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【免税クーポン付き】Japan Travel SIM 1.5GB (Type I) for BIC SIM

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Truly Tokyo

A Tokyo Travel Guide

How To Buy A SIM Card In Tokyo

Yes, it is possible to buy prepaid data-only SIM cards for your smartphones or devices in Japan. Here, I’ll tell you the best deal based on my own experiences. I’ll also present another good option: pocket wifi (mobile router) rentals.

The Takeaway:

• You can purchase a Japan SIM card, eSIM or pocket wifi to pick up on arrival at Narita, Haneda or Osaka airports. Staff at the pickup point will help you configure your device. This is probably the simplest option.
• Alternatively, you can buy Japan Travel SIM cards like the IIJmio Japan Travel SIM at Bic Camera shops which are everywhere.
• You can make voice calls using services like Skype or Facetime with data-only SIMs.
• Another good option for travelers is to rent a pocket wifi (mobile router) like the Ninja Wifi Router .
• If you are going to buy a SIM card in Japan, you’ll find that Bic Camera shops have the best selection and they will also install the SIM card for you if you wish (for ¥2,200).

The Details:

• Wifi is common in Japan and you’ll usually find it in hotels and guesthouses, as well as many coffee shops and restaurants. But, if you want to be online everywhere you go, you’ll need to buy a SIM card. You can now buy a data-only SIM card in Japan, either online for pickup on arrival at Narita or Haneda airports or by buying over-the-counter once you’re in Tokyo.

What You’ll Need

• First, you'll need an unlocked smartphone or device to use a prepaid SIM. You should be able to configure the APN settings yourself. Note, however, that if you buy your SIM at a Bic Camera shop, they will do the installation and set up for ¥2,200.

Data-Only Prepaid SIM Cards Available to Tourists in Japan

There are three major prepaid data-only SIM cards available to travelers in Japan:

IIJmio Japan Travel SIM

B mobile visitor sim.

I’ll cover IIJmio and B Mobile in detail below. Bic SIM is similar.

Check Hotel Availability

Destination, check-in date, check-out date.

• IIJmio offers two prepaid SIMs to travelers in Japan: 1.5GB/30 day (¥1,980 at Bic Camera shops) 3GB/30 days (¥2,480 at Bic Camera shops)
• You can buy them at Bic Camera shops, which can be found in most major Japanese cities. Tokyo is filled with Bic Camera shops. If you've just arrived at Tokyo Station, the Yurakucho Branch is about 10 minutes’ walk from the station. Enter via the Kokusai (International) Forum Entrance (the closest to Tokyo Station) and you’ll see the SIM card display almost immediately in front of you (note that they tend to move these things around, so this may change by the time you read this). For other branches in Tokyo and the rest of Japan, use this Bic Camera store locator to find a convenient branch.
• B Mobile Visitor SIM: 5GB/10 days (¥1,980 purchased online)
• While this offers less data than the IIJmio Japan Travel SIM, it can be purchased online or in shops here in Japan. Here is a list of shops selling B Mobile Visitor SIMs. Here is the online B Mobile Visitor SIM purchase page . If you buy one online, they can ship it to your hotel or to a post office at your arrival airport (they will hold it for you until your arrival and you can pick it up there).

Pocket Wifi (Mobile Router) Rental

• Another great option for visitors to Japan is to rent a pocket wifi unit. This is good for people who have locked devices and those who don’t want to bother with APN settings. A pocket wifi is also a great option for people traveling in a group (several people can log onto one device). And, these units have unlimited data and they tend to be very fast.
• You can rent a wifi router online which will be waiting for you when you arrive at the airport. This gives you unlimited data and you can connect up to 14 devices. You simply drop the unit off at the airport too when you leave.

For More Details

• For a high-level overview of the issues involved with cell phone rental, SIM cards and pocket wifis in Japan, see my Internet In Japan For Tourists: Wifi, Pocket Wifi, SIM Cards, Rental Phones etc page on my other website InsideKyoto.com
• The situation with SIM cards, cell phone rentals and wifi in Japan is changing fast. The situation could change by the time you read this. I’ll try to keep this page updated, but always do your own research to make sure you get the best deal.

Tokyo Vacation Checklist

• For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Tokyo guide
• Check Tokyo accommodation availability and pricing on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
• Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Tokyo
• You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto , Tokyo to Osaka and Tokyo to Hiroshima
• You can buy a Japan SIM card online for collection on arrival at Tokyo Narita or Haneda airports. Or rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
• See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
• Compare airline flight prices and timings for the best Japan flight deals . Check my guides to arriving at Narita Airport and at Haneda Airport .
• If you're visiting more than one city, you might save money with a Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
• A prepaid Welcome Suica card makes travelling around Tokyo much easier - here's how
• World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world

Tokyo District Map

• Imperial Palace Area
• Tokyo Station
• Shimbashi Shiodome Hamamatsucho Shinagawa
• Akihabara Kanda
• Roppongi Akasaka
• Harajuku Aoyama
• Ebisu Daikanyama Meguro

Disclosure: trulytokyo.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com and amazon.co.uk. World Nomads provides travel insurance for travellers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

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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：2024/06/10

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SIM Cards in Japan: Top 7 Services for Travelers in 2024

Stay connected in Japan by using a SIM card! We introduce 7 Japanese SIM cards ideal for short stays along with information on eSIM and the pros and cons of using a SIM card compared to portable Wi-Fi routers.

Mitoyo, Kagawa, Japan

Stay Connected in Japan

Photo by Pixta

There are several ways to access the Internet in Japan. The most inexpensive method would be to use free Wi-Fi, although its availability is limited and can expose users to vulnerabilities.

A SIM card for travelers or portable Wi-Fi router comes in handy in these situations. While the latter can handle a large amount of data, carrying the device around may require some effort.

Alternatively, a SIM card may only handle a little data and is more complicated to set up than a portable Wi-Fi. But it is far easier to carry and cheaper than a router.

This article features seven SIM cards that will support your short-term trip to Japan. We've also included information on eSIM services and inexpensive portable Wi-Fi routers that are an alternative to SIM cards.

Those planning a long-term stay in Japan should check out this MATCHA article .

Book the mobal SIM Card: No Postage Needed!

Top 7 SIM Cards in Japan: A Comparison 1. mobal 2. Sakura Mobile 3. Nippon SIM for Japan 4. IIJmio Travel SIM 5. B Mobile Visitor SIM 6. Klook 7. Vending Machines at Airports eSIM: An Alternative to Physical SIM Cards Low-Cost Portable Wi-Fi Routers FAQs about SIM Cards in Japan

Top 7 Ways to Use the Internet in Japan: Find the Best One for You

Free WiFi in Japan: Locations, Apps, and Other Tips

9 Low-Cost SIM Cards in Japan for Long-Term Stays: With English Support

Top 7 SIM Cards in Japan

While there are many types of SIM cards to use when traveling in Japan, the following is a list of five recommended providers and two places to purchase them.

1. mobal SIM Cards

Picture courtesy of mobal

mobal , a long-established company headquartered in the UK, handles SIM cards for travelers to Japan.

They offer various SIM card plans, the cheapest with unlimited data costing 4,730 yen for 8 days. Please note that data speed may be reduced after exceeding 3GB per day.

Mobal cards can handle about the same amount of data as pocket Wi-Fi routers. Moreover, there is no shipping fee for worldwide customers , so overseas visitors can receive the card in their home country before arriving in Japan.

The company also handles Voice SIM , which comes with a Japanese telephone number . The duration is 30 days for 7GB costing 7,920 yen and up. Also, the trending eSIM is available for 8 days for 1GB starting at 1,920 yen.

Mobal: Wi-Fi & SIM with English Support and Easy Application

2. Sakura Mobile SIM Card

Picture courtesy of Sakura Mobile

Sakura Mobile is a popular service for English-speaking people who are traveling or staying in Japan for long periods.

Their SIM cards offer unlimited data (data speed may be reduced after exceeding 2GB per day) and cost 4,950 yen for 8 days. Although it may seem expensive compared to mobal, Sakura Mobile is known for its top-notch customer support.

The company will answer questions in advance and offer consultations during the trip if you have any problems. If this is your first trip to Japan or first time using a SIM card, we recommend choosing Sakura Mobile!

They also offer an eSIM service. While prices vary depending on the period of use, a 10-day package with 5GB data costs 3,350 yen as of August 2023.

Book the Sakura Mobile SIM Card: Excellent Customer Support!

Connect in Japan With Sakura Mobile! How to Get Cell Service and Wi-Fi

3. Nippon SIM for Japan

Picture courtesy of Nippon SIM for Japan

Nippon SIM for Japan is provided by DHA Corporation and is available on Amazon.

A 30-day plan with 3GB data costs 1,980 yen. There are other plans with a wide variety of duration and data.

Since the capacity is small, this card is suitable for those who don't use much data and looking to buy a cheap SIM card.

4. IIJmio Travel SIM

Picture courtesy of IIJmio Travel SIM

Those planning to purchase a SIM card during their trip should look for IIJmio Travel SIM . It is sold at major electronics stores in most large cities, such as Bic Camera, Yodobashi Camera, and Kojima .

This is an open-priced item with costs varying by store. As of August 2023, a 30-day card with 3GB data is sold for 2,480 yen at Bic Camera.

IIJmio is a low-cost SIM service provider that is well-known in Japan.

