Japan is popular for its ultra-fast trains, unbelievable food, and modern technological breakthroughs. However, if you fail to plan, you may find it difficult to maintain Internet connectivity as a tourist. The availability of free Wi-Fi networks is lower than expected in Japan, and international roaming can become expensive.
With a suitable Japan travel SIM card, you can achieve dependable and fast Internet access throughout your stay without significant inconvenience. Our list includes the six best SIM cards for this purpose, accommodating travelers staying either short-term or extended periods. Read on to make the correct choice.
Are there travel SIM cards for tourists in Japan?
Indeed, there are travel SIM cards designed specifically for tourists in Japan, providing a convenient solution to staying connected. While free Wi-Fi is available, its reliability can be a concern. With a Japan travel SIM, you can easily stay connected, giving you peace of mind during your visit.
Benefits of Using Travel SIM Cards as a Tourist in Japan
Tourists who use Japan travel SIM cards enjoy more advantages than those who use pocket Wi-Fi and roaming services:
- Cost-effective: Travel SIMs are often cheaper than global roaming rates, saving you money while ensuring you stay connected.
- Reliable internet: Offers stable, high-speed data. You can rely on a stable connection without data interruptions. (Learn more about Japan’s telecommunications infrastructure)
- Portability: Japan travel SIMs require no additional equipment because they easily fit inside your mobile phone, while pocket Wi-Fi requires you to keep separate devices.
- Flexibility: Multiple data plans let tourists choose suitable options for shorter or longer stays.
- Security: Your SIM provides better security benefits since public Wi-Fi networks may have insecure connections.
How to Buy a Visitor SIM in Japan
There are multiple ways for tourists to acquire Japan SIM cards for visitors, such as:
- Tourists can find Visitor SIM cards at vending machines and airport convenience stores.
- The major electronics retailers, Bic Camera and Yodobashi, offer these products for purchase.
- Online purchase allows ordering beforehand and collecting the product at the airport or residence.
- Short-term residential stays are possible through SIM rental service options from particular firms.
(Check out Japan’s official tourism website for more travel tips.)
Things to Consider When Choosing a Japan Visitor SIM
Several essential elements should be considered before purchasing a Japan travel SIM:
Ease of Installing and Using the SIM
A Japan travel SIM card offers users multiple options and clear installation manuals. However, always verify APN compatibility settings, as some Japan Visitor SIM products require those configurations to work correctly.
English Language Customer Support
Not all providers offer English-speaking customer support. If you need assistance due to a lack of technical experience, select the best Japan travel SIM equipped with reliable English-speaking help.
Network Coverage
Users planning to visit rural regions should choose telecommunication services that utilize NTT Docomo or SoftBank networks since these providers offer superior network coverage. A Docomo travel SIM in Japan represents an excellent solution for these needs.
Using SIM for Voice Calls or Texts
SIM users can make voice calls and send text messages through SIM technology. However, most travel SIM plans do not support traditional phone calls or SMS messages (data only). To use voice calls, you need a plan that provides VoIP features or pocket Wi-Fi support to share user connections.
Monitoring Data Usage
Users receive data plans that differ according to SIM providers in Japan. Select your Japan travel data SIM based on price until you find the unlimited data plan or choose the most economical travel SIM for Japan that fits your needs.
6 Best Travel SIM Cards for Japan Tourists
The following outlines six popular travel SIM cards for Japan visitors:
- OMORIWIFI
Best for:
- Unlimited data & excellent support. Find out more about OMORIWIFI’s plans here.
- Fast and prepaid Japan travel SIM solutions.
- Reliable 4G/5G LTE coverage.
- Easy online booking with courier pickup.
- Strong English customer service.
- 100GB monthly data supply.
- Flexible payment options (Up-front or 6-month plan).
- As low as ¥5,582/month
- One-time setup fee.
- Free and fast shipping/delivery
- No credit check.
- Excellent customer support in English.
- Wide coverage.
- Operates on Doncomo
- Reliable internet connection with SoftBank provider.
- Sakura Mobile
Best for:
- Long-term travelers
- The travel SIM Japan network from Docomo provides service.
- Travelers can choose from 1GB to unlimited data plan options among the available plans.
- Allows rental or purchase.
- eSIM Japan
Best for:
- Instant activation
- Digital SIM (no physical card needed)
- Your original phone number will stay intact because you will not need to exchange SIM cards.
- Works with eSIM-compatible phones.
- IIJmio
Best for:
- Budget-conscious travelers
- The affordable IIJmio Japan travel SIM price plans offer excellent value to travelers visiting Japan.
- This provider includes data coverage throughout main destinations and popular tourist sites across Japan.
- Available in stores and online.
- HIS Mobile
Best for:
- Short trips
- It has a good balance of price and data.
- Available at airports and electronics stores.
- Uses SoftBank and Docomo networks.
- GENKI MOBILE
The use of GENKI MOBILE stands out because of the following:
- It’s a simple design with basic operation features.
- Straightforward pricing with good network reliability.
- No lengthy setup is required; it is plug-and-play.
- Various data plans available
Why is OMORIWIFI Your Best Option for a Travel SIM in Japan?
OMORIWIFI is the leading option among all Japan SIM card travel providers. It provides seamless service through fast Internet speed, easy pickup, and premium English-speaking support.
The use of OMORIWIFI stands out because of the following:
- The SIM cards from OMORIWIFI arrive by courier directly at your residence for a stress-free experience.
- Under dollar conversion, OMORIWIFI plans provide better value than eSIMs, therefore making them highly budget-friendly.
- OMORIWIFI’s internet connectivity service operates through NTT Docomo, which provides the nation’s most prominent telecom network coverage, including 5G services nationwide.
- Tourists staying longer than two weeks and having significant data needs will find affordable pricing through OMORIWIFI.
- The OMORIWIFI platform offers Japan travel SIM cards, long-term SIM, short-term SIM, home Wi-Fi, and pocket Wi-Fi devices.
For a stress-free, high-data Japan travel SIM, OMORIWIFI IS YOUR BEST BET!
In Summary
Prepaid Japan travel SIMs represent an intelligent solution for maintaining an internet connection in Japan. The travel market offers reasonable options, including OMORIWIFI’s Japan travel SIMs and unlimited data access. The smoothness of your journey depends on making sensible choices regarding your wireless connection. Choose wisely!
