The Best SIM Card for Japan (who I always use)
Japan is a beautiful country with amazing hospitality and things to do. But having an internet connection will make your travels as smooth and stress-free as possible. So this is my guide on the best SIM card for Japan.
I spend a lot of time in Tokyo, and whenever I use a SIM card, I always go with Mobal SIM cards. In my experience, they’re the best, most convenient and super reliable.
But there are some other options worth exploring, which may be better options depending on your situation.
So let’s wrap up this chit chat and get to it!
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The Best SIM Card for Japan (why I use Mobal)
Mobal is a company specializing in Japanese SIM and eSIM cards and long-term Wifi options. They have amazing reviews, customer service and a solid reputation.
And they’re who I always use for a SIM card and Japanese phone number when I visit Tokyo.
Mobal is also hyper-focused on making an impact, giving the majority of their profits to charity.
They have an epic vision of lifting people in Malawi out of poverty by promoting self-sufficiency and creating opportunities in jobs, education and food.
So when you buy a data card through Mobal, you’re actually supporting this awesome cause.
That’s a solid W and reason enough to use them for all of my Japanese SIM card needs.
You can order a Mobal SIM card online and get it delivered directly to your home address (before you leave for Japan) or you can opt to pick up your SIM card at a location in Japan.
Personally, I prefer getting it sent to my house before my flight — it’s one less thing to do after arriving in Japan. Plus, I have internet right after getting off the plane this way.
Other SIM Card + Wifi Options in Japan
Of course, Mobal isn’t the only option for SIM cards in Japan. So here are some other popular choices.
Pick One Up at the Airport
You can pick up a SIM card (or an eSIM) at Haneda, Narita or Kansai international airports after your arrival.
They have unlimited prepaid SIM card options with great speed and data options. The prices aren’t too bad either, ranging from ¥4,500 up to ¥7,000 yen (for the 30-day plan).
You can learn more about buying a SIM card at the airport here.
Buy One at Bic Camera
Bic Camera is a major electronic brand in Japan — and they have stores all over the place.
So it’s a pretty convenient way to buy a SIM card after you get to Japan (if you didn’t get one at the airport or preorder, that is).
Here’s a list of SIM products and options on the Bic Camera site so you can get an idea of the available options and prices (although, you may have to translate the page).
Rent Pocket Wifi
If you just want a reliable internet connection to periodically hop onto, you could get a mobile wifi router.
NINJA WiFi is a popular brand if you’re going this route. Their pocket wifi is a small device that connects your devices to local networks. But they also have SIM cards too.
You can make a reservation up to one day before your arrival directly on their website. There are a few pickup locations to choose from, including the major airports.
They also have a lot of extra services, like spare batteries, a pocket translator and a basic medical insurance plan (although, I prefer more comprehensive travel insurance options).
I’ve never used pocket wifi in Japan, but it is a popular option for many tourists.
Explore more:
➤ How to Get Secure Wifi While Traveling
Get an International Phone Plan
Recently, I’ve been using an international phone plan in Japan. It’s been more convenient and just as good.
The biggest downside to this option is not getting a Japanese phone number, extra costs and limited data.
Not having a Japanese phone number is more of an issue if you plan on staying in Japan for an extended trip). For example, ordering Amazon sometimes requires a local number.
Still, it’s one of the most convenient options in my experience.
Later ✌️
My go-to SIM card for Japan is Mobal. They have awesome products, great prices and give back most of their profits to charitable causes.
But there are other options, such as renting pocket wifi, getting an international phone plan with your carrier or picking up a SIM card at the airport.
Either way, having a good internet connection while you explore Japan is a smart move and will make your traveling easier and smoother.
So with that, epic travels!
Japanese SIM Cards (faqs)
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This depends on your needs and data habits. For example, if you stream a lot of movies, videos and music (off of wifi), then you’ll want a more expensive plan.
But if you’re an average-minimal data user, the cheapest plans should be plenty. At least, that’s been my experience.
For Mobal, their pricing plans go back trip duration, so you don’t need to worry about data amounts. You can learn more about pricing options here.
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Can you just rely on wifi while traveling in Japan? I’ve done this a lot before, and the answer is (annoyingly) yes and no.
If you’re in Tokyo, it’s pretty easy to find a wifi spot. For example, cafes like Starbucks, Doutour or Tully’s are ubiquitous and have free wifi you grab by standing nearby (or grabbing a quick coffee).
But this isn’t always reliable and it’s still inconvenient (especially as you move outside of the city center).
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Yes! You can now snag a data-only SIM card for your Japan trip. These are cheaper and connect you to the internet, but you won’t be able to make local calls or receive messages (unless it’s through video platforms like Skype or Line).
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Definitely. At least, it’s absolutely worth it to have an internet connection during your trip.
Whether you grab an eSIM, data-only SIM card or a portable wifi router, having internet while you travel a foreign country that doesn’t speak your language is super useful.
The way I see it, we have the technology. And it’s pretty affordable – so why not use it?
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You can pick up a SIM or eSIM card at the airport, major electronic stores like Bic Camera or online prior to your trip (with Mobal).
Want More? Nice. Here’s More.
