Buying a SIM Card in Tokyo: Tips from Locals

Buying a SIM card in Tokyo can seem like a daunting process. But going in with a little knowledge will save you a lot of time and effort in the long run. 

chinaskyline contains other products and information you need, so please check it out.

If you like to be prepared, chances are you're here to see where to buy a SIM card before you arrive in the country. You're in the right place! If you ' prefer to go with the flow, then you're here to see where to pick up a SIM in Tokyo. Don't worry, we've got you covered, too!

Jump to:

Option one: Sort your SIM out online before you arrive

Depending on how long you'll be here (and how good your Japanese is), you'll save a lot of time and effort just by ordering your SIM online in advance. This is especially true if you're a tourist. 

For short-term visits, Mobal is our top pick. Their 8-day to 31-day data-only SIM cards will set you back ¥4,730 to ¥7,920. The 8-day SIM includes a hefty 25GB of data, which is more than enough for navigation, social media, messaging, and streaming for 8 days of travel. The 16- and 31-day plans each come with 50GB worth of data, which should definitely keep you covered.

If you're after options that include call and text functionality, Mobal also offers 30-, 60- and 90-day call, text, and data SIMs billed monthly. All of Mobal's SIMs are available for pick-up from Narita or Haneda airports and various locations around the country. 

But everyone's different, and another provider might suit you better if you have specific needs. Our list of prepaid short-term SIM providers in Japan includes a handy pricing and features guide, with information on whether you can order the SIM online.

There can be a lot more to think about if you're looking for a more permanent long-term SIM contract. The main factors you'll want to focus on are price, data allowances, English support, and contract termination fees. Our guide to long-term SIM cards in Japan includes a simple price comparison chart, and is recommended reading before you make a decision. Essentially, though, shopping online will be the most hassle-free approach. Especially if your Japanese is limited.

Option two: Buy your SIM card in Tokyo

So you've already arrived in Tokyo, and you didn't organize your SIM online before you rolled into town. We're not here to judge ' you were probably busy daydreaming about all the amazing things you're going to eat. But if you need data and pocket Wi-Fi and eSIMs aren't right for you, you'll have to get your SIM in person. So, where do you start?

Buying SIM cards at Tokyo's airports

For in-person purchases, the airport is one of the most convenient options. Both Narita and Haneda airports have sales points from which travelers can buy a SIM card. This is especially helpful for tourists with limited Japanese ' Tokyo airport SIM stalls deal routinely with foreigners, so there's a good chance they'll have a fluent English speaker on hand.

However, there are a couple of potential downsides to buying your SIM at Haneda or Narita. Your choice is going to be limited ' and, as with everything in airports, there's a good chance you'll be paying more than you would elsewhere. Such is the price of convenience. Presumably, you'll also be fresh off a flight ' groggy and worse for wear from hours in what effectively amounts to a noisy, airtight petri dish. In other words, not in the best mindset for smart decision-making.

Pro tip: Read up on the easiest ways of getting from Narita to your accommodation. We have a Haneda transport guide too. 

Ordering a last-minute SIM online, on the spot

An easy, all-English option is to order a SIM card on the Mobal website. Then, you can go and pick it up in person at a collection point in Shibuya, Shinjuku, Tokyo Station, or Asakusa that same day. No Wi-Fi? No problem ' find some free Wi-Fi at a cafe, and you'll be sorted in a few taps and a trot downtown. They also have pick-up points in Kyoto, Osaka, Nagoya, Nagano, Hokkaido, Okinawa, Kanazawa, and Yokohama.

Buying SIM cards at Bic Camera and Yodobashi Camera in Tokyo

Don't let the 'camera' part fool you. If it vaguely involves electricity, these stores stock it ' and SIM cards are no exception. As Japan's biggest electronics titans, they have two major advantages over ordering online: the range of options, and some price cuts. If you're after a prepaid travel SIM, you should be able to wander into a store, pick a SIM, and message your buddies back home about Japan's famously fancy toilets in record time. 

If you're staying in inner-city Tokyo, there's a good chance you'll be close to a Bic Camera. Many branches are tactically placed near many Yamanote Line stations, including Shinjuku, Shibuya, Akihabara and Yurakuchō. If you've got time to kill around the airport, there are also small Bic Camera branches in Narita Airport Terminal 2 and Haneda Airport International Terminal ' which are likely to be cheaper than any of the dedicated independent travel SIM retailers and should have prepaid SIMs on display.
 

Yodobashi Camera's giant flagship store is located in the heart of geek-mecca Akihabara, with other stores in Shinjuku, Ueno and Kichijōji.

If you're after a more permanent contract, you might be asked for a permanent address or Japanese bank account details. And there will likely be very little foreign-language support while you're choosing and setting up a contract. The same goes for any questions you have during or while canceling your plan. 

