SIM cards for Japan: The best options, prices, and where to buy them

Why do you need a SIM card in Japan?

Japan may be high tech, but but for travelers exploring capsule hotels, manga shops, or internet cafes in Japan, public Wi-Fi tells a different story. It’s nowhere near as widespread or reliable as in other countries like Singapore, Malaysia, or the Philippines. It’s usually limited to train stations, cafes, or convenience stores, and often requires clunky registration processes in Japanese.

Meanwhile, international data roaming can easily cost you US$10 or more per day, depending on your service provider. Staying connected will quickly become one of the most expensive parts of your Japan adventure.

A SIM card for Japan solves both problems, providing affordable and reliable mobile data throughout your trip. You get fast and reliable mobile data wherever you go: on the subway in Tokyo, hiking around Mount Fuji, or looking for your Airbnb late at night. Also, some providers will provide a Japanese phone number, allowing you to make traditional phone calls and send SMS messages.

Most recent devices, including iPhones, Android smartphones, and iPads, are compatible with Japanese mobile networks as long as they’re carrier unlocked. However, older phones that run on 2G may struggle to get connected because Japan doesn’t have any 2G service. If you’re unsure, check out our article explaining whether your phone will work in Japan.

If you’re still planning your itinerary, it’s worth researching the best time to visit Japan to align your trip with the experiences you care about most.

The best SIM cards for travel in Japan

Not all SIM cards are created equal. Some come with unlimited data, some include a phone number and voice calls, and others are purely data SIM cards. 

Let’s compare the best SIM card options for your Japan trip:

Mobal SIM: The best for voice calls + data

Mobal provides one of the few Japanese SIM cards that includes both data and voice calls, plus a Japanese phone number. That’s a big deal if you need to make reservations, contact hotels, or receive SMS codes.

Pros:

• Voice calls + data SIM plans

• English-speaking customer support

• Airport SIM pickup or hotel delivery

• No contract

Cons:

• Slightly higher prices than data-only options

If you want the freedom to make and receive phone calls rather than rely on messaging apps, Mobal is the SIM card you need. Notably, even if you use up your data, Mobal doesn’t cut the connection off. Speeds just slow to around 200 Kbps, which is still enough for basic messaging or maps.

Bonus: Part of Mobal’s profits go toward charity projects in Africa. It’s a small detail, but one that sets this carrier apart.

Sakura Mobile SIM: The best for tourists and English support

Sakura Mobile’s plans come with unlimited data, strong coverage across Japan, and — most importantly — reliable customer support in English. You can order ahead and pick up your SIM at the airport or have it delivered to your hotel.

Pros:

• Unlimited data SIM plans

• Airport SIM pickup and hotel delivery

• Responsive English-language support

• Great for short-term tourists

Cons:

• More expensive than some competitors

If you’re visiting Japan for the first time or want a hassle-free setup without digging through settings or struggling with translations, this is one of the easiest and most tourist-friendly options out there.

IIJmio Travel SIM: The best budget prepaid option

Looking for the cheapest way to get internet access? The IIJmios service is hard to beat. It offers a data-only SIM card made for tourists, which can be found in airport kiosks, Bic Camera stores, or konbinis.

Pros:

• Cheap and widely available

• Great for last-minute buyers

• No contract or ID checks

Cons:

• Data-only (no voice calls or SMS)

• Limited support

It’s a good fit for those who just want a few gigs of data and don’t need a lot of support with the setup. 

Nippon SIM: The best for long-term visitors

If you’re in Japan for more than a quick trip, Nippon SIM gives you more for your money. Its prepaid SIM cards offer plans for longer stays, with 30-day validity and enough data to cover everyday use without forcing you into a contract.

Pros:

• 30+ day plans with generous data plans

• Fair pricing for long-term use

Cons:

• Limited English-speaking support

• Not tailored to short-term tourists

You can order it online or buy it in major electronics stores. If you order ahead, make sure your address in Japan (even a hostel) is ready for delivery.

SoftBank SIM: Reliable nationwide coverage

As one of Japan’s biggest carriers, SoftBank delivers a strong signal in both urban and remote areas. Its prepaid SIM cards are simple to use and available at major airports and convenience stores.

