From physical travel SIMs and eSIMs to pocket Wi-Fi and roaming, there are more ways than ever to keep yourself connected while in Japan. Here, we compare the best tourist SIM cards for a short-term visit. We focus on actual physical SIMs, not eSIMs.

We’ll break down some of the most popular Japan travel SIM options, list where to buy them, and hopefully answer your other burning SIM-related questions. If you order your SIM card in advance, you can get online the minute you pick it up at the airport. Most companies provide some form of airport pick-up; some offer worldwide delivery.

Note: This article is about tourist SIM cards for a short stay in Japan. If you’re planning on living in Japan, or you’re here for an extended period of time, see our article on long-term Japan SIM contracts.

Short-term Japan SIM card options for tourists

This isn’t an exhaustive list; just our preferred picks of prepaid Japan SIM cards. Keep in mind that some of the cards can be recharged with extra data. Also, just in case you need an eSIM — many of the providers here offer you the option of a physical SIM card or an eSIM.

Note that plans are 4G unless specified otherwise.

More about the providers

Let’s get into the details, so you know what you’re ordering.

Mobal: The only option with data + voice

You might be wondering why this SIM is more expensive — it’s because you get an actual phone number with it. Not just data — data and voice calling, and all the associated benefits, like booking concerts in Japan, SMS confirmation, and whatnot — see more below. Also, all of their profits go to charity.

Product notes: With the Mobal voice + data SIM, when your 7GB is up, data is still available at slower speeds. Top-ups can be purchased. 60-, 90-day and long-term packages also possible. Free shipping to many countries, or airport pick-up at Narita or Haneda, as well as Fukuoka, Kansai, Nagoya and Sendai airports and downtown Tokyo and Osaka.

Similarly to other voice-calling products in Japan, the voice + data SIM carries a €21.50

 *Estimate based on price JPY 3,960
(Rates updated daily)

initial fee, which is included in the price. You will need an unlocked phone, and you will be asked to provide ID as per Japanese regulation.

Mobal supports 4G coverage, though they do have a 5G eSIM. On the data-only SIM, speeds may be temporarily reduced if more than 3GB is used in a day.

Sakura Mobile

Sakura Mobile SIM cards are priced differently depending on whether you want 4G or 4G/5G coverage. A wide range of longer- and shorter-term SIM deals are also available. Fair usage applies to data.

Shogun SIM

This is a physical prepaid SIM card for Japan from the same company that does NINJA WiFi — a popular rental Wi-Fi product for tourists. They have both 4G and 5G SIMs (running on different networks), and a range of different data plans.

You’ll collect your SIM card at the airport — they cover a LOT of airports around Japan. Fair usage applies to the data plan.

IIJmio

Called Japan Travel SIMs, IIJmio’s visitor SIM cards are available at airports and electronic stores countrywide. You’ll probably see them as you are walking around.

They offer 4G coverage. Prices are approximate, as they’re set by individual retailers. The available range includes 3, 6, 10, 15, 25, 35, and 55GB options. You can recharge data.

As far as we know, the maximum (theoretical) speed is 788Mbps. In addition to English, Chinese-language call-center support is available.

IIJmio has also released Japan Travel eSIMs, available at Lawson, FamilyMart and Mini Stop convenience stores nationwide, as well as Donki.

Voice + data vs. data-only travel SIMs

While data-only SIMs are often the default for travel, there are strong arguments for getting a SIM that allows you to make and receive calls, as well as send/receive texts from an actual Japanese phone number. The biggest is accidents and emergencies.

Making voice calls with a Japan travel SIM

With the exception of Mobal’s voice + data SIM, Japan’s SIM cards for short-term travelers are data-only, meaning you can’t call or text, or even receive phone calls.

A partial workaround is to make VoIP calls through an app like Messenger, LINE, or WhatsApp, but these apps can sometimes be unreliable with patchy connections, and they often can’t be used for emergency calls.

Apps that require a Japanese phone number

You’ll need a Japanese phone number to use some apps locally — even if they can be downloaded outside of Japan. These include the following:

• PayPay
• Mobile Suica
• Uber Eats
• Wolt
• Mercari
• Yahoo! Japan
• ePlus and other Japanese ticketing platforms

If you’re planning on using any of the above on your Japan trip, you’ll want to make sure you have ordered a voice + data SIM.

Buying a SIM card in Tokyo (or elsewhere in Japan)

Want to buy a SIM card after you’ve arrived? Here’s where to look.

Just look for a BIC Camera store (link in Japanese, but Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Ikebukuro have quite a few) or Yodobashi Camera (also in Japanese) and grab yourself whatever Japan SIM card seems like the best deal. We hear that Bic SIM cards are fairly popular.