5. B Mobile Visitor SIM Card

Picture courtesy of B Mobile Visitor SIM

B Mobile Visitor SIM can also be purchased on Amazon . It is also available on the company's official website. The price is 1,980 yen for a 10-day card with 5GB of data.

Please note that B Mobile Visitor SIM has an additional postage charge. 370 yen will be added to cards sent to Japanese airports and 520 yen for cards sent to hotels.

6. SIM Cards Offered by Klook

Residents of southeastern or eastern Asian countries should check Klook , an experience booking site.

Klook also sells various SIM cards that are suitable for a trip to Japan. Most of them can be sent to various Asian countries, so please take a look!

Book a Klook SIM Card or Portable Wi-Fi Router

7. SIM Cards at Airports

If you forget to purchase a SIM card in your home country, don't worry! In recent years, major Japanese airports are provided with SIM card vending machines.

For example, a 6-day SIM card with 1GB of data is sold for about 2,000 yen at vending machines in Narita Airport. Please check the official website for additional details.

eSIM: An Alternative to Physical SIM Cards

One of the concerns about using a SIM card is the risk of losing the SIM card when replacing it. After all, SIM cards are very small, measuring only 1 to 3 millimeters in size.

Recently, eSIM has been trending because it can be used without replacing the physical SIM card. In the U.S., the iPhone 14 series designed for eSIM use was released in 2022, and other carriers are expected to follow.

Companies in Japan are also offering this service.

As mentioned above, mobal provides this service for 1,920 yen and up (8 days with 1GB data). The price at Sakura Mobile is 3,350 yen for 10 days with 5GB of data. Nippon SIM for Japan also offers eSIM.

If you're using a smartphone that supports eSIM, please check out these other companies as well.

Book the mobal eSIM

Book the Sakura Mobile eSIM

Book the World eSIM

Low-Cost Portable Wi-Fi Routers

In most cases, a portable Wi-Fi router handling a large quantity of data will be more expensive than a SIM card. However, this is not always the case.

For instance, Ninja WiFi router costs 770 yen/day with 3 GB/day. Furthermore, there is a 20％ discount via MATCHA and costs 3,080 yen for 5 days , which is a similar fee to SIM cards.

While it may be burdensome to carry a router, it allows multiple devices to access the Internet with no need to change SIM cards.

Please consider these facts when considering a portable Wi-Fi router.

Book you Ninja WiFi at a 20％ Discount

Pocket Wi-Fi in Japan: Top 14 Services in 2024 by Price and Data

20% Off! NINJA Wi-Fi Rental: Usage Guide, Pros and Cons, and a Discount

FAQs about SIM Cards in Japan

Q1. is a voice sim or data-only sim a better choice.

Voice SIM comes with a Japanese telephone number while data-only SIM does not.

With WhatsApp, Messenger, and LINE becoming popular messaging apps, some may wonder why you need a Japanese phone number if you're not a resident.

But a phone number has its advantages. Firstly, users can phone the police or fire department when trouble occurs. Emergency calls can be made in other languages besides Japanese, so this is a major feature.

To apply for various services in Japan, such as the popular electronic payment app Pay Pay, users must register a phone number.

Those who are interested should check mobal, which handles Voice SIM cards suitable for short-term trips.

Q2. What does "unlimited data" mean?

In regards to data traffic, some SIM cards offer "unlimited" data usage.

Most of these types will easily handle 2 to 3 GB per day. However, exceeding this capacity will cause the speed to be reduced. While Internet accessibility remains, the flow of data will be considerably slower.

Q3. Can I change the SIM card of my smartphone?

If your smartphone is SIM-locked, the answer is no. While there are SIM-free phones in most Asian countries, some Japanese and American phones are locked.

There is a way to open these types of phones. Ask your carrier for information on how to unlock your smartphone.

Additionally, please note that some SIM cards may not be compatible with certain smartphone models. There is a compatibility list on the official websites of SIM card providers, so be sure to take a look!

Q4. How should I handle my original SIM card?

If you are going to change the SIM card in your home country, store the original in a dust-free place.

Those who plan to replace the card in Japan should bring a SIM card case. It can be purchased on Amazon and other retailers.

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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!

Just some stuff we figured out in Japan

Best Short Term Travel SIM Card For Japan

A few friends have come to visit us in Japan now, and we’ve had to help them out with some good SIM card options so they could have internet while they were in Japan on a short stay.

These type of SIM cards are often called Travel SIM Cards and generally include a data (and/or voice) option which is valid for a short period of time, usually 7 – 30 days.

Usually, the travel SIM cards are just a data only option, which means you can’t make phone calls. We solved this problem by setting up our Skype account with some phone credit and use that when we need to make phone calls (which is pretty rare).

Travel SIM cards are prepaid cards specifically aimed at travelers who are only in Japan for a short amount of time (as opposed to SIM card options where you have a monthly fee and can also have a minimum contract period).

One of the easiest travel SIM options we’ve seen in Japan is from Bic Camera , a massive chain store which is nearly everywhere and often has multiple branches in main cities in Japan.

Luckily, there are a fair few options available, with one of the main providers being IIJmio:

Anyway, our friends ended up getting a   B-mobile prepaid SIM card from Bic Camera  which had 5GB of data to be used over 21 days, for around 3,477 Yen (including tax).

If you are shopping at Bic Camera, don’t forget to take your Passport, as showing this will get you an exemption from the 8% tax that usually gets added on to the price.

Although there was no test SIM available (where the staff put a test SIM from that company in your phone to make sure it will work before you buy it), they had no issues with their iPhone and Samsung Android phones and the B-mobile SIM card.

There are of course other options from 1-2GB with a 30 day (or even 3 month) time limit, again from Bic Camera. They have heaps of options.

We also saw prepaid SIM Cards available in Sapporo Station’s Information Centre in a vending machine, but these seemed a bit more pricey than the options at Bic Camera (1.2GB for 3200 Yen and 3.2GB for 5500 Yen).

So, if you’re traveling to Japan for a short visit, and want to have a SIM card for access to the internet, we’d recommend checking out a Bic Camera store to buy a prepaid travel SIM card at the start of your trip. These seem to be the best value prepaid cards that we’ve seen so far.

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About our SIM

VISITOR SIM is a prepaid data SIM for travelers visiting Japan. It has been loved for many years and now has a new series.

One is a SIM card type with the familiar Lucky cat motif. You can choose plans from 5GB/10 days and 7GB/21 days.

The other is "VISITOR eSIM for Japan", which has Inu-hariko motif. You can customize a plan to suit your stay by combining your desired dates and data amount.

＊Inu-hariko is also one of Japanese lucky charm like Lucky Cat.

How to use VISITOR data plan

Why VISITOR data plan?

Our company has a history of providing internet connectivity since 1996. In 2012, we began offering VISITOR SIM to travelers visiting Japan, and since then we have continued to develop and provide plans that suit the times. So I'm sure you'll find a plan that's perfect for you.

VISITOR data plans are prepaid product. That's why there is no contract nor extra fees. Also it's near local price.

We use NTT docomo's network which is the best internet coverage in Japan. Tokyo, Osaka, Okinawa are all included.

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• Press Releases

IIJ to Provide 1.5 GB and 3 GB Prepaid Japan Travel SIMs as a Full MVNO

March 15, 2018

• Japanese Version

TOKYO-March 15, 2018-Internet Initiative Japan Inc. (IIJ, NASDAQ: IIJI, TSE1: 3774), one of Japan's leading Internet access and comprehensive network solutions providers, today announced that it will begin offering its Japan Travel SIMs as a full MVNO (*) on April 2, 2018 for visitors to Japan and temporary returnees.

Japan Travel SIM is a packaged prepaid SIM card that includes data for high-speed transmissions. Users can easily start transmitting data just by inserting the SIM card in a SIM lock-free device or a Wi-Fi router, and by configuring the unit. IIJ first started offering the Japan Travel SIM in September 2014, but with this release, IIJ will offer new packages of its proprietary SIM with 1.5 GB and 3 GB data capacities.

• (*) Mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) are operators that use wireless access facilities at places like bases belonging to mobile network operator (MNOs), and a "full MVNO" is one that maintains and operates its own subscriber management functions (HLR/HSS), part of MNO core network infrastructure.

Service Description

• (*) This SIM card is for data transmissions only. SMS and voice functionality are unavailable for these SIM cards.
• (*) No transitions to monthly plans are available.

• (*2) Speeds shown are the maximum for the technological standards used. Actual transmission speeds may vary based on the device used. Outside LTE areas, 3G transmissions are available.
• Visit the website below for more details: https://tr.iijmio.jp/?lang=en (slated to open on April 2, 2018)

Service Availability

Monday, April 2, 2018

Packaging image

IIJ will continue providing highly convenient services so that visitors to Japan can comfortably use IIJ’s data transmission services.

Founded in 1992, IIJ is one of Japan's leading Internet-access and comprehensive network solutions providers. IIJ and its group companies provide total network solutions that mainly cater to high-end corporate customers. IIJ's services include high-quality Internet connectivity services, systems integration, cloud computing services, security services and mobile services. Moreover, IIJ has built one of the largest Internet backbone networks in Japan that is connected to the United States, the United Kingdom and Asia. IIJ was listed on the U.S. NASDAQ Stock Market in 1999 and on the First Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange in 2006.

• For more information about IIJ, visit the IIJ Web site at https://www.iij.ad.jp/en/ .

