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

Are you planning on making a trip to Japan?

If you’ve ever traveled abroad, you’ll know how important it is to have access to Instagram, messaging applications, or Google MAP. You’re going to want an eSIM or prepaid SIM card that you can use in Japan, just like in your home country. With internet access, you will be able to travel without any worries!

With eSIM and physical SIM options available, it is hard to decide which to choose.

Not having the necessary knowledge and choosing the wrong type of product and service could find you in one of the following situations.

• “I don’t know which one my phone uses.”
• “I didn’t purchase enough data and used it all up already.”
• “I don’t know how to set up the eSIM or physical SIM, and Customer Support hasn’t responded yet.”

Don’t worry, we’ve got your back! Let us help you find the perfect product and service for your trip in Japan!

In this article, we will go over the two options you can choose for your travel: eSIM or physical SIM cards. We will also introduce six eSIM providers and seven physical SIM providers we consider to be the best.

This article covers information on products for your smartphone for short-term stays in Japan (those who are staying in the country between 1 and 90 days). We gathered easy-to-understand information about what to look for when purchasing either product, such as data plans and prices, how to set up the products, customer reviews, and which carriers each provider uses.

Table of contents

1. What is an eSIM?
2. What travelers in Japan need to know about eSIM
3. Things to keep in mind when choosing an eSIM
4. The best 6 eSIM for traveling to Japan
5. Physical SIM Card Introduction
6. Things to know about Japan’s travel physical SIM cards
7. Things to keep in mind when choosing a physical SIM card
8. The best 7 physical SIM cards for travel in Japan
9. eSIM and Physical SIM card FAQ
10. eSIM and physical SIM card vs. Pocket WiFi
11. Final thoughts

1.　What is an eSIM?

eSIM stands for “Embedded SIM,” where the SIM functionality is built directly into the device. More and more recently released smartphones and devices are becoming eSIM compatible.

With an eSIM, unlike a physical SIM card, it is unnecessary to replace or install a SIM card physically, and the entire process from purchase to usage can be done online. You will need to check your smartphone and device to make sure it is compatible with eSIM before purchasing an eSIM. For example, iPhone XS and later models are eSIM compatible (excluding Hong Kong iPhones).

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2.　What travelers in Japan need to know about eSIM

Before you buy an eSIM for your Japan trip, there are two things you should know.

• How to buy an eSIM
• About eSIM with phone numbers

We will explain each of these below. If you want to skip to our six recommended eSIM providers, please click here, and you will jump to the second half of this article.

How to buy an eSIM

Thinking about buying an eSIM from one of Japan’s major wireless carriers (docomo, SoftBank, and au) for your Japan trip? Unfortunately, the major carriers do not sell short-term eSIM plans for travelers.

So, where can you buy eSIM plans for travelers?

The answer is from telecommunications providers known as MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators). MVNOs operate using the major carriers’ communications networks. MVNOs create and sell short-term eSIM plans for travelers on behalf of the major carriers. An example of an MVNO is Sakura Mobile, which we will introduce later in this article.

You can visit their website and choose the product and plan that suits your needs. Everything from purchasing to obtaining eSIM information can be done online.

Later, we will introduce the six eSIM providers we recommend when traveling to Japan.

About eSIM with phone numbers

In Japan, eSIM with phone numbers for travel use are rarely sold. Generally, travelers in Japan can only purchase Data-only SIMs, which, as the name suggests, offer only data and do not have a Japanese phone number attached to it.

The reason for the lack of short-term SIMs with Japanese phone numbers is due to Japan’s laws regarding phone numbers and SIMs. Japan has strict identity verification laws and requirements, and Japanese phone numbers are generally provided only to residents living in Japan. Providing phone numbers to non-residents is considered illegal. This is why only data-only SIMs without a Japanese phone number are sold to short-term travelers.

You may find several companies that offer eSIM with Japanese phone numbers, but as explained above, there is a chance that they may be operating illegally. Be aware of these companies and the possibility that an eSIM may not work properly when purchasing an eSIM with a phone number.

Even with Data-only SIMs, you can make calls and chat with others using smartphone apps such as Skype and Whatsapp, making Data-only SIMs also a possible option.

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3.　Things to keep in mind when choosing an eSIM

Now that you have a better understanding of eSIM, before we introduce six companies that offer travel eSIM in Japan, we will point out a few things to pay attention to in order to choose the best eSIM for your travel.

