Article by: anees

All about getting a sim card in japan

With its delicious food and lengthy history, dazzling cities surrounded by beautiful natural beauty, and unique combination of high-tech and traditional civilization, Japan is a fantastic nation for travelers. If you are considering a long-term stay in Japan or are currently a resident, mobile phones with Japanese SIM cards are a must-have. In recent years, Wi-Fi has grown more widely available, yet it is still not available everywhere. Having your own internet connection makes life much easier and less stressful, especially in smaller towns and rural locations. Because there are so many options for SIM cards in Japan, it may seem to be tricky and it could be difficult to decide which plan suits you the best.   

Here are few tips about buying a SIM card in Japan  

For Tourist (short term visit)   

Wifi is less common in Japan than let's say in Europe but you'll usually find it in hotels and guesthouses, as well as many coffee shops and restaurants. We actually have an article on WIFI in Japan. But, if you want to be online everywhere you go, you'll need to buy a SIM card.

You can purchase a Japan 4G SIM card with unlimited data online with Klook to pick up on arrival at Narita, Haneda, or Osaka airports. Staff at the pickup point will help you configure your device. This is probably the simplest option.   

Alternatively, you can buy Japan Travel SIM cards like the IIJmio Japan Travel SIM at Bic Camera shops which are everywhere. You can make voice calls using services like Skype or Facetime with data-only SIMs. Another good option for travelers is to rent a pocket wifi (mobile router) like the Ninja Wifi Router. It is also possible to buy voice/data SIMs in Japan with a tourist visa and your passport .

SIM cards retailers with English-Support for short term residents and travelers   

Mobal	Monthly fee (example) Data Only: from 8 days ￥3,990〜    [Minimum contract period]   None   Click “Short-Term” in the link    Mobal
Sakura Mobile	Monthly fees (example) Data Only: from 3GB ￥3,500〜   [Activation fee]  None    [Minimum contract period]     3 days    Pocket Wifi is also available    Sakura mobile
Genki Mobile	Monthly fee (example)    Genki Mobile offers Data-Only SIM cards.    [Monthly fees (example)]    Short-Term 1GB: ￥150/day    Long-Term(60days+) 1GB: ￥120/day    [Activation fee]    ￥3,000    [Minimum contract period]      Long-Term Data SIM: 60 days    Genki mobile.

For Students, Employee, others (Long term stay)   

If you’d like to purchase a new phone and if you are going to stay in Japan for more than 2 years, it would be smart to purchase a phone and a SIM card from one of the 3 major Japanese carriers (Docomo, AU , or Softbank).    

Documents are Passport+ Residence card + Inkan-Hanko-Seal  and some additional documents depending on the company.  

If you already have a compatible phone, you may consider MVNO’s SIM cards, they are much cheaper than the major carriers mentioned above. We listed several MVNO SIM card retailers including English-Speaking retailers below. Many of the providers and retailers have a contract with a certain term. Please be aware that an early termination fee will apply if you cancel the contract before the completion of the term period. The term varies in providers/retailers.   

SIM cards retailers with English-Support for long term residents   

The prices don’t include consumption tax and are subject to change without notice.   

Mobal	Monthly fee (example) Data-Voice-Text: ￥4,500 - ￥6,000    [SIM card Fee]   ￥3,000 → Special Offer ￥1,000! (Including ￥1,000 free calls makes it as substantially free!)   [Minimum contract period]    None Short Term SIM cards are also available    Mobal
Sakura Mobile	Monthly fee (example) Data-Only 3GB: ￥1,980    Data+Voice 3GB: ￥2,980     [Activation fee]    Data+Voice: ￥5,000 - ￥15,000    [Minimum contract period]    3months Pocket Wifi is also available    Sakura mobile
GTN	Monthly fee (example) Data-Only 3GB: ￥980    Data+Voice 3GB: ￥2,280 (Free 10-minute domestic calls)    [Activation fee]    ￥3,400    [Minimum contract period]    None    Pocket Wifi is also available    Customer support is provided in 7 different languages.    Gtn-mobile
Sonix Net	Monthly fee (example) Genki Mobile offers Data-Only SIM cards.    [Monthly fees (example)]    Short-Term 1GB: ￥150/day    Long-Term(60days+) 1GB: ￥120/day    [Activation fee]    ￥3,000    [Minimum contract period]    Long-Term Data SIM: 60 days    Genki mobile
JP Smart Call	Monthly fee (example) Data+Voice 3 GB: ￥2,480    [Activation fee]  ￥3,000    [Minimum contract period]   None    Jp smart

Other MVNOs (Japanese websites)   

OCN Mobile ONE	OCN Mobile ONE - offers service in English although their website is only in Japanese. You can visit one of these electronic shops (Yodobashi Camera, Bic Camera, Kojima, Sofmap) and apply for the subscription. At some major stores, there is English-Speaking staff who could assist you. OCN Mobile ONE have English brochures as well.    [Monthly fees (example)]    Data-Only 3GB: ￥880    Voice+Data 3GB: ￥1,480    [Activation fee]    ￥3,000     [Minimum contract period]    None    NTT
UQ Mobile	[Monthly fees (example)]    Data-Only 3GB: ￥980    Voice+Data 3GB: ￥1,980    [Monthly fees (example)]    Data-Only 3GB: ￥980    Voice+Data 3GB: ￥1,980    [Activation fee]    ￥3,000    [Minimum contract period]     1 - 2 years (depending on the plan)   uqwimax
LINE Mobile	Monthly fees (example) Data Only 1GB: ￥500    Data+Voice 3GB: ￥1,980   [Activation fee]    ￥3,000    [Minimum contract period]    1 year    Mobile.line
U Mobile	[Monthly fees (example)]    Data-Only 5GB: ￥1,480    Data+Voice 5GB: ￥1,980     [Activation fee]    ￥3,000    [Minimum contract period]    Data-Voice: 6-12 months    Umobile

Where to buy a sim card   

As mentioned above, you can purchase SIM cards online (see below for more retailers) or at electronics stores (ex: Bic Camera or Yodobashi Camera) that offer a variety of SIM cards and mobile phones. If you choose Docomo, AU, or Softbank, there are many branches in Japan so that you can visit them directly. At most shops, they will check your device if it’s compatible and they will offer a variety of price plans. You can also find English-Speaking staff in some major stores in Tokyo.   

Disclaimer : The situation with SIM cards, cell phone rentals, and wifi in Japan is changing fast. The situation could change by the time you read this.  We will  try to keep this page updated but always do your own research to make sure you get the best deal.