The statements within this release contain forward-looking statements about our future plans that involve risk and uncertainty. These statements may differ materially from actual future events or results. Readers are referred to the documents furnished by Internet Initiative Japan Inc. with the SEC, specifically the most recent reports on Forms 20-F and 6-K, which identify important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements.

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Japanese Visitor SIM Cards: Which is the Best SIM Card for Japan?

Heading to the land of the rising sun? You might think that travelling to such a technologically advanced country would mean you have no problems getting connected. But Japan can present some difficulties for short term visitors, keep reading to find the best SIM card for Japan.

By law, visitors on a tourist visa are not allowed to buy voice SIM cards, so your only option is to buy a prepaid data only SIM, and then use VOIP apps if you need to make calls. On this page I look at the options for buying different tourist data only sims and then look at another option of renting a voice SIM.

 Where to Buy?

Some airports have vending machines, and some have 7-11 stores where you can purchase SIMs. You can also head to an electronic store. Yodobashi Camera and BIC Camera stores will stock these SIM cards and can be found in the centre of all major towns and cities. These SIMs are not triple cut and the Nano, Micro and full size SIMs come in different packaging; so make sure you pick the right one.

Alternatively, you can order a SIM online, and have it delivered either internationally to your home, or to your hotel to pick-up on arrival.

Japan has three major phone networks, and has no GSM network but widespread 3G and 4G/LTE. So if your device is not 3G/4G, then it will not work.

Phone / Wireless Hotspot Mifi rental

If you really need to make phone calls, and can’t use VOIP services like Skype; then renting a phone is another option.To get around the SIM laws, companies offer rental of phones and wifi hotspots. These can be sent to your hotel, or picked up from electronics stores and at the airport. Try:  https://www.rentafonejapan.com/

If your phone is locked and you cannot fit a data SIM card, you can also rent a wifi hotspot from this company. Alternatively you could place your data SIM in your own mifi. 

 Wifi Availability

There is a growing number of free Wifi hotspots, in shops, stations, hotels and trains etc.

Can’t be bothered with buying a local SIM in Japan? Want to buy before you fly?

[amazon box=”B0722XVZT4″]

‘Our top pick’

Just like the BMobile SIM, the iijmio travel SIM is easy to purchase, and quick to setup, with comprehensive instructions in many different languages, but this one comes with options for longer stays. English customer support is also available.

It also includes the Brastel Card, which acts as a prepaid calling card; allowing you to make calls through an app. By topping up the app you can then make calls through it to regular land and mobile phone lines. Just like Skype or other (VOIP service).

Two options:

• 1 GB for 30 days
• 2 GB for 90 days

It also Includes access to free wifi hotspots across Japan, and comes with nifty souvenirs – origami paper and decorative screen.

Speed: Up to 375 Mbps download speed/50 Mbps upload speed

Where to buy? You can buy online, through Amazon, or locally. Find a list of shops here .

   Customer Service

• Call:   03-5205-4999  between hours 9am – 7pm (Japan time)

Can’t be bothered with buying a local SIM in Italy? Want to buy before you fly?

OneSIM offer an international SIM card that lets you save up to 85% in roaming fees in 200+ countries.

It can be sent out ahead of time so you hit the ground running.  Find out more here.

B Mobile, one of the largest and oldest providers, have a good reputation and extensive coverage across the country.

They offer a visitor SIM which gives you 5GB of data over 21 days, at a cost of 3480 yen, or 30 USD. If you use up all the 5GB before 21 days, then you can continue to use it at a cost of 500 yen or 4.4USD per day.

Although coverage is extensive in built-up regions, it is not in the wilderness or mountains, so be careful if visiting national parks.

At these shops , or online, it can be shipped to your hotel or a local post office to be held until your arrival. Purchase online from the site or buy from Amazon and have delivered at home.

 Customer Service

• Call:   03-6721-5032 between hours 9am – 12pm (Japan time)

So-net, subdivision of Sony, also offer a variety of SIM cards. These can be spotted in vending machine at airports along with others at retail outlets.

They offer the following plans:

• 1.2 GB for 30 days
• 2.4 GB for 30 days
• 3.2 GB for 60 days

If you run out, you can make further top ups on the website.

Speed: downstream speeds of up to 300 Mbps

eConnect are more widely known for their services renting wireless hotspots. But they also offer the widest variety of different SIMs, a great range lasting from 7 days to 60 days.

• Call: +81 (0)50-3691-0647
•  e-mail: [email protected]

So, which is the best SIM Card for Japan Visitors?

For most purposes we would recommend the Iijmio tourist SIM , as it is a great all-rounder and traveller friendly!

If you are more concerned about accessing data, check out the offerings by eConnect .

Phone Numbers in Japan

Mobile phone numbers in Japan are eleven digits long and start with an area code.  The country code for Japan is +81.

To reach your mobile in Japan from abroad, callers will need to dial 0081 and then your number. 00 (International Access Code) 81 (Japan country code).

Useful Contacts

Emergency and Police: 110 Ambulance & Fire service: 119 Coastguard: 118 Speaking clock: 117

Useful Japanese Phrases

Japanese people generally possess at least basic ability in English, but don’t expect this in rural areas.

Greeting: Kon nichi wa Do you understand English? Eigo wakari masuka I cannot speak Japanese: watashi nihongo wa hanasemasen I don’t understand: Wakarimasen Where are the SIM cards: Shimu kādo wa doko desu ka Thank you: Arigato

How about some more?

Best Travel Ukulele (Practical, Lightweight, & Portable)

Best Travel Kettle (Electric, Portable, & Practical)

#1 Invention That Allowed Greatest Personal Travel Freedom

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SIM Card Japan Guide: Short and Long-Term Options

• June 7, 2022

Many people traveling to Japan will need a SIM card for their phone. Whether you are coming for a short-term or long-term stay, it is essential to know what type of SIM card you should purchase and the benefits of each one.

In this article, we detail some options so that you can make an informed decision about which plan would be best for your needs.

Short-Term prepaid SIM Cards Options

Several affordable SIM card options are easy to buy and set up for tourists planning to stay in Japan for less than three months. Regarding network operators, there are three big players in Japan – Softbank, Au, and NTT Docomo.

Most recently, these companies have been offering selected prepaid SIM cards to short-term visitors; however, some of the best deals can be found amongst MVNO options.

MVNO stands for Mobile Virtual Network Operator, a company that piggybacks on the network provided by a more prominent operator. The benefit of using these smaller Japan sim card companies is that they can offer more flexible data plans to suit specific groups of customers, so you’re more likely to find a plan that fits your needs.

Each MVNO has its advantages and disadvantages, some offer lower prices per data cap while others provide faster speeds, and some may have hidden fees.

Popular short term mobile plans:

*​All the plans mentioned above offer full English support, are shipped worldwide, or are available for pick up at major airports in Japan. Remember that these are only a handful of the available plans at each MVNO. Check out their websites for other Japan travel sim cards and flexible plans for short-term travelers.

How much data will I need?

The data you’ll need throughout your trip to Japan will depend on how much you rely on your phone. Most travelers will use a fair amount of data mainly to find their way around on the streets of Tokyo or for using the public transport system.

Generally, about 2 to 3 GB a month is more than enough for the average smartphone user.

iPhone users can track how much data they have used by going to Settings > Cellular > Current Period. There’s an option to reset it to follow it by weekly or monthly amounts.

Android users can do the same by going to Settings > Data usage. Some devices allow users to check by specific dates.

Tips before getting a short-term SIM card in Japan

Make sure your phone is “unlocked” before purchasing a SIM card.​ If you have purchased your phone through a specific network provider and have a contract with them, it may be locked to that service provider.

There are ways to unlock smartphones through your provider and other companies for a fee. An easy way to check if your phone is unlocked is to borrow a friend’s phone using a different phone carrier and insert their SIM card into your phone. If no error message appears, then you are good to go!

Know the size of the SIM card that fits in your phone. As mentioned before, it’ll often be one of these three sizes, standard(15 x 25mm), micro(12 x 15mm), or nano(8.8 x 12.3mm). You can contact your provider to find out the size of your SIM card.

Network compatibility. ​ Ensure that the unlocked phone you bring from your country is supported by the radio frequency bands used in Japan. This is explained in more detail at the bottom of this guide.

Apps such as WhatsApp, Skype, or Tango are free and allow you to call, video chat, and message via an internet connection. Download a VOIP application​ before​ traveling to Japan. Also, it’s essential to let your family and friends know that you’ll be only reachable through that application, as regular phone calls will not be able to come through.

Some SIM cards require a PIN.​ SIM cards sometimes come ‘locked’ and can only be unlocked with a PIN written on the packaging the SIM card came in. ​Don’t throw the packaging away!​ Locked SIM cards usually need the PIN every time the phone is restarted. It’s best to keep it safe in your wallet.

Where to buy a Short Term Japanese SIM Card?

You have two options, you can either order a SIM card online before your travel to Japan, or you can buy one once you are there.

Buying a SIM card in Japan

In Tokyo, you can get a SIM card directly at Haneda and Narita airports when you arrive. You can find their booth near the exit; there are usually multiple local phone carriers providing phone services to travelers in international airports in Japan. You need your passport, and the English-speaking staff will help you in the process of switching your original SIM with a Japanese one.

You can also find a SIM card in a local store such as Bic Camera or Yodobashi Camera (basically anywhere in Japan) or in a Docomo, AU, or Softbank branch.

