Staying connected to the internet in Japan is critical for obvious reasons, such as navigating the complicated train systems and translating menus. Purchasing a Japan SIM card is one of the best ways to access the internet while you explore the amazing country. But before you rush off and order a Japan SIM card for your next exciting adventure, let us go through what you need to know about a Japan SIM card. As you read on, you will also find information about the top Japan SIM card providers for both short and long-term stays.
Table of Contents
- Should I Get a Japan SIM Card
- Why Purchasing a Japan SIM Card May Not Be the Best Option for Your Next Japan Trip
- Configuring Your Phone for Japan’s Data or Data + Text + Call SIM Card
- Can I complete the APN Configuration Before Departing for Japan?
- When Does the Number of Days Start Counting
- Recommended Japan SIM Card Providers
- The Best Japan SIM Card Providers for Short-Term Travelers
- The Best Japan SIM Card Providers for Long-Term Travelers
- Purchasing a Japan SIM Card from klook
- Purchasing a Japan SIM Card from Amazon
- Japan Voice + Text + Data SIM
Should I Get a Japan SIM Card
Your device must be unlocked for the SIM card to work on your phone. If you are unsure whether your telecom supplier locks your phone, enquire beforehand.
Even if your phone is currently locked, the company may be able to unlock it! If your device cannot be unlocked by the time you depart for Japan, pre-book a Pocket WiFi.
Compared to a Pocket WiFi, a SIM card is a cheaper option to connect your phone to Japan’s internet network if you travel alone or with one or two companions. But the price isn’t the only factor to consider when deciding. Below is a list of reasons for choosing a SIM card over a Japan Pocket WiFi.
- You need a Japanese phone number.
- You will travel alone or with one or two people.
- You will travel with a group of people, but you also want to explore attractions separately.
- You don’t want to carry an extra charger for the Pocket WiFi.
- You tend to forget or lose things, so leaving the Pocket WiFi behind or even losing it worries you.
- You are a heavy data user.
Important: Incoming calls may be charged on your roaming. Messaging apps such as WhatsApp are the best option for communication between your family and friends.
Why Purchasing a Japan SIM Card May Not Be the Best Option for Your Next Japan Trip
You might think once you have a Japan SIM card, your phone can start receiving the local signal. That is NOT the case.
For a Japan SIM card to work on your unlocked phone, prior APN configuration is required. While most people can follow the user manual that comes with the SIM card, some might encounter issues during this process. If what we have listed below sounds like you, a Pocket WiFi may be a better option for your next trip to Japan.
- You aren’t confident about completing the APN configuration.
- You will travel with a group of people, and the occasional separation doesn’t worry you.
- You have multiple devices that need to be connected to the internet.
- You need to work remotely.
- You have a locked phone.
Tip: If you aren’t confident to complete the APN configuration yourself, choose to pick up your SIM card at an airport counter. The staff there will be able to assist you. Most big companies, such as klook or Sakura Mobile, also have customer support who can help you out.
How Do I Get a Japan SIM Card
Once you have decided which company to go for, the next question is how you receive the SIM card. Depending on the SIM card provider, you may have the option of getting your SIM card delivered to your home address. If you prefer this option, purchase from the below providers.
- Mobal
- Refer to HERE for our experience.
- klook
- Amazon
- SimsDirect – For Australian
If you prefer to receive your Japan SIM card at the airport or pick it up from your hotel concierge, consider the Japan SIM card providers below. They all have a counter at Narita, Haneda, and Kansai Airport if you need any assistance to set up your phone.
- Sakura Mobile: Best customer service
- Japan Wireless
- Mobal
Is Japan SIM Card Available for Purchase at the Japanese Airport
Of course, you can also purchase a Japan SIM card upon arrival. But this isn’t recommended for the following reasons:
- Purchasing your Japan SIM card online is usually cheaper.
- SIM cards from the big players such as DoCoMo are generally more expensive. Smaller players, such as Sakura Mobile, usually provide the best value.
- Depending on the company you choose, you have the option to receive your SIM card before landing. No time is wasted on deciding which company to purchase from and which plan to go for.
- Purchase your Japan SIM card from Mobal if you want to receive your SIM card for FREE before you depart for Japan!
- During the peak season, there can be a long queue at the Japan SIM card airport counters. This potentially means the company can run out of the Japan SIM card that suits you best.
- By getting your Japan SIM card posted to your hotel/accommodation or your home overseas, you avoid the long queue at the airport counter!
