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What do you think are essential items for traveling abroad?
A passport
A visa
Cash
A suitcase…
There are many things that come to mind, but I think the most essential item these days is a means of communication.
Today, I’d like to share with you how to get a SIM cards in Japan for those of you visiting from overseas.
Here are five main ways for overseas visitors to obtain SIM cards in Japan, along with key features and tips.
1. Order Online in Advance (eSIM or Delivery)
📍Overview
Travelers can buy prepaid SIMs or eSIMs on Amazon Japan or official sites before arrival and have them delivered to a hotel or airport.
eSIMs have become especially popular.
💡Features
- Ready to use upon arrival
- No physical card needed for eSIMs
- Many plan options (1 GB – 50 GB / 3 – 90 days)
⚠️Cautions
- Works only on eSIM-compatible devices
- Hard to change or cancel after purchase
📶Popular Brands
- Japan Wireless (Delivery / eSIM)
- Saily(eSIM)
- JAPAN&GLOBAL eSIM
Below is the link to “Japan Wireless” and “Saily” from this site!
4. Rent a Pocket Wi-Fi Router (Alternative to SIM)
📍Overview
Ideal for those who don’t want to swap SIMs or who travel in groups.
Routers can be picked up at airports or delivered to hotels.
💡Features
- No phone settings required—connect via Wi-Fi
- Can share among several devices
- Generally stable connection (uses major carrier networks)
⚠️Cautions
- Battery needs charging
- Fees apply if lost or damaged
📶Popular Brands
- Japan Wireless
- Ninja Wi-Fi
- Global Wi-Fi
Below is the link to “Japan Wireless” from this site!
3. Buy a Prepaid SIM at the Airport (Most Common)
📍Overview
Major airports—Narita, Haneda, Kansai, Chubu—have carrier (NTT Docomo, au, SoftBank) or MVNO (budget SIM) counters and vending machines.
They mainly sell data-only prepaid SIMs for short-term travelers.
💡Features
- Ready to use immediately upon arrival
- Various options for duration and data (e.g., 5, 10, 30 days)
- Staff often speak English or Chinese
⚠️Cautions
- Usually data-only (no voice calls)
- Slightly more expensive (about ¥3,000 – ¥6,000)
📶Popular Brands
- Japan Travel SIM (NTT Docomo business)
- Mobal Japan SIM
- SoftBank Prepaid SIM for Travel
4. Purchase at Electronics Stores or Convenience Stores
📍Overview
Large chains like Bic Camera, Yodobashi, Yamada Denki, and convenience stores (Lawson, FamilyMart, 7-Eleven) also sell SIMs for foreign tourists.
💡Features
- Sometimes cheaper than airports
- More flexible data and duration plans (e.g., 2 GB / 7 days)
- Some staff can assist with setup
⚠️Cautions
- Some SIMs are for residents only—look for ones labeled “for foreign visitors”
- You may need Wi-Fi access to activate the SIM
📶Popular Brands
- IIJmio Japan Travel SIM
- UQ Mobile Prepaid
- Rakuten Mobile Prepaid
5. Use SIM Vending Machines at Airports or Stations
📍Overview
Automated SIM vending machines are located in airports and major train stations (e.g., Haneda, Narita, Kansai, Shinjuku, Shibuya).
They support multiple languages and operate 24 hours.
💡Features
- Available anytime
- Accept credit cards
- Simple setup for immediate use
⚠️Cautions
- No on-site staff support
- Must contact support center if problems occur
📶Examples
- HIS Mobile SIM Vending
- NTT Docomo business SIM Vending
- SoftBank Global Rental Kiosk
🧭 Comparison Table
| Method | Instant Use | Cost | Voice Calls | Support | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online (eSIM) | ✅ Excellent | 💰 Moderate | ❌ Limited | 💬 Online Only | Tech-savvy travelers |
| Pocket Wi-Fi | ✅ Good | 💰 Moderate | 🚫 N/A | ✅ Good | Families / Groups |
| Airport Counter | ✅ Excellent | 💰 High | ❌ Limited | ✅ Strong | First-time visitors |
| Electronics / Convenience Store | ✅ Good | 💰 Moderate | ❌ Limited | ⚙️ Basic | Buying in city |
| Vending Machine | ✅ Excellent | 💰 Moderate | ❌ Limited | ❌ None | Late-night arrivals |
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