Buying a SIM card online

You can order a SIM card on the Internet before traveling to Japan. Some short-term SIM card retailers offer this option, such as Mobal, Sakura Mobile, or  Genki Mobile .

Another option: Rent a pocket WIFI

A pocket WiFi is a pre-configured mobile WiFi router you can bring and use anywhere in Japan. As a traveler, you can rent a pocket WIFI (sometimes called a WIFI egg ) instead of getting a SIM card. It’s especially interesting when traveling with other people so you can share the cost and use it without hassle as you don’t need to set up anything as it works just as a hotspot.

Long-Term Options SIM Cards Options

For those planning on a long-term stay or are already a resident in Japan, having a phone with not just data but also a phone number is essential for daily life and business. Contact number is often required for job applications and renting an apartment .

There are two options for long-term SIM cards. One is to sign up with one of the three leading network providers -SoftBank, au, or Docomo – all of which require purchasing a brand new phone locked by the carrier and the SIM card. In addition, these companies also ask for a two-year contract with a high penalty fee for early termination to prevent their customers from switching to other providers.

However, a much cheaper option is to sign up with an MVNO company that offers Data + VoSIM cards specifically for those planning to stay in Japan for over three months. Prices can range from ¥2,300 to ¥7,000, a stark contrast to the usual ¥7~11,000 monthly phone bills that come with signing up to one of the larger network providers. Check out the chart below for the best options available on the market right now.

Popular long-term mobile plans:

Tips before getting a long-term sim card in japan.

A Japanese address is required. ​Except for a few selected MVNOs, a physical address in Japan that can be verified with official documentation such as a residence card (在留カード) is necessary for purchasing a Data+Voice SIM card.

High-speed data won’t always be available.​ Since MVNO networks are ‘renting’ the network provided by larger telecommunication carriers, particularly in crowded areas, internet speeds may slow down. This will be due to the main carriers prioritizing customers who have paid premium prices for their network.

Y-mobile or UQ Mobile are recommended if you’re the type of person who regularly likes to watch YouTube on their phone. They are not true MVNOs as Softbank and AU own them, respectively, and don’t throttle their data speeds. The only negative point is that you’ll still be required to sign a two-year contract with them.

Sign up during promotion periods!​ LINE is known to give away Line Points to customers switching over to their company. These points can be used to pay for your monthly phone bill . Some discounted phone plans are often offered to first-time customers during April and August.

Network Compatibility

Before purchasing or signing up for an MVNO carrier, you should check that your unlocked phone will be supported by the radio frequency bands used in Japan. Mobile networks and carriers in Japan use 5 UMTS bands, 9 LTE bands, and 2 CDMA bands. This applies to both short-term and long-term foreign residents in Japan .

A quick way to check whether your phone is compatible is to go to FrequencyCheck.com​ or contact the MVNO company directly. Keep in mind, though, that SIM cards offered for long-term residents may have limited English customer services.

Sakura Mobile offers a compiled list of phone models and tablets supported by their network ​here​.

Smartphones and applications have taken the world by storm since their first conception. Whether messaging and calling friends and family, figuring out how to get to destinations on Google Maps, or uploading photos of your latest adventures on social media, phones have become essential to everyone’s routine.

Make the most of your time in Japan by saving some of your hard-earned money and choosing a SIM card and phone plan that works for your daily and travel needs.

Frequently Asked Questions about Japan Sim Card:

Japan is relatively rigid regarding SIM cards, but things have changed in recent years. In Tokyo, international travelers can buy data SIM cards directly at the airport, at Haneda or Narita.

You can buy a prepaid sim card at the airport upon arrival or at electronics stores like Yodabashi Camera or BIC Camera, which you can find anywhere in Tokyo. The sim card cannot be purchased directly from major Japanese telecom companies like SoftBank. The card should be bought from prepaid sims providers like Sakura Mobile.

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JAPAN TRAVEL SIM

Product Details

What can you do with 6GB data plan?

Our Agents' Locations

• The SIM card is only usable on unlocked (SIM-free) smartphones.
• The package price may vary from shop to shop. Please contact the shop directly for prices.
• Please check with the shop directly if they have the SIM with the data plan you are interested in.

In the communication package you get two products: the Japan Travel SIM and the Brastel Card. With the SIM card you get the data service to use your smartphone or tablet, and the Brastel Card allows you to place calls by using the My 050 app. As an option you can also get a phone number in Japan allowing you to receive incoming calls, and you may even continue using it after returning to your home country, with other SIM cards or Wi-Fi. In addition, you can add extra data on the Japan Travel SIM card with credits from the Brastel Card in case you run out of the initial 6GB or 15GB of data.

Setup your phone, after activating the sim card, please follow these instructions..

iOS Android

Top up the Brastel Card

Place calls

Recharge the sim card, available recharge plans, sim validity extension example.

The example above illustrates how the validity of the SIM is extended when the SIM is recharged. For the sake of this example, we will assume no data is consumed.

• A 6 GB SIM starts being used from January 1. The 6 GB will at first expire on January 30.
• A recharge of 2 GB is made on January 20. The added 2 GB will expire on April 30. The expiration date for the initially granted 6 GB is extended to March 31.
• If a recharge of 5 GB is made on April 10, the added 5 GB will expire on July 31. The expiration date of the 2 GB from the first recharge will be pushed back only until June 30 (the fifth month after January, the month when they were added to the SIM).
• If no further recharges are made until July 31, the SIM becomes invalid after this date.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How can I check the remaining data of my SIM card? The remaining data can be checked by accessing https://tr.iijmio.jp/login/ or right after recharging the SIM card via My Account.
• I’m running out of data, what should I do? You can add extra data using the Brastel Card (enclosed in the package). Please see the Recharge the SIM card section above.
• Why can’t I recharge the SIM card? Please check if you have enough credit on the Brastel Card for the additional data plan you wish to add. Also, make sure the SIM card's PASSCODE1 and PASSCODE2 have been entered correctly. If both cases above are correct, please access the IIJ Support website ( https://tr.iijmio.jp/login/ ) and check if the SIM card has not expired.
• I’ve recharged the SIM card but it’s not reflecting on the balance. What should I do? In most cases, the process takes less than five minutes. After some time, please check the balance by accessing https://tr.iijmio.jp/login/ . If the additional data is still not reflected, please contact Brastel Customer Service.
• Is it possible to extend the validity period? Yes. Every data recharge will extend the validity of the SIM until the end of the third month after the recharge was made.

Brastel Customer Service

Important Notes

GET YOUR JAPAN TRAVEL SIM CARD!

Best 6 eSIM and 7 Physical SIM Card Providers in Japan 2024

Published on 2024-01-19 by Sakura Mobile

Are you planning on making a trip to Japan?

If you’ve ever traveled abroad, you’ll know how important it is to have access to Instagram, messaging applications, or Google MAP. You’re going to want an eSIM or prepaid SIM card that you can use in Japan, just like in your home country. With internet access, you will be able to travel without any worries!

With eSIM and physical SIM options available, it is hard to decide which to choose.

Not having the necessary knowledge and choosing the wrong type of product and service could find you in one of the following situations.

• “I don’t know which one my phone uses.”
• “I didn’t purchase enough data and used it all up already.”
• “I don’t know how to set up the eSIM or physical SIM, and Customer Support hasn’t responded yet.”

Don’t worry, we’ve got your back! Let us help you find the perfect product and service for your trip in Japan!

In this article, we will go over the two options you can choose for your travel: eSIM or physical SIM cards. We will also introduce six eSIM providers and seven physical SIM providers we consider to be the best.

This article covers information on products for your smartphone for short-term stays in Japan (those who are staying in the country between 1 and 90 days). We gathered easy-to-understand information about what to look for when purchasing either product, such as data plans and prices, how to set up the products, customer reviews, and which carriers each provider uses.

This article covers information on SIM cards for short-term stays in Japan (those who are staying in the country between 1 and 90 days). For those who are looking for information on long-term SIM cards (monthly contracts), please refer to the article below.

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

If you already know which product you want, you can head straight to the information here!

• eSIM Information
• Physical SIM Card Information

Table of contents

• What is an eSIM?
• What travelers in Japan need to know about eSIM
• Things to keep in mind when choosing an eSIM
• The best 6 eSIM for traveling to Japan
• Physical SIM Card Introduction
• Things to know about Japan’s travel physical SIM cards
• Things to keep in mind when choosing a physical SIM card
• The best 7 physical SIM cards for travel in Japan
• eSIM and Physical SIM card FAQ
• eSIM and physical SIM card vs. Pocket WiFi
• Final thoughts

A quick look: Best providers for eSIM

• Best : Sakura Mobile
• Runner ups : Ubigi, AIS SIM2Fly
• Others : Nippon SIM, eSIM Japan, Flexiroam

A quick look: Best providers for physical SIM Cards

• Runner ups : HIS Mobile, GENKI MOBILE
• Others : Any Fone JAPAN , b mobile , eConnect , SoftBank Global Rental

1.　What is an eSIM?

eSIM stands for “Embedded SIM,” where the SIM functionality is built directly into the device. More and more recently released smartphones and devices are becoming eSIM compatible.

With an eSIM, unlike a physical SIM card, it is unnecessary to replace or install a SIM card physically, and the entire process from purchase to usage can be done online. You will need to check your smartphone and device to make sure it is compatible with eSIM before purchasing an eSIM. For example, iPhone XS and later models are eSIM compatible (excluding Hong Kong iPhones).

