Planning to land at Haneda Airport for your trip to Japan? One of the first things you’ll need is a reliable SIM to stay connected.
But with so many options available, how do you know which SIM card to choose?
Questions like these might cross your mind:
- Which SIM card is best for travelers?
- How much data do I need?
- Is cheap also reliable?
- Is there English support if something goes wrong?
We’re here to help. In this guide, we’ve reviewed 5 of the best SIM card providers at Haneda Airport, compared key features lie data, price, and support, and included tips on picking up your SIM with no stress.
Want to learn more about Haneda before your trip? For a complete look at internet options and other tips, check out our other blog: Your Complete Guide to Haneda Airport.
Table of contents
- 3 Things to Consider Before Buying a SIM at Haneda Airport
- Comparing 5 SIM Card Providers at Haneda Airport
- Top 3 SIM Cards at Haneda Airport
- Not Sure Which SIM Provider to Choose? Why We Recommend Sakura Mobile
- Pickup and Return Information
- Things to Note Before You Buy a Prepaid SIM Card
- Why You Need a SIM in Japan: Lack of Free WiFi
- Conclusion
3 Things to Consider Before Buying a Haneda Airport SIM Card
Planning to pick up a Haneda Airport SIM card? Before you buy, here a few important things to consider to make sure you stay connected during your trip:
1) Reserve Online and Save
Many providers offer discounts of up to ￥2,000 if you reserve in advance. More importantly, reserving online guarantees your SIM will be in stock when you land.
*Some providers don’t offer walk-up sales or may run out of stock, so pre-ordering is the safest option.
2) Will You Have Enough Data?
Japan has limited public WiFi, so it’s smart to go with unlimited data if:
- You use Google Maps or translation apps.
- You plant to post to social media frequently.
- You want to video call friends or family.
If you’re a light user, some providers offer cheaper plans with fixed data allowances.
Don’t want to worry about daily limits? Try our unlimited 5G eSIM!
3) Is English Support Available?
Think you’ll just pop in the SIM and go? Sometimes setup doesn’t go as planned, or there are unexpected SIM card malfunctions. That’s when having reliable English customer support — by phone, chat, or email — can make all the difference.
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Comparing 5 SIM Card Providers at Haneda Airport
Below is a comparison between some of the best SIM card providers that you can find at Haneda Airport. This table focuses specifically on unlimited data options to help you choose the most convenient and reliable plan for your trip
Scroll right for more →→
| Sakura Mobile | JAL ABC | AnyFone JAPAN | Mobile Center (Telecom Square) | GLOBAL WiFi | |
| Rating | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Data Amount x Days | Unlimited data 5 - 90 days | Unlimited data 7 - 30 days | Unlimited data 4 - 90 days | Unlimited data 7 - 30 days | Unlimited data 15 - 30 days |
| Prices | Average | Low | High | Average | High |
| English Support | Excellent | Poor | Good | Poor | Average |
| Network | docomo | ? | SoftBank | docomo | docomo |
| Online Order | Yes | No (eSIM only) | No (eSIM only) | Yes | Yes |
Do you need a phone number in Japan?
Most travelers don’t! Due to strict telecom regulations in Japan, most SIMs sold to travelers are data-only. Prepaid SIMs with phone numbers are rare and often expensive. Nowadays, you can do almost everything online — including making calls — using apps like WhatsApp, LINE, or Facebook Messenger. Unless you need a Japanese phone number, a data-only SIM is usually the best and most affordable option.
If you will be staying in Japan for a long time (for study abroad, work, etc.), you’ll probably want a phone number. Check out our guide on the 8 Best SIM Cards for Long-Term Stays in Japan !
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Top 3 SIM Cards at Haneda Airport
👑 #1. Sakura Mobile: Best Overall
Key features
- Unlimited data options on the fast and reliable docomo network.
- Pickup at any international airport, including Haneda (T3 arrival lobby).
- Easy online reservation.
- Year-round English support.
- Delivery to hotels or your residence in Japan.
- 99% population coverage.
Ideal for: Travelers who want flexibility, reliable coverage and full English support.
Sakura Mobile is the first on our list of SIM card providers. With SIM cards on the docomo network, one of the three biggest networks in Japan, you can expect to have strong connection almost anywhere in the country.
Unlike some other providers that only have pickup counters in certain airports, you can find pickup counters for Sakura Mobile in any international airport in Japan.
Sakura Mobile has a simple online reservation system that lets you pick up your SIM card, in some cases, as soon as the following day. If you get stuck during the reservation process or your stay in Japan, there is also English support available 7 days a week to help you through any problem.
Want to see how easy pickup is? Watch this short video showing the Sakura Mobile pickup process at Haneda Airport (Terminal 3).
Click below to play YouTube video↓↓
A favorite among international travelers, Sakura Mobile offers reliable service for eSIM and physical SIM cards with strong coverage throughout Japan. You can pick up your SIM card at any international airport, and the simple online reservation system makes ordering easy. English support is available 7 days a week.
If your flight comes in late, you can also have your SIM card delivered to your hotel or place of stay in Japan!
Don’t Want to Wait in Lines?
Sakura Mobile offers 5G unlimited data eSIMs! (No pickup, just download from a QR code!)
🥈 #2. JAL ABC: For Travelers Comfortable Without English Support
Key features
- Purchase counters at Narita and Haneda.
- Multiple short-term data plans (7 to 30 days).
- Online pre-orders are available for eSIMs only.
