Are you overwhelmed by the thought of staying connected while travelling through Japan? Struggling with how to manage multiple devices without incurring hefty roaming charges? Having travelled extensively throughout Japan, we’ve personally used and comparedJapan sim cards for both our large family and for sharing our comprehensive reviews with you.
Our top pick is the Mobal data only or voice and data sim card, which can be delivered internationally to any location before you depart. You can therefore be ready to get started immediately after arriving in Japan.
Sim cards have been our key to easy connectivity, from the heart of Tokyo to the calm seaside vista of Miyajima Island.We’ll guide you through choosing the right sim card in Japan to enhance your travel experience. Our reviews will deliver the practical advice you need for easy connectivity, no matter how many connected devices you have. We look forward to exploring the world of sim cards in Japan to help you make the most of your visit.
For those of you just looking for some quick recommendations for the best Japanese sim card providers for tourists without reading the whole article, here is a summary of our recommended options. An alternative option for newer phones is to purchase an eSim plan. Click here to check out our detailed article on eSim options for Japan.
Check out the below table to see your Voice and DataSim Card providers in Japan and Sim Card Prices for Japan.
#1 TOP PICK
Mobal Sim Card for Japan
- Best Value for Money for High Data Users
- Unlimited Data, first 3GB per day at high speed
- Voice + Data or Data only options
- Free International Delivery
Book It
#2 PICK
Sakura Mobile Sim Card for Japan
- Best Value for Money for Last Minute Shoppers
- Unlimited Data, first 3GB per day at high speed
- Voice + Data or Data Only
- Free Airport Pickup or Hotel Delivery in Japan
Book It
#3 PICK
Sim Card Geek Sim Card for Japan
- Best Value for Money for Budget Travellers
- Unlimited data, first 3GB per day at high speed, or medium and low data use options
- Data Only
- Free International Delivery or Airport Pickup in Japan
Book It
For people with newer generation mobile phones, you can alternatively purchase a prepaid Japan eSim plan. You can check out our detailed Japan eSim plan article at this link. You can also see a summary of our recommended Japan eSim options and eSim prices for tourists in the below table.
#1 TOP PICK
Japan Wireless 4G eSim for Japan
- Best Value for Money for High, Medium and Low Data Travellers
- 30 Day or Daily Data Plan Options - tailor exactly to match your trip
- High, Medium and Low Data Allocation options, first 1GB, 2GB or 5GB per day at high speed
- Instant QR Code activation, valid for 180 days after purchase
Book It
#2 PICK
Mobal 4G eSim for Japan
- Best Value for Money for High Data Users
- High, Medium and Low Data Allocation options, first 3GB per day at high speed
- Instant activation
Book It
#3 PICK
Ubigi 5G eSim for Japan (use Coupon Code PRETRAVELLER to get your 10% discount)
- Best Value for Money for High Data Users, includes 5G connectivity at no extra cost
- Instant Confirmation
- Can be used in over 190 countries
Book It
#4 PICK
![Best Japan Sim Card for Tourists [2024] - Pretraveller (7)](https://i0.wp.com/www.pretraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Airalo-Logo.png "Best Japan Sim Card for Tourists [2024] - Pretraveller (7)"){kind=logo}
Airalo 4G eSim for Asian Region
- Best Value for Money for Multi-Country Visits
- High, Medium and Low Data Allocation options
- Instant Confirmation
- Can be used in over 190 countries
Travel Sim Japan Compared With Japan Portable Pocket Wifi Rental and eSim Plans – Pros and Cons
We have personally used travel sim cards, pocketwifi devices, and eSim plans for Japan over multiple visits. As a result, we have learnedthe pros and cons of each option. Here are my thoughts on the advantages and disadvantages of each option.
Japan Sim Card for Tourists
Before purchasing a Prepaid Japan sim card, you need to ensure that your mobile phone is unlocked. If your phone is locked to your home network provider, you cannot use this option.If you use a major Japanese phone provider such as the SoftBank network or the NTT Docomo network, you should have reasonable phone coverage in both urban and rural areas.
Most Japan prepaid sim cards are easy to install. Most come with a sim card inserter tool, enabling you to pop out the sim card slot on your phone. If you have a single sim card phone, you must remove your home sim card, carefully store it, and then insert your Japanese sim card.