↑ Go back to the table of contents

2.　What travelers in Japan need to know about eSIM

Before you buy an eSIM for your Japan trip, there are two things you should know.

How to buy an eSIM

About esim with phone numbers.

We will explain each of these below. If you want to skip to our six recommended eSIM providers, please click here , and you will jump to the second half of this article.

Thinking about buying an eSIM from one of Japan’s major wireless carriers (docomo, SoftBank, and au) for your Japan trip? Unfortunately, the major carriers do not sell short-term eSIM plans for travelers.

So, where can you buy eSIM plans for travelers?

The answer is from telecommunications providers known as MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators). MVNOs operate using the major carriers’ communications networks. MVNOs create and sell short-term eSIM plans for travelers on behalf of the major carriers. An example of an MVNO is Sakura Mobile, which we will introduce later in this article.

You can visit their website and choose the product and plan that suits your needs. Everything from purchasing to obtaining eSIM information can be done online.

Later , we will introduce the six eSIM providers we recommend when traveling to Japan.

In Japan, eSIM with phone numbers for travel use are rarely sold. Generally, travelers in Japan can only purchase Data-only SIMs, which, as the name suggests, offer only data and do not have a Japanese phone number attached to it.

The reason for the lack of short-term SIMs with Japanese phone numbers is due to Japan’s laws regarding phone numbers and SIMs. Japan has strict identity verification laws and requirements, and Japanese phone numbers are generally provided only to residents living in Japan. Providing phone numbers to non-residents is considered illegal. This is why only data-only SIMs without a Japanese phone number are sold to short-term travelers.

You may find several companies that offer eSIM with Japanese phone numbers, but as explained above, there is a chance that they may be operating illegally. Be aware of these companies and the possibility that an eSIM may not work properly when purchasing an eSIM with a phone number.

Even with Data-only SIMs, you can make calls and chat with others using smartphone apps such as Skype and Whatsapp, making Data-only SIMs also a possible option.

3.　Things to keep in mind when choosing an eSIM

eSIM Activation

Flexibility (extending the usage, cancel & refund policy, adding data, etc.), signal/service coverage, english support.

If you want to skip to our six recommended eSIM providers, please click here , and you will jump to our recommendations.

In most cases, eSIM activation will be done via scanning a QR code. The QR code is usually provided in an email from the provider or, in some cases, installed in an app from the provider. When using a provider’s own app, registering an account with the provider and providing personal information such as your email address, name, etc., is often necessary. On the other hand, if the QR code is sent by email, you will most likely not need to enter any personal information, making it a much easier and smoother process than an application.

With many trips, there are times when things do not go as planned. Some examples include, after purchasing an eSIM, you get sick and cannot go on the trip, a one-week business trip turns into a two-week stay, etc. Also, you end up using more data than you anticipated and run out of available data for your eSIM. Check ahead to see if the provider accommodates instances where there are sudden changes in your trip, canceling the purchase, extending the usage period, or adding more data.

The eSIM providers introduced in this article use Japan’s major carrier networks, which all cover 99% of the Japanese population. This means that, for the most part, anyone, almost anywhere, can get an internet connection. However, be careful when using your phone in rural areas, mountains, or underground. Although your phone may show a signal, the signal may actually be really weak, and the data speeds may be very slow.

Running into connection issues or if you are unsure of settings are things that will make anyone frustrated. The last thing you want is to have to deal with these issues in another language. It may be a safer and less stressful experience if you choose an eSIM provider that offers English customer support. It is also important to know how you can interact with customer support. Below are a few examples of what to consider when thinking about customer support.

• Can they be reached by email, phone, or both?
• Are they available to help on the weekends?
• Do they have an office or stores in Japan?

We recommend you choose a provider who can be reached by both email and phone. You can call them for emergency situations and email them for non-urgent situations. If you are uncomfortable communicating by phone and/or email, choose a provider with an office or store in Japan so you can talk with the staff directly. Also, many eSIM providers are closed on weekends. This can be a problem when you need to contact customer service for assistance. Therefore, it is recommended that you choose a provider whose customer support is available throughout the year, even during the holidays.

4.　The 6 Best eSIM for Travel in Japan

Scroll right for more →→

So, which provider should you choose?

Did this table help you understand more about which eSIM provider you should choose? Below, we will explain in more detail three companies that we highly recommend for your next trip.

① Sakura Mobile

Sakura Mobile’s eSIM is not the cheapest option on the list, but it does offer flexibility and the ability for up to 200GB of data. In addition, Sakura Mobile can offer data top-up and usage extension for your eSIM if needed. If you are wondering which provider to choose, Sakura Mobile is the clear choice.

Positive points about Sakura Mobile are as follows.

Substantial plans

English customer support throughout the year, large number of positive reviews, japanese provider.

Let us take a closer look at Sakura Mobile.

Sakura Mobile offers a wide range of plans, with data plans ranging from 3 GB to 200 GB and usage periods from 3 to 90 days. You will no doubt be able to find a plan that suits your needs best.

Sakura Mobile’s English Customer Support is available 365 days a year. So, if you have any problems with your eSIM, you can quickly and easily get clear help easily.

There are over 3,000 positive reviews on Sakura Mobile’s website. Compared to the other companies in the above table, it is clear Sakura Mobile is a very highly rated and reliable service.

Sakura Mobile is a Japanese telecommunications provider, so it uses Japan’s largest carrier, NTT docomo’s communication network, providing high-quality communication. In addition to the high-quality network, the service’s proficient and friendly customer service, which can only be found in Japan, is another reason why Sakura Mobile has received high praise from its customers. In addition, since Sakura Mobile has an office and stores in Japan, you can get direct support from the staff.

If you don’t mind a smaller amount of data (for example, 500 MB), Ubigi offers the lowest prices.

However, the number of days of use is limited to 30 days, and there are fewer plan options than other providers. Also, the eSIM installation process requires downloading Ubigi’s own application and registering with the service.

For individuals looking to use the eSIM immediately, it may be better to look for a provider where you can use the eSIM immediately, such as by receiving the QR code for the eSIM directly via email.

③ AIS SIM2Fly

AIS SIM2Fly is one of Thailand’s major telecommunications companies, and its prepaid international SIMs are widely available.

Regarding eSIM plans, only one plan is available: 8-day 6 6GB. If this plan fits your needs, this may be an option worth considering.

A quick look: Which eSIM provider should I choose?

Conclusion: Which eSIM provider should I choose?

5. Physical SIM Card Introduction

If your phone does not support eSIM or you do not want to switch out the eSIM in your phone, fear not! You can always use a physical SIM card for your travel! Read on about how to select the proper travel physical SIM for your trip!

6. Things to know about Japan’s travel physical SIM cards

How to purchase a prepaid SIM card

About prepaid sim cards with phone numbers, reserving online vs. buying at the airport.

We will be explaining each one in detail.

For those who want to know about the 7 recommended SIM card providers, click here to jump to a later section in this article.

You might be thinking that you want to buy a SIM card directly from one of the major Japanese mobile carriers (docomo, au, or SoftBank). However, this is in fact, not possible.

Major carriers provide prepaid SIMs to retailers, and this is how you can get a SIM card from a major carrier.

An example of one of these retailers (also introduced in this article) is Sakura Mobile.

Later , we will be recommending 7 of the best providers to get your SIM card for Japan.

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.

There are two ways to purchase a SIM card.

• Reserve one online before coming to Japan and pick it up at the airport when you arrive
• Find a retailer selling SIM cards at the airport and buy one after you land in Japan

We recommend the former option, reserving your SIM card online.

There are two reasons for this.

The first is that by reserving online, your SIM card will become cheaper. Retailers with online shops spend less money on operation costs, which makes their products less expensive.

The second is that you can avoid the possibility of SIM cards being sold out.

During the travel season, it is possible that shops selling SIM cards at the airport run out of stock. If you have a prior reservation, you can come to Japan and pick up your product stress-free.

All the providers that we are going to introduce in this article have the option to reserve your SIM card online. It might be wise to make use of it before you make your trip.

7. Things to keep in mind when choosing a physical SIM card

• Connection speed
• Amount of data
• English support
• Airport counters

For those who want to know about the recommended providers, click here to jump to the table.

Let’s go into more detail.

① Connection speed

If you are using your phone during a trip, it’s usually going to be actions like browsing the web, messaging, or using Google MAP. In these cases, 3 to 5Mbps will be enough.

For reference, here is a table that shows the ideal internet speeds you are going to need to complete various activities.

Scroll right for more if on mobile→→

You might be wondering how fast the prepaid SIM cards in Japan can get.

Although connection speed does depend on the SIM card provider, you can expect to experience between 1 and 20Mbps at any given time.

In the later table , you will be able to see the average connection speed for each provider. You might want to choose one with faster speeds for safe measure.

Some companies do not publicly release the connection speeds of their SIM cards. In these cases, we have written “unknown” on the table.

Some other SIM card providers write their connection speeds as numbers like 187Mbps; keep in mind that this is only how fast the connection can get in theory.

If we are talking about actual connection speeds, Japan’s SIM cards will be around 20Mbps maximum. In the comparison table, we have listed the actual speeds so you will know exactly what to expect.

② Amount of data

If you have been researching prepaid SIM cards, you will know that there are many different data plans depending on the company.

Out of all the different types of plans available, we recommend that you purchase an Unlimited Data SIM card.

