When you plan to visit a country as beautiful and diverse as Japan, you must not only prepare the best places to visit, but also think about how you will stay in touch with your friends, family, and the world while you are there. For a tourist, having a local SIM card can make your trip more comfortable and convenient.
Also Read: Best Prepaid SIM Card in Singapore for Tourists
In this article, we will discuss in detail the SIM cards available for tourists in Japan so that you have a clear idea of which SIM card is best for you before your trip. This article will also highlight the details, pros and cons of buying a SIM card, and internet facilities.
Why is a SIM card necessary in Japan?
Having a means of communication is very important when you visit another country. In a developed country like Japan where you need internet to search places, online mapping, book hotels, and get information about local culture, a SIM card is very helpful.
Main reasons for using SIM cards in Japan:
Internet Access: You will need the Internet in Japan to use various applications, maps, and websites.
Calls and Messages: You will need calls and messages to keep in touch with friends, family, or locals.
Legal regulations: It is legal for tourists to use a local SIM card in Japan, and you can easily buy one.
Top Sources for Buying a Tourist SIM Card in Japan
- Buying a SIM card for tourists in Japan is not a difficult task. There are various sources from where you can get a tourist SIM card.
- Buying a SIM card at the airport: When you arrive in Japan, most international airports have SIM card stores available for tourists. This is the easiest and fastest way, but SIMs bought at the airport can be expensive.
- City Mobile Stores: In major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, etc. you will also find local mobile stores where SIM cards can be purchased for tourists.
- Online purchase: If you want to arrange your SIM card before you arrive in Japan, Japanese SIM cards are available on online websites. This way you can activate your SIM before you arrive in Japan.
Types of Tourist SIM Cards in Japan
There are different types of SIM cards available for tourists in Japan, including data SIM cards and data + calling SIM cards. Here we are detailing these types:
Data SIM cards
- A data SIM card is perfect for tourists who use the internet a lot and want to connect via video calls or internet messaging applications (like WhatsApp, and Viber). These SIM cards provide internet but not normal calls and messages.
Key Features:
- Internet access
- Different data packages (eg 1GB, 5GB, 10GB, or unlimited data)
- 4G or 5G speeds
- Calling or SMS are not available
- Ideal Use: If you need the Internet for navigation, hotel booking, or getting information in Japan and don’t make regular phone calls or SMS, this might be the best choice for you.
Data + Calling SIM cards
These SIM cards are for tourists who want the convenience of the internet as well as normal calls and messages. These SIM cards also include data packages with specific calling minutes, which allow you to make local or international calls within Japan.
Key Features:
- Internet + Calling facility
- Different data packages
- Local and international calling facility
- 4G or 5G speeds
- Ideal Use: If you want to use the internet while in Japan, as well as connect with locals on the phone, this SIM card is perfect for you.
SIM Card Prices and Data Packages in Japan
Prices and packages for tourist SIM cards in Japan can vary, depending on how many days you need internet. Here is information on some common packages:
Provider | Data | Price | Data/Duration |
---|---|---|---|
Mobal | 25GB | 4,730 yen and up | 8 days |
Sakura Mobile | Unlimited (Data speed may reduce after exceeding 3GB per day) | 3,850 yen and up | 5 days |
Ninja WiFi SIM | 1GB per day and up | 3,795 yen and up | 1 Day |
Nippon SIM for Japan | 3GB | 1,980 yen and up | 30 days |
IIJmio Travel SIM | 3GB | 2,480 yen and up | 30 days |
Data Packs, Speed and Customer Care
Brand | Nexus Mobile | Global Travel SIM | RoamFree SIM | EasyConnect SIM |
---|---|---|---|---|
PRODUCT SPEC | ||||
Airport Pickup | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
Expiration | 10 days, 20 days | 15 days, 30 days | 5 days, 10 days | 7 days, 14 days |
LTE Allowance | Unlimited | 500MB/day | 1GB/day | 2GB total |
Avg. LTE speed | 25Mbps | 15Mbps | 10Mbps | 30Mbps |
Low speed mode | Yes, 256kbps | Yes, 128kbps | Yes, 64kbps | No, disconnected |
Activation | Pre-activated | Manual activation | Pre-activated | Requires online activation |
Customer Care Center | ||||
Email Support | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
Phone Support | Yes, 24/7 | Yes, 8:00-20:00 | No | Yes, 9:00-18:00 |
Compatibility Support | Yes, troubleshooting | Yes, basic APN support | No, non-refundable | Yes, locked phone support |
Data and SIM Card Price With Duration
Data Plan | Duration | Price (JPY) | Price (JPY, tax incl.) | Discounts or Offers | SIMs Provided | Extra Days |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Unlimited Data | 5 days | 3,500 | 3,850 | None | 1 SIM | None |
Unlimited Data | 8 days | 4,500 | 4,950 | None | 1 SIM | None |
Unlimited Data | 12 days | 5,700 | 6,270 | None | 1 SIM | None |
Unlimited Data | 15 days | 6,500 | 7,150 | None | 1 SIM | None |
Unlimited Data | 21 days | 7,650 | 8,415 | None | 1 SIM | None |
Unlimited Data | 30 days | 9,000 | 9,900 | None | 1 SIM | None |
Unlimited Data | 45 days | 14,500 | 15,950 | 1,000 JPY Off | 2 SIMs | 15 extra days |
Unlimited Data | 60 days | 16,000 | 17,600 | 2,000 JPY Off | 2 SIMs | 30 extra days |
Unlimited Data | 90 days | 24,000 | 26,400 | 3,000 JPY Off | 3 SIMs | 30 extra days |
In today’s era, mobile data and SIM cards have become an integral part of our lives. Millions of people around the world rely on mobile networks every day to keep in touch with friends and family, work online, or simply use the Internet for entertainment. To meet this growing need, different mobile network companies provide different packages that include different data amounts, prices and durations.