If you have a dual sim card phone, leave your existing phone sim card in the slot, and add the Japan sim card into the second slot. For prepaid data sim cards for Japan, the activation process is easy – follow the directions from the sim card provider. For sim cards in Japan with a phone number, an additional activation process usually includes verification of your identity.
Once installed, we personally find that Japanese sims are much more convenient than renting a pocket wifi device, as you do not need to recharge and carry an additional device. Using your phone as a mobile hotspot is also easy if you have a generous data allowance.
While travelling, you should purchase a backup battery so you can recharge your phone while you are out and about, but otherwise, it is set and forget. You can dispose of the Japan sim card at the end of your trip.
Japan eSim Plans for Tourists
Newer generation phones can use eSim functionality to get cheap data for your phone while travelling. First, check your phone to determine if a Japan eSim plan is an option.
For each provider we recommend in our detailed article on eSim options for Japan,they each will use either a dedicated app or, alternatively, you will receive a QR Code to activate your eSim plan. Go through the activation process as detailed by your provider, and you should quickly be ready to get started.
Pocket Wifi Rental in Japan
Pocket wifi rental units are a great easy option to use if you have a locked phone or phone without eSim functionality, don’t want the hassle of replacing your sim card in your phone or if you have a larger group who all want to use a single option to access data while you are exploring each day.
You pick it up from the rental counter after arriving in Japan, turn it on, and then log in to the wifi hotspot, generated using the supplied hotspot name and password. You will the straight away have access to data. The only downside of pocket wifi devices is that you need to recharge them each night and carry them each day as an extra item.
Most Japan pocket wifi devices come with a generous data allowance, as it is common practice for data speed to be reduced after you exceed your data allowance. For many portable wifi routers, battery life is about 6-9 hours, so you will either need to conserve your battery life, recharge the unit, or use a backup battery to ensure you have phone charge for the whole time you are out exploring.
If you prefer to rent a portable pocket wifi, I suggest you check out our Best Online Pocket Wifi Rental In Japan For Tourists article to assist you to choose the option which will suit you best.
What prepaid sim card for Japan will best suit your needs? The answer to this question depends on your individual needs with considerations such as:
- How long will you be travelling
- What will you be using the data allowance for
- How often will you need to use data
- Whether you require a Japan sim card with a phone number
This article overviews the features and costs of various tourist sim card Japan options.
Data-only plans, along with apps such as Skype or Whatsapp, should suit most people. Think about setting up a Skype number so you can easily call people, and they can also easily call you.
Costs are accurate as of June 2023, but prices may go up or down depending on product pricing, exchange rate changes and various promotions offered by the different providers. This article will be periodically updated to reflect the latest prices.
Prepaid Japan Sim Card with Phone Number
Below is a comparison of the Voice and Data prepaid sim card Japan options. These are available primarily for foreigners staying in Japan for longer periods, such as students and expats.
Note that tourists can also use Mobal sim cards as they offer set periods of 30, 60 or 90 days. A 30-day card can be used for less than 30 days. Our recommended providers also offer longer term sim card options which are detailed in the table below.
Click on the links below to check out further information and to make your purchase.
Mobal Japan Sim Card Voice and Data – International Delivery
The Mobal Japan Sim – Voice+SMS+Data is a great option to have both unlimited data as well as a Japanese phone number which you can use to make and receive calls and SMS messages in Japan.
Free worldwide shipping means that you can order and receive your sim card before you depart, and it also makes it easy to activate it prior to your arrival in Japan. Check out our detailed Mobal Sim Card Review at this link.
The first 7GB of data per month is at high speed, and you then get unlimited data at slower network speeds. The high-speed data allowance is reset on the first day of each month. Incoming calls and SMS messages are free, and you will pay additional fees for outgoing calls and SMS messages. as detailed below:
- Outgoing domestic calls ¥39 per minute
- Outgoing international calls (selected countries) ¥65 per minute (includes Australia, Belgium, Canada, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Malaysia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, UK, USA)
- Outgoing international calls to other countries ¥200 per minute
- Outgoing domestic SMS messages ¥29 per message
- Outgoing international SMS messages ¥140 per message
The Mobal Data+Voice+SMS Sim Card can be purchased for either a 30, 60 or 90 day period for pricing from $US 39 to 53 per month.
