What you’ll learn in this article
SIM cards available in Japan include tourist SIMs, long-term resident SIMs, and data-only SIMs, among other types.
This page organizes the features of each type and compares them to help you choose the optimal SIM for your stay purpose.
Related Links
- How to register your SIM
- How to Choose a SIM for Travelers
- SIM for long-term stay in Japan
- Pocket Wi-Fi Comparison
Types of SIM Cards (Basic Classification in Japan)
There are mainly three types of SIMs available in Japan.
● Tourist SIMs (short-term stays)
- Fixed usage periods (7 days, 14 days, 30 days, etc.)
- Mostly data-only
- Easy to purchase and set up
- Generally no phone number
→ Perfect for short trips, business trips, and tourism
● Long-term resident SIMs (with voice calls)
- Monthly payment type (subscription)
- Can obtain a Japanese phone number
- Residence card and address required
- Flexible plan changes
→ Perfect for students, working holiday participants, and workers
● Data-only SIMs (data communication only)
- No voice calls
- Most affordable
- Can also be used for tablets and PCs
→ For those who just want to secure communication
Recommended SIM Cards by Purpose
The suitable SIM varies depending on your stay purpose.
For short trips and tourism (1-30 days)
● Recommended types
- Prepaid SIM
- eSIM (instant online activation)
- Pocket Wi-Fi (convenient for multiple users)
● Detailed explanation here
→ Tourist SIMs(/sim-for-tourists/)
For study abroad, working holiday, and work (several months to years)
● Recommended types
- SIM with voice calls
- Budget SIMs and sub-brands with monthly renewal options
- Also supports contracts requiring SMS
● Required for contract
- Residence card
- Japanese address
- Credit card (may be required)
● Detailed explanation here
→ Long-term resident SIMs(/sim-for-residents/)
For those who just want to secure data communication
If you don’t need calls and just want to use SNS, videos, and map apps, data-only SIMs are perfect.
They’re affordable and offer a wide variety of plans.
How to choose a SIM (beginner’s checklist)
Basic points to avoid mistakes when choosing a SIM.
- How long is your stay?
- How much data do you need? (5GB / 20GB / unlimited, etc.)
- Do you need a phone number?
- Do you have a credit card?
- Will you use it in urban or rural areas?
- Is your device SIM unlocked?
Major Japanese SIM brands (summary by type)
※ Future revenue point where affiliate links will be added.
■ Tourist SIMs (short-term)
- Airalo (eSIM)
- Sakura Mobile
- Mobal
- IIJmio Prepaid
- BIC SIM Prepaid
■ Long-term resident SIMs (voice calls)
- Rakuten Mobile
- UQ Mobile
- Y!mobile
- LINEMO
- IIJmio
■ Data-only SIMs (prepaid/budget)
- IIJmio Data SIM
- mineo Data SIM
- nuro Mobile Data SIM
- Various eSIM services
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. I don’t know which SIM to choose
A. It depends on your stay duration. For short stays, tourist SIMs are best; for long stays, voice call SIMs are optimal.
Q. Which is better: airport or online purchase?
A. If you want to use it immediately, choose the airport; if you want to buy cheaply, online is recommended.
Q. Is SIM unlocking necessary?
A. Yes, you need a SIM-unlocked device.