Pros:

• Excellent coverage

• Simple prepaid options

• Backed by a major telco

Cons:

• Limited extras (no voice calls in most tourist plans)

This carrier is a good middle-ground option if you want dependable internet access without needing advanced features.

Where to buy a tourist SIM card in Japan

You can buy a SIM card for Japan travel in several ways:

• At the airport. You can purchase a SIM card upon arrival — you’ll find kiosks of various providers in the arrivals areas of Narita, Haneda, Kansai, and other major airports. This is the most convenient option if you want internet access as soon as you land. You can be online within minutes of picking up your luggage. That said, buying a SIM at an airport is often pricier than other options, and your choices may be limited to a few plans.

• Convenience stores (konbinis) and vending machines. Some 7-Eleven and Lawson locations stock prepaid SIM cards from popular local mobile networks, usually near the travel or electronics section. This is a handy backup if you didn’t grab a SIM at the airport, but availability is hit or miss, and the plan selection is usually basic.

• Electronics stores. Bic Camera, Yodobashi, and Don Quijote carry a wider range of Japanese tourist SIM cards, often at better prices than at the airport. These shops are a good choice if you want more data, longer validity, or a specific provider. Just keep in mind that English support may be limited, and you’ll likely need to set up the SIM on your own.

• Online pre-order. You can purchase your SIM before your trip and pick it up at the airport or have it shipped to your hotel or Airbnb. Some providers offer free shipping within Japan. It’s often cheaper than buying in person and lets you skip the stress of searching for a SIM after a long flight, but it does require some planning ahead.

Note: You’ll need to show your passport when buying a prepaid SIM card in Japan. It’s a legal requirement, so don’t forget it.

How to activate a SIM card for Japan

Activating your Japan travel SIM is usually simple — follow these steps:

1. Remove your home provider’s SIM card from your mobile phone. Be careful not to damage the SIM and store it in a safe place so that it doesn’t get lost or stolen.

2. Insert the new SIM card into your phone.

3. After inserting the Japanese SIM card, your phone may need to connect to the correct mobile network. This step often requires updating the APN (Access Point Name) settings. The APN allows your phone to access mobile internet and data services.

4. Restart your phone and follow the instructions provided to activate your plan. Most companies will require you to enter a PIN code and adjust some network settings.

Most prepaid SIMs activate within minutes. If nothing happens, double-check your APN settings or contact support (some offer help in English via chat or email).

Alternatives to SIM cards in Japan

If a physical SIM card doesn’t feel like the right fit, you can explore other options for staying connected while you’re in Japan.

eSIMs 

If you want high-speed data at an affordable rate, an eSIM for Japan is the best option for your trip. An eSIM is a virtual alternative to physical SIM cards that uses preinstalled features in mobile phones to access different carriers. Instead of inserting a SIM card, simply scan a QR code, install the eSIM profile, activate a plan, and you’re online. It’s fast, easy, and perfect if your phone supports it. Just keep in mind that activating an eSIM does require a Wi-Fi or other internet connection, so make sure you’re somewhere with access before setting it up.

eSIMs are one of the most flexible options for staying connected on the go. You don’t need to wait in line at the airport or hunt down a convenience store. Everything can be set up in advance or from your hotel room in minutes.

Saily’s eSIM plans for Japan start at only US$3.99 for 7 days, so not only are eSIMs easier to use than regular SIM cards, but they’re also more cost-effective. That means you’re free to focus on delicious sushi or the cutest Sanrio merchandise!

If you’re still budgeting your trip and wondering how much it costs to go to Japan, we’ve broken down all the key expenses — from flights and food to mobile data — to help you plan smarter and travel better.

Pocket Wi-Fi

Pocket Wi-Fi is another popular option in Japan, especially for groups or families. It’s a small, portable router that creates a private Wi-Fi hotspot you can share across multiple devices. These usually offer unlimited data and solid speeds, which is great if you’re carrying laptops, tablets, or want to connect multiple phones at once.

That said, it’s one more thing to carry and keep charged. If you forget it in your hotel room, you’re offline for the day. And since it only works within a limited range, everyone needs to stay fairly close to the device.

Pocket Wi-Fi works well for people who prefer not to mess with SIM settings or who want to keep all their devices online at once. But if you’re a solo traveler or want something lighter and simpler, an eSIM or prepaid SIM card is usually more practical.