SIM card price and accompanying data packages vary by country and company. SIM cards are cheaper in some countries, while in others they are more expensive. Similarly, different network companies offer different types of data packages. Some packages are for a few days, while others last for months. The price also varies according to the amount of data and its duration.
For example, a basic data package containing 1GB of data may be available for a day at a reduced price. On the other hand, larger data packages such as 50GB or 100GB cost more and are provided for longer periods, such as one month or three months. In addition, some companies also offer additional benefits such as calls, messages and international roaming packages.
Finally, users should consider their needs and budget while choosing data packages so that they can choose the best package.
SIM card activation and usage
Once you buy your SIM card in Japan, it’s very easy to activate it. Most tourist SIM cards are activated automatically when you insert them into your mobile, but in some cases, you may need to enter the activation code that comes with the SIM.
Important Steps:
- Insert the SIM into your mobile.
- You may need to enter the activation code according to the SIM card instructions.
- After activation, you can use the internet and calling facility immediately.
- Alternative to Wi-Fi in Japan
- If you don’t want to buy a SIM card, there are Wi-Fi alternatives available in Japan, but they also have a few issues:
- Public Wi-Fi: Public Wi-Fi is available in various places in Japan, such as cafes, hotels, and shopping malls, but it can have speed and security issues.
- Pocket Wi-Fi: This is a mobile router that provides you internet access through your phone or laptop. This is a great alternative for tourists, but you have to rent it and the prices can be higher than SIM cards.
Benefits of a Tourist SIM Card in Japan
- Easily available: SIM cards are widely available for tourists in Japan and are very easy to buy and use.
- Different Packages: You can choose different data packages as per your requirements.
- Calling facility: Some SIM cards also include a calling and messaging facility, which helps you stay in touch locally.
Disadvantages of Tourist SIM Cards in Japan
- Cost: SIM cards can be expensive in some cases, especially SIMs purchased at airports.
- Data Limitation: Some packages have limited data, which may expire quickly with heavy usage.
- Call and message costs: Some SIM cards may have higher call and message costs.
Conclusion
Using a SIM card is very important and convenient for tourists in Japan. Buying a SIM card can make your journey more comfortable, convenient, and enjoyable. You should choose the best package according to your needs so that you can enjoy your trip to the fullest.
A SIM card is a great and convenient solution for tourists in Japan, providing travelers with guidance, communication, and information while in the country. Due to the advanced technology and better network coverage, this SIM card has become an important necessity for tourists, so that they do not face any difficulties or obstacles during their travels. Internet usage is very common in Japan and tourists need online information, maps, and transport details, which requires an active and affordable internet connection.
Tourist SIM cards are usually readily available in Japan and can be purchased at various locations, such as airports, convenience stores, and online platforms. These SIM cards have different packages which include data, calls, and SMS facility. These packages are tailored to the needs of the tourists and are available for different durations, such as 7 days, 14 days, or a month.
There are several benefits of using a tourist SIM card in Japan. First, these SIM cards keep tourists connected to the Japanese mobile network, which is very fast and reliable. Through this, tourists can use various applications, such as Google Maps and translators, to overcome the Japanese language barrier and reach their destination.
Second, tourist SIM cards are very reasonably priced and come with different data packages, which tourists can choose according to their needs. In addition, these SIM cards are available without any contract, which helps tourists avoid unnecessary expenses and restrictions.
However, there are some challenges in using tourist SIM cards in Japan. First, these SIM cards need to be unlocked to work with a specific phone model or network, otherwise they won’t work. Second, network coverage may be limited in certain areas, especially in rural or mountainous areas.
Overall, a tourist SIM card in Japan is a useful and necessary resource for tourists to help them stay connected and access information during their visit. This facility makes it easy for tourists to fully enjoy Japan’s attractions and cultural experiences without any hassles or communication difficulties.