Configuring Your Phone for Japan’s Data or Data + Text + Call SIM Card
After inserting the SIM card you have purchased into your phone, the first thing is to configure the APN (Access Point Name) on your phone to allow it to connect to the internet. The SIM card package comes with a user manual that provides clear steps on how to complete this setup. But if you aren’t confident, choose a service provider with a counter at the airport so the staff can assist you.
Sakura Mobile, Japan Wireless, and Mobal all have counters at the airports in Tokyo and Osaka. If you plan to fly to other airports in Japan, such as the New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido, Sakura Mobile is your best bet for an airport counter.
Can I complete the APN Configuration Before Departing for Japan?
Depending on the SIM Card providers, you might be able to complete all required APN configurations before you reach Japan. This means you can start surfing the internet as soon as your flight lands at a Japanese airport!
If that isn’t an option for you, you can always utilize the internet at the airport, on bullet trains, limited express trains, or limousine buses to complete the setup process.
Important: Make sure your SIM card is activated as soon as you arrive, ideally before leaving the airport. Leaving the activation till you reach the first attraction can mean you are unable to use the internet when you need it.
When Does the Active Number of Days Start Counting
When you receive your Japan SIM card, it is pre-activated. The active number of days only starts counting after your device is connected to a Japanese network. Completing the APN configuration beforehand doesn’t mean you lose the SIM card’s valid number of days.
Recommended Japan SIM Card Providers
- Sakura Mobile
- Japan Wireless
- Mobal
- SimsDirect – For Australian
Important: Cheaper SIM cards usually mean slower speed and/or weaker internet connection, especially outside the big cities. If the SIM card’s APN is jpmob.jp, mobile, or via, it is best to avoid them even if it is cheap!
Sakura Mobile
In addition to Pocket WiFi, Sakura Mobile also has various Japan SIM cards you can purchase. As Sakura Mobile uses NTT DoCoMo’s network, the reception is exceptional.
Although most tourists won’t need a Japanese phone number while traveling in Japan, having a Japanese number can be convenient when you need to make a reservation at a restaurant or even purchase a ticket to live concerts.
If you need a Japanese phone number, Sakura Mobile is a provider that sells SIM cards with a phone number.
Important: Orders must be put through at least 3 days in advance.
Refer to Sakura Mobile’s website HERE for more information and to order your SIM card.
Mobal
Mobal is another company where you can purchase a SIM card with data and a phone number to make/receive calls without a residency card. In addition to making phone calls, you can also use the SIM card to send and receive text messages.
Mobal’s SIM cards use both Softbank and DoCoMo’s networks, giving you great call quality, ultra-fast internet speed, and excellent coverage.
In addition, no contract is required to sign up for Mobal’s data + voice + text SIM card. You can terminate the service anytime after a 30-day period by clicking the “Cancel service” button on the portal.
The great news is Mobal can send SIM cards to most countries FOR FREE! This allows you to be as prepared as possible. As soon as you land in Japan, you can start using the internet without queueing in front of the service counter!
- Refer to HERE for more information and order Mobal’s short-term SIM card.
- Refer to HERE for more information and order Mobal’s long-term SIM card.
Important: Extra charges apply if you want to make phone calls and send text messages. These charges will be billed when Mobal receives your usage information. Incoming phone calls and text messages are free of charge.
Refer to HERE for our experience.
Japan Wireless
Besides the data-only SIM cards, Japan Wireless also offers SIM cards with a Japanese phone number. Japan Wireless’s Voice + Data SIM Cards includes phone calls and texting.
The company uses NTT DoCoMo’s infrastructure, which is the best in Japan. The SIM Card that will be delivered to you is issued directly by NTT DoCoMo, guaranteeing quality and user experience.
Refer to Japan Wireless’s website HERE for more information and to purchase your Japan SIM Card.
SimsDirect – Australian-Based
SimsDirect is an Australian-based SIM card company that sells reliable but inexpensive SIM cards. As one of the world’s top destinations, Japan is one of the many countries the company covers. And if you plan to travel around Asia, they also have products allowing you to connect to the internet in most Asian countries!
So if you plan to travel soon, consider purchasing a SIM or eSIM card from SimsDirect!
For more information and to get your SIM or eSIM, refer to their official website HERE!
The Best Japan SIM Card Providers for Short-Term Travelers
Similar to Pocket WiFi, you can purchase a SIM Card with limited or unlimited data. But note unlimited data is subject to the Fair Usage Policy (FUP). If the service provider has determined your usage is excessive on a particular day, the internet speed you will receive is downgraded for a few days.
