8 Best SIM Cards for Long-Term Stays in Japan

Best 8 SIM Cards in Japan | Monthly Smartphone Plans for Long-Term Stay

Are you planning to stay in Japan for over ninety days and wondering about your SIM card options?

You might be asking yourself:
• How can I get a monthly long-term SIM card contract in Japan?
• Can I get a phone number as a Visitor?
• Are there affordable alternatives to docomo, SoftBank, and au?

Keep reading to find your answers!

Note:

Table of contents

  1. Japanese SIM Cards Explained
  2. Comparing Voice + Data SIMs From 5 Providers
  3. Phone Carrier Types in Japan Explained
  4. Which Mobile Carrier Is the Best?
  5. Additional Points: What You Need to Know
  6. Landing in Japan? Here’s How to Get Your SIM Card
  7. SIM Card FAQ
  8. Summary: Navigating Japan’s SIM Options

TL;DR

Which provider should I choose?

Choose Sakura Mobile if you:

  • Only need up to 40GB per month
  • Want to save money
  • Need reliable English support 7 days a week

Choose SoftBank or au if you:

  • Require unlimited data
  • Don’t mind higher fees
  • Are comfortable communicating in Japanese

1. Japanese SIM Cards Explained

Cheerful young woman holding a smartphone in front of a Japanese Temple
Cheerful young woman holding a smartphone in front of a Kyoto Japanese Temple

In Japan, two types of SIM cards are available:

  1. Voice + Data
  2. Data-only

Keep reading to learn which is best for you!

SIM Card Options: Voice + Data vs. Data-Only

Click below to play YouTube video↓↓

Scroll right for more →→

Voice + Data SIMData Only SIM
Phone Number×
Data
Text (SMS)

As shown in the table above, Voice + Data SIMs allow internet access and phone calls, with a Japanese phone number. These are the most common types of cell phone plans, similar to what you likely use in your home country.

Data Only SIMs provide only mobile data. They’re often used in devices like iPads and pocket WiFi but can also be used in smartphones. They support internet access and texting (SMS) but don’t include a phone number.

Unless you have a specific reason for using a Data Only SIM, we recommend getting a Voice + Data SIM as you’ll likely encounter situations where a local phone number is needed. In fact, 90% of Sakura Mobile’s customers opt for a Voice + Data SIM.

In the following video, Sophie from Sakura Mobile explains how to obtain and use long-term SIM cards as well as its importance. Be sure to watch if you’re interested in learning more about the above two SIM cards.

Click below to play YouTube video↓↓

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2. Comparing Voice + Data SIMs From 5 Providers

Woman traveler holding smartphone in front of Tokyo Tower
Woman traveler holding smartphone in front of Tokyo Tower

Next, let’s compare the 5 top providers offering Voice + Data SIM plans.

Before you take a look at each plan, here are some important questions to ask yourself.

  1. How much data do I get each month?
  2. How much does it cost?
  3. How fast is the internet?
  4. Where can I use it in Japan?
  5. Can I get English help when I need it?

Checking these things will help you find the right SIM card for you.

CarrierCarrier TypePlanAllocated DataMonthly FeeConnection Speed (Download)NetworkEnglish SupportHow to Apply
Sakura MobileMVNOLong Term Voice + Data SIM5GB
25GB
40GB
3,278 JPY
4,378 JPY
5,478 JPY
Few ~ 20 Mbpsdocomo 4GFull English SupportOnline
MobalMVNOVoice + Text + Data Plan7GB4,950 JPYFew ~ 20 MbpsSoftBank 4GFull English SupportOnline
docomoMajor CarrierGiga-ho Premium~ 3GB
~ 60 GB
5,555 JPY
7,205 JPY
Few ~ 30 Mbpsdocomo 4GWebsite OnlyIn-store
SoftBankMajor CarrierMerihari Unlimited~ 3GB
Unlimited
5,588 JPY
7,238 JPY
Few ~ 30 MbpsSoftBank 5G/4GWebsite OnlyIn-store
auMajor CarrierUnlimited Data MAX 5G~3GB
Unlimited
5,588 JPY
7,238 JPY
Few ~ 30 Mbpsau 5G/4GWebsite OnlyIn-store
  • *All prices listed include tax

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3. Phone Carrier Types in Japan Explained

Couple with Smartphone in Shibuya Crossing
Couple with Smartphone in Shibuya Crossing

Major cellphone carriers operate their own mobile networks. In the US, these include AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon, while Japan’s major carriers are docomo, au, and SoftBank. These carriers offer excellent connection quality but often at higher prices.