Many convenience stores and drug stores also sell travel SIM cards.

Language support: Once you’re in the shop, you can tell the staff, “Shimu kādo wo sagashite imasu.” That translates to, “I’m looking for a SIM card.” Many stores will have English-speaking staff to make things easier.

For more information, see our guide on where to buy a SIM card in Tokyo.

Japan SIM cards for tourists: Frequently asked questions

Got questions about Japan travel SIM cards? We have answers.

Where can I buy a Japan SIM card in Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, or The Philippines?

If you are traveling from one of the above areas, you can often order a SIM card online and have it delivered before you leave for Japan or — depending on the provider — pick it up at your local airport or landmark. For example, Mobal SIM cards can be collected at Singapore’s Japan Rail Cafe or the Nikkei Education Center in Hong Kong. There may be other options for your region.

How do I activate a Japan SIM card?

The exact steps depend on the provider, but generally, it’s a matter of inserting the SIM into your phone and following the instructions provided. It doesn’t take long (maybe a few minutes), and you should be able to start using it straight away.

Can I use an eSIM in Japan?

Depending on where you are traveling from, if you have a newer phone, you can probably use a software-based eSIM card (instead of a physical SIM card) for your trip to Japan. Read more about eSIMs in Japan.

Should I use roaming, pocket Wi-Fi, a travel SIM card, or eSIM when I’m in Japan?

It really depends on your individual needs. If you’re traveling in a group and just want data, it may work out cheaper to share data using pocket Wi-Fi. If you want the option of using your existing phone number for voice calls and texts, then roaming might be for you.

Where are the big companies like SoftBank, Docomo, and AU?

As in most countries, there are network providers with their own retail brands and smaller companies that operate on the networks of big players like Docomo. You can get travel SIMs from the big players if you go into their stores or order online, e.g., from Amazon, but the smaller players often provide the best value.

Alternatives to SIM cards for tourists in Japan

Free Wi-Fi

You can be cheap about data and take advantage of some of the free Wi-Fi options out there. First up, a coffee chain that we understand is quite popular with the kids has free Wi-Fi, providing you register at the link above.

If you want to skip signing up, Apple provides free Wi-Fi at various store locations with no login needed. And if there’s not one of those near you, the good ol’ Tokyo Metro provides free Wi-Fi too, but keep in mind, it can be patchy at times.

If your home internet provider is part of the Fon network, you can use your own home internet login and passcode on Fon hotspots, which are practically everywhere in Tokyo. That’s not taking into account the myriad cafés and restaurants that offer free Wi-Fi.

It is worth pointing out a few other alternatives, too.

Renting a travel Wi-Fi router

First up, if you have more than one device that requires the internet, or a few of you are traveling together, you may want to consider a portable Wi-Fi device from a rental provider like NINJA WiFi, who give our readers discounts of up to 80%, depending on the product.

You can pick tourist Wi-Fi routers up and drop them off at airports for convenience, and they typically have generous data allowances. For a more in-depth take, see our popular guide to renting a travel Wi-Fi router in Japan.

What about Japan eSIMs?

Chances are, at this point in your search, you’ve come across Japan eSIMs as an alternative to physical prepaid SIMs. The downside to eSIMs is that they’re incompatible with older phone models, or phones locked to your local provider. And some people don’t want the fuss of installing them, or are worried about their network settings going haywire. Fair enough — some of our team prefer physical SIMs.

eSIMs are compatible with devices that have a 32-digit EID. You can check this in your device’s settings, or by dialing *#06#. To confirm if your phone is locked, you can chat with your local network provider or follow these instructions.

Have a compatible phone but want a Japanese phone number and voice calls? You’re in luck, Mobal also has an eSIM option similar to the physical one we mentioned earlier that includes data, a Japanese phone number, and the option to make and receive calls.

Roaming in Japan

Finally, you may be pleased to know that some mobile networks outside Japan offer cheap roaming packages. For example, data is free in Japan for T-Mobile USA customers on one of their plans.

Read the fine print carefully, though, as your data speeds may be heavily throttled! Check out our detailed breakdown of roaming options for your local carrier.

If a trip to the UK happens to be on the cards too, or you just want to wince at how pricey Japan is in comparison, check out our London Cheapo Guide to UK prepaid SIM cards and where to buy a SIM card in London.

Video guide: Travel SIMs for Japan

While we do our best to ensure everything is correct, information is subject to change. Article first published in 2015. Last update: February 19, 2026, by Carey Finn.