This is because if you have a plan with a data limit, you face the risk of running out of data partway through your trip.

It would be more than a bit daunting to lose access to Google MAP and Google Translate in a foreign country.

If you are looking to travel worry-free, you should consider getting a prepaid SIM card with unlimited data.

Be aware of the FUP

When using an unlimited data SIM card, you should know that there is something called a FUP.

What is a FUP?

A Fair Usage Policy (FUP) is a system put in place to allow the equal usage of data.

In order to protect the network quality and the fair usage of radio waves, telecommunications companies limit or suspend the internet connection of those who use a large amount of data in a short amount of time.

Although the product is an unlimited SIM in name, you might get stopped by the FUP, and your connection speeds may become slower.

To avoid the FUP, big video downloads, online games, and YouTube binges should be saved for when you can use the WiFi at your hotel.

The SIM card providers that we will introduce to you all use the networks of Japan’s major carriers. With any of these carriers, the coverage rate will be 99% of the populated area of Japan. This means that you should almost always be able to connect to the internet wherever you are.

However, keep in mind that when going through mountains or underground, even the signals of carriers with the best coverage will become weaker.

④ English support

If you are having issues connecting to the internet or can’t figure out the settings to get your SIM card working, you should be prepared by choosing a prepaid SIM provider that offers English customer support to help you out.

It is important to know these details:

• Whether you can get in contact by email, phone, or both
• Whether or not you can contact customer support on the weekends

It might be beneficial to go with a company that can be contacted through both email and phone. You have the option of using the phone during an emergency or sending an email when the situation is not urgent.

Many prepaid SIM providers also do not operate on the weekends. This can be a problem when you need to get ahold of customer service immediately, which is why you may want to choose a company that is open year-round.

⑤ Airport counters

If you are picking up your SIM card from the airport, be sure to check the hours of operation of the airport counters.

This is actually more important than you might think. Depending on the company, some airport counters may not be open for long amounts of time.

A situation in which you go to the airport counter but they aren’t open, and you are unable to pick up your SIM card is not impossible.

When you reserve your SIM card, make sure to check the time you will arrive in Japan and make sure it coincides with the hours of operation of the pickup counter.

8. The best 7 physical SIM cards for travel in Japan

So, which one should I choose?

Does this give you a better image of which SIM card to choose? Below, we will explain in more detail three of the providers that we would most strongly recommend.

Scroll right for more if on mobile →→

Sakura Mobile’s SIM cards are not the cheapest on the list. However, the connection speed is quite fast, ranging from a few to 20Mbps. The data is also unlimited.

Some of the best points of Sakura Mobile include the following:

• Long operation hours of airport pickup counters
• English customer support is available year-round

A large number of positive reviews

Operation hours of the airport counters are long.

Most of the companies in the table above do not have airport pickup counters but require pickup at the airport post office. Depending on the time of your flight, you might miss the hours that the post office is open.

Sakura Mobile, on the other hand, has airport pickup counters with very long operation hours, so you should be able to pick up your SIM card without any issues.

English support is available year-round

The English customer support at Sakura Mobile is available 365 days a year, making it simple and easy to get help when you run into difficulties with your SIM card.

You can also contact customer support through email.

There are over 3,000 positive reviews on Sakura Mobile’s website. Comparing this number to other providers on the table, you can see that Sakura Mobile has a significantly higher number of positive reviews than its competitors.

Additional information Main airport pickup counters

• Narita Airport Terminal 1, 2 / Operation hours: 7:00 am until time of last flight (Every day)
• Haneda Airport / Operation hours: 24 hours a day (Every day)
• Kansai Int. Airport / Operation hours: 7:00 am – 7:00 pm (Every day)

Visit Sakura Mobile here.

Official Website: https://www.sakuramobile.jp/

How to pick up your SIM card from the airport counter

Picking up your SIM card from the airport counter is simple. If you have the reservation confirmation email from Sakura Mobile and your passport with you, you should have no problem.

In the following video, the staff of the YouTube channel, “MisoDog TV” explain how to pick up a Sakura Mobile SIM card from the airport.

The pick-up process starts from 0:49.

② HIS Mobile

HIS Mobile is one of the cheapest unlimited SIM card options on the table.

However, one of the downsides to this service is that hotel delivery is the only pickup option available. This means that you will not have access to the internet until you get to your hotel.

Additional Information Main airport counters : None

Visit HIS Mobile here.

Official Website: https://www.his-j.com/

③ GENKI MOBILE

GENKI MOBILE allows you to choose the exact number of days that you want to use your SIM card and you are allowed 1GB per day.

GENKI MOBILE has airport counters stationed at the major airports in Japan. You will be able to get connected to the internet as soon as you land in Japan.

The one downside to GENKI MOBILE is that there is no option to get an unlimited data plan. The maximum amount of data you can use in a day is also 1GB, which means it is possible to use all of it at once.

Additional information Main airport counters :

• Narita Airport Terminal 1, 2 / Operation hours: 6:30 a.m. until time of last flight (Every day)
• Haneda Airport / Operation hours: 24 hours (Every day)
• Kansai Int. Airport / Operation hours: 6:15am – 10:30pm (Every day)

Visit GENKI MOBILE here.

Official Website: https://www.genkimobile.com/

9. eSIM & Physical SIM card FAQ

Can I use a Japanese eSIM with my phone?

In order to use a Japanese eSIM, your device must meet the following conditions.

• Must be eSIM-compatible
• Must be a SIM-free device (not SIM-locked)
• Be able to communicate on a Japanese telecommunications provider’s network signal

If you are not sure if your device is unlocked, you can check with your carrier or store where you purchased the device.

To check whether your device can communicate on the Japanese telecommunications provider’s network signals, you need to check your device’s frequency bands and specifications.

Suppose you are not familiar with communications or smartphone settings. In that case, it may be difficult to determine whether your device is SIM-free and whether it can operate on Japanese telecommunications providers’ networks. Before visiting Japan, you should consider contacting your carrier to get the necessary information to ensure your device can be used in Japan.

You can check if your device is compatible with Sakura Mobile’s eSIM by following the link below. https://www.sakuramobile.jp/info/compatibility/esim/

Another option is to send an email with the name and model of your device, and the Sakura Mobile staff will be able to assist you.

• Contact Sakura Mobile

How do I set up an eSIM?

The procedure for setting up an eSIM depends on the type of device and the provider. However, generally, it is easy to follow the steps in the manual and takes 5 – 10 minutes. Installation instructions include installing an application provided by the provider, scanning the QR code attached to an email after you purchase it, etc.

Physical SIM Card FAQ

Can i use a japanese sim card with my phone.

To be able to use a Japanese SIM card, your device must meet the following conditions:

• It is a SIM-free device (i.e. unlocked device)
• It can receive Japanese carriers’ signals

If you are unsure whether or not your device is unlocked, you can confirm with your cellphone carrier or shop.

To check if your phone accepts the signals of Japanese carriers, you must look up the frequency bands that your phone can receive.

If you are not knowledgeable about telecommunications and phone settings, chances are you do not know how to figure this out on your own. You should consider contacting your carrier to get the necessary information before coming to Japan.

You can check the following link to find out if your device is compatible with Sakura Mobile’s SIM cards.

• Check compatibility

Another option is to send us an email with your device name and model number. Our staff is available to help you.

How do I set up my SIM card?

The setup process for SIM cards depends on the type of device and your provider. However, completing the steps while referring to a manual is quite easy and you should have it done within 10 to 15 minutes.

10. eSIM and physical SIM card or Pocket WiFi

eSIM and physical SIM cards are not the only options for connecting to the internet while traveling in Japan. Pocket WiFi devices, also known as mobile hotspots or portable WiFi routers, are also popular among travelers.

We recommend buying a pocket WiFi if:

• ・You want to use the internet with minimal setup
• ・You want to share data with family and friends who are traveling with you

On the other hand, you should consider purchasing an eSIM or physical SIM card if:

• ・You do not want to carry a pocket WiFi device on your trip
• ・You are worried about the battery life of another device
• ・You are not sharing data with other people during your trip

Sakura Mobile offers pocket WiFi devices in addition to eSIM and physical SIM cards. If you are interested, please check the Sakura Mobile travel pocket WiFi website.

11. Final Thoughts

What do you think? Do you feel like you are ready to choose an eSIM or physical SIM card for your trip to Japan?

In this article, we explained what you should know when shopping for either an eSIM or physical SIM, the best providers for both products, and other internet options during your travel. We hope this article helps you find a reliable internet source during your Japan trip.

Thank you for reading, and good luck!

Conclusion: Which SIM card provider should I choose?

Sakura Mobile is recommended for eSIM and SIM cards at a reasonable price

Key features for Sakura Mobile products

• Unlimited SIM card 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 SIM Card as early as the next day
• SIM Card elivery to the hotels across Japan is also available for free

Sakura Mobile is the provider we recommend for your eSIM and 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 and great support.

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

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

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The best SIM cards for travelling to Japan

Make your next Japan trip – whether it’s for business or relaxation – pure pleasure with our guide to the best SIM cards for travelling in Japan.

• Roaming in Japan
• Best Japan Travel eSIM

Best Japan Travel SIM

• Best Japan Roaming SIM

Best SIM option within Japan

Roaming in japan, or 日本で国際ローミング.

