🇯🇵 Best SIM cards for Japan
Comparing 34 plans from 5 providers
💡 Japan has one of the best mobile networks in the world — 4G/LTE coverage is excellent nationwide, including rural areas, mountain towns and most train lines (even the Shinkansen). IIJmio and SoftBank tourist SIMs are the most popular among travellers. Rakuten Mobile is cheap but has more limited coverage outside major cities. Note: many tourist SIMs are data-only (no SMS, no voice calls) — use LINE, WhatsApp or Skype for calls. Pocket Wi-Fi rentals are an alternative if you need to connect multiple devices.
| Provider | Type | Data | Validity | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Provider Saily★ Recommended Perfect for a short trip or arrival day. | TypeeSIM | Data1.00 GB | Validity7 days | Price $3.99Best price | Get this SIM |
| Provider Nomad | TypeeSIM | Data1.00 GB | Validity7 days | Price $4.00 | Get this SIM |
| Provider Holafly★ Recommended Holafly 1-day eSIM. Activate before boarding, works from the moment you land. | TypeeSIM | DataUnlimited data | Validity1 days | Price $5.90 | Get this SIM |
| Provider Nomad★ Recommended | TypeeSIM | Data3.00 GB | Validity30 days | Price $7.00 | Get this SIM |
| Provider Ubigi★ Recommended Transatel network Japan. Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima. Works on tablets and laptops. | TypeeSIM | Data3.00 GB | Validity15 days | Price $7.50 | Get this SIM |
| Provider Saily Local Japan network. Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Hokkaido. | TypeeSIM | Data3.00 GB | Validity30 days | Price $7.99 | Get this SIM |
| Provider Nomad | TypeeSIM | Data5.00 GB | Validity30 days | Price $10.00 | Get this SIM |
| Provider Airalo IIJmio/SoftBank network. Data-only SIM — use WhatsApp or Line for calls. | TypeeSIM | Data5.00 GB | Validity7 days | Price $10.00 | Get this SIM |
| Provider Saily Best balance of data and price for Japan. | TypeeSIM | Data5.00 GB | Validity30 days | Price $10.99 | Get this SIM |
| Provider Nomad | TypeeSIM | DataUnlimited data | Validity3 days | Price $11.00 | Get this SIM |
| Provider Holafly | TypeeSIM | DataUnlimited data | Validity3 days | Price $11.90 | Get this SIM |
| Provider Nomad | TypeeSIM | Data10.00 GB | Validity30 days | Price $16.00 | Get this SIM |
| Provider Ubigi Transatel / NTT premium Japan plan. Best for tablet or laptop users on business trips. | TypeeSIM | Data10.00 GB | Validity30 days | Price $16.50 | Get this SIM |
| Provider Nomad Competitive Nomad price for Japan. Multiple network options. | TypeeSIM | Data10.00 GB | Validity30 days | Price $17.00 | Get this SIM |
| Provider Saily Best value for Japan. Full month coverage. | TypeeSIM | Data10.00 GB | Validity30 days | Price $17.99 | Get this SIM |
| Provider Airalo Best value Airalo plan for longer stays. IIJmio/SoftBank. Data-only. | TypeeSIM | Data10.00 GB | Validity30 days | Price $18.00 | Get this SIM |
| Provider Holafly | TypeeSIM | DataUnlimited data | Validity5 days | Price $20.50 | Get this SIM |
| Provider Nomad 20 GB across Asia-Pacific: Japan, Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, Australia and more. | TypeeSIM | Data20.00 GB | Validity30 days | Price $22.00 | Get this SIM |
| Provider Nomad | TypeeSIM | Data20.00 GB | Validity30 days | Price $23.00 | Get this SIM |
| Provider Nomad High-data Nomad plan for Japan. Best GB/$ ratio for heavy users. | TypeeSIM | Data20.00 GB | Validity30 days | Price $23.00 | Get this SIM |
| Provider Saily Heavy data users — streaming, remote work. | TypeeSIM | Data20.00 GB | Validity30 days | Price $24.99 | Get this SIM |
| Provider Airalo Heavy data users. IIJmio/SoftBank. Covers rural routes and Shinkansen. | TypeeSIM | Data20.00 GB | Validity30 days | Price $25.00 | Get this SIM |
| Provider Nomad | TypeeSIM | DataUnlimited data | Validity7 days | Price $25.00 | Get this SIM |
| Provider Holafly | TypeeSIM | DataUnlimited data | Validity7 days | Price $27.50 | Get this SIM |
| Provider Holafly Unlimited data on KDDI/SoftBank. Hotspot included. 1 GB backup via Always On. | TypeeSIM | DataUnlimited data | Validity7 days | Price $27.50 | Get this SIM |
| Provider Nomad | TypeeSIM | Data20.00 GB | Validity45 days | Price $28.00 | Get this SIM |
| Provider Nomad | TypeeSIM | Data50.00 GB | Validity30 days | Price $35.00 | Get this SIM |
| Provider Holafly | TypeeSIM | DataUnlimited data | Validity10 days | Price $36.50 | Get this SIM |
| Provider Nomad | TypeeSIM | DataUnlimited data | Validity14 days | Price $41.00 | Get this SIM |
| Provider Nomad | TypeeSIM | DataUnlimited data | Validity21 days | Price $49.00 | Get this SIM |
| Provider Holafly Best Holafly plan for a 2-week Japan trip. Unlimited + hotspot. | TypeeSIM | DataUnlimited data | Validity15 days | Price $50.50 | Get this SIM |
| Provider Holafly | TypeeSIM | DataUnlimited data | Validity15 days | Price $50.50 | Get this SIM |
| Provider Holafly | TypeeSIM | DataUnlimited data | Validity30 days | Price $73.90 | Get this SIM |
| Provider Holafly Full month unlimited Japan. KDDI/SoftBank. Best for long-stay visitors. | TypeeSIM | DataUnlimited data | Validity30 days | Price $73.90 | Get this SIM |
Our recommendations for Japan
For your exact trip length
Tell us how many days you're traveling and we'll find the best match.
