Best Tourist Sim Cards in Japan in 2024
Choosing a sim card is hard. We've analysed the best tourist sim cards in Japan across pricing, coverage and data. Find out the best pick!
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When traveling in Japan, having a sim card is essential for easy navigation and staying connected.
Access to the internet allows you to find the best restaurants, directions to your accommodation, book a taxi, and share memorable photos with your family on the go.
While roaming is an option, the international fees can quickly escalate, so we recommend getting either an eSim or a local sim card to take advantage of local phone rates.
The good news is that obtaining either option in Japan is incredibly simple, but it’s useful to know which one suits your needs best.
This comprehensive guide provides all the information you need to know about purchasing a sim card in Japan, including current pricing and the most suitable sim card for your specific requirements.
Due to the high price of physical sim cards in Japan, I highly recommend purchasing an eSim instead. There are various eSim providers available in Japan, however, I recommend the Airalo Moshi Moshi eSim which offers a variety of data packages at various prices (from 627 JPY for 1GB to 3,600 JPY for 20GB). This allows you to select exactly the amount of data and the duration you require for your specific trip.
I consider purchasing an eSim to be much more convenient than buying a physical sim card when visiting Japan. If you must purchase a sim card in person, for example if your mobile device isn’t eSim compatible, then I would recommend any of SoftBank, B Mobile or Mobal. All three operators are fantastic and have near perfect coverage throughout Japan.
A Tourist Sim Card in Japan costs between 1,650 JPY and 16,500 JPY in December 2024, however, the exact price will often depend on the store you visit and the plan you choose.
Alternatively, an eSim in Japan will cost between $4.50 USD and $26 USD. This, again, depends on how much data you require and which eSim provider you choose.
I generally recommend this Airalo plan for most tourists visiting Japan which includes 5GB of data which is valid for 30 days and costs $11.50 USD.
When it comes to sim card providers in Japan you have a lot of choices. Our number one recommendation is to just go with an Airalo eSim, however, our preferred on-the-ground providers are SoftBank, Bmobile and Mobal.
All three sim card companies offer fantastic coverage and network speeds all throughout Japan so you can’t go wrong with any. They’re also easy to purchase either ahead of your trip, from a vending machine at the airport, or any 7/11, Lawsons or FamilyMart.
Softbank is our top pick when considering network coverage and value, whilst Mobal is the only option for people who intend to make phone calls.
SoftBank is one of the largest telecommunications companies in Japan. They offer extensive coverage across the entire country with fast network speeds – as you would expect in Japan.
Their tourist sim packages can be purchased from convenience stores, vending machines and at the airport with generous data caps for competitive prices.
SoftBank tourist sim cards are my top pick for tourists who require a physical sim card and wish to purchase it when they arrive in Japan.
The price of a SoftBank Japan tourist sim card in Japan is 1,650 JPY.
The plan offered by SoftBank Japan stores includes 3GB data valid for 31 days.
Bmobile is a great alternative to SoftBank, offering tourist sim cards with substantial data packages starting around 2,000 JPY. Their network coverage and internet speeds are equal to SoftBank.
If you wish to purchase a physical sim card in Japan and a Bmobile sim card is more convenient to find then I wouldn’t go out of my way to find a SoftBank one. If you are a couple planning to head to some more rural locations, then it’s not a bad idea to purchase one of each as Bmobile uses NTT Docomo’s network which is slightly different to SoftBank’s.
The price of a Bmobile Japan tourist sim card in Japan is either 1,980 JPY or 2,970 JPY depending on duration and data required.
The plan offered by Bmobile Japan stores offers 5GB and 7GB data valid for 10 or 21 days.
Mobal is the only sim card provider in Japan that offers a phone number and calling with their sim cards for non-residents. At around 8,000 JPY, for most tourists I can’t recommend them, but if you expect to make local phone calls then it’s your only realistic option.
They are technically not a telco company, instead they are a mobile virtual network operator that works with major telcos such as SoftBank. For this reason, you can expect to get a great product with strong connectivity and extensive coverage.
Unfortunately, even their cheapest plans are quite expensive and just don’t make any sense when you can just purchase an eSim online instead.
The price of a Mobal tourist sim card in Japan is starts at 4,730 JPY and goes up to 16,500 JPY..