Japan has been an important trading partner for Australia for many decades, so many businesspeople will find a need to head to Tokyo on a regular basis. Moreover, it’s also one of the most often-cited desired travel destinations for Australian holidaymakers, whether you’re getting seriously into Japanese cuisine in Osaka or hitting the snow slopes in Hokkaido.

While you don’t have to shift too many time zones – or for Western Australia, any time zones at all – to travel to Japan, one factor you should take into account is how you’re going to manage your mobile connectivity while you’re there. There’s no absolute “best fit” solution that works for everyone, so this article will run through your best choices across standard travel SIMs , travel eSIMs, roaming and local telco choices:

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• Airalo Roaming eSIM review

Best Japan eSIM you can purchase globally

Disclaimer: This pack only offers data roaming. No calls or SMS are included in the plan price.

Most Australians are familiar with the telco Circles.Life. The Optus 4G Plus-powered SIM provider has taken Australia by storm with some ridiculous deals on mobile data. Well, Jetpac is the company's foray into the global Travel eSIM market, a singular solution for frequent flyers that's available in over 100 different countries. So long as you've got an eSIM-compatible phone , you can purchase and activate a Jetpac eSIM from anywhere in the world. 

Jetpac's Japan eSIM is actually no different from its Asia Pacific eSIM. So not only can it be used nationwide in Japan, but also in 14 other popular Asia Pacific countries, including but not limited to Australia (G'day,) China, Hong Kong, India, New Zealand, the Phillippines and Thailand. 

Plans start from $1.50 for 1GB with a 4-day expiry but 30-day can cost anywhere between $13.50 for 5GB or $94 for 40GB. Follow the link below for a full list of Jetpac payment plans.  

As the name suggests, eSIM Japan provides eSIMs as its business model with a range of very competitively priced plans that work primary for short trip travellers, with most plans sold with between 3 to 12 days of validity. You can choose between “unlimited” plans – really they’re just data packs with 384kbps speed capped data once your daily quota is exhausted – or data quota deals with a fixed amount over 7, 15 or 20 days.

One oddity with eSIM Japan is that it also offers the same plans as “city” plans for many popular destinations such as Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Osaka and Sapporo. They appear to just be the same plans as the nationwide ones, however, so it’s arguably best to stick with those.

eSIM Japan uses the KDDI network in Japan.

Mobal Short Term SIM

There’s a number of choices in the Japan Travel SIM market that you can order before you leave Australia from brands such as Sakura Mobile and B-Mobile, but if you are going the Travel SIM route it’s hard to overlook Mobal’s short-term tourist SIMs. Starting at ¥4,730 (~$50 AUD, depending on exchange rates) for an unlimited data-only 8 day SIM up to ¥7,920 (~$83) for a full 30 days with unlimited data.

It's worth noting that Japan allows a, shall we say, more “loose” definition of “ unlimited ” than you might think would apply, before you plan to start downloading the entire Netflix back catalogue to your tablet. Most plans are limited to 3GB of data per day, after which data speeds “may” be reduced. For most tourists being prudent 3GB a day is plenty enough, even if you are uploading most of your food and location snaps to Instagram at a frenzied pace.

Mobal’s SIMs work on the Softbank and Docomo networks in Japan with a claimed 99% population coverage, which should cover most places you’re likely to go on business or holiday within Japan.

Best Australian deal for Japan roaming

Vodafone $5 roaming.

Vodafone remains the gold standard for global roaming if what you’re after is simplicity. Simply sign up for a qualifying Vodafone postpaid plan, and you can access the inclusions on your plan while travelling throughout Japan for just $5 per day. If you don’t use your phone on a given day, there’s no charge at all, though you also don’t get any of your speed capped data if you’ve already exhausted your monthly quota. In those cases you’ll pay an additional $5 to top up 1GB of data.

Here's a selection of Vodafone plans that support $5/day international roaming

However, as with rival Optus’ $5/day deal or Telstra’s variable price “Day Pass” options, this kind of roaming within Japan can quickly add up if you’re there for a longer holiday or business trip. $5 once doesn’t feel like much, but bear in mind that over a fortnight that’s a spend of some $70 extra on top of your existing bill.

Vodafone isn’t the only telco offering roaming within Japan from your standard Australian SIM, either. Here’s a range of providers who support call, text and data roaming in Japan

BIC Camera SIM

When you land in any Japanese International Airport, you’ll see a number of providers offering local SIM cards and Wi-Fi hotspot devices to tourists. They’re not a terrible deal if you want absolute convenience, but you can typically do a little better by opting for a truly local SIM card.

Only one problem here: As with many countries not all plans are sold to visitors, and your grasp of the Japanese language might be sketchy to non-existent.

Your best and most affordable bet in this case is to head to a BIC Camera store. The vast majority of Australian vistors will be landing in Tokyo, and there’s no shortage of BIC Camera stores throughout Tokyo, but also in basically every other major city as well.

Why BIC Camera? Partly the ubiquity of its stores (also fun to browse for everything from electronics to bicycles, luggage to anime figures and plenty more besides), but also because most BIC Camera stores are quite large and you’re more likely to find a staff member or two with enough English language savvy to meet your needs for a SIM when you’re there. BIC also sell other SIM cards so it’s worth checking if there’s a good seasonal deal while you’re there.

If your current handset doesn’t support eSIM, then sadly, the answer is no. There’s no magic bolt-on or software app that can add the needed virtual SIM circuitry to a phone that doesn’t support eSIM out of the box.

If your phone does support eSIMs, then it’s quite simple to set up your eSIM before you travel. We’ve got a handy guide to setting up eSIMs for Apple iPhone and Android here .

It wasn’t that long ago that the answer to that question would have been no, with public WiFi very thin on the ground even within hotel accommodation.

The Tokyo Olympics didn’t go to plan, but one factor that was planned in was a wider pitch to tourists, and this included a huge expansion of available free WiFi options. Having travelled extensively through Japan over many years, I can say that it’s better than it used to be – but it’s hardly simple, and can be a tad baffling if you don’t have a decent grasp of written Japanese for signing into web portals and such.

You could get by with a little patience and pre-planning if your accommodation offers WiFi, though. There it’s more likely to support simple sign-ins, and if you offload maps, podcasts and video content from there to keep you going, and then use the WiFi in coffee shops and some shopping centres, you might be able to do so for no additional cost. Compared to, say, travelling Europe or the USA, however, it’s still not as common or convenient, and having a decent VPN installed is a must.

Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaka, preferably prepared for you on the spot in Okonomimura in Hiroshima . Your waist might not forgive you… but it’s worth it.

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Disclaimer: The information featured in this article is based on our best estimates of pricing, package details, contract stipulations, and service available at the time of writing. This is not a guarantee. All information is subject to change. Pricing will vary based on various factors, including, but not limited to, the customer’s location, package chosen, added features and equipment, the purchaser’s credit score, etc. For the most accurate information, please ask your customer service representative. Clarify all fees and contract details before signing a contract or finalizing your purchase. Each individual's unique needs should be considered when deciding on chosen products.

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Docomo SIM Cards and eSIM: Detailed Guides for Tourists

As a tourist, mobile data is extremely useful for maps, translations, recommendations, and more. A Docomo eSIM or Docomo SIM card provides affordable connectivity throughout your trip. Here you get every detail of Docomo including cost, coverage, activation, top-up method, and all. Read on to choose the best connectivity option for your travel needs in Japan.

Table of Contents

I. Quick Facts about NTT Docomo

Docomo started up in 1991 and their full name is NTT Docomo – they’re one of the biggest mobile service providers in Japan.

• Name:  NTT Docomo, Inc. (abbreviation of “do communications over the mobile network”)
• Founding:  1991 (spun off from NTT)
• Headquarters:  Tokyo, Japan
• Parent company:  Nippon Telegraph and Telephone (NTT)
• Industry:  Mobile phone operator
• Customers:  Over 80 million subscribers in Japan
• Mobile phone:  2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G networks
• Home internet:  Fiber optic and 5G home router
• Home phone:  Mobile network-based phone service
• Other services:  Cloud storage, security, entertainment content
• Technology: Pioneer in mobile technologies like W-CDMA and i-mode. Actively developing 5G and 6G technologies

II. NTT Docomo Speed and Coverage in Japan

With Docomo being Japan’s largest wireless carrier, they spend quite a lot of money on infrastructure for country-wide 4G accessibility and user satisfaction. Here is an overview of their coverage map and average data speeds across different areas of Japan.

1. NTT Docomo Coverage in Japan

Here is an analysis of NTT Docomo’s coverage based on Opensignal’s October 2023 Japan Mobile Network Experience report :

• Coverage Experience : Docomo wins the Coverage Experience award outright with a score of 9.1/10. This means Opensignal users on Docomo’s network experienced excellent indoor and outdoor coverage across Japan.
• 5G Coverage : Docomo also wins 5G Coverage Experience alone, scoring 3.4/10. This indicates that when within a 5G coverage area, users could reliably remain connected to Docomo’s 5G network.
• Availability : Docomo places first for overall Availability at 99.7%. This measures the percentage of time users were able to access any available mobile network technology.
• 5G Availability : Docomo places third for 5G Availability at 6.4%, demonstrating room for expansion of its 5G network coverage footprint relative to leaders SoftBank and au.

Overall, the data shows that NTT Docomo offers industry-leading nationwide coverage across Japan for both overall and 5G networks. However, its 5G network is still expanding relative to competitors. Docomo’s network can be relied on to deliver connectivity across wide areas of the country according to Opensignal users.

