DON'T MISS: What's the best tourist SIM card for Japan (2024 guide) (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!

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 – 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.

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.

Click here for more information and to order your Sakura Mobile SIM card from Klook:
Sakura Mobile Tourist SIM

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.

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.

Short stays

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.

Click here for more information and to order your Mobal SIM card:
Mobal Tourist SIM

Longer stays

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.

Click here for more information and to order your Mobal SIM card:
Mobal Tourist SIM

Japan SIM card for tourists – The details

Mobal

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Available direct:

Available through Klook:

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.

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.

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.

Online

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.

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.
• Price: $

Simcard GEEK

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

Mobal

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

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.

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.

Mobal

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:

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 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.

Click here for more information and to order your Mobal SIM card:
MOBAL Long-term SIM

Sakura Mobile

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.

This is what you will get:

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:

Softbank

NTT Docomo

Au (KDDI)

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.

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.

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.

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’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!