• eSIM Activation
• Flexibility (Extending the usage, Cancel & Refund policy, adding data, etc.)
• Signal/Service Coverage
• English Support

If you want to skip to our six recommended eSIM providers, please click here, and you will jump to our recommendations.

eSIM Activation

In most cases, eSIM activation will be done via scanning a QR code.
The QR code is usually provided in an email from the provider or, in some cases, installed in an app from the provider.
When using a provider’s own app, registering an account with the provider and providing personal information such as your email address, name, etc., is often necessary. On the other hand, if the QR code is sent by email, you will most likely not need to enter any personal information, making it a much easier and smoother process than an application.

Flexibility (Extending the usage, Cancel & Refund policy, adding data, etc.)

With many trips, there are times when things do not go as planned.
Some examples include, after purchasing an eSIM, you get sick and cannot go on the trip, a one-week business trip turns into a two-week stay, etc. Also, you end up using more data than you anticipated and run out of available data for your eSIM.
Check ahead to see if the provider accommodates instances where there are sudden changes in your trip, canceling the purchase, extending the usage period, or adding more data.

Signal/Service Coverage

The eSIM providers introduced in this article use Japan’s major carrier networks, which all cover 99% of the Japanese population. This means that, for the most part, anyone, almost anywhere, can get an internet connection.
However, be careful when using your phone in rural areas, mountains, or underground. Although your phone may show a signal, the signal may actually be really weak, and the data speeds may be very slow.

English Support

Running into connection issues or if you are unsure of settings are things that will make anyone frustrated. The last thing you want is to have to deal with these issues in another language. It may be a safer and less stressful experience if you choose an eSIM provider that offers English customer support.
It is also important to know how you can interact with customer support. Below are a few examples of what to consider when thinking about customer support.

• Can they be reached by email, phone, or both?
• Are they available to help on the weekends?
• Do they have an office or stores in Japan?

We recommend you choose a provider who can be reached by both email and phone. You can call them for emergency situations and email them for non-urgent situations. If you are uncomfortable communicating by phone and/or email, choose a provider with an office or store in Japan so you can talk with the staff directly.
Also, many eSIM providers are closed on weekends. This can be a problem when you need to contact customer service for assistance. Therefore, it is recommended that you choose a provider whose customer support is available throughout the year, even during the holidays.

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4.　The 6 Best eSIM for Travel in Japan

Scroll right for more →→

So, which provider should you choose?

Did this table help you understand more about which eSIM provider you should choose?
Below, we will explain in more detail three companies that we highly recommend for your next trip.

① Sakura Mobile

Sakura Mobile’s eSIM is not the cheapest option on the list, but it does offer flexibility and the ability for up to 200GB of data. In addition, Sakura Mobile can offer data top-up and usage extension for your eSIM if needed. If you are wondering which provider to choose, Sakura Mobile is the clear choice.

Positive points about Sakura Mobile are as follows.

• Substantial plans
• English Customer Support throughout the year
• Large number of positive reviews
• Japanese provider

Let us take a closer look at Sakura Mobile.

Substantial plans

Sakura Mobile offers a wide range of plans, with data plans ranging from 3 GB to 200 GB and usage periods from 3 to 90 days. You will no doubt be able to find a plan that suits your needs best.

English Customer Support throughout the year

Sakura Mobile’s English Customer Support is available 365 days a year. So, if you have any problems with your eSIM, you can quickly and easily get clear help easily.

Large number of positive reviews

There are over 3,000 positive reviews on Sakura Mobile’s website. Compared to the other companies in the above table, it is clear Sakura Mobile is a very highly rated and reliable service.

Japanese provider

Sakura Mobile is a Japanese telecommunications provider, so it uses Japan’s largest carrier, NTT docomo’s communication network, providing high-quality communication. In addition to the high-quality network, the service’s proficient and friendly customer service, which can only be found in Japan, is another reason why Sakura Mobile has received high praise from its customers.
In addition, since Sakura Mobile has an office and stores in Japan, you can get direct support from the staff.

② Ubigi

 

If you don’t mind a smaller amount of data (for example, 500 MB), Ubigi offers the lowest prices.

However, the number of days of use is limited to 30 days, and there are fewer plan options than other providers. Also, the eSIM installation process requires downloading Ubigi’s own application and registering with the service.

For individuals looking to use the eSIM immediately, it may be better to look for a provider where you can use the eSIM immediately, such as by receiving the QR code for the eSIM directly via email.

