Where is the best place to buy Japanese SIM card for tourist?
Planning a trip to Japan? While you're in Japan, social media, messaging apps, and Google Maps will be essential. Although there are many free Wi-Fi spots in Japan, they often have time limits or require user registration, so they are not always immediately usable or convenient. The easiest way to ensure a stable internet connection during your stay in Japan is to rent a Pocket WiFi or use a prepaid SIM card or eSIM. Prepaid SIM cards and eSIMs available in Japan offer large data allowances and high-speed connectivity, making them very convenient. Although eSIMs are becoming more popular, physical prepaid SIM cards are still widely purchased by many users. This article introduces the best places for travelers to buy prepaid SIM cards when visiting Japan.
Where is the best place to buy a SIM card?
To put it simply, the best way to get a SIM card for use in Japan is to reserve it online before your trip and arrange to pick it up at the airport. If you buy a Japanese SIM card through an online service before your trip, the price is cheaper, there are many plans to choose from, and you can receive it at the airport or the hotel where you will stay, which is convenient.
Which service is recommended for buying a SIM card online for travelers?
Many people may wonder which service is best when buying a SIM card online for travelers. As CDJapan Rental, we’d love to say “ours is the best!”, but in reality, any service run by a Japanese company that offers a plan suited to you is fine.
This is because there isn’t a big difference in network quality between services. What’s important is choosing a SIM card that matches your data needs and usage period.
Our SIM cards also offer the same quality as others, but one unique feature is our “money-back guarantee.” If you’re thinking about using a SIM card during your stay in Japan, please consider CDJapan Rental as one of your options.
Japan UNLIMITED 5G Prepaid SIM Card
Japan UNLIMITED eSIM
Where and how to buy a SIM card for use in Japan
There are three ways to buy a SIM card for use in Japan:
- Reserve online before arrival in Japan and receive it at a Japanese airport or hotel.
- Order from Amazon, etc., before arrival and receive it in your home country.
- Buy directly at a store in a Japanese airport after arrival.
Before arrival: Reserve online and receive it at a Japanese airport or hotel
This is the most recommended method. If you buy from a Japanese online shop, the price is cheaper and delivery is available across Japan. You can use the SIM card as soon as you arrive, and if you end up not coming to Japan, the cancellation fee is usually low.
Before arrival: Order from Amazon, etc., and receive it in your home country
Because it’s not sold within Japan, the handling fees are higher. However, since you can receive it before coming to Japan, there’s no risk of not getting it, so it gives peace of mind.
After arrival: Buy directly at a Japanese airport or store
During travel seasons, SIM card shops at airports may be sold out and unavailable. SIM cards and Pocket WiFi sold at airports are expensive. If you’re reading this before coming to Japan, it’s best to make a reservation in advance. If you can’t buy a SIM card at the airport, you can also purchase one at electronics stores. In tourist areas, convenience stores sell SIM cards as well. While the plans are limited, it’s convenient if you run out of data or need an extra SIM.
| Method | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Reserve online before arrival and receive it at a Japanese airport or hotel. |
- Most recommended method. - Lower prices by buying from a Japanese online service. - Delivery available nationwide. - Ready to use upon arrival. - Low cancellation fees if plans change. |
|
| 2. Order from Amazon, etc., before arrival and receive it in your home country. | - No worries about receiving it since it arrives before the trip. | - Higher fees since it's not sold within Japan. |
| 3. Buy directly at a store in a Japanese airport. | - Convenient during travel seasons. |
- Stores may be out of stock. - Higher prices due to airport markup. |
What kind of SIM card or eSIM should I buy for use in Japan?
About the network
To use the internet comfortably in Japan, you should choose a SIM card or eSIM with a stable network. Japan has four major carriers, but to put it simply, choosing a SIM card or eSIM that uses the Docomo or Softbank network will give you stable connections in most areas. SIM card using Docomo networkeSIM using Docomo network
Data allowance
About 1GB per day is considered enough. Calculate the amount of data you need based on your stay length and choose a SIM card or eSIM with enough data. If you plan to use your smartphone as a hotspot, you’ll need more data. 50GB or more is recommended. Also, choose a SIM or eSIM that allows hotspot use. Estimated data usage for travel in Japan
You forgot to reserve a SIM card before coming to Japan
If you couldn’t buy a prepaid SIM card after arriving in Japan, consider these three alternatives:
eSIM
If your device supports eSIM, this is the most convenient option. You can buy and start using an eSIM anywhere in Japan. eSIM for travel in Japan
Electronics stores
In major cities like Tokyo and Osaka, you can buy prepaid SIM cards at certain electronics stores. It’s recommended to visit big stores like Yodobashi Camera. Prices tend to be lower than at airports. Yodobashi Camera official site
Convenience stores
Not all convenience stores in Japan sell SIM cards, but those in tourist areas often do.
Although they don’t offer many plan choices like electronics stores, SIM cards and eSIMs are available.
Prices are usually similar to those at airports and tend to be higher than online purchases.
Still, for travelers who couldn't buy at the airport, they are a useful option.
For example, 7-Eleven, Lawson, etc.
CDJapan Rental
Why not use CDJapan Rental to get your SIM card or eSIM?
We also offer prepaid SIM cards and eSIMs.
They are cheaper than buying at the airport, come with more data, and we have various options including unlimited 5G plans.
Japan UNLIMITED 5G Prepaid SIM Card
Japan UNLIMITED eSIM
Do you need a Japanese phone number?
In Japan, prepaid SIM cards with phone numbers are rarely sold for travelers. For short-term visitors, only data-only SIM cards or eSIMs are available. To get a Japanese phone number, identity verification is required and usually limited to people with a Japanese address. Some airports are said to sell SIM cards with phone numbers, but they are very expensive and often require advance reservation or complicated procedures, so it’s not realistic to buy one immediately after arrival.
How to make calls in Japan (without a Japanese phone number)
You don’t need to pay high fees or go through complicated procedures to get a SIM card with a phone number. You can make calls cheaply by registering with Skype or getting an IP phone number before coming to Japan. Also, apps like Line or WhatsApp let you make calls using data. So even with a data-only SIM card or eSIM, you can make calls without issues.