In contrast, MVNOs (mobile virtual network operators) borrow networks from major carriers to provide their own plans. This approach offers customers more flexibility and control over their mobile services. While MVNO internet connection quality may be slightly lower than that of major carriers, their prices are typically much more affordable.

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4. Which Mobile Carrier Is the Best?

Couple taking smartphone picture in front of Kiyomizudera Temple
Couple taking a picture with a smartphone in front of Kiyomizudera Temple

Choose Sakura Mobile if you:

  • Only need up to 40GB per month
  • Want to keep your costs down
  • Need dependable English support every day of the week

On the flip side, consider SoftBank or au if you:

  • Require unlimited data
  • Don’t mind higher fees
  • Are comfortable communicating in Japanese

There are many well-regarded MVNOs in Japan as well. If you’re interested in knowing more, our expert team provided a detailed explanation of each service in the article below. 
MVNO Japan Comparison: Which Japan MVNO Is Right for You?

Reasons Why Sakura Mobile Is Best for English Speakers in Japan

  1. Generous Data Allowance: For only 5,478 JPY monthly, you can enjoy up to 40 GB per month, the highest among MVNOs.
  2. Affordable: Our light-usage plan, offering 5 GB per month, is available for just 3,278 JPY monthly, perfect for those on a budget.
  3. Comprehensive English Support: Available on your (“My Page”) on our website, we provide full English assistance seven days a week. You can even manage your account, check data usage, modify plans, or cancel your contract.
  4. Convenient: You can complete your purchase online and receive your SIM card as soon as the next day.
  5. Easy pre-arrival arrangements: You can arrange airport pickup for your SIM card in advance

Big Data Needs? Consider These Carriers

Use this table to estimate your data needs — it could save you money in the long run!

Scroll right for more →→

ActivityEstimated Quantity with 1GB
Sending EmailsUp to 2,000 emails
WhatsApp CallingUp to 50 hours
Twitter (Tweeting 140 characters)Up to 3,100 tweets
YouTube (1080p)Up to 1 hour
Online Games (Switch, PS4)Up to 6 hours
Updating Online GamesLess than once (1.5 GB - over 10 GB)
Hulu (High Definition)1 hour
Video Calling on ZoomUp to 1.5 hours

Monthly Data Limits

When choosing a mobile plan, considering your monthly data usage is essential, as different online activities consume different amounts of data. For example, texting hardly uses any data, but HD video streaming can quickly eat it up.

Scroll right for more →→

Phone UsageEstimated Data Need per Month

  • Sending messages and emails, browsing
    the internet, checking social media

Less than 10 GB

  • Watching small amounts of YouTube or Netflix


11 ~ 25 GB

  • Streaming high-quality YouTube or Netflix for over an hour daily

  • Playing online games for extended periods

  • Making long video calls


Over 26 GB

If you have home WiFi and use mobile data only when out, 25 GB/month is plenty. For those needing 26 GB or more typically lack home WiFi or consume lots of data on the move. Here are our recommended carriers based on your needs.

Large Data Plans (Over 26 GB)

Generally the only companies that supply over 26 GB/month are major carriers like docomo, au or SoftBank but Sakura Mobile has released its own 40 GB/month plan for their big data users with no minimum usage period.

Budget-Friendly: 25 GB and Under Plans

If you need 25 GB or less of monthly data, an MVNO plan (like Sakura Mobile or Mobal) will have significantly lower monthly fees than major carriers.

Sakura Mobile Voice + Data Plans
Sakura Mobile Voice + Data Plans (Click the image above for more information!)

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5. Additional Points: What You Need to Know

Major Carriers vs. MVNOs Connection Speeds

Major carriers typically offer faster and more stable connection speeds than MVNOs. This is because MVNOs provide their services by borrowing the network infrastructure from major carriers.
The estimated connection speeds for both are:

  • Major carriers: ~ 30 Mbps
  • MVNOs: ~ 20 Mbps

Actual connection speeds vary depending on various factors and may sometimes be faster than indicated.

