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SIM Cards
Planning a trip to Japan in 2026? Choosing the right SIM or eSIM can save you money and keep you connected across cities and rural regions. In this guide, we compare Japan’s best SIM card providers (like Sakura Mobile and Mobal) and top eSIM options such as Holafly and Airalo to help you find the most convenient plan for your stay.
Traveling to a new country is always exciting, but staying connected can sometimes be tricky.
If you want reliable, fast internet while exploring Japan, a local SIM card is usually the easiest and most cost-effective option. It’s easy to set up, offers excellent coverage, and helps you avoid expensive roaming fees.
As an alternative, eSIMs are also becoming popular. They work like traditional SIM cards but are embedded in your device, eliminating the need to insert or swap physical cards.
In this article, we’ll focus on the best SIM card providers and also touch on top eSIM options, so you can pick the best solution for your trip.
There are several compelling reasons to consider a Japanese SIM:
If you’re bringing electronic devices, it’s also helpful to know the types of electrical outlets in Japan and what adapters to pack for a seamless experience.
The cost of a SIM card in Japan varies depending on the provider, plan type, and duration. For travelers, options range from budget-friendly plans costing around $13 to more comprehensive packages priced over $50.
Providers like B-Mobile and Nippon offer affordable plans starting as low as approximately $13 to $16, suitable for short-term use.
Mobal and GMT Mobile provide plans with larger data allowances and longer durations, typically ranging from $20 to $55. Meanwhile, Sakura Mobile offers unlimited data plans starting at about $26 for a short trip.
Overall, your choice will depend on your data needs, length of stay, and whether you prioritize cost or data volume.
Getting a SIM card is quite simple. When you arrive at Tokyo’s Narita or Haneda airports, you’ll find kiosks and vending machines selling SIM cards. Just bring your passport, choose a plan, and they can activate it for you in minutes.
If you prefer an even easier option, choose an eSIM. Many providers let you buy and activate your plan online before your trip. This allows you to start using your internet service as soon as you land, without waiting in lines.
When selecting a SIM card for your visit to Japan, it’s essential to consider factors such as coverage, pricing, and customer satisfaction.
Here are the leading SIM card providers in Japan, recognized for their dependable networks and a variety of plan options to suit different needs.
Sakura Mobile is a popular choice for travelers in Japan, providing reliable SIM card services through the country’s largest network. They offer a range of prepaid and short-term plans that are easy to activate upon arrival, helping you stay connected throughout your trip.
Known for excellent customer service and straightforward setup, Sakura Mobile makes it simple and efficient to get online in Japan.
The table below summarizes the SIM plans available from Sakura.
| Plan | Data | Duration | Calls/SMS | Price |
| Travel SIM card (short trip) | Unlimited data | Up to 30 days | Not available | Starting at approximately $26.13 for 5 days |
| Travel SIM card (long trip) | 100 GB data; 3 GB of roaming data | up to 90 days | Not available | Starting at approximately $108.29 for 45 days |
Mobal offers practical and flexible SIM card plans designed for travelers visiting Japan. Their services include options suitable for both short-term visitors and those staying longer, with dependable nationwide coverage.
Known for easy activation and reliable connectivity, Mobal provides a straightforward way to stay connected across both urban centers and more remote areas.
Below is a table summarizing Mobal’s SIM card plans for Japan.
| Plan | Data | Duration | Calls/SMS | Price |
| Japan Tourist (data-only) | 25 GB | 8 days | Not available | Approximately $31.58 |
| Japan Tourist (data-only) | 50 GB | 16 days | Not available | Approximately $43.34 |
| Japan Tourist (data-only) | 50 GB | 31 days | Not available | Approximately $52.87 |
| Japan Tourist (voice, SMS & data options) | 500 MB | 30 days | Yes (not free) | Approximately $19.77 |
| Japan Tourist (voice, SMS & data options) | 7 GB | 30 days | Yes (not free) | Approximately $52.73 |
| Japan Tourist (voice, SMS & data options) | Up to 30 GB | 30 days | Yes (not free) | Starting at approximately $19.77 |
B-Mobile offers affordable SIM card solutions in Japan, focusing on budget-friendly pricing for travelers and residents. With reliable coverage throughout major cities and rural areas, B-Mobile ensures consistent connectivity.
B-Mobile offers two SIM plans for Japan:
| Plan | Data | Duration | Calls/SMS | Price |
| Plan 1 | 5 GB | 8 days | Not available | Approximately $13.17 |
| Plan 2 | 7 GB | 16 days | Not available | Approximately $19.75 |
GMT Mobile offers a selection of prepaid SIM plans designed for travelers, with flexible durations and straightforward activation. They provide reliable coverage across Japan and competitive data speeds, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience.
Their plans are suitable for those looking for a simple and cost-effective way to stay connected during their trip.