Sakura Mobile Sim Card – Data+Voice+SMS – Japan Airport Collection or Hotel Delivery
The Sakura Mobile Japan Sim Card – Data+Voice+SMS is a great option to have both a great data allowance as well as a Japanese phone number which you can use to make and receive calls and SMS messages in Japan.
Free next day shipping to either your hotel or airport in Japan means that you can order your sim card before you depart and collect it ready to get started after you arrive in Japan.
The first 4 or 25GB of data per month is at high speed, and you then get unlimited data at slower network speeds.
Incoming calls and SMS messages are free, and you will pay additional fees for outgoing calls and SMS messages. as detailed below:
- Outgoing domestic calls ¥33 per minute
- Outgoing international calls from ¥69 per minute
- Outgoing domestic SMS messages ¥5.5 per message
- Outgoing international SMS messages ¥55 per message
The Sakura Mobile Data+Voice+SMS Sim Card can be purchased for an initial activation fee of $US40, and you will then pay a monthly fee of $US23 per month for 4GB per month, or $US31 per month for 25GB of data per month.
Japan Travel Sim Card Data only
Below are details of the Japan prepaid data Sim card options for travel for 30 days or less. These are the most common types of Japan data sim cards available for tourists. Click on the links to check out further information and to make your booking.
Mobal Sim Card – Japan Sim Card Unlimited Data
The Mobal Data Only Sim Card is a great option to get a Japan unlimited data sim. Free worldwide shipping means that you can order and receive your sim card before you depart, and also makes it easy to activate prior to your arrival in Japan. Check out our detailed review of the Mobal Japan Sim Card at this link.
The first 3GB of data per month is at high speed, and you then get unlimited data at slower network speeds.
The Mobal Data Only Sim Card can be purchased for either a 8, 16 or 31 day period for pricing from $US 29 to 53.
Sakura Mobile Data Only Sim Card
The Sakura Sim Card – Data Only is a great option to get an unlimited data Japanese data sim. Your sim card for Japan travel includes free next day shipping to either your hotel or arrival airport in Japan.
The first 3GB of data per month is at high speed, and you then get unlimited data at slower network speeds.
The Sakura Mobile Data Only Sim Card can be purchased for either a 8, 15 or 30 day period for pricing from $US 35 to 71.
Sim Card Geek Data Only Sim Card – International Delivery of Japan Sim Card Airport Collection
The Sim Card Geek Mobile Data Only Sim Card is a great option to get either unlimited data or a smaller data allowance Japanese sim card for travellers. Your Japanese tourist sim card includes free international delivery or airport pickup.
Sim Card Geek offers a great range of Japanese data sim cards to suit every traveller, as detailed below.
- Unlimited Data Options. Available for 5/12/21 days for prices from $US 25-50.
- High Use Data Options. Available for 8/16/31 day options with 1GB per day included data for prices from $US 25-50.
- Low Use Data Options. Available for 14/30 day options for prices from $US 32-36.
Japan Sim Card FAQs
We have put together some Japan Sim Card FAQs to help you better understand the options to get cheap access to data while travelling.
Japan Sim Card vs Pocket Wifi vs eSimfor Japan
The option of whether to use a physical sim card vs a Japan eSim plan vs Japan wifi rental depends on which phone you have and also whether you want to have voice call functionality.
If you have a newer generation cell phone, you can choose either a physical sim card, Japan e Sim plan or Japan pocket wifi rental options. Currently, to get voice calling functionality you will need to purchase a physical sim card, as detailed in the article above.
The physical prepaid data sim card Japan options are at similar price points to theJapan eSim options. Choosing an eSim means you don’t need to physically remove and replace the sim card in your phone. Both options require you to go through an activation process on your phone.
Renting a pocket wifi for Japancan be a simpler option, as apart from having to collect your pocket wifi for Japan on arrival at either the Airport Post Office or other collection counter, the only activation process is to turn it on, log into the wifi network on your mobile phone, and then you are ready to get started.
Also, multiple people can log into a single Japan portable wifi device, making this a good affordable option for families and groups. You then need to recharge the Japan wi fi each night, and many pocket wifi providers offer a backup battery option so you will not run out of charge each day.
At the end of your visit, you then need to return your Japan pocket wifi rental, either by mail satchel or returning it at your departure airport.
What is an eSim?
