Here we share the best tourist SIM cards to stay connected in Japan.
We have traveled through the country many times. The very first time we often found a “Handy” phone in our hotel room. A telephone that you could use during your stay. But that time is over.
You now have to find a solution yourself if you want to be connected. And that is really recommended. Although there is free internet in quite a few places, and even apps that make it easy to connect to free WiFi hotspots, there are still many places where you will have to have a data subscription if you want to use the internet.
And we always use the internet a lot while in Japan. We use our smartphones to navigate the vast cities, to find recommended places to eat and cat cafés, and to look up the train and metro schedules.
We also like to browse around the shops where you can find gadgets and care products that we don’t know about. But also there we often have to fall back on our smartphones to discover what it is exactly or how it works.
Roaming tariffs can be insane, they certainly are in our case, and local SIMs aren’t expensive at all.
Below is an overview of the physical SIMs that you can order online and pick up at the airport, eSIMs, and other ways to stay connected in Japan.
We have already used both a physical SIM and an e-SIM, so we also explain how this works.
In a hurry? Our picks for the best Japanese SIM cards
Here are our top picks in case you are short on time :
- Mobal Data SIMs: for data-hungry users who don’t want to worry about their data speed while being online the whole day
- Mobal Voice + Data SIMs: if you want to be able to make regular voice calls or if you need a Japanese Phone number for some other reason
- Simcardgeek/(Powered by Mobal) eSIMs: If your phone supports eSIMs this is the best and easiest way to go
- Sakura Mobile SIMs: the cost-conscious option for those who don’t mind limiting their data usage to save on the budget
Regular Japan Traveler SIM vs eSIM
During our first trips we always used a regular SIM that we pre-ordered online and picked up at the airport upon arrival. Very convenient and everything always went very smoothly. Below we explain in more detail how this works.
However, we both recently switched to a cell phone that supports eSIMs and thus we used an eSIM for our last trip.
It was the very first time we used such an eSIM, so we were a little nervous about whether everything would run smoothly and the technology would not let us down.
That stress seemed completely unwarranted. All steps on how to install and activate the SIM were neatly explained.
What’s our verdict?
Both worked equally well when considering connectivity and speed.
If your phone supports eSIMs, I would opt for an eSIM for Japan. It offers the advantage that you do not have to change SIM cards and that you can, at all times, easily switch from your regular SIM to the Japan tourist eSIM.
We like the Airalo’s eSIMs for their ease of installation and Mobal eSIMs for Japan for their excellent selection of data packages.
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But no problem if your phone does not support eSIMs. There are plenty of alternatives that you can order online and quickly pick up at the airport upon arrival. Below is an overview.
Japan Tourist SIM cards – The top choices
The list of Japan traveler SIM cards seems endless. We found no less than 30 different options when we were looking to buy a SIM for our last trip. All of which have slightly different options. It’s good to have a choice but with all these different options it is hard to see the forest for the trees.
Below is an overview of our top picks.
Click the more info link to see all the details of these options.
Japan Tourist SIM cards – Top Picks
| Description | Voice+text | Shipping | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mobal | Data-only options from 8 to 30 days |
Yes for 30+ days options |
Data SIMs are shipped worldwide. |
||
| Simcard GEEK | Data-only SIMs 5 to 31 days |
No |
Worldwide |
||
| Sakura Mobile | Data-only SIMs from 8 to 90 days |
No |
Collect in Japan |
||
| IIJmio | Data-only SIMs for 30 days or 3 months |
No |
Buy in Japan |
Japan Traveler SIM cards – The Details
Mobal
Mobal is an American/Japanese company specializing in communication solutions for international travelers to Japan. Thanks to their international footprint, with amongst others, offices in New York & UK, you’re sure to receive English support in case you need it.
They have solutions for short-term and long-term stays with both data and data+voice options.
Their website is very informative and they are very responsive in case you need more info or help. When we contacted them they got back to us within 2 hours.
The details
More about shipping
These are the shipping times:
Japan: 1 – 3 business days
USA and UK: 2 – 5 business days (expedited, next business day, shipping to these countries is available for a fee)
Other countries: 8 – 15 business days
To have voice+text SIMs shipped to your address you need to send a copy of your ID to Mobal at the time of your order. All details about shipping and pick-up locations are extensively explained on the Mobal website.
