What you’ll learn in this article
- Basics of SIM for Japan Travel (Japan Travel SIM)
- Data allowance, fees, and network differences at a glance
- Should you choose a SIM card or an eSIM?
- Points to note when using in Japan
- How to choose without failing, even for beginners
Conclusion: The best solution is a “prepaid SIM for travelers”
For travelers to Japan for 5 to 14 days, the most well-rounded option is
a prepaid SIM for travelers (physical SIM or eSIM).
Reasons
- Stable connection throughout Japan (mainly docomo / au network)
- Easy to choose the required data amount, from 5GB to unlimited
- Many ways to obtain, such as at airports, online, and eSIM
- With eSIM, you can set it up in advance and use it immediately upon arrival
- English support is available in case of problems
In the sense that “you won’t make a big mistake if you choose this for now,”
a prepaid SIM for travelers is the most recommended for beginners.
About Japan Mobile Guide
Japan Mobile Guide is a media specializing in communication services (SIM / eSIM / Pocket Wi-Fi) for foreign visitors to Japan.
The contents of this article are based on the following information:
- Public data from domestic Japanese carriers (docomo / au / SoftBank)
- Official information from each SIM provider
- Reviews from actual users
- Verification results by the operator
4 points to consider when choosing a SIM for travelers to Japan
1. Data allowance
You won’t fail if you think of the following as a guide, according to your stay style.
- 5GB: Light users who mainly use map apps and SNS
- 10-15GB: General travelers who search for tourist information and watch some videos
- Unlimited: People who frequently use YouTube, TikTok, and long-time map navigation
2. Number of days of use
Plans are finely divided into “5 days, 7 days, 10 days, 14 days, 30 days”, etc.
The only checkpoint is “Can it reliably cover until the day of your return?”
3. Network stability
- docomo: The largest area including rural areas
- au: Strong in urban areas, and the speed is stable
- SoftBank: Speed tends to be fast in many cases
There is no major problem no matter which one you choose, but
if you plan to do a lot of sightseeing in rural areas, it is safe to choose a docomo network.
4. SIM card or eSIM
- Since many iPhones support eSIM,
eSIM is the most comfortable for iPhone users - Some Android models do not support eSIM, so it is necessary to check in advance
Comparison of fees and plans (SIM card and eSIM)
The following is just a guide, but the market price is about this much.
| Type | Data allowance | Number of days | Fee (approximate) | Network | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prepaid SIM card for travelers | 5-10GB | 7-14 days | 1,500-3,500 yen | docomo / au | First-time travelers to Japan |
| eSIM for travelers | 5GB to unlimited | Instant activation | 1,200-3,000 yen | docomo | People who want to prepare in advance / iPhone users |
| Unlimited SIM | Unlimited | 5-7 days | 2,500-4,000 yen | SoftBank | People who frequently use videos and maps |
→Internal link proposal:How to choose a SIM for travelers
“You can compare a list of detailed plans on the ‘SIM for travelers’ page.”
Advantages and disadvantages of SIM cards
Advantages
- Can be used with almost all smartphones
- Can be purchased at airport counters
- Simple to set up because you just need to replace it
- Stable network
Disadvantages
- Need to replace the SIM
- Risk of loss
- eSIM may be more convenient for iPhone users
Advantages and disadvantages of eSIM
Advantages
- Instant activation by simply reading the QR code
- No need to replace the SIM
- No need to worry about losing it
- Many plans are available at low prices
Disadvantages
- Not supported by some Android devices
- In some cases, a Wi-Fi environment is required in advance to receive the QR code
Internal link proposal:How to register a SIM
“The specific setup procedure is explained with screenshots on the ‘How to register a SIM’ page.”
Comparison image of major providers
*You can rewrite this after deciding on the company name and product name you actually want to introduce.
| Provider | Cost | Network speed | Coverage area | Ease of use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Company A | ◎ | ◎ | ◎ | ◎ |
| Company B | ◯ | ◎ | ◎ | ◯ |
| Company C | △ | ◯ | ◎ | ◎ |
Overall, Company A, which has a good balance of price, speed, and area, is the easiest to use and is also suitable for first-time travelers.
I’m assuming that this will be replaced with an affiliate offer later.
Flow from purchase to setup
- Select a plan on the official website or sales site
- For eSIM: After purchase, a QR code will be sent by email
- For SIM card: Select airport pickup or delivery to your accommodation
- After arrival, activate SIM / eSIM from the “Mobile communication” settings of your smartphone
- Open your browser and check if you can connect to the Internet
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Which network is the most stable?
A: The docomo network covers a wide area including rural areas.
If you plan to do a lot of sightseeing in rural areas, it is safe to choose the docomo network.
Q2: Which is better, buying at the airport or purchasing in advance?
A: For those who want to avoid congestion or want to use it immediately after arrival,
it is smoother to purchase an eSIM in advance.
Q3: What happens if I run out of data?
A: Many SIMs allow additional charges (top-up).
Depending on the plan, it may only limit the speed and not stop completely.
Summary: How to choose a SIM for travelers to Japan
- If you are traveling to Japan for the first time, it is difficult to fail if you choose a prepaid SIM for travelers
- If you are an iPhone user, you can use eSIM immediately without lining up at the airport
- You can choose the data amount from 3 patterns: “5GB / 10-15GB / Unlimited” according to your travel style.
- Purchasing online in advance can save you time after arrival
Internal link proposal:
“You can compare specific plans in the ‘SIM card list’.”
→ SIM card list
Recommended SIM for travelers
Finally, if you decide on one pattern that is easy to recommend overall,
readers can choose without hesitation.
Example)
Company A’s SIM for travelers, which has a good balance of price, speed, and area, and also has English support, is the most recommended.
If you are staying for a short period of time, the “7-day 10GB plan” will sufficiently cover maps, SNS, and video viewing.
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