AneSim(otherwise known as an embedded Sim) is a new digital technology that enables you to set up a data only phone plan on your phone without needing to add a physical sim card. As a result, to get data access while travelling, instead of using your usually more costly home sim plan, you can instead subscribe to a pre-paid eSim plan for the country you plan to visit.
Over time expect that all phones will switch to having only an eSim for network access, and older-style Sim cards will be phased out of existence.
What phones can use an eSim?
Basically all of the modern generation phones should be able to use eSim technology. Here is a list of more popular phones that are confirmed to include eSim functionality. Note that budget versions of these phone options may not have eSim functionality
– iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, XS, XR
– Google Pixel 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
– Samsung Galaxy S20, S21, S22, S23
– Huawei P40
– Z Flip 2, 3, 4
– and many more.
To confirm if your specific phone has eSim capability just do a quick Google search for your particular phone.
Do I Needa Sim Card in Japan?
Using your home phone plan’s international roaming option could cost you thousands of dollars and only provide you with a limited quantity of slow data.Purchasing a prepaid sim card for Japan is a great way to ensure that you have an appropriate amount of affordable phone data for your trip, and you could also choose to have a Japanese phone number if you need it.
Can I Buy a Sim Card in Japan?
After you arrive in Japan you can purchase a Japan sim card after you arrive, either in thearrival hall of your airport or at local convenience stores. A key issue is that you are likely to be tired when you arrive, and want to get through customs and immigration as quickly as possible so you can head to your hotel.
If you also need to consider options and decide which sim card to purchase that can be a lot more hassle than you need at this stage of your trip.
We recommend that you do your research into Japan sim cards in advance andpre-order your preferred option. It means you will be able to quickly stop in at the airport to pick up your pre-ordered sim card, or if you are getting one delivered to your home before you depart or to your hotel, you can head straight out of the airport an activate your sim cardlater.
Can I Buy a Japan Sim Card with Phone Number?
Yes, you can purchase a prepaid Japan Sim Card with a phone number. When your sim card has a Japan phone number, there is an additional activation step to confirm your identity.Our recommended Japan sim card with voice providers are either Mobal or Sakura Mobile.
Where to Buy a Japan Sim Card in Singapore?
You can easily order a 4G Japan Sim Card for tourists for collection at Changi Airport in Singapore before you depart for Japan. This Klook Japan Sim Card has options for either 7 or 14 days, and for high speed data between 5 – 20GB.
Where to Buy Japan Sim Card in Malaysia?
You can easily order a 4GJapan Sim Card for collection at Kuala Lumpar Airport in Malaysia before you depart for Japan. This Klook Japan Sim Card has options for either 7, 8 or 30days, and for high speed data between 6 – 15 GB.
Where to Buy Japan Sim Card in Hong Kong?
You can easily order a 4GJapan Sim Card for collection at Hong Kong International Airport in HKbefore you depart for Japan. This Klook Japan Sim Card has options for 8days with a 5–GB High speed data allowance per day.
Can I Use a Japanese Sim Card in my Phone?
Before purchasing a Prepaid Japan sim card, you need to ensure that your mobile phone is unlocked. If your phone is locked to your home network provider, you will not be able to use this option. If you have a dual sim phone then even if your phone is locked you will be able to use a prepaid sim card in Japan.
Can I buy a Japan Sim Card at Haneda Airport?
After you arrive at Haneda Airport in Tokyo you can purchase a Japan sim card after you arrive. A key issue is that you are likely to be tired when you arrive and want to get through customs and immigration as quickly as possible so you can head to your hotel.
If you also need to consider options and decide which Japan sim card in Haneda Airportto purchase, that can be a lot more hassle than you need at this stage of your trip.
We recommend that you compare sim cards Japanin advance andpre-order your preferred sim card online. It means you will be able to quickly stop in to pickup your pre-ordered Japan sim card Haneda Airport.
Can I buy a Japan Sim Card at Narita Airport?
After you arrive at Narita Airport in Tokyo you can purchase a Japan sim card after you arrive. A key issue is that you are likely to be tired when you arrive and want to get through customs and immigration as quickly as possible so you can head to your hotel.
If you also need to consider options and decide which Japan sim card in Narita Airportto purchase, that can be a lot more hassle than you need at this stage of your trip.
We recommend that you compare sim cards Japanin advance andpre-order your preferred sim card online. It means you will be able to quickly stop in at Narita Airport to pickup your pre-ordered sim card.