Our favorite is Japan Wireless (assuming you aren’t a data-heavy user). The company’s product has the best CP value. But if you plan to head into the wild, it is worthwhile to purchase Sakura Moile‘s SIM card to access DoCoMo’s network. It is the best network in Japan. This means the greatest coverage and the fastest speed. In addition, Sakura Mobile’s customer service is the best. You will usually receive a response within 10 to 20 minutes, even on a weekend.
| Japan Short-Term SIM Card Provider | Network Used | Daily Cost for 7/8 Days | Daily Cost for 15/16-Days | Daily Cost for 30/31 Days | FUP | Shipping Overseas? |
| Sakura Mobile (click for more info) | NTT DoCoMo | 619 Yen/Day | 477 Yen/Day | 330 Yen/Day | Unlimited | No |
| Japan Wireless (click for more info) | NTT DoCoMo | 329 Yen/Day | 213 Yen/Day | 133 Yen/Day | 3GB/Day | No |
| Mobal (click for more info) | NTT DoCoMo and Softbank | 591 Yen/Day for 25GB | 406 Yen/Day for 50GB | 255 Yen/Day for 50GB | 3GB/Day | Yes, free shipping |
The Best Japan SIM Card Providers for Long-Term Travelers
You will get a long-term discount if you plan to stay in Japan for over a month.
| Japan Long-Term SIM Card Provider | Network Used | Long-Term Japan SIM Card Cost | Minimum Contractual Period |
| Sakura Mobile (click for more info) | NTT DoCoMo | ☛ 4GB Plan: 2,728 Yen/Month ☛ 25GB Plan: 3,828 Yen | 3 Months. You must pay for the full three months even if you terminate the contract within the 3-month period. |
| Mobal (click for more info) | NTT DoCoMo and Softbank | ☛ 1GB Plan: 1,650 Yen/Month ☛ 5GB Plan: 3,190 Yen ☛ 10GB Plan: 3,630 Yen ☛ 30GB Plan: 4,378 Yen | 3 Months. A small early termination will be incurred if you end the contract early. |
Purchasing a Japan SIM Card from klook
In addition to the above-mentioned Japan SIM Card providers, you can also order your Japan SIM Card via klook if you are based in the below list of countries:
Purchasing a Japan SIM Card from Amazon
The links above are affiliate links that give me a small commission for purchases made through them.
Japan Voice + Text + Data SIM
While a Japanese phone number is usually not necessary, if you need one to be able to contact your accommodation providers or make a concert/event booking, overseas travelers can now get a Japanese phone number.
Note the price stated below excludes charges for SMS and phone calls.
| Japan Voice + Text + Data SIM Card Provider | Network Used | Monthly Cost | Minimum Contract Period | Shipping Overseas? |
| Sakura Mobile (click for more info) | NTT DoCoMo | ☛ 5GB Plan: 3,278 Yen/Month ☛ 25GB Plan: 4,378 Yen ☛ 40GB Plan: 4,980 Yen | 3 months | No |
| Japan Wireless (click for more info) | NTT DoCoMo | ☛ 7GB 30-Day Plan: 3,480 Yen/Month ☛ 10GB 60-Day Plan: 3,828 Yen ☛ 25GB 90-Day Plan: 4,378 Yen | N/A, No termination fee is charged | No |
Tips for a Better Experience of Using a Japan SIM Card
- Charge your device(s) fully each night. This includes any power banks you may have.
- Download offline maps and language packs.
- Google Maps allows you to download an area’s map when you are connected to a WiFi hotspot. Utilize this feature to save valuable data.
- Translation apps, such as Papago, also have a similar feature. Download your native language pack and the Japanese language pack beforehand to ensure the translator can still function without an internet connection.
- Enable auto-sync selectively to conserve data.
- Reach out to your service provider for help when needed. Many offer customer support through online chat, email, or phone.
Buying a SIM Card in Japan
If you have forgotten to purchase a Japan SIM card or have used up all the data, the fastest way to get a Japan SIM card is by visiting a BIC Camera Store or Yodobashi Camera Store. These electronics retailer chain stores are found across the country. Simply search the nearest BIC Camera or Yodobashi Camera store on Google Maps, and your SIM card is sorted!
Is Pocket WiFi or an eSIM Card a Better Option for Your Next Japan Trip?
If a Japan SIM card doesn’t sound like the best internet solution for your next Japan trip, consider purchasing an eSIM or renting a Pocket WiFi.
Refer to our SIM Card, eSIM, or Pocket WiFi: Which One to Use in Japan article that answers all your questions about how to stay connected to the internet when you are in Japan!
