold?

If you have never changed the SIM card in your phone before, it may be news to you that there are three different sizes of SIM cards. You can find them in regular, nano, and micro sizes.

When you buy a prepaid SIM card, be sure to choose the right size.

Sakura Mobile’s SIM cards all come with a free adjuster, so you can use the SIM card no matter your device.

Is your phone compatible with Japanese frequency bands?

There are certain network signals used in Japan that may not be compatible with your device. The docomo network which Sakura Mobile is on uses Band 1 and Band 19.

We are aware that network compatibility is likely a new concept to many, so feel free to reach out to our customer support team if you have any questions.

For more information and to check whether or not your device is compatible, visit this page .

• Sakura Mobile SIM card device compatibility

If you are unable to get any of the above points figured out before coming to Japan, we recommend that you purchase a portable WiFi device instead of a SIM card. This will allow you to stay connected even if your phone is not unlocked, the SIM card does not fit, or your device is not compatible.

Sakura Mobile also offers Pocket WiFi for travelers; check out the link below if you are interested.

• Sakura Mobile Pocket WiFi plans

Sakura Mobile also offers multiple different long-term plans for those residing in Japan. You can find out more about them here.

• Sakura Mobile long-term SIM card plans

If you are interested in learning about the different options that Japan has for monthly contracts, visit the article below.

• 8 Best SIM Cards in Japan | Cell Phone Plans for Long-Term Stay

However, Japan only has these spots in places like fast-food restaurants or coffee shops, and some of them do not work at all. Not to mention that you will not be able to find these kinds of places when you explore rural Japan or while you are riding a train or bus.

To avoid the stress of having to scramble for free WiFi everywhere you go, we strongly recommend that you have a plan for getting a SIM card before landing in Japan.

Kansai Airport has a WiFi service that is free of charge. It does not require any verification or application, making it easy to get connection after you have just landed in Japan.

There are two networks IDs and you can connect to either one. They are named, “_FreeWiFi-KansaiAirports” and “_FreeWiFi-KansaiAirports_2.4G”.

Note that the WiFi does not reach too far outside of the premises of the airport; you will not have connection if you walk too far away from the building or enter an aircraft. If you are without a SIM card or pocket WiFi device, make sure you send messages and check everything you need before leaving Kansai Airport.

Especially because of the large amount of SIM card companies at Kansai Airport, it can be hard to decide which provider to choose from.

Each company differs in its prices and the plans they offer, so make sure to look carefully and choose based on your own needs and priorities.

We hope that this article helped you narrow down which SIM card provider you want to use in Japan.

• Check out Sakura Mobile’s plans!

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