Stay connected in Japan without paying roaming fees. We compare every SIM and eSIM option for travelers — data-only, voice, tourist, and long-term.
Stay connected in Japan without paying roaming fees. We compare every SIM and eSIM option for travelers — data-only, voice, tourist, and long-term.
Quick Comparison
| Option | Cost (30 days) | Data | Calls | Setup |
|---|
| Prepaid SIM (airport) | ¥3,000–5,000 | 5–20 GB | ❌ Data only | Insert SIM |
| eSIM (Airalo, Yesim) | ¥2,000–4,000 | 5–50 GB | ⚠️ VoIP only | Activate on phone |
| Pocket WiFi | ¥500–900/day | Unlimited | ⚠️ VoIP only | Pick up at airport |
| IIJmio | ¥990–1,500 | 1–20 GB | ✅ Full | Apply online |
| Japan SIM (IIJmio) | ¥3,000 | 5 GB | ✅ Full | Apply online |
| Sakura Mobile | ¥3,300 | 5 GB | ✅ Full | Apply online |
eSIM (Recommended for Most Tourists)
Best eSIM Providers
| Provider | 30-Day Plan | Data | Price |
|---|
| Airalo | 3 GB / 7 days | 3 GB | $5 |
| Airalo | 10 GB / 30 days | 10 GB | $11 |
| Airalo | 20 GB / 30 days | 20 GB | $16 |
| Yesim | 10 GB / 30 days | 10 GB | $12 |
| Yesim | 20 GB / 30 days | 20 GB | $18 |
| Holafly | Unlimited / 30 days | Unlimited | $27 |
| Nomad | 10 GB / 30 days | 10 GB | $12 |
How to Set Up
- Buy online — visit provider's website or app
- Download — scan QR code or use app
- Activate — follow on-screen instructions
- Use — works on arrival, no airport visit needed
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|
| ✅ Instant setup | ❌ No Japanese phone number |
| ✅ No physical SIM swap | ❌ VoIP calls only (no regular calls) |
| ✅ Works alongside your home SIM | ❌ Some eSIMs don't support SMS |
| ✅ Cheapest option | ❌ Requires eSIM-compatible phone |
Prepaid SIM Cards
Where to Buy
| Location | Options | Price |
|---|
| Airport arrivals | Most providers | ¥3,000–5,000 |
| Electronics stores | Bic Camera, Yodobashi | ¥3,000–5,000 |
| Convenience stores | Limited options | ¥3,000–5,000 |
| Online (pre-order) | Ship to your hotel | ¥2,000–4,000 |
Popular Tourist SIMs
| SIM | 30 Days | Data | Price |
|---|
| IIJmio Tourist SIM | 30 days | 5 GB | ¥3,300 |
| Sakura Mobile | 30 days | 5 GB | ¥3,300 |
| Japan Wireless | 30 days | 10 GB | ¥4,500 |
| Mobal | 30 days | 6 GB | ¥3,500 |
| Airport SIM | 30 days | 5–20 GB | ¥3,000–5,000 |
Pocket WiFi
What Is It?
A portable WiFi hotspot that connects multiple devices.
Providers
| Provider | Daily Cost | Data | Where to Pick Up |
|---|
| Global WiFi | ¥500–800 | Unlimited | Airport, hotels |
| WiFi RENTACO | ¥500–700 | Unlimited | Airport, hotels |
| Ninja WiFi | ¥600–900 | Unlimited | Airport, hotels |
| Japan Wireless | ¥800 | Unlimited | Airport |
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|
| ✅ Multiple devices | ❌ Another gadget to carry |
| ✅ Unlimited data | ❌ Battery lasts 6–8 hours |
| ✅ No phone compatibility issues | ❌ Must return at airport |
| ✅ Share with travel companions | ❌ Range limited (10–15m) |
Phone Number Options
If you need a Japanese phone number (for restaurant reservations, etc.):
| Option | Cost | Number Type |
|---|
| IIJmio | ¥990/month | Full Japanese number |
| Sakura Mobile | ¥3,300/month | Full Japanese number |
| Mobal | ¥1,500/month | Full Japanese number |
Our Recommendation
| Traveler Type | Best Option |
|---|
| Short trip (1–2 weeks) | eSIM (Airalo or Yesim) |
| Budget traveler | eSIM (cheapest per GB) |
| Need phone calls | Prepaid SIM with voice |
| Group travel | Pocket WiFi (share data) |
| Long-term stay | IIJmio or Sakura Mobile |
| Business travel | Prepaid SIM with Japanese number |
Tips
- Check phone compatibility — not all phones support eSIM or Japanese bands
- Download offline maps — before you lose signal at the airport
- Bring a power bank — eSIMs and pocket WiFi drain battery
- Test on arrival — make sure your connection works before leaving the airport
- Use WiFi at hotels — save your mobile data for when you're out