Below is an overview of GMT Mobile’s prepaid and postpaid SIM plans for travelers in Japan.
| Plan | Data | Duration | Calls/SMS | Price |
| Postpaid Unlimited Data Plan | Unlimited | 30 days | Domestic and international calls | Starting at approximately $23.26 |
| Postpaid High-Speed Plan | 5 GB, 15 GB, 25 GB | 30 days | Domestic and international calls | Starting at approximately$6.18 |
| Postpaid Affordable Plan | 3 GB, 10 GB, 30 GB, 50 GB | 30 days | Domestic and international calls | Starting at approximately $4.32 |
| Postpaid Premium Plan | 10 GB, 20 GB | 30 days | Domestic and international calls | Starting at approximately $26.47 |
| Prepaid SIM — Data-Only Plan | 10 GB, 30 GB, 50 GB, 135 GB | 7, 30, 90 days | Not available | Starting at approximately $19.95 |
| Prepaid Data + Voice Call Plan | 10 GB, 30 GB | 30, 60, 90 days | Domestic and international calls | Starting at approximately $54.86 |
SoftBank is known for offering flexible plans, including no-contract options that are ideal for travelers. They have strong coverage in major cities like Tokyo and Osaka, with fast and stable signals.
Activation is simple, and their customer support is generally pretty helpful.
Here is a brief overview of SoftBank’s prepaid plan for travelers in Japan.
| Plan | Data | Duration | Calls/SMS | Price |
| Prepaid SIM for Travel | 3 GB | 31 days | Not available | Set by the retailer |
Nippon offers straightforward, budget-friendly SIM plans that are ideal for travelers needing basic internet access.
Their plans are simple to understand and easy to activate, making them a convenient choice for those looking for a quick, no-fuss solution during their trip.
Here is an overview of Nippon’s SIM plans:
| Plan | Data | Duration | Calls/SMS | Price |
| Standard Plan | 3 GB to 50 GB | 30 to 180 days | No | Starting at approximately $16.49 |
| Large Capacity Plan | 50 GB to 135 GB | 30 to 90 days | No | Starting at approximately$34.34 |
| Unlimited Plan | 3 GB, 10 GB, 30 GB, 50 GB | 3 to 33 days | No | Starting at approximately $19.64 |
See also: Best pocket WiFi for Japan: Comparison 2025
eSIM technology is gaining popularity among travelers who value convenience and speed. Instead of swapping a physical SIM card, you simply download your plan directly to your phone — no waiting in line or visiting a store.
Here are six top eSIM providers to consider for Japan:
Holafly offers easy-to-activate eSIM plans with unlimited data, making it ideal for travelers who want seamless internet access without fuss.
With options ranging from one day to 90 days, you can select a plan that fits the duration of your stay. Below are some of Holafly’s eSIM plans and prices for Japan.
Airalo offers a range of eSIM options for international travelers, including limited and unlimited plans for Japan. Their easy-to-use app enables instant purchase and activation, allowing you to connect immediately after landing.
Nomad provides easy-to-use, reliable eSIM plans. They offer transparent pricing and options for different trip lengths. Their plans include security features like data encryption and secure activation.
Ubigi is an eSIM provider developed by Transatel-NTT. It offers mobile connectivity solutions designed for travelers, digital nomads, mobile workers, and connected vehicle users. Ubigi provides access to 4G and 5G networks in over 200 destinations
BNESIM BNESIM offers flexible, affordable eSIM plans for travelers in Japan. Plans are easy to activate through the BNESIM app and include options for one-time use and lifetime data. The service is reliable and quick to set up.
aloSIM offers simple, affordable eSIM plans for travelers in Japan. All plans include a free international number, enabling calls and SMS during your trip. They are easy to activate and manage through a user-friendly app.
Yes, at Narita, Haneda, and Kansai airports, numerous kiosks and vending machines sell SIM cards that are ready to use immediately.
Yes, many providers offer prepaid plans designed to last from a few days to several months, making them suitable for both short visits and longer stays.
Yes, Japan requires registration with a valid ID or passport when purchasing a SIM card, so be sure to carry your travel documents.
Absolutely. Many providers support online purchase and eSIM activation, allowing you to get connected immediately after landing.
A physical SIM is a small chip you insert into your phone, while an eSIM is a digital version embedded in your device. eSIMs can be activated remotely, making switching plans and providers much more convenient.
It depends on your device and preference. If your phone supports eSIMs and you want quick, hassle-free activation, eSIMs are the better choice.
They let you set up your plan before you arrive, saving time. But if your device doesn’t support eSIM, then a traditional SIM card is still a reliable option.
The best global eSIM provider
From $2.3/week
A reliable eSIM provider for budget travelers
From $2.4/week
The best global eSIM provider
From $2.3/week
A reliable eSIM provider for budget travelers
From $2.4/week
Our mission is simple: to make sure you never have to ask, “What’s the WiFi password?” again. All our tips come straight from personal experience — because we’d never recommend something we haven’t put to the test ourselves.
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