③ AIS SIM2Fly

AIS SIM2Fly is one of Thailand’s major telecommunications companies, and its prepaid international SIMs are widely available.

Regarding eSIM plans, only one plan is available: 8-day 6 6GB. If this plan fits your needs, this may be an option worth considering.

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A quick look: Which eSIM provider should I choose?

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5. Physical SIM Card Introduction

If your phone does not support eSIM or you do not want to switch out the eSIM in your phone, fear not! You can always use a physical SIM card for your travel! Read on about how to select the proper travel physical SIM for your trip!

6. Things to know about Japan’s travel physical SIM cards

Before you buy a SIM card for travel in Japan, you’re going to need to know these three things:

• How to purchase a prepaid SIM card
• About prepaid SIM cards with phone numbers
• Reserving online vs. buying at the airport

We will be explaining each one in detail.

For those who want to know about the 7 recommended SIM card providers, click here to jump to a later section in this article.

How to purchase a prepaid SIM card

You might be thinking that you want to buy a SIM card directly from one of the major Japanese mobile carriers (docomo, au, or SoftBank). However, this is in fact, not possible.

Major carriers provide prepaid SIMs to retailers, and this is how you can get a SIM card from a major carrier.

An example of one of these retailers (also introduced in this article) is Sakura Mobile.

Later, we will be recommending 7 of the best providers to get your SIM card for Japan.

About prepaid SIM cards with phone numbers

In Japan, there are little to no prepaid SIM cards sold with a phone number. In general, travelers to Japan will only be able to purchase what is called a data-only SIM card.

This is because the ID verification process surrounding getting a phone number is very strict in Japan. It is difficult to sell SIM cards with phone numbers due to these regulations.

There are a few companies that do advertise prepaid SIM cards that include a phone number, but some of them may be operating illegally. If you are looking to purchase one of these SIM cards, you should be aware of the risks.

Even with a data-only SIM card, you will have the ability to use applications like Skype or WhatsApp, so it may be wise to use these when you want to make phone calls.

Reserving online vs. buying at the airport

There are two ways to purchase a SIM card.

1. Reserve one online before coming to Japan and pick it up at the airport when you arrive
2. Find a retailer selling SIM cards at the airport and buy one after you land in Japan

We recommend the former option, reserving your SIM card online.

There are two reasons for this.

The first is that by reserving online, your SIM card will become cheaper. Retailers with online shops spend less money on operation costs, which makes their products less expensive.

The second is that you can avoid the possibility of SIM cards being sold out.

During the travel season, it is possible that shops selling SIM cards at the airport run out of stock. If you have a prior reservation, you can come to Japan and pick up your product stress-free.

All the providers that we are going to introduce in this article have the option to reserve your SIM card online. It might be wise to make use of it before you make your trip.

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7. Things to keep in mind when choosing a physical SIM card

Later, we will introduce to you 7 companies that provide travel SIM cards. Before we do that, however, there are some points that you should pay attention to during the selection process.

1. Connection speed
2. Amount of data
3. Coverage
4. English support
5. Airport counters

For those who want to know about the recommended providers, click here to jump to the table.

Let’s go into more detail.

① Connection speed

If you are using your phone during a trip, it’s usually going to be actions like browsing the web, messaging, or using Google MAP. In these cases, 3 to 5Mbps will be enough.

For reference, here is a table that shows the ideal internet speeds you are going to need to complete various activities.

Scroll right for more if on mobile→→

You might be wondering how fast the prepaid SIM cards in Japan can get.

Although connection speed does depend on the SIM card provider, you can expect to experience between 1 and 20Mbps at any given time.

In the later table, you will be able to see the average connection speed for each provider. You might want to choose one with faster speeds for safe measure.

Some companies do not publicly release the connection speeds of their SIM cards. In these cases, we have written “unknown” on the table.

Some other SIM card providers write their connection speeds as numbers like 187Mbps; keep in mind that this is only how fast the connection can get in theory.

If we are talking about actual connection speeds, Japan’s SIM cards will be around 20Mbps maximum. In the comparison table, we have listed the actual speeds so you will know exactly what to expect.

② Amount of data

If you have been researching prepaid SIM cards, you will know that there are many different data plans depending on the company.

Out of all the different types of plans available, we recommend that you purchase an Unlimited Data SIM card.

This is because if you have a plan with a data limit, you face the risk of running out of data partway through your trip.

It would be more than a bit daunting to lose access to Google MAP and Google Translate in a foreign country.