Can I Buy a Japan Sim Card Without Credit Card?
Most Japan Sim Card providers require you to pre-order using a debit or credit card. However, if this option is not feasible for you, you can instead draw Japanese Yen at the airport after you arrive in Japan, and purchase a prepaid sim card with cash.
Which Sim Card to use in Japan?
Choosing a sim card to use in Japan requires you to consider how long you will need the sim card andhow much data you are likely to use, and your preferred delivery or collection location. These options can also be influenced by when your flight arrives in Japan.
Ensure you check the opening hours of the collection location at your arrival airport. Consider the scenario where your flight is delayed, and ensure that you will still arrive on time to collect your Japan sim card. Otherwise, choose an option that is either delivered to your home before you depart or is delivered to your hotel.
What’s Better eSim or Physical Sim?
It all depends on whether your cell phone has eSim functionality and also whether you need to have a Japan phone number. If you do not need Japan voice calling and your phone can use eSims, then in my opinion, an eSim is a better option.
You can instantly set up your eSim and get going, whereas having to pick up a physical sim card means you have an additional step after you arrive in Japan to collect your sim card at the airport. If you need a Japanese phone number, then currently, a sim card is the only option with that feature.
Can I Buy a Japan Sim Card in the UK?
A great option if you live in the UK is to order your Japanese Sim Card through Mobal, as they have international delivery for both data only and voice sim cards for Japan.
What is the Best Japan Sim Card for iPhone?
The best Japan Sim Card for iPhonerequires you to consider how long you will need the sim card andhow much data you are likely to use, and your preferred delivery or collection location. These options can also be influenced by when your flight arrives in Japan.
Ensure you check the opening hours of the collection location at your arrival airport. Consider the scenario where your flight is delayed, and ensure that you will still arrive on time to collect your Japan sim card for iPhone. Otherwise, choose an option that is either delivered to your home before you depart or is delivered to your hotel.
What is the Best Japan Sim Card for Tourists?
The best Japan Sim Card for tourists requires you to consider how long you will need the sim card andhow much data you are likely to use, and your preferred delivery or collection location. These options can also be influenced by when your flight arrives in Japan.
Ensure you check the opening hours of the collection location at your arrival airport. Consider the scenario where your flight is delayed, and ensure that you will still arrive on time to collect your Japan sim card for tourists. Otherwise, choose an option that is either delivered to your home before you depart or is delivered to your hotel.
What is the Best Japan Sim Card for Long-Term Use?
If you are going to be staying long-term in Japan, either as a tourist or student, a great Japan sim card for long-term use is either theMobal or Sakura Mobilelong term sim card plans.
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You may also like to check out the following articles:
Best Japan eSim Plan for Tourists [2024]
Best Japan Sim Card for Tourists [2024]
Rent the Best Pocket Wifi in Japan for Visitors [2024]
How to Rent a Japan Wireless Pocket Wifi [2024]
Review: Ninja Wifi Pocket Wifi Rental for Japan [2024]
Mobal Sim Card Review for Japan [2024]
Top 16 Phone Apps for Your Japan Trip (plus Bonus Apps!)
Join the Japan Travel Planning Facebook Group
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Tony Sutherland-Smith
Tony Sutherland-Smith is the co-founder and key contributor to Pretraveller.com, where his extensive knowledge and passion for travel shine brightly. With a special focus on Japan and South Korea, Tony brings a wealth of practical information and insights to the table, especially regarding staying connected while abroad. His expertise in navigating the complexities of SIM cards, pocket WiFi, and eSIMs has made him an invaluable resource for travellers seeking seamless digital connectivity on their journeys.
Tony’s approach to travel writing is deeply rooted in offering reliable, detailed, and up-to-date information, making him a trusted figure in the travel community. Whether discussing Tokyo’s neon-lit streets, Seoul’s cultural richness, or the technicalities of staying connected in these fast-paced destinations, his articles reflect a combination of thorough research and personal experience.
At Pretraveller.com, Tony’s contributions go beyond just sharing travel tips; they are about enriching the travel experience of his readers. His guidance is tailored to empower travellers, helping them navigate foreign lands confidently and stay connected with the world, no matter where their adventures take them. Join Tony on Pretraveller.com as he continues to explore the nuances of travel in Japan and South Korea and offers valuable insights for the modern, connected traveller.
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