The options
| Duration | Data | Voice + Text | Total cost (click for more information and to buy) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 days | Unlimited with fair usage policy | No | JPY ¥4,730 |
| 16 days | Unlimited with fair usage policy | No | JPY ¥6,490 |
| 31 days | Unlimited with fair usage policy | No | JPY ¥7,920 |
| 30 days | 7GB at 4G LTE per calendar month. After this unlimited at 128 kbps or top up for a fee. | Yes | JPY ¥7,920 |
| 60 days | 7GB at 4G LTE per calendar month. After this unlimited at 128 kbps or top up for a fee. | Yes | JPY ¥12,870 |
| 90 days | 7GB at 4G LTE per calendar month. After this unlimited at 128 kbps or top up for a fee. | Yes | JPY ¥17,820 |
Click here for more information and to order your Mobal SIM card:
MOBAL Tourist SIM
SIM Card Geek
SIM card geek is a sister company of Mobal. Both have a different product range but behind the scenes you’re dealing with the same company. The SIMs connect to the NTT Docomo network.
If Mobal’s offer does not meet your needs, you can go for one of the cards from SIM card geek.
The details
More about shipping and pick-up
SIM cards are sent out a few weeks before your travel date. If you order your SIM long in advance it may not directly be shipped.
Below are the shipping times.
Japan: 2 – 5 business days (expedited shipping is available for a fee)
USA: 2 – 5 business days
UK: 2 – 5 business days (expedited shipping is available for a fee)
Australia: 3 – 7 business days
Other countries: 8 – 15 business days
Pick-up at the airport in the postal office: your SIM will be ready for pick-up after 2 to 5 business days or 2 to 3 business days with expedited shipping. Make sure to verify that the postal office is open at your arrival time.
The options
| Duration | Data | Voice + Text | Total cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 days | Unlimited with fair usage policy | No | JPY ¥3,480 |
| 8 days | 8GB | No | JPY ¥3,480 |
| 12 days | Unlimited with fair usage policy | No | JPY ¥4,980 |
| 14 days | 3GB | No | JPY ¥4,480 |
| 16 days | 16GB | No | JPY ¥5,480 |
| 21 days | Unlimited with fair usage policy | No | JPY ¥6,980 |
| 30 days | 7GB | No | JPY ¥4,980 |
| 31 days | 31GB | No | JPY ¥6,980 |
Click here for more information and to order your SIMcard Geek SIM card:
Simcard Geek Tourist SIM
Sakura Mobile
Sakura is a Japanese company that offers wireless services for all who are visiting Japan.
They have various cost-effective solutions to stay connected while you’re visiting Japan.
Sakura Mobile has English support and also offers compatibility insurance as an add-on. If you’re unsure whether their SIM will work in your device you can add this insurance for 500 JPY. If you opted-in their insurance and encounter problems with getting connected you will get an upgrade to a Pocket Wifi device. (or a refund if you prefer)
Sakura Mobile SIMs can be ordered through Klook or directly, on their corporate website. The widest range can be found on their own site, but you can compare both since you can order things on Klook that you cannot find on their own site.
If you order direct you can also choose from more pick-up locations or have the SIM shipped to any address, including hotels, in Japan.
The details
The Options
Available direct
| Duration | Data | Voice + Text | Total cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 days | Unlimited | No | JPY ¥4,500 |
| 15 days | Unlimited | No | JPY ¥6,500 |
| 30 days | Unlimited | No | JPY ¥9,000 |
| 45 days | Unlimited | Yes | JPY ¥14,500 |
| 60 days | Unlimited | Yes | JPY ¥16,000 |
| 90 days | Unlimited | Yes | JPY ¥24,000 |
Available through Klook
| Duration | Data | Voice + Text | Total cost (click for more information and to buy) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 days | Unlimited | No | JPY ¥4,000 |
| 16 days | Unlimited | No | JPY ¥6,0000 |
| 21 days | Unlimited | No | JPY ¥8,000 |
| 31 days | Unlimited | No | JPY ¥9,000 |
Click here for more information and to order your SIM card:
Buying a SIM card in Japan
If you’re already in Japan when you’re reading this there’s no need to worry.
Believe it or not, we arrived unprepared the very first time ourselves. It’s relatively easy to buy a SIM card in Japan. We then bought an IIJmio SIM in a Ydodobashi Camera store.
Here are your options for when you’re in Japan.
At the airport
If you want to start using your SIM card immediately you can buy one at the airport.
In the arrivals hall are sales counters from various operators and they will certainly be able to assist you in English.
BIC camera also operates one small store in Narita and 2 in Haneda airport (see here and here). You can also find SIM cards in the BlueSky shops.
The sales points from the operators will likely be able to better assist you in English and may give better advice.
In the cities
Another option to buy a SIM card in Japan is to head to one of the BIC Camera or Yodobashi Camera stores.
