Traveling to Japan and need mobile data? Getting a local SIM card for your trip can provide convenient access to maps, translation, and more. With plenty of options between traditional physical SIMs, eSIMs, and short-term data plans, choosing the right Japan SIM card may feel overwhelming. Read on for a full guide on which Japan SIM card or eSIM to buy, where to purchase, how much data you’ll need, the latest prices, and more tips for saving money on data in Japan.
For most travelers, getting a local Japan SIM card is highly recommended. Unlike in some countries, free public WiFi can be hard to find in Japan. Purchasing a Japan SIM card provides affordable access to:
Having mobile data on hand prevents getting lost and allows you to access apps and information on the go. It may be tempting to rely on WiFi at your hotel or cafes, but spotty connections and weak signals can quickly limit your internet access around Tokyo and other popular areas.
SIM cards are especially useful for independent travelers who want flexibility navigating the city instead of relying on tours or guides. However, even tour groups can benefit from having a Japan SIM card to look up information when separated from the guide or group.
With cheap prepaid Japan SIM cards available, there are very few downsides to getting one for your upcoming trip if you plan to use mobile data. The convenience of access to maps, travel apps, and internet outweighs any minor hassles of setting up a SIM card.
Advice: So, Japan SIM card is one of the indispensable items when traveling to Japan.
When purchasing a Japan SIM card, you’ll first have to decide whether you need a physical SIM or eSIM. Here are the key differences:
Physical SIM Card: The traditional plastic chip that inserts into your phone. Physical Japan SIM cards can be picked up at stores and airport kiosks in Japan or shipped internationally before your trip.
eSIM: A digital SIM embedded into your phone. eSIMs are configured through an app by scanning a QR code. eSIMs are convenient since you don’t have to swap out SIM cards, but availability is limited to newer smartphone models.
Most Japan eSIM providers also require installing profiles before departure instead of allowing in-country activation. However, eSIMJapan.net has rolled out eSIM support in Japan, allowing easy activation after arrival.
For short trips under 2-3 weeks, prepaid SIM cards provide the best value without being locked into long contracts. Here are the main prepaid SIM card options:
For most tourists, a data-only prepaid SIM provides the best mix of affordability and utility. With free messaging options over data like WhatsApp, LINE, Facebook Messenger, etc., voice/text SIMs are unnecessary for short trips.
Notes: You'll also have to decide between a standard or micro/nano SIM card based on what size your phone supports. iPhones and newer Android devices use nano SIMs, for example. Make sure to have the right SIM size or bring an adapter.
With a Japan SIM card, one of the most important choices is picking the right data amount during your trip length. Here are some general data usage estimates:
These numbers assume using maps, social media, some photo uploads, light web browsing and messaging daily. Video streaming will consume large amounts of additional data.
To conserve data, use WiFi networks whenever available and disable auto-playing videos/music. Downloading offline Google Maps and translating key phrases ahead of time also helps minimize mobile data needs if you’re on a tight allowance.
However, don’t stress about data limits too much – premium Japan networks like SoftBank, NTT Docomo, and au have extensive coverage and fast speeds across Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and other popular tourist regions. Topping up an extra 1-2 GB of data mid-trip is easy if needed.
Tips: Each user will have a different data usage volume. You can check on the data tracking on your device to know how much data you have used in a month to estimate the data volume you need for your trip.
Cost for Japan SIM cards depends on the data amount, validity length, and network:
However, you can find even cheaper SIM card deals like 1-2 GB for under 1,000 yen ($6.72) if you look in the right places and don’t need an unlimited tourist bundle. Overall, a Japan SIM card can realistically be purchased for under 2,000 yen ($13.44) per week including delivery fees.
Some SIM card plans from mobile operators and MVNO that you can refer to for your Japan trips:
| Operator | Plan Name | Data Allowance | Validity Period | Price (JPY) | Price (USD) |
| Bmobile | Data SIM | 1GB | 30 days | 1,980 | $14.58 |
| Data SIM | 3GB | 30 days | 2,970 | $22.02 | |
| COMST | Data SIM | 1.5GB | 30 days | 2,420 | $18.01 |
| Data SIM | 10GB | 30 days | 8,800 | $65.63 | |
| GTN Mobile | Data SIM | 1GB | 30 days | 5,000 | $37.25 |
| Data SIM | 5GB | 30 days | 10,000 | $74.25 | |
| IIJmio | Travel SIM | 1GB | 30 days | 1,990 | $14.79 |
| Travel SIM | 2GB | 30 days | 3,020 | $22.48 | |
| Mobal | Data SIM | 1GB | 30 days | 3,990 | $29.66 |
| Data SIM | 10GB | 30 days | 16,500 | $123.26 | |
| Nippon SIM | Data SIM | 1GB | 30 days | 1,780 | $13.23 |
| Data SIM | 2GB | 30 days | 1,980 | $14.79 | |
| Sakura Mobile | Data SIM | 1GB | 30 days | 4,950 | $36.90 |
| Data SIM | 10GB | 30 days | 26,400 | $197.01 | |
| Wi-Ho! | Data SIM | 1GB | 30 days | 4,980 | $36.93 |
| Data SIM | 5GB | 30 days | 5,980 | $44.37 |
eSIM is also a cheap option for travelers to Japan. With the almost same prices as Japan SIM card, you will have an eSIM plan with same functions like SIM cards. Some eSIM plans from esimjapan you can refer to:
5-Days Plans:
7-Days Plans
10-Days Plans;
15-Days Plans:
20-Days Plans
30-Days Plans:
For comparison, pocket WiFi rental for Japan typically costs over 4,000 yen (~$26.84) per week. So getting a SIM card just for your phone is clearly cheaper than renting a standalone WiFi hotspot device.
