Finding The Best SIM Card For Japan As A Traveler & Resident

Your luggage is packed, documents and visas are all ready, and now it’s time to figure out how you will stay connected while in Japan.

With so many options, we help you find the best SIM card for Japan, whether traveling or living there.

Where to get a SIM in Japan?

One of the most convenient ways to get a SIM card in Japan is to purchase it online and pick it up at the airport. Alternatively, you can buy a prepaid SIM card directly at the airport. In fact, some airports even have SIM card vending machines, making it incredibly easy to stay connected from the moment you land. 

Additionally, major electronics stores and some convenience stores in Japan will sell prepaid SIM cards. 

Should I get an eSIM or physical SIM for Japan?

That all depends on your phone. 

eSIMs offer a convenient solution for those with more modern phones. With an eSIM, you don't need to worry about inserting a physical card into your phone. Instead, you download and switch to the new eSIM to connect to the local provider.

Physical SIM cards are still available in Japan. However, when buying one for Japan, you need to know the size of your SIM card so it fits inside your phone.

Physical SIM card sizes

Best sim card for Japan: for tourist

Many tourists use these SIM card providers to stay connected to the internet. One major benefit is the English customer support, which can help you solve any issues.

Be sure to have your phone to be unlocked to accept overseas mobile providers.  

1. Sakura Mobile

Sakura Mobile is the most popular phone service for English-speaking people traveling and living in Japan.

For travelers specifically, they offer plans for up to 90 days starting at 4,950 yen with LTE data. They partner with Japan’s major phone provider, NTT Docomo, so you know you’re going to have fast and reliable data with you.

Sakura Mobile also offers eSIM for you to buy before landing in Japan. Their most popular eSIM plan is their eSIM Data Only for 7 days with 10 GB of data starting at 4,500 yen.

Additionally, they guarantee you will receive their pocket wifi if their SIM is incompatible with your device. 

2. Mobal

Mobal offers various SIM card and eSIM plans, the cheapest of which is 4,730 yen for 8 days and with a total of 25GB.

Many travelers use Mobal because they send physical SIM cards to your home country at no extra cost, letting you be one step ahead of your Japan trip. 

Mobal also offers voice, SIM, and data plans, giving you a Japanese phone number. 

3. IIJmio Travel SIM

If you are looking for a low-cost SIM card service while traveling in Japan, IIJmio is for you.

Their prepaid, data-only SIM card and eSIM are available at major electronics stores such as Bic Camera, Yodobashi Camera, and Kojima. They can also be found at Lawson, a convenience store in Japan. 

The cheapest plan is for 30 days with 3GB data for about 2,500 yen, but prices will vary throughout different stores. 

Bonus: vending machines at airports

Forgot to buy a SIM card before arriving in Japan? No worries!

Many international airports in Japan will have vending machines with prepaid SIM cards for tourists and travelers to buy from.

For example, a 6-day SIM card with 1 GB is sold for about 2,000 yen at Naita Airport.

Best sim card for Japan for foreign residents

For foreigners looking for SIM cards and eSIM in Japan, here is your list. 

The next section covers the 3 major phone network providers in Japan.

1. Docomo

Docomo is Japan's largest mobile phone operator, with wide coverage and a high-speed network that even covers rural areas. They offer voice and data plans and sell smartphones and devices. 

For those temporarily leaving Japan to travel back home or abroad, Docomo offers international data packages.

Additionally, Docomo is a great option if you are interested in their point system, d-points. D-points can be used for various products and services, but many people use them to pay the monthly SIM card fee.

2. Au

Au is Japan’s second-largest mobile carrier. It is known for its high-quality customer service, user-friendly approach, multilingual support, and dedicated shops that can assist foreign residents.

One of their unique services is their auスマートパスプレミアム (au smart pass premium), a service that helps with any issues with their smarts, such as cracks and breaks, lost phones, data backup, and spam protection.

AU’s network is great in both urban and rural regions in Japan. Perfect for no matter where you are in Japan.

3. Softbank

ソフトバンク, or Softbank , is a well-known mobile carrier in Japan. It offers different plans with voice, data, and eSIM capabilities for individual, family, and business customers.

Softbank is popular with English-speaking residents in Japan with its SoftBank Global Services to help non-Japanese speakers by providing support and assistance in different languages. 

Cheap SIM card for foreigners in Japan

Japan also has mobile virtual network operators (MVNO), which offers flexible plans compared to major networks. Here are the most popular MVNO in Japan:

• Rakuten Mobile: Originally an MVNO, Rakuten Mobile has now transitioned into a full-fledged carrier. However, it still offers MVNO-like plans using its network and leasing infrastructure from major networks.

• IIJmio: Offers popular and flexible data plans. It offers various services, including voice and data SIMs, and is known for its excellent customer service. I’m currently using this service and have no complaints.

• Mineo: offers customizable plans. Users can choose their preferred network among the big three carriers (Docomo, AU, Softbank) and tailor their service package to their needs.

• UQ Mobile: A subsidiary of AU, UQ Mobile operates like an MVNO by offering budget-friendly plans for cost-conscious consumers.

• Y!mobile: is owned by SoftBank and offers cheaper plans than its parent company. It is known for including additional services like Yahoo Japan bundled with its mobile offerings.

These providers lease network capacities for major carriers such as Docomo, Au, and Softbank.

Other options besides using SIM cards in Japan

There are 2 other options available in Japan for you to stay connected.

Pocket Wifi

Pocket wifi is a great option for bigger groups, such as families and travel groups, as it connects many devices simultaneously. 

These devices provide high-speed internet throughout Japan. They are available at the airport where you land, but you can also order one and send it to you at your accommodation.

Public wifi

Public wifi is available throughout Japan, from airports, train stations, cafes, and hotels in major cities like Tokyo and Osaka. This convenience allows travelers to stay connected to the internet.

However, be cautious when using public wifi, as it may not be secure, making you vulnerable to cyber threats. Avoid inputting sensitive information on public networks and use a VPN for extra protection.

Do American SIM cards work in Japan?

Depending on your carrier, your American SIM card can work in Japan. For example, my family’s phone plan in America is with T-Mobile, whose plans are also international. So, when I landed in Japan in 2017, my American SIM card worked fine. 

So, see if your American carrier has international plans to accommodate your Japanese travels.

Is it cheaper to buy a SIM card in Japan?

It depends on your situation. If your current SIM card accommodates international travel, you don’t need to buy a new SIM card for Japan. However, many SIM card providers for travelers offer the option to send you a SIM card at no extra cost, making it a convenient solution.

Frequently asked questions

What are the options for SIM cards in Japan?

For foreign travelers heading to Japan who need a SIM card, Sakura Mobile, Mobal, and IIJmio Travel SIM are available. Docomo, Au, and Softbank offer a better long-term solution for foreigners living in Japan.

Can tourists buy SIM cards in Japan?

Tourists can buy SIM cards when they are in Japan. The simplest way is to arrive at the airport. If you miss the opportunity, prepaid SIM cards are available at major electronics stores and some convenience stores in Japan.

Which is the best SIM network in Japan?

Overall, Docomo has the best SIM network in Japan as being the largest mobile phone operator there.

In closing

Whether a traveler or a resident, staying connected is essential in Japan. With a wide range of options to accommodate your needs, pick the one that best suits your needs. 

Safe travels, and enjoy your stay!