What you’ll learn in this article
- Main Ways to Buy a SIM Card for Traveling in Japan
- Differences Between Airport Purchase and Advance Purchase (Online)
- Advantages and Disadvantages of Each
- Comparison Points with eSIM
- Recommendations by Travel Style
- How to Choose Without Failing for Beginners
Conclusion: “Advance Purchase” is Recommended, Especially for Beginners
If you are traveling to Japan for the first time,
it is safer and less prone to failure to purchase a SIM card in advance rather than buying it at the airport.
This is because advance purchase is more advantageous in terms of price, effort, and selection.
Reasons
- Avoid Long Lines at the Airport
- Compare Plans at Your Leisure
- Use Communication Immediately After Arriving in Japan
- Check English Support in Advance
- No Need to Receive a Physical SIM with eSIM
On the other hand, purchasing at the airport is convenient if you “want it now,” but there are disadvantages such as limited options and higher prices.
Main Ways to Buy a SIM Card for Traveling in Japan
The main three SIM and communication methods for travelers to Japan are:
- Purchase a SIM card at the airport counter
- Purchase a SIM card online in advance
- Purchase and set up an eSIM online
Let’s look at each of these in order.
Buying a SIM Card at the Airport
Advantages
- Can be purchased in person immediately after arrival
- Can choose while consulting with staff
- May be able to get help with device settings
Disadvantages
- Long waiting times when crowded
- Few plan options
- Often more expensive than buying in advance
- Counters may be closed late at night or early in the morning
This is an option for short-term stays or people who “just want it now.”
Buying a SIM Card in Advance (Online)
Advantages
- Relatively low price
- Many plan options
- Can choose to pick up at the airport or have it delivered to your home
- Can be used immediately after arriving in Japan
Disadvantages
- Requires a little preparation in advance
- Be careful not to forget to pick up your SIM card
It will be easier to choose if you check “Recommended SIM Cards and How to Choose for Travelers to Japan [2026 Latest Edition]” first.
Choosing an eSIM (Advance Purchase)
An eSIM is a mechanism that allows you to add a line simply by reading a QR code without using a physical SIM card.
Advantages
- No need to receive a SIM card
- Can be set up before arrival
- No risk of loss
- Very compatible with iPhone
Disadvantages
- Some devices are not supported
- May not be reusable once deleted
The detailed mechanism of eSIM is explained in detail in “Recommended eSIMs and How to Choose for Travelers to Japan [2026 Latest Edition]”.
Airport Purchase vs. Advance Purchase vs. eSIM Comparison
| Item | Airport Purchase | Advance Purchase | eSIM |
|---|---|---|---|
| Convenience | ○ | ○ | ◎ |
| Price | △ | ◎ | ◎ |
| Waiting Time | △ | ◎ | ◎ |
| Ease of Setup | ○ | ○ | ◎ |
| Risk of Loss | △ | △ | ◎ |
Recommended by Travel Style
- First time traveling to Japan / iPhone user → eSIM (advance purchase)
- Android device and eSIM incompatible → Advance purchase SIM card
- Not good at preparation / Want to consult in person → Airport purchase
Points to Note to Avoid Problems During Travel
- Always Check the “Activation Timing” of SIM and eSIM
- Have a little extra data.
- Check Tethering Availability in Advance
- Wi-Fi Environment is Often Required for Setup
If you are worried about the setup method, it is safe to check “SIM Registration Method (Setup Guide)” as well.
Summary: If You’re Not Sure, “Advance Purchase + eSIM”
- Airport purchase is convenient but expensive and has waiting time risks
- Advance purchase has a good balance of price, options, and peace of mind
- eSIM is the easiest if the device is compatible
For traveling in Japan,
the more you prepare in advance, the smoother your actions will be after arrival.
Recommended SIM/eSIM (Frame to be filled in later)
*This will be replaced when introducing affiliate links in the future
- Company A: eSIM for Travelers to Japan (Tentative)
- Company B: SIM Supporting Airport Pickup (Tentative)
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