Put simply, when it comes to buying long-term SIM cards in-store, if you speak fluent Japanese or have a friend who's willing to help, the world is your oyster. Otherwise, consider sacrificing these options and going online to keep your sanity intact.

Alternatives to buying a SIM card in Tokyo

Finally, an option to consider is not getting a SIM card at all. Firstly, there are now many options for a Japan eSIM ' a software SIM that doesn't involve swapping out your existing physical SIM card. 

Alternatively, if you haven't considered renting a Wi-Fi router in Japan, you might want to look into this instead, especially if you have multiple devices (traveling as a family?), and/or are likely to be a heavy internet user.

And if you're a bit of world cheapo, you'll be pleased to know we've got you covered on our sister cheapo sites if you're looking for a UK SIM card or a SIM card in Hong Kong.

For more simpoolinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.

Buying a SIM card in Tokyo FAQs

How much does a Japan SIM card cost?

It really depends on your data needs and the duration of your trip. If you're here for a week or two and don't need more than 5GB of data, you're looking at between ¥2,000 to ¥3,000. If you're here for a longer stint or want 25GB+ or unlimited data, companies like Mobal or Sakura charge between ¥4,500 and ¥10,000.

How much data do I need for a trip to Japan?

This also depends largely on the length of your trip and your data habits. If you're here for around a week and planning to use your device for everyday things like navigation, social media, browsing, streaming audio or video, maybe even making audio or video calls over services like Messenger, Facetime, or , you're likely to use between 3GB to 10GB. If you're a heavier data user like a digital nomad ' using data for work, making lots of video calls, or dealing with large image or video files, you could use much more than 10GB in this time. 

Can I use tethering/hotspot with a Japanese SIM card?

Most carriers do support tethering and hotspot, but availability might depend on your device or operating system. Check with your provider to be sure. 

Can I get a Japanese number with a Japan SIM card?

Only if it's a calls, text, and data SIM card. Not if the SIM card is data-only. If you're after a Japanese number, we recommend providers like Mobal.

While we do our best to ensure it's correct, information is subject to change. Post first published in February . Last updated in November by Patrick Balfe.

Written by: Felix Wilson Filed under: Internet

Are you planning a trip to Japan? During your stay, Instagram, messaging apps, and Google Maps are essential tools. While Japan has many free Wi-Fi hotspots, they often come with limitations, such as time restrictions or the need for user registration, making them less convenient and easy to use. Additionally, free Wi-Fi does not guarantee internet access anytime and anywhere. The simplest way to ensure seamless internet access during your stay in Japan is by using a prepaid SIM card or an eSIM. Prepaid SIM cards and eSIMs available in Japan offer generous data allowances and improved connection speeds, making them incredibly convenient. You can find plans ranging from 30GB to over 100GB of data, and many now support 5G connectivity. Although eSIMs are gaining popularity, physical prepaid SIM cards are still widely purchased by many users. This article explains the best places for travelers to Japan to purchase a prepaid SIM card.

Where is the Best Place to Buy a SIM Card?

To get straight to the point, the best option for obtaining a SIM card for use in Japan is to reserve it online before your trip. By purchasing a Japanese SIM card through an online service before arriving, you can enjoy lower prices, a wider range of plans, and the convenience of picking up the SIM card at the airport or having it delivered to your hotel.

Which online service is the best for purchasing SIM cards for Tourists?

Many people wonder which online service is the best for purchasing SIM cards for travelers. While we at CDJapan Rental would like to claim we are the best, any service run by a Japanese company that offers a plan suited to your needs will suffice.
The reason is that the quality of network connectivity is largely the same across services. It's more important to choose a SIM card based on the data allowance and duration of use that fit your needs.
Our SIM cards are comparable to those of other companies, but one unique feature we offer is a refund guarantee. If you're considering a SIM card for your stay in Japan, be sure to include CDJapan Rental as one of your options.
Japan UNLIMITED 5G Prepaid SIM Card
Japan UNLIMITED eSIM

Before coming to Japan vs. after arriving in Japan

There are three methods to purchase a SIM card for use in Japan:

• Reserve online before arrival and pick up at a Japanese airport or hotel.
• Reserve online before arrival from platforms like Amazon and receive it in your home country.
• Purchase directly at shops in Japanese airports.

Reserve online before arrival and pick up at a Japanese airport or hotel

This is the most recommended method. Purchasing from Japanese online shop offers competitive prices, and they deliver throughout Japan. You can start using the SIM card immediately upon arrival. Additionally, if your plans change and you can't make it to Japan, cancellation fees are often lower.

Reserve online before arrival from platforms like Amazon and receive it in your home country.