They sell various prepaid SIM cards for Japan tourists. We used the IIJmio SIM during our very first trip to the country. This SIM comes with a brief explanation of how to install it. You can also find all the settings on their website.
The data limit of 1GB is pretty limited but you can buy coupons to recharge the SIM.
Usually, at least some of the staff will be able to assist you in English but don’t expect the store personnel to speak the same level of English as they do at the airport.
If you know what you need they will be able to point you to the correct package or confirm that what you picked is what you think it is.
There are several Yodobashi and BIC Camera stores. At your hotel they should be able to give directions to the nearest one or you can use Google maps.
Online
A visit to a BIC Camera or Yodobashi Camera store is something that we absolutely recommend. They have so many electronic gadgets and gizmos in Japan, all things that you won’t find elsewhere. (I still don’t understand why those luxury toilets can hardly be found anywhere else in the world)
But you can also compare the various options from the comfort of your hotel room and order a SIM online.
An eSIM is the first thing that comes to mind. You can compare the alternatives, buy the one that suits you and install and activate it. All in a matter of minutes.
If your phone doesn’t support eSIMs you can order your SIM online with Mobal and pick it up directly at one of the many pick-up locations across Japan.
Alternative options to stay connected
You don’t want the hassle of changing SIM cards? No problem, in that case you can opt for one of the following alternatives.
Free WiFi in Japan
A lot of places offer free WiFi. You find it in coffee shops (Starbucks) Metro Stations (Tokyo Metro) and JR train stations.
It used to be quite a hassle to repeatedly connect to these networks but there is now an app, Japan WiFi Auto-Connect, that will automatically connect to certain public WiFi hotspots. For security reasons not to all public WiFi hotspots, but only those managed by trusted corporations or public authorities.
It worked perfect for 90% of the time during our last trips. When I walked into a metro station or train station I was usually connected to the WiFi in a matter of minutes.
The Japan WiFi Auto-Connect app is available for Android and Apple.
Thanks to this app, among other things, it has become much easier to make use of free WiFi hotspots.
During our first trips to Japan, we had to fill out a form each time we wanted to use a hot spot, only to realize that the WiFi didn’t work in the end. Now, free WiFi is much more reliable for foreigners.
However, I recommend not relying solely on it, just as we don’t. Hotspots become scarcer as you leave the major cities. Even in the capital, I find it convenient to have internet access at all times and be able to look something up when it crosses my mind, not just when I’m at a hotspot.
It’s a matter of convenience, but for the small price of a SIM card, I think it’s worth it.
Pocket WiFi Devices
The main advantage of using a pocket WiFi device is that you don’t need to switch the SIM in your phone. You also don’t need to change any of the settings of your phone. You only need to connect to the WiFi signal broadcasted by your WiFi Device.
And if you’re traveling with your family, or with friends, you can all share the same WiFi signal.
As your SIM remains in your phone this also means that friends, family, work relations, and anybody else who has your phone number can reach you as if you were home.
A disadvantage of a pocket WiFi device is that it is one extra device that you need to carry around and that you will need to charge on a daily basis if you use it frequently.
eSIM
If your phone supports eSIMs, we think that is the ideal solution. Since we got our new phone, with support for eSIM, we have always opted for an eSIM.
Your regular SIM remains in the phone. You will remain reachable on the known number and you can use data via your local eSIM. So the best of both worlds.
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Network providers in Japan
Japan has four mobile phone companies that operate their own network. The three major players are NTT Docomo, Softbank (formerly Vodafone), and Au by KDDI.
A fourth challenger is Rakuten Mobile. It used to be a virtual operator but it is now building out its own network. Today it covers about 94% of the population. Their customer relations team only speaks Japanese.
There are several other providers but these typically piggyback on the network of these 3 majors to offer their services.
The network of NTT Docomo is recognized to be the best in terms of coverage. Softbank comes in second, they are not far behind, and they still cover 99% of Japan (population-based).
Au by KDDI is seen as the least reliable network of the major players. They do well in terms of coverage but their reception is not as good inside buildings or underground due to the frequencies they’re using.
Conclusion
Having a Japanese tourist SIM card turned out to be priceless. With Google Maps we could easily find our way around the cities, we discovered interesting places to eat and we weren’t restricted to touristic restaurants since we could use our mobile phone to translate the menus.
It really helped us to travel deeper and get a better, less touristy experience of Japan.
There are many different tourist SIM cards so we wrote this post to help you choose the one that suits your needs. All information is accurate at the time of writing.
We will regularly update this article but if you notice any changes we would appreciate it if you let us know so we can update our post.
Enjoy Japan!
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