The plan offered by Mobal stores includes Unlimited data valid for 8 to 90 days.
Identify the mobile providers in Japan: SoftBank Japan, Bmobile Japan and Mobal are your best options in Japan.
Find your nearest store: Locate a store or retailer by searching on Google Maps for your nearest store or asking at your hotel reception. I’ve never had issues finding a store as they can be found all over any major cities, shopping centers, or tourist areas. You can easily buy sim cards in major airports in Japan. If you’re on a budget it is usually cheaper to use the airport wifi instead and purchase your sim card in a store near your hotel.
Bring the necessary documents: It is mandatory in Japan to bring your passport into the store so that the staff can register it with your sim card. Without this, SoftBank Japan, Bmobile Japan or Mobal staff will be unable to sell you a sim card.
Choose your plan: Either request the plan you are after or consult with the staff in the store to select the right plan for you. My recommendations at the beginning of this guide are likely to be your best option, for example the prepaid plan by SoftBank Japan that includes 3GB data for 1,650 JPY.
Pay and activate your card: You can expect to pay between 1,650 JPY and 16,500 JPY to purchase your sim card. The staff in-store will help you install the sim card and activate it for you.
Test: It’s always a good idea to check that you can access the internet before you leave the store. I always try searching for something on Google then refresh my Instagram feed to check it’s working fine before leaving. If it’s not, the staff will be able to help you adjust your settings.
Buying a prepaid sim card for Japan at the airport is usually considered the most convenient option for travellers arriving by plane.
However, airport stores selling sim cards are almost guaranteed to charge inflated prices, so if you are a cost-conscious traveller then you should definitely buy your sim card from a store in the city center.
In addition to this, we would argue that buying physical sim cards at all aren’t particularly convenient now that most people use esim compatible phones. If you are looking for the most convenient option, then buying an esim before you arrive or with the airport wifi is much easier and will save you having to queue up or communicate with staff.
If you must purchase a sim card at the airport in Japan then you will be in luck. All major international airports in Japan have stores selling sim cards. Despite the prices being higher than normal, the staff are knowledgable and will be able to get you set up with the correct sim card relatively quickly.
If you want to avoid the inflated sim card prices you’ll find at the airport and your phone isn’t esim compatible, then you’re going to need to head in to a store to buy your sim card.
I recommend visiting one of the official retail stores of the mobile internet operators such as SoftBank Japan, Bmobile Japan and Mobal. Your best option is to enter their names into Google Maps and find the branch closest to your hotel or accommodation. Typically the staff in the official stores in Japan are knowledgable and helpful which means you can ensure you’ll walk away with a functioning sim card.
Despite this, it’s always a good idea to check your internet is working before you leave the store by loading a Google search results page and your preferred social media app. You should also ensure you always bring your passport with you when purchasing a sim card in case they need to register it.
If you like to be prepared and would prefer to arrive in Japan with your sim card all sorted and your phone ready to connect to the internet immediately then you should look into purchasing a sim card online.
The first option is to buy your sim card in advance via SimOptions, which is a company that will prepare and ship a sim card directly to your door. It’s a reliable and effective service, but with the invention of eSims it’s becoming obsolete.
The better option is to purchase an eSim online. We’ve written more on that below!
An eSim is a digital version of a traditional sim card and is most likely the future of connectivity for mobile devices. The convenience of no longer visiting a store, handing over your passport and purchasing a physical sim card is quickly making physical sim cards obsolete in favour of eSims.
We recommend Airalo’s eSim when travelling to Japan. The Airalo Japan eSim offers fast internet speeds, wide coverage and extremely competitive prices making it a far more compelling option than purchasing a physical sim card from any of the local sim card providers.
In order to get set up with an Airalo eSim, all you need to do is visit Airalo here and purchase the eSim online (the $11.50 USD plan is suitable for most travellers). Once you’ve purchased the sim card Airalo will email you instructions and a QR code. Following these instructions should take just a couple of minutes, then you’ll have a sim card in Japan without having to venture outside.
Our preferred eSim provider in Japan is Airalo. We used them, alongside a local sim card on another device, for our most recent trip to Japan and found the service to be equal to the local sim card but without the hassle of acquiring a sim card in a store.
