How to Get a SIM Card in Japan Easily and Cheaply – A Tourist’s Guide

For travelers visiting Japan, internet access is an essential part of the trip. Just having a stable mobile connection makes your stay in Japan much more comfortable—whether it's for using map apps, translation, checking reservations, or sharing on social media. A prepaid SIM card is a convenient option that allows you to use data communication for a certain period and data amount without needing a contract. In this article, we will explain the features, advantages, and disadvantages of four common places to buy SIM cards after arriving in Japan—airports, convenience stores, electronics stores, and online shops—and suggest the best choice for travelers.

Buying at the Airport: For Those Who Want to Secure Internet First

Features & Overview

At major international airports in Japan (such as Narita, Haneda, and Kansai), you can buy a prepaid SIM card on the same day at arrival lobbies, SIM vending machines, or service counters. These services are well prepared for foreign travelers, and many offer staff support, which gives first-time visitors peace of mind.

Advantages

• You can start using it immediately after arrival
• Support from multilingual staff is available
• Many plans suited for short stays are available
• No need for complicated contracts or ID verification

Disadvantages

• Prices are higher (e.g., around 4,500–5,000 yen for 7 days unlimited)
• Limited variety of plans
• Can be crowded during peak arrival times

Point: Best for those who need internet right after arriving in Japan. However, the options and prices are limited.

Buying at Convenience Stores: A Handy Option Available in Some Tourist Areas

Features & Overview

Some major convenience stores, like Lawson and FamilyMart, sell prepaid SIM cards for travelers, but only in selected tourist areas or urban locations. Since these stores are open 24 hours, it's convenient to stop by anytime. However, not all stores nationwide carry them.

Advantages

• Available 24 hours at some tourist-area convenience stores
• Can be purchased with cash or electronic money
• Prepaid system helps avoid overspending

Disadvantages

• Not widely available nationwide; only limited stores carry them
• Very few plan options
• More stores now offer ready-to-use SIMs, but they are still limited

Point: Convenient if you happen to find a store that sells them, but not reliable or flexible compared to other options.

Buying at Electronics Stores: Recommended for Those Who Want to Compare Plans

Features & Overview

At stores like Bic Camera, Yodobashi Camera, and Yamada Denki, you can find prepaid SIMs from many mobile providers. You can also ask store staff for help, making this a good option if you're unsure about which plan to choose or worried about setting it up.

Advantages

• Wide variety of data sizes and usage periods
• Can buy and use on the same day
• Staff support available at some stores
• Some SIMs allow for recharge (additional top-up)

Disadvantages

• Slightly more expensive than online shops
• Some stores may be out of stock
• Initial setup may take a little effort

Point: Ideal for those staying in cities who want to compare several plans before choosing.

Buying Online + Airport Pickup: The Most Efficient and Cost-Effective Method

Features & Overview

This method lets you buy a SIM card from a Japanese mobile provider or specialty shop online before your trip and pick it up at the airport’s post office or designated counter. You can take time to compare plans in advance, and the prices tend to be lower.

Advantages

• Lowest prices and many plan options
• No need to search or wait—just pick it up at the airport
• No risk of items being out of stock
• Some services offer free pickup or shipping

Disadvantages

• You must apply in advance and specify your arrival airport
• You cannot pick it up outside counter operating hours
• You need to set up the SIM by yourself

Point: Highly recommended if you can prepare before departure—it’s the best option in terms of cost, effort, and time.

Conclusion: "Buy Online + Airport Pickup" Is the Best Choice

There are various ways to get a SIM card, but considering the price, convenience, plan variety, and ease of pickup,

"Buying online in advance and picking it up at the airport" is the most reasonable choice.

If you buy online, there's no need to look for a SIM locally or wait in line—you can pick it up quickly at the airport and start using it right away. It reduces communication stress during your trip and makes your stay in Japan much smoother.

Plan ahead before your trip and get a reliable internet connection for your stay in Japan.

If Your Smartphone Supports eSIM, There’s an Even Easier Option

Recently, more smartphones now support “eSIM,” a type of SIM that doesn't require a physical card. If your device supports eSIM, you don’t have to receive a SIM card in person. You can apply online and start using it right away. The benefits include:

Benefits of eSIM

• No need to receive or insert a physical SIM card (use it right away)
• No risk of losing or damaging a SIM
• Set up your internet before arriving in Japan
• Can activate in a few minutes after arriving abroad
• Some smartphones allow using eSIM with a physical SIM at the same time (dual SIM)

How to Check If Your Smartphone Supports eSIM

■ For iPhone

1. Open the phone app
2. Dial *#06#
3. If “EID (eSIM ID)” is shown, your device supports eSIM

Or, go to “Settings” → “Cellular” → and if “Add Cellular Plan” appears, your iPhone supports eSIM.

■ For Android (varies by model)

1. Go to Settings → “Network & Internet” → “SIM” or “Mobile Network”
2. If there’s an option to “Add eSIM” or “Manage SIMs,” your phone supports eSIM

Many Pixel models, higher-end Galaxy models, and some Xperia phones support eSIM.

If you find setting up and receiving SIM cards troublesome, eSIM may be the simplest and fastest option for you.