The table below provides information on internet speeds needed for various online activities.

Scroll right for more →→

ActivityRequired Speed
4K Video Streaming/Online Gaming25 Mbps
Online Meetings10 Mbps
HD Video Streaming (1080p)5 Mbps
HD Video Streaming (720p)3 Mbps
Web Browsing/Emails/Messaging Apps1 Mbps

For video streaming (1080p), an MVNO SIM card works fine. But for online meetings or gaming, a major carrier’s SIM card is your best bet.

What about the advertised 1 Gbps 1,000 Mbps) speed?

It’s important to remember that when SIM card providers tout speeds of 988 to 1,237 Mbps, these are theoretical maximums, different from what you’ll actually get. Your internet speed will typically range from a few to 30 Mbps.

For internet access at home, check out the following article for Home Internet Providers in Japan with English Support!
Top 7 Home Internet Providers in Japan with English Support

Network Coverage in Japan: What to Expect

Coverage for docomo, au, and SoftBank extends to 99% of Japan’s populated areas, ensuring reliable internet access throughout the country regardless of your chosen carrier. As MVNOs utilize the same networks as major providers, they offer equally comprehensive coverage.

However, connectivity may be challenging in mountainous regions or underground locations as there are limitations to wireless technology that affect all carriers similarly.

If you are considering hiking in Japan, please refer to the article below.
Docomo Coverage Makes Climbing and Hiking in Japan Easier

Carriers With the Best English Support

While docomo, au, and SoftBank have English websites, their customer support is only available in Japanese, Sakura Mobile stands out by offering comprehensive English support all year long.
For those who are unsure of their Japanese language skills, we recommend choosing Sakura Mobile. Our English support provides peace of mind and assistance when needed.

If you want real user feedback on our English support, please refer to the Customer Reviews below.
Sakura Mobile Customer Reviews

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6. Landing in Japan? Here’s How to Get Your SIM Card

Sunrise airplane landing
Sunrise airplane landing

You’ll need internet access to check all your necessary information from the moment you step off the plane.

Here’s how to look for the Sakura Mobile counter at the international arrivals terminal

Watch the following video from the 0:49 mark to see the pickup process. The process to pick up your long-term Voice + Data SIM card and short-term SIM cards is the same.

Click below to play YouTube video↓↓

Airport pickup is available in any of these major airports in Japan:

  • Narita International Airport
  • Haneda Airport
  • Kansai International Airport

If you plan to collect your SIM card from one of these airports upon arrival, reserve it on the official Sakura Mobile website at least a week before your trip.

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7. SIM Card FAQ

Tourists taking picture in front of Japanese Shrine
Tourists taking picture in front of Japanese Shrine

What is a SIM card?

Best 6 eSIM and 7 Physical SIM Card Providers in Japan 2024

Will my foreign phone work with a Japanese SIM card?

To use a Japanese SIM card, your device must be:

  • SIM-free (unlocked)
  • Compatible with Japanese carrier signals

If you’re concerned about whether your phone is compatible with the SIM card, please check the page below.

Short-term

Compatibility of Travel Sim & eSIM

Long-term

Compatibility of Long Sim & eSIM

Pocket Wifi

Japan Pocket WiFi Rental: 10 Important Questions to Ask

If you have any other questions, please check our FAQ page. Our experts have answered questions from users in the past.
Sakura Mobile FAQ

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8. Summary: Navigating Japan’s SIM Options

We’ve introduced two types of SIM cards and various provider options to help get your phone working in Japan.
Remember to consider your specific needs when choosing a provider:

Choose Sakura Mobile if you:

  • Only need up to 40GB of data per month
  • Want to save money
  • Need reliable English support 7 days a week

Choose SoftBank or au if you:

  • Require unlimited data
  • Don’t mind higher fees
  • Are comfortable communicating in Japanese

If you want unlimited, high-speed home internet, consider applying for Sakura Fiber Internet and a Voice + Data SIM. This combination can save you up to 18,700 JPY on initial fees.

We hope you found this article helpful. Thank you for reading, and good luck!

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