SoftBank SIM Cards and eSIM: Detailed Guide for Tourists

Having reliable mobile connectivity is crucial for navigating, staying in touch, and sharing on social media. SoftBank is a major carrier with excellent 4G coverage nationwide. This guide covers getting SoftBank SIM cards or eSIM for your Japan trip.

I. Quick Facts about SoftBank

• Founded in 1981, SoftBank is one of the leading telecommunications and internet companies in Japan.
• Its full legal name is SoftBank Group Corp.
• SoftBank provides mobile, broadband, e-commerce, AI, smart robotics, and clean energy technology services.
• As of 2022, it has over 50 million mobile subscribers in Japan.
• SoftBank has around 95% population coverage in Japan on its 4G LTE network.
• It has over 1,200 SoftBank shop stores and over 9,200 partner stores across Japan.

II. Japan SoftBank Coverage and Speed in Japan

As one of Japan’s leading telecommunication companies, SoftBank aims to connect its customers wherever they are nationwide. We will look at the extent of SoftBank’s network coverage in Japan as well as the mobile internet speeds generally available to users.

1. SoftBank Coverage in Japan

Here is an analysis of SoftBank’s coverage based on the Opensignal Report from October 2024 about the Japan Mobile Network Experience:

• Coverage Experience: SoftBank scored 6.8 out of 10 points, placing it last among the four major carriers in Japan. This indicates relatively weaker overall network coverage compared to competitors
• 5G Coverage Experience: SoftBank achieved a score of 2.7 out of 5 points Ranked third among the carriers, ahead of Rakuten Mobile (1.1) but behind au (3.1) and NTT Docomo (4.2). Shows room for improvement in 5G coverage extent and quality
• Availability: Very strong performance with 99.5% availability. Only marginally behind the joint winners au (99.6%) and NTT Docomo (99.7%). Demonstrates excellent overall network accessibility
• 5G Availability: Strong showing with 12.3% 5G availability Tied as joint winner with au (12.1%). Significantly ahead of NTT Docomo (8.5%) and Rakuten Mobile (6.7%). Indicates good 5G network deployment and accessibility.

Overall, SoftBank shows mixed performance across these metrics – excellent in 5G availability and general network availability, but lagging in coverage experience measures.

2. SoftBank Network Speed

Here is an analysis of SoftBank’s speed based on the Opensignal Japan Mobile Network Experience Report for October 2024:

• Regular Download Speed: 43.3 Mbps, ranking third among the four carriers. Behind au (54.7 Mbps) and NTT Docomo (48.2 Mbps).
• Regular Upload Speed: 8.6 Mbps, ranking second among carriers. Slightly better than au (8.5 Mbps) and higher than NTT Docomo (7.0 Mbps).
• 5G Download Speed: 137.6 Mbps, ranking last among the four carriers. Shows considerable room for improvement in 5G download performance.
• 5G Upload Speed: 19.4 Mbps, ranking second among carriers. Better than NTT Docomo and au. Behind Rakuten Mobile’s leading speed of 27.0 Mbps.

Overall, SoftBank shows mixed performance in speed metrics, with stronger results in upload speeds but weaker in download speeds, particularly in 5G. The carrier maintains competitive upload speeds in regular and 5G networks but could improve its download speed capabilities to compete better with other carriers.

III. SoftBank Connectivity Options for Travelers to Japan

There are three main options to get SoftBank mobile connectivity in Japan as a short-term visitor:

Both prepaid SIM cards and eSIM provide the same SoftBank coverage and speed. Choose as per your phone compatibility and activation preference.

IV. Best SoftBank SIM Cards for Tourists and Cost

SoftBank, like other major Japanese operators, does not offer tourist SIM cards under its own brand. Instead, it provides network services through smaller providers. Some of these include Nippon SIM, Mobal, and Japan Prepaid SIM from Parot Beak (which can only be found at SIM vending machines in airports).

Softbank Network	Price (JPY)	Price (USD)	Data	Validity	Additional
Nippon SIM 4G/LTE Data SIM	¥2,780	~US$17	10GB	4 months
	¥3,280	~US$20	15GB	4 months
	¥4,980	~US$31	30GB	4 months
	¥7,980	~US$50	50GB	4 months
Mobal	¥4,730	~US$30	25GB	8 days
	¥6,490	~US$41	50GB	16 days
	¥7,920	~US$50	50GB	31 days
	¥7,920	~US$50	7GB per calendar month	30 days	Real Japanese phone number with a 070, 080 or 090 prefix. Free incoming texts and calls. Outgoing calls are charged by the minute.
	¥12,870	~US$81	7GB per calendar month	60 days	Real Japanese phone number with a 070, 080 or 090 prefix. Free incoming texts and calls. Outgoing calls are charged by the minute.
	¥17,820	~US$113	7GB per calendar month	90 days	Real Japanese phone number with a 070, 080 or 090 prefix. Free incoming texts and calls. Outgoing calls are charged by the minute.

V. Does SoftBank Japan Support eSIM?

Yes, SoftBank does provide an eSIM connectivity option in Japan.