If you are looking to travel worry-free, you should consider getting a prepaid SIM card with unlimited data.

Be aware of the FUP

When using an unlimited data SIM card, you should know that there is something called a FUP.

③ Coverage

The SIM card providers that we will introduce to you all use the networks of Japan’s major carriers. With any of these carriers, the coverage rate will be 99% of the populated area of Japan. This means that you should almost always be able to connect to the internet wherever you are.

However, keep in mind that when going through mountains or underground, even the signals of carriers with the best coverage will become weaker.

④ English support

If you are having issues connecting to the internet or can’t figure out the settings to get your SIM card working, you should be prepared by choosing a prepaid SIM provider that offers English customer support to help you out.

It is important to know these details:

• Whether you can get in contact by email, phone, or both
• Whether or not you can contact customer support on the weekends

It might be beneficial to go with a company that can be contacted through both email and phone. You have the option of using the phone during an emergency or sending an email when the situation is not urgent.

Many prepaid SIM providers also do not operate on the weekends. This can be a problem when you need to get ahold of customer service immediately, which is why you may want to choose a company that is open year-round.

⑤ Airport counters

If you are picking up your SIM card from the airport, be sure to check the hours of operation of the airport counters.

This is actually more important than you might think. Depending on the company, some airport counters may not be open for long amounts of time.

A situation in which you go to the airport counter but they aren’t open, and you are unable to pick up your SIM card is not impossible.

When you reserve your SIM card, make sure to check the time you will arrive in Japan and make sure it coincides with the hours of operation of the pickup counter.

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8. The best 7 physical SIM cards for travel in Japan

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So, which one should I choose?

Does this give you a better image of which SIM card to choose?
Below, we will explain in more detail three of the providers that we would most strongly recommend.

① Sakura Mobile

Scroll right for more if on mobile →→

Sakura Mobile’s SIM cards are not the cheapest on the list. However, the connection speed is quite fast, ranging from a few to 20Mbps. The data is also unlimited.

Some of the best points of Sakura Mobile include the following:

• Long operation hours of airport pickup counters
• English customer support is available year-round
• A large number of positive reviews

Let’s go into more detail.

Operation hours of the airport counters are long

Most of the companies in the table above do not have airport pickup counters but require pickup at the airport post office. Depending on the time of your flight, you might miss the hours that the post office is open.

Sakura Mobile, on the other hand, has airport pickup counters with very long operation hours, so you should be able to pick up your SIM card without any issues.

English support is available year-round

The English customer support at Sakura Mobile is available 365 days a year, making it simple and easy to get help when you run into difficulties with your SIM card.

You can also contact customer support through email.

A large number of positive reviews

There are over 3,000 positive reviews on Sakura Mobile’s website. Comparing this number to other providers on the table, you can see that Sakura Mobile has a significantly higher number of positive reviews than its competitors.

Additional information
Main airport pickup counters

• Narita Airport Terminal 1, 2 / Operation hours: 7:00 am until time of last flight (Every day)
• Haneda Airport / Operation hours: 24 hours a day (Every day)
• Kansai Int. Airport / Operation hours: 7:00 am – 7:00 pm (Every day)

How to pick up your SIM card from the airport counter

Picking up your SIM card from the airport counter is simple. If you have the reservation confirmation email from Sakura Mobile and your passport with you, you should have no problem.

In the following video, the staff of the YouTube channel, “MisoDog TV” explain how to pick up a Sakura Mobile SIM card from the airport.

The pick-up process starts from 0:49.

 

Click below to play YouTube video↓↓

 

② HIS Mobile

Scroll right for more if on mobile →→

HIS Mobile is one of the cheapest unlimited SIM card options on the table.

However, one of the downsides to this service is that hotel delivery is the only pickup option available. This means that you will not have access to the internet until you get to your hotel.

Additional Information
Main airport counters: None

③ GENKI MOBILE

Scroll right for more if on mobile →→

GENKI MOBILE allows you to choose the exact number of days that you want to use your SIM card and you are allowed 1GB per day.

GENKI MOBILE has airport counters stationed at the major airports in Japan. You will be able to get connected to the internet as soon as you land in Japan.

The one downside to GENKI MOBILE is that there is no option to get an unlimited data plan. The maximum amount of data you can use in a day is also 1GB, which means it is possible to use all of it at once.