Airalo’s Japan eSim uses the AU Japan by KDDI and SoftBank Japan networks to provide data and connect users to the internet. You can expect very good coverage and reliability with the AU Japan by KDDI and SoftBank Japan networksnetwork as they are amongst the best mobile internet operators in Japan.
Here are the plans and prices for Airalo’s Japan eSim:
1GB data valid for 7 days – Price: $4.50 USD
2GB data valid for 15 days – Price: $6.50 USD
3GB data valid for 30 days – Price: $8.50 USD
5GB data valid for 30 days – Price: $11.5 USD
10GB data valid for 30 days – Price: $18 USD
20GB data valid for 30 days – Price: $26 USD
For most travellers we recommend the 5GB data plan for $11.50 USD which is valid for 30 days. Some travellers may prefer a larger plan, whilst travellers visiting for just a couple of days may be fine with a smaller plan.
An alternative eSim provider we can recommend is Holafly.
Holafly’s eSim is a suitable option for travellers who require large amounts of data, such as digital nomads and people who work online while they travel. All of Holafly’s Japan eSims offer unlimited data.
Holafly’s Japan eSim uses the KDDInetwork to provide data and connect users to the internet. This network will provide reliable speeds and coverage while in Japan
Here are the plans and prices for Holafly’s Japan eSim:
Unlimited data valid for 5 days – Price: $19 USD
Unlimited data valid for 7 days – Price: $27 USD
Unlimited data valid for 10 days – Price: $34 USD
Unlimited data valid for 15 days – Price: $47 USD
Unlimited data valid for 20 days – Price: $54 USD
Unlimited data valid for 30 days – Price: $64 USD
Unlimited data valid for 60 days – Price: $87 USD
The eSIM, or embedded SIM, is a digital replacement for physical SIM cards found in devices like smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches. Unlike traditional SIM cards, the eSIM is built into the device and does not require physical insertion or removal.
Instead, the eSIM is seamlessly integrated within the device’s hardware and can be remotely activated and programmed by a mobile network operator. This allows users to easily switch between different mobile networks or plans without the need to physically swap out SIM cards.
The eSIM technology offers numerous benefits, such as convenience, flexibility, and user-friendliness, particularly for frequent travelers or individuals who regularly switch mobile networks or travel internationally. It eliminates the hassle of purchasing and inserting physical SIM cards, making it more convenient to manage multiple mobile connections on a single device.
To activate an eSIM, users can either scan a QR code provided by their mobile network operator or manually input the activation details. Once activated, the device can connect to the chosen mobile network and access voice, data, and messaging services, just like with a traditional SIM card.
eSIM technology is becoming increasingly popular and is supported by a growing number of smartphones and other devices. Here are some examples of eSIM-compatible phones:
Apple iPhone series (iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone 13, etc.): Apple was one of the early adopters of eSIM technology and offers support for eSIM on various iPhone models.
Google Pixel series (Pixel 3, Pixel 4, Pixel 5, etc.): Google’s Pixel smartphones also support eSIM functionality, allowing users to activate and use eSIMs.
Samsung Galaxy series (Galaxy S22, Galaxy Note 20, etc.): Many of Samsung’s flagship devices now come with eSIM support, enabling users to utilize eSIM technology.
OnePlus devices (OnePlus 7, OnePlus 8, etc.): OnePlus has included eSIM support in some of its smartphone models, offering users the flexibility of using eSIMs.
Motorola Razr (2020): The latest iteration of the iconic Motorola Razr features eSIM compatibility, enabling users to use eSIMs for cellular connectivity.
These are just a few examples, and the list of eSIM-compatible phones continues to expand as more manufacturers embrace this technology. There’s a very strong chance your phone supports eSims so if you’re unsure we recommend looking it up on our list of eSim supported phones.
Hi, I’m Mitchell. I’m a full-time traveller, explorer and travel blogger. I've travelled all around the world, using and testing countless travel sim cards along the way. I'm the founder of and writer for Travel Sim Expert where I write guides to help travellers stay connected all around the world.
Hi, I’m Mitchell. I’m a full-time traveller, explorer and travel blogger. Travel Sim Expert is a blog dedicated to helping you find the best sim card for you, no matter where you are or what your budget is.
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