Japan eSIM Daily 1GB - 3 days
Japan eSIM Daily 1GB - 3 days
1GB/Day
Japan eSIM 5GB total - 3 days
Japan eSIM 5GB total - 3 days
5GB
Japan eSIM Daily 2GB - 5 days
Japan eSIM Daily 2GB - 5 days
2GB/Day
Japan eSIM 5GB total - 5 days
Japan eSIM 5GB total - 5 days
5GB
Japan eSIM Daily 2GB - 7 days
Japan eSIM Daily 2GB - 7 days
2GB/Day
Japan eSIM 10GB total - 7 days
Japan eSIM 10GB total - 7 days
10GB
Japan eSIM Daily 2GB - 10 days
Japan eSIM Daily 2GB - 10 days
2GB/Day
Japan eSIM 10GB total - 10 days
Japan eSIM 10GB total - 10 days
10GB
Japan eSIM 20GB total - 10 days
Japan eSIM 20GB total - 10 days
20GB
Japan eSIM Daily 3GB - 15 days
Japan eSIM Daily 3GB - 15 days
3GB/Day
Based on your schedule time, you can pick your own data plan.
Here are some recommendations as a local guide in Japan on where tourists can buy a SIM card or eSIM and the benefits of choosing an eSIM:
For a physical SIM card, some good options to purchase include:
However, it is recommended considering an eSIM instead. Here are some key benefits of eSIM over physical SIM cards in Japan:
Tips: I suggest looking at eSIM providers like Gigago or esimjapan.net that offer cost-effective data plans and good coverage specifically for Japan. All you need is wifi to activate. Let me know if you need any other recommendations!
If you have an unlocked phone that supports eSIM like newer iPhones and Pixels, using a Japan eSIM can be an extremely convenient option. With eSIMs, you don’t have to fuss with physical SIM cards at all.
The basic steps are:
Note: With eSIM setup taking just minutes, it's great for spontaneity. Please check out detailed guide
Here are some outstading mobile operators in Japan. They have reasonable Japan SIM card and eSIM with various data and validity options:
| Operator | Coverage | SIM Card Price Range | Pros | Cons | eSIM Available? |
| NTT Docomo | Widest coverage across Japan (over 99%) | $23.56 - $53.85 | Fastest network speeds, best coverage, supports VoLTE/WiFi calling | Most expensive | Yes |
| KDDI | Nearly as widespread as Docomo (over 98%) | $23.56 - $47.12 | Competitive network, solid coverage | Slightly more expensive than SoftBank | Yes |
| SoftBank | Broad coverage of over 97% | $10.10 - $33.67 | Cheapest plans generally | Slightly slower speeds than Docomo/KDDI | Yes |
| Rakuten | Coverage of about 98.8% | $6.60 - $20.06 | Very low pricing, unlimited plans available | Newest network, speeds can vary | Yes |
| Bmobile | Runs on Docomo network | $10.10 -$26.93 | Inexpensive Docomo MVNO | Data capped plans | Yes |
| Sakura Mobile | Runs on Docomo network | $13.33 - $33.67 | Good Docomo coverage, flexible plans | Higher pricing than bmobile | No |
| IIJmio | Runs on Docomo network | $6.60 - $23.56 | Inexpensive Docomo MVNO | Data capped plans | No |
This covers some of the top picks, but there are dozens of other Japan MVNOs to choose from. Comparing a few providers with your ideal data amount, network, and SIM card type helps find the right match.
Advice: For tourists, it's highly recommended to choose the mobile operators that offer eSIM plans. It can be a reasonable price with much convenient.
To reduce mobile data usage in Japan, follow these tips:
Following these tips will help you maximize the value of your Japan SIM card data allowance during your trip!
Yes, your phone needs to be unlocked to insert and use a Japan SIM card. Contact your home carrier to request an unlock before traveling if your phone is currently locked. iPhones purchased directly from Apple are generally unlocked already.
Yes, you can enable mobile hotspot (tethering) to share your Japan SIM card’s data allowance with other devices like a laptop, tablet, or second phone. This is useful for WiFi on the go. However, beware of additional hotspot fees on some cheaper plans.
Free public WiFi is less common in Japan than other Asian countries. You may find WiFi hotspots at major train stations, malls, cafes, and some convenience stores but coverage is spotty. Purchasing a SIM card is recommended over relying on free WiFi.
No, Japan SIM cards only provide service domestically within Japan and don’t offer international roaming. Switch back to your home SIM or get a separate SIM card when traveling outside Japan.
You can make voice calls over data apps like WhatsApp, Skype, Facebook Messenger instead of regular calling with a data-only SIM card. Texting requires a SMS/call capable SIM card or using data-based messaging apps.
For trips over 2-3 weeks, getting a monthly data plan of 10+ GB or unlimited data on a long-term SIM card can provide the best value compared to short-term prepaid SIMs. Many providers offer 1-12 month contracts.
Getting a local Japan SIM card unlocks connectivity convenience and flexibility for tourists. For most travelers, an affordable data-only prepaid SIM card around 2 GB offers plenty of maps, web browsing, messaging, and basic usage for short trips up to two weeks.
Purchasing online in advance and picking up at the airport or having delivered provides the best deals and avoidance of queues. But eSIM options like Ubigi are growing in popularity as well for their instant digital setup. With various SIM card options readily available, there’s no reason to visit Japan without the internet in your pocket.