Additional information
Main airport counters:

• Narita Airport Terminal 1, 2 / Operation hours: 6:30 a.m. until time of last flight (Every day)
• Haneda Airport / Operation hours: 24 hours (Every day)
• Kansai Int. Airport / Operation hours: 6:15am – 10:30pm (Every day)

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9. eSIM & Physical SIM card FAQ

eSIM FAQ

Can I use a Japanese eSIM with my phone?

In order to use a Japanese eSIM, your device must meet the following conditions.

• Must be eSIM-compatible
• Must be a SIM-free device (not SIM-locked)
• Be able to communicate on a Japanese telecommunications provider’s network signal

If you are not sure if your device is unlocked, you can check with your carrier or store where you purchased the device.

To check whether your device can communicate on the Japanese telecommunications provider’s network signals, you need to check your device’s frequency bands and specifications.

Suppose you are not familiar with communications or smartphone settings. In that case, it may be difficult to determine whether your device is SIM-free and whether it can operate on Japanese telecommunications providers’ networks. Before visiting Japan, you should consider contacting your carrier to get the necessary information to ensure your device can be used in Japan.

You can check if your device is compatible with Sakura Mobile’s eSIM by following the link below.
https://www.sakuramobile.jp/info/compatibility/esim/

Another option is to send an email with the name and model of your device, and the Sakura Mobile staff will be able to assist you.

• Contact Sakura Mobile

How do I set up an eSIM?

The procedure for setting up an eSIM depends on the type of device and the provider. However, generally, it is easy to follow the steps in the manual and takes 5 – 10 minutes.
Installation instructions include installing an application provided by the provider, scanning the QR code attached to an email after you purchase it, etc.

Physical SIM Card FAQ

Can I use a Japanese SIM card with my phone?

To be able to use a Japanese SIM card, your device must meet the following conditions:

• It is a SIM-free device (i.e. unlocked device)
• It can receive Japanese carriers’ signals

If you are unsure whether or not your device is unlocked, you can confirm with your cellphone carrier or shop.

To check if your phone accepts the signals of Japanese carriers, you must look up the frequency bands that your phone can receive.

If you are not knowledgeable about telecommunications and phone settings, chances are you do not know how to figure this out on your own. You should consider contacting your carrier to get the necessary information before coming to Japan.

You can check the following link to find out if your device is compatible with Sakura Mobile’s SIM cards.

• Check compatibility

Another option is to send us an email with your device name and model number. Our staff is available to help you.

• Contact Sakura Mobile

How do I set up my SIM card?

The setup process for SIM cards depends on the type of device and your provider. However, completing the steps while referring to a manual is quite easy and you should have it done within 10 to 15 minutes.

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10. eSIM and physical SIM card or Pocket WiFi

eSIM and physical SIM cards are not the only options for connecting to the internet while traveling in Japan. Pocket WiFi devices, also known as mobile hotspots or portable WiFi routers, are also popular among travelers.

We recommend buying a pocket WiFi if:

• ・You want to use the internet with minimal setup
• ・You want to share data with family and friends who are traveling with you

On the other hand, you should consider purchasing an eSIM or physical SIM card if:

• ・You do not want to carry a pocket WiFi device on your trip
• ・You are worried about the battery life of another device
• ・You are not sharing data with other people during your trip

Sakura Mobile offers pocket WiFi devices in addition to eSIM and physical SIM cards. If you are interested, please check the Sakura Mobile travel pocket WiFi website.

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11. Final Thoughts

What do you think? Do you feel like you are ready to choose an eSIM or physical SIM card for your trip to Japan?

In this article, we explained what you should know when shopping for either an eSIM or physical SIM, the best providers for both products, and other internet options during your travel.
We hope this article helps you find a reliable internet source during your Japan trip.

Thank you for reading, and good luck!

Sakura Mobile is recommended for eSIM and SIM cards at a reasonable price

Check Here for Sakura Mobile eSIM Product Page

Check here for Sakura Mobile SIM Card Product Page

Sakura Mobile is the provider we recommend for your eSIM and SIM card needs. Over the years, Sakura Mobile has served thousands of visitors to Japan. With over 3,000 customer reviews and an average rating of 4.7/5, Sakura Mobile has gained a reputation among travelers for having reliable service and great support.

Aside from airport pickup, Sakura Mobile can also deliver the order to your hotel and residence in Japan, or you can pick up your product directly from the Tokyo office.

Currently, Sakura Mobile offers a campaign on travel SIM cards that will get you free shipping. Be sure to take advantage of it while it is still available!

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