Budget way
Activate a cheap eSIM the night before your flight. Use it on day 1 to order an Uber from the airport to your hotel. Next day, pop into a local operator store and buy a local SIM.
Day 1 eSIM (arrival)
Holafly · 1 day
Local SIM (from day 2)
Tourist SIM at airport or convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart)
Best option if you stay more than 10 days — local SIMs are often 3–5× cheaper.
Hassle-free way
Order your eSIM before departure — nothing to buy on arrival. Works from the moment you land.
Best option for short trips or if you don't want to deal with local operator stores.
About these providers
Strengths
- +Largest selection — 200+ countries, multiple local operators per country
- +Very competitive data-capped plans (cheapest overall for data)
- +Instant QR code activation — works within seconds
- +Excellent iOS & Android app with real-time data tracking
- +Physical SIM available for some destinations
Weaknesses
- −Data-only — no calls or SMS on most plans
- −Too many options can be overwhelming
- −Prices displayed in AUD (confusing for non-Australians)
- −Customer support can be slow
Strengths
- +Unlimited data on ALL plans — no data stress ever
- +1-day plans from $5.90 — perfect for arrival day
- +Simple pricing — few options, no confusion
- +Live chat customer support
- +Social media (WhatsApp, Instagram) always free on top
Weaknesses
- −More expensive than Airalo for stays over 10 days
- −Data-only — no calls or SMS
- −No physical SIM option
Strengths
- +Best multi-country regional plans in the market
- +Global plans up to 180 days or 1 year — ideal for long trips
- +Simple, clean interface — easy to choose
- +Competitive pricing for multi-destination trips
Weaknesses
- −Fewer individual country options than Airalo
- −Data-only — no calls or SMS
- −Less name recognition than Airalo/Holafly
Strengths
- +Made by Nord Security — the NordVPN creators (trusted brand)
- +Often cheaper than Airalo for data-capped plans
- +150+ countries covered
- +Clean app with real-time data usage tracker
- +Flexible packages: 1 GB to 20 GB
Weaknesses
- −Data-capped only — no unlimited plans
- −Newer provider (launched 2023) — fewer user reviews
- −No physical SIM
Strengths
- +Made by Transatel / NTT — major global telecom infrastructure provider
- +Works on smartphones, tablets AND laptops (unique)
- +Also available in connected cars (BMW, Toyota, Fiat…)
- +190+ countries covered
- +Enterprise-grade network reliability
Weaknesses
- −More expensive than Airalo and Saily for most plans
- −Primarily aimed at business / professional travelers
- −Pricing less transparent on website
Getting a local SIM in Japan
🏪Where to buy
Dedicated tourist SIM counters at all major international airports: Narita (NRT T1/T2), Haneda (HND T3), Kansai (KIX), Chubu (NGO), Fukuoka (FUK). Counters are open until late. In the city: BIC Camera and Yodobashi Camera electronics stores stock tourist SIMs, as do 7-Eleven, FamilyMart and Lawson convenience stores (data-only SIMs). You can also pre-order a SIM online and pick it up at the airport arrival gate.
📄Documents needed
Passport required. Japan requires SIM registration with a valid ID document. For tourist data-only SIMs sold at airports and convenience stores, registration is done automatically at activation — you do not need to visit a store. For SIMs that include voice calls, full in-store registration with passport is required. No residence card (zairyu card) is needed for tourists.
💡Tips & coverage
Japan has one of the best mobile networks in the world — 4G/LTE coverage is excellent nationwide, including rural areas, mountain towns and most train lines (even the Shinkansen). IIJmio and SoftBank tourist SIMs are the most popular among travellers. Rakuten Mobile is cheap but has more limited coverage outside major cities. Note: many tourist SIMs are data-only (no SMS, no voice calls) — use LINE, WhatsApp or Skype for calls. Pocket Wi-Fi rentals are an alternative if you need to connect multiple devices.
Local SIM prices in Japan
Typical cost if you buy a physical SIM card on arrival (for comparison only).
| Data | Validity | Est. price |
|---|---|---|
| 5.00 GB | 7 days | $5.00–$12.00 |
| 10.00 GB | 30 days | $8.00–$18.00 |
| Unlimited | 30 days | $25.00–$40.00 |
Prices are estimates based on tourist SIM cards available locally. Actual prices vary by operator and date.