As these cards are not sold in Japan, the sales commission is higher. However, since you receive the card before coming to Japan, there's no risk of not being able to pick it up, providing peace of mind.

Purchase directly at shops in Japanese airports

During peak travel seasons, shops selling SIM cards at airports may run out of stock, leaving you unable to purchase one. Also, prices at the airport shops are slightly higher due to airport fees.

Method Advantages Disadvantages 1. Reserve online before arrival and pick up at a Japanese airport or hotel. - Highly recommended method.
- Prices are lower when purchased from Japanese online services.
- Delivery available throughout Japan.
- Immediate usage upon arrival.
- Affordable cancellation fees if plans change. 2. Reserve online before arrival from platforms like Amazon and receive it in your home country. - No risk of being unable to pick up, as it arrives before coming to Japan. - Higher SIM card sales commission, as it's not sold in Japan. 3. Purchase directly at shops in Japanese airports. - Convenient during travel season. - Risk of shops running out of stock.
- Slightly higher prices due to airport fees.

What kind of SIM card/eSIM should you buy for use in Japan?

About Network

To communicate comfortably in Japan, you need to buy a SIM card/eSIM with a stable network. There are four major carriers in Japan, but to put it simply, if you buy a SIM card or eSIM that uses the networks of either Docomo or Softbank, you will be able to connect to many places and have stable communications.
eSIMs with docomo network

Data capacity

A data capacity of 1GB per day is considered sufficient. Calculate based on the number of days you will be staying and buy a SIM card or eSIM card with a higher capacity. If you want to use your smartphone as a hotspot, it's better to have more data capacity. 50GB or more should be enough. Also, consider buying SIM cards or eSIMs that are not prohibited from being used as hotspots.

To communicate comfortably in Japan, you need to buy a SIM card/eSIM with a stable network. There are four major carriers in Japan, but to put it simply, if you buy a SIM card or eSIM that uses the networks of either Docomo or Softbank, you will be able to connect to many places and have stable communications. SIM cards with docomo network A data capacity of 1GB per day is considered sufficient. Calculate based on the number of days you will be staying and buy a SIM card or eSIM card with a higher capacity. If you want to use your smartphone as a hotspot, it's better to have more data capacity. 50GB or more should be enough. Also, consider buying SIM cards or eSIMs that are not prohibited from being used as hotspots. How Much Data Do You Need for Traveling in Japan?

Forgot to reserve a Prepaid SIM card

If you cannot purchase a Prepaid SIM card upon arriving in Japan, consider the following three alternative methods:

eSIM

If eSIM is available for your device, buying an eSIM is the most convenient option. You can purchase an eSIM that allows you to communicate in Japan anytime, anywhere. eSIM for Japan Travel

Electronics Retailers

In some major cities like Tokyo and Osaka, you can buy Prepaid SIM cards at certain electronics retailers. Consider visiting large electronics retailers such as Yodobashi Camera; it's often more cost-effective than purchasing at the airport. Yodobashi Camera's website

Convenience Stores

Not all convenience stores in Japan sell SIM cards, but those located in tourist areas often do. While convenience stores don't offer a wide variety of plans like electronics retailers, you can still purchase SIM cards or eSIMs there. The prices are generally similar to those at airports, which means they tend to be higher than buying a SIM card online. However, for travelers who didn't have time to purchase a SIM card at the airport, buying one at a convenience store is a popular option.
Seven Eleven,Lawson and more.

CDJapan Rental

Why not purchase a SIM card or eSIM through our service?
Our shop also offers Prepaid SIM cards and eSIMs.
Compared to buying at the airport, our options are more affordable, offer larger data capacities, and include a variety of choices such as SIM cards and eSIMs with unlimited 5G connectivity.
Japan UNLIMITED 5G Prepaid SIM Card
Japan UNLIMITED eSIM

Do you need Japanese number?

In Japan, prepaid SIM cards with numbers are rarely sold to travelers. For short-term visitors, only data-only SIM cards or eSIMs are available for purchase. To obtain a number in Japan, identity verification is required, and it is generally limited to those with a Japanese address. While some airports reportedly sell SIM cards with numbers, they are very expensive, often requiring prior reservations or complicated procedures. As such, purchasing one immediately after arriving in Japan is neither practical nor a realistic option.

How to Make Calls in Japan Without Japanese Number

There's no need to pay a high price or go through complex procedures to purchase a SIM card with a number. Before coming to Japan, you can register for Skype or obtain an IP number. With Skype or an IP , you can make calls in Japan at very low rates. Additionally, communication apps like Line or allow you to make calls using data. This means you can use a data-only SIM card or eSIM without any issues for calls.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of gsm gateway. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.