However, there are a couple of limitations to consider:

• Only available for iPhones currently (XS, XS Max, or later models). No Android phone support yet.
• eSIM activation must be done before arriving in Japan through the SoftBank Global Rental app. Can’t activate it after reaching Japan.

SoftBank eSIM Japan provides the same prepaid data, calls & validity as regular SIM cards but in a digital form integrated into your phone.

Pricing is also the same starting from around $25 for 7 day plan. Speed reduced after data quota finished.

XI. Where Can You Buy SoftBank SIM Card and eSIM?

SoftBank is a major Japanese telecommunications and technology conglomerate. If you need to purchase a SoftBank SIM card or eSIM while visiting Japan, here are some options for where you can buy one:

1. Where to Buy Softbank SIM Cards in Japan

You can purchase SoftBank SIM cards easily in Japan:

• Airport pick up – Pre-order online & pick up your SoftBank SIM card after arrival at major airports.
• Online delivery – Order a SoftBank prepaid SIM card on sites like Japan SIM Card, and get it delivered to your hotel or Airbnb.
• Convenience stores – Can find SoftBank SIMs at popular convenience stores like 7-Eleven, Lawson, and Family Mart. Self-activate using instructions.
• Electronics stores – Sold at large electronic shops like Yodobashi, Bic Camera, and Yamada Denki often at lower prices.

2. Where to Buy Softbank eSIM

To get SoftBank Japan eSIM, you must download their Global Rental app before arriving and activate the eSIM through the app. Key steps:

• Softbank store: You can visit a SoftBank retail store in Japan to purchase an eSIM. However, SoftBank generally requires customers to have a Japanese residency card (zairyu card) to sign up for a plan. This makes it less accessible for short-term tourists.
• esimjapan.net: This is a convenient option for tourists or short-term visitors. eSIMJapan.net offers prepaid eSIMs with SoftBank as one of the supported networks.

Stay connected effortlessly during your trip to Japan with eSIM Japan from esimjapan.net, powered by the reliable SoftBank network. Enjoy lightning-fast 4G LTE speeds, seamless nationwide coverage, and flexible plans ranging from 3 to 30 days to suit your travel needs. Whether you’re exploring Tokyo’s bustling streets, Kyoto’s historic temples, or Hokkaido’s scenic landscapes, eSIM Japan ensures you never lose connection.

With instant online activation, affordable pricing, and no need for a physical SIM card, it’s the perfect choice for hassle-free travel. Say goodbye to expensive roaming fees and experience the best of Japan with eSIM Japan – your ultimate travel companion!

XII. How to Activate SoftBank SIM Card/eSIM

If you have recently purchased a SoftBank SIM card or eSIM for your device while traveling in Japan, this part will walk you through the process of activating it.

1. How to Use Softbank Japan SIM Card

Activating a regular SoftBank SIM card is easy. Follow these steps:

1. Insert SoftBank SIM in your unlocked phone. Turn the phone off.
2. Turn the phone back on. It will auto-detect SIM and redirect to the APN setup screen
3. Enter APN details – fast.softbank.ne.jp. Leave the rest of the settings as default.
4. You will get an SMS with connection confirmation and data balance
5. Ready to start using mobile data, calling and texting

You can recharge more data packs through My SoftBank app anytime during your trip when required.

2. How to Activate Softbank eSIM

As mentioned before, SoftBank Japan eSIM must be activated before arrival in Japan via their Global Rental app using the below steps:

1. Download the SoftBank Global Rental app on your phone
2. Select the Japan eSIM plan and complete payment
3. Enter details and verify Apple ID for eSIM activation
4. eSIM profile will be downloaded remotely on your device over the air
5. Takes around 15-20 minutes for eSIM to activate after download
6. Connect to SoftBank Japan network once landed in Japan

XIII. SoftBank Japan Call & SMS Rate

Below are the standard voice call and text rates on SoftBank Japan network:

Do note international calling rates are higher so best to use apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime Audio, Skype for cheap international calls.

IX. Useful USSD Codes for SoftBank

Here are some useful USSD codes to check data balance, recharge packs on SoftBank Japan:

• *135# – Check SoftBank prepaid data balance
• *136# – Check prepaid card number & validity info
• *123# – List special data & international call packs offers
• *125*X# – Buy specific data packs (X= pack number from *123# list)

X. How to Top Up SoftBank SIM Card/eSIM

When your data or call balance runs low, you can easily recharge more packs on both SoftBank SIM and eSIM in Japan:

• Using My SoftBank app – Buy data add-ons through the My SoftBank app using an international credit/debit card
• SoftBank shops – Visit the nearest SoftBank store and recharge through staff assistance
• Convenience stores – Top-up vouchers available at 7-Eleven, and Lawson stores. Load using barcode
• Online top-up – Some sites like Japan SIM Card offer online recharge services as well

So running out of data or calls is not an issue. You can quickly buy more data packs on the fly through the app during your Japan trip.

XI. FAQs about SoftBank Japan

XII. Final Words

Hopefully, this detailed guide has provided you with complete information on getting SoftBank SIM cards or eSIM in Japan for your upcoming trip. SoftBank provides excellent connectivity throughout Japan so your Japan travels will be smooth and convenient. Have a wonderful trip!