2. Docomo Network Speed

Here is an analysis of NTT Docomo’s speeds based on the October 2023 report from Opensignal:

• Download Speed Experience : Docomo shares the Download Speed Experience award with au at 44.8 Mbps, down 8 Mbps from its previous outright win.
• Regional Download Speeds : Docomo wins the Download Speed Experience award outright in two regions – Chubu and Shikoku. In Shikoku specifically, Opensignal users on Docomo’s network enjoyed the fastest average regional download speeds at 52.3 Mbps.
• 5G Speed : For 5G Download Speed, Docomo ties with Rakuten Mobile for first place, with scores of 177.4-180.9 Mbps. This represents a drop of around 26.6 Mbps compared to Docomo’s previous outright win.
• Upload Speed Experience : For overall upload speeds, Docomo comes third, with a score of 6.9 per Mbps. This is a decrease of around 1 Mbps from the previous report. It trails the clear winner Rakuten Mobile substantially.

In summary, while NTT Docomo remains highly competitive for speeds in Japan, the latest report shows some declines across key metrics like overall download speeds compared to previous periods. It also lags the frontrunner Rakuten Mobile considerably for upload speeds. Docomo maintains leadership in certain regions however and jointly tops 5G download speeds.

III. NTT Docomo connectivity options for travelers coming to Japan

Here are some options for travelers to Japan through NTT Docomo:

Additional Notes:

• NTT Docomo offers its own "Japan Welcome SIM" and "Japan Welcome SIM & Wi-Fi" specifically for travelers, with various plans and durations.
• Consider your expected data usage, travel length, budget, and phone compatibility when choosing an option.
• Check with your home carrier for specific roaming charges and limitations.

IV. Best Docomo SIM Card for Tourists and Cost

While NTT Docomo does not offer prepaid SIMs directly , several carriers operate on its network, providing tourist data-only SIM options like Sakura Mobile, bMobile, IlJmio, and eConnect Japan.

These prepaid NTT Docomo MVNO SIM cards provide affordable short-term 4G LTE connectivity in Japan, though usage is limited to the purchase country and period. Retail prices may vary slightly between vendors.

V. Does Japan NTT Docomo support SIM?

Yes , Docomo started allowing eSIMs in 2020 for some iPhones and Android phones that support them. An eSIM lets you set up a cell phone plan in a digital way without putting in a plastic SIM card.

• bMobile offers an eSIM package made just for visitors to Japan. It has the same price as the prepaid SIM cards mentioned above.
• Sakura Mobile provides eSIMs for tourists coming to Japan. Their eSIM plans are identical to their prepaid SIM card plans.

eSIM is more convenient since you don’t need to bring a SIM card to Japan or visit a store to swap cards. You can purchase and activate an eSIM from NTT Docomo entirely online before your trip begins.

VI. Where To Buy a Docomo SIM Cards and eSIM?

There are several options available for purchasing a Docomo SIM card or eSIM if you need mobile data during a visit to Japan.

1. Where to Buy Docomo SIM card for Japan

You can buy Docomo prepaid voice & data SIM cards at the following locations across Japan:

• Airport: Docomo stores at the arrival areas of both Narita Airport and Haneda Airport sell their tourist SIM cards.
• BIC Camera / Yodobashi Camera Stores: Two leading electronic retail chains that offer Docomo SIM cards at outlets across Japan.
• Docomo Shops: Official Docomo postpaid and prepaid SIM cards available at their stores in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and other major tourist cities.
• Don Quijote Stores: Shopping chain with over 160 stores across Japan selling Docomo prepaid SIMs.
• Online: Rakuten Global Market, Amazon Japan, Japan Experience, and other websites ship Docomo visitor SIM cards worldwide.

Note: If you need to change the physical size of your SIM card during your trip, most providers will charge a handling fee for the alteration. The exact fee varies between carriers, so it's important to check individual policies.

2. Where to Buy Japan Docomo eSIM

Several options exist for acquiring an NTT Docomo Japan eSIM, including:

• Official Website : Visit the bMobile website or Sakura Mobile website where you can purchase an eSIM for the NTT Docomo network.
• eSIM Provider : Purchase from an online eSIM retailer like esimjapan.net . They offer various data plans and can email you the eSIM for activation right from your phone.

Recommended Approach : For convenience, use an eSIM from an eSIM provider. They allow you to quickly purchase no need for proof and activate the eSIM online just before your trip to Japan. This ensures you have cellular data set up right when you land.

VII. How to Activate NTT Docomo Japan eSIM/SIM

Whether you purchased a physical SIM or eSIM plan from NTT Docomo, below are the activation instructions you’ll need to get connected while visiting Japan.

1. How to Use NTT Docomo Japan SIM Card

Activating your Docomo SIM is simple. Just follow these steps:

• Insert SIM . Remove your phone’s SIM slot and insert the NTT Docomo SIM card.
• Power your device . Allow it to detect the new Docomo SIM.
• Complete the SIM activation by following any on-screen instructions or using the provided activation method.
• Configure APN settings . Head to your phone’s mobile network settings and configure the APN (access point name) using the details provided with your SIM kit.
• Test connectivity . Make a test call or use some data to verify your services have been properly set up.

Following activation, credit and data can be added effortlessly through the NTT Docomo site or app anytime. Everything functions smoothly.

2. How to Activate Japan NTT Docomo eSIM

Follow these simple steps to get started with your Docomo eSIM:

• Download and install the eSIM profile from the provided QR code or link.
• Open the eSIM activation menu on your device and follow the prompts.
• Configure Network Settings . Go to your cellular network settings and select the NTT Docomo eSIM.
• Test Connectivity . Send a test message, make a call, or browse online to verify your connection.

Once activated, you can immediately begin using services like messaging, calls, and data on NTT Docomo’s cellular network. The eSIM activation workflow is swift and straightforward, allowing you to get connected to the local network even before you arrive in Japan. You’ll be all set up and ready to go for your trip at your convenience from anywhere.

Activation instructions for common devices:

• iPhones : Go to Settings > Cellular Data > Add Cellular Plan
• Samsung : Go to Connections > SIM Card Manager > Add Embedded SIM Profile
• Google Pixels : Go to Settings > Network & internet > SIM cards > Add an eSIM

VIII. Japan NTT Docomo Call and SMS Rates

While MVNOs provide flexible short-term options, you may still want a traditional long-term contract if visiting Japan for an extended period. Once activated, your Docomo SIM Card lets you make calls and send texts in Japan at the following rates:

Note: SMS is limited to 160 characters per message in Japanese (70 characters in English).

IX. How to Top-up Docomo SIM Card/eSIM

Topping up your prepaid SIM card for more data is easy once you know the basic process, which can differ a bit depending on your Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) on the Docomo network in Japan.

• Online Portal : Most MVNOs offer an online portal where you can log in and purchase additional data. You’ll need a Japanese credit card or bank account linked to complete the transaction.
• Convenience Store Cards : Top-up data cards are widely available at convenience stores across Japan. Simply purchase a card with the desired amount, then enter the card’s code on your MVNO’s website or app.
• Automated Phone Service : Some MVNOs provide an automated phone service for topping up data. You would call a dedicated number and follow the voice prompts to add funds over the phone.

Check your carrier’s website or contact support for the exact top up process, as steps may vary. Prepaid SIMs often have data limits per purchase and expiration dates. Top up only the estimated amount needed to avoid waste.

X. Alternatives to NTT Docomo in Japan

1. sim cards by other mvnos:, 2. esimjapan.net.

Planning a trip to Japan and want to avoid the hassle of swapping SIM or expensive roaming fees? Look no further than esimjapan.net . With eSIMs, you can access a Japanese network directly on your phone without needing a SIM.

Unlike physical SIM, eSIM is a 100% digital process. After you have purchased your eSIM, you’ll get an email containing a QR code that you can scan using your phone’s camera. Then, the eSIM will automatically provision in your device.

Thorough installation instructions are available in various languages to guarantee a seamless setup process for the eSIM on all compatible devices. Additionally, customer service can be accessed around the clock through live chat, email, or WhatsApp if any problems arise during activation.

You won’t need to wait in line to register for a SIM slot – just open the email and you’re connected!

XI. FAQs about Docomo

Are docomo sim cards able to connect in rural or less populated areas of japan.

With over 99% population coverage, Docomo has excellent rural coverage across Japan’s countryside and remote islands. You can stay confidently connected even off the beaten path.

Can I use Docomo SIM in my locked phone?

If your phone is locked to a specific carrier, it will not work with a SIM card from a different carrier. This means if your phone is locked and you try to use a Docomo SIM card, it will not work unless the phone is locked to Docomo.

Do I need to register Docomo SIM card with my ID?

Yes, when registering a Docomo SIM card, you are required to provide a document verifying your identity. This could be a driver’s license, student ID card, or other forms of identification

Can I make international calls with Docomo SIM card?

Yes, you can place international calls with Docomo prepaid SIM cards at rates starting from 100 yen/minute. Easier to use VoIP apps for cheap calling.

XII. Final Words

We hope this detailed guide has provided you with all the necessary information to make the right decision for your connectivity needs in Japan. Docomo SIM cards offer reliable coverage, speeds, and good prepaid plans for travelers exploring Japan. Buy the Docomo prepaid plan that best matches your data usage, trip duration, and budget needs for smooth connectivity throughout your visit. Enjoy your travels in Japan!

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