JAL ABC is a provider that operates under Japan Airlines, a large and trustworthy company. While they don’t offer online reservations for physical SIM cards, all pricing is clearly listed on their website, so you’ll know what to expect. However, since you can only buy in person, there’s a risk that the product may be out of stock when you arrive.
JAL ABC also appears to offer no English customer support, making it better suited for experienced travelers who are comfortable navigating in Japanese.
Ideal for: Travelers on short trips who are OK buying on the spot and don’t need English support.
Tip: With Sakura Mobile, you can reserve online and pick up your SIM at Haneda or any major airport. You’ll also have full English support! It’s one less thing to worry about!
Some providers only allow pre-order for eSIMs, not SIM cards. Want to compare more options for both eSIMs and physical SIMs? Read our blog:
Best 6 eSIM and 7 Physical SIM Card Providers in Japan.
🥉 #3. AnyFone JAPAN: Convenient for Short Trips
Key features
- Offers both prepaid and rental SIM cards
- Utilizes SoftBank’s network.
- English-speaking staff and customer support.
AnyFone JAPAN is powered by GSM, which is an exclusive rental service partner of SoftBank. They provide flexible SIM card options suitable for various traveler needs, but tend to have higher prices compared to others on our list.
Ideal for: Travelers who prioritize convenience and aren’t worried about costs.
Note: AnyFone’s prepaid SIM cards are not available online for purchase. To reserve a SIM card before your trip, you will need to contact their customer support team.
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Not Sure Which SIM Provider to Choose? Here’s Why We Recommend Sakura Mobile
Key features
- Unlimited data options on the docomo and au networks.
- Fast, reliable connection
- Pickup at all major airports or convenient delivery.
- Year-round English support.
- eSIM also available — no pickup needed (instant activation)!
Sakura Mobile is a top choice for travelers to Japan, with over 3,000 reviews and a 4.7/5 rating. You can reserve online, pick up at the airport, have it delivered to your hotel, or choose an eSIM for instant activation — no waiting in lines.
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Pickup and Return Information
Arriving at Haneda Airport? Picking up your Sakura Mobile SIM couldn’t be easier. With a dedicated counter located right in Terminal 3’s arrival lobby (2nd floor), you can grab your SIM card shortly after landing.
The counter is open daily with long hours, only closing briefly between 1:00 AM and 4:00 AM — making it convenient for most international arrivals.
See the map below for exact location details.
Pickup Location: Terminal 3, Arrival Lobby, 2nd Floor (Sakura Mobile airport pickup counters)
It is located at the far right after exiting the arrival gate of the international arrival lobby (2F) at Haneda Airport Terminal 3.
Operating Hours: 24/7, except between 1:00 AM and 4:00 AM.
Return Policy: No need to return the SIM card; dispose of it after use.
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Things to Note Before You Buy a Prepaid SIM Card
Below, we break down a few things that you should be careful of before you reserve a prepaid SIM card. If your device is not compatible with the SIM cards that are sold in Japan, you might have to look for other options for internet connection.
1. Make Sure Your Phone is Unlocked
Ensure your phone is unlocked (SIM-free) to use a Japanese SIM card. Contact your carrier before traveling to confirm and, if necessary, unlock your device.
2. Check SIM Card Size Compatibility
SIM cards come in various sizes: standard, micro, and nano. Confirm your phone’s SIM card size to ensure compatibility. Providers like Sakura Mobile offer SIM cards wih free adjusters to fit different sizes.
3. Network Compatibility
Japanese networks operate on specific frequency bands. Double-check that your phone supports these bands to ensure you’ll have access to 4G or 5G networks during your stay.
4G Network:
- Band 1 (2100MHz): Main frequency band
- Band 18, Band 19 (800MHz): Support frequency bands (used in some rural areas).
5G Network:
- n77, n78 (3.7GHz), and n79 (4.5GHz): Main frequency bands
- n257 (28GHz): High-frequency band.
Visit our compatibility page for Sakura Mobile to confirm you phone’s compatibility with Japan’s networks.
Have an Older Phone or a Carrier-Locked Phone?
If you’re unsure about SIM compatibility or your phone isn’t unlocked, a Pocket WiFi is a reliable alternative. Sakura Mobile offers Pocket WiFi plans, but if your SIM or eSIM happens to be incompatible, we also provide compatibility insurance — allowing you to upgrade to a Pocket WiFi.
Sakura Mobile Pocket WiFi plans
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TIP: For Long-Term Stays (Over 3 Months)
If you’re staying in Japan for more than three months, a monthly contract SIM/eSIM is usually the best choice.
Sakura Mobile offers a variety of monthly plans perfect for those living in Japan Learn More about them here:
For a wider look at monthly contract options in Japan, check out our blog;
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Why You Need a SIM in Japan
Relying on international roaming with your domestic plan can be pricey, and many travelers are surprised by how limited free WiFi is in Japan. Train stations, cafes, and hotels often have spotty or inconvenient access. A SIM card ensures you can:
- Use maps and translation apps freely.
- Book tickets and check train schedules.
- Stay connected with family or friends.
To avoid the hassle and extra costs, we recommend pre-ordering a SIM card before you land in Japan.
For more details on free WiFi availability, check out our blog on where to find free WiFi in Japan and why it’s not always reliable.
Conclusion
With so many Haneda Airport SIM card options available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when deciding which provider to choose. Each company offers different prices and plans, so it’s important to pick one that best fits your own needs and priorities.
We hope this guide has helped you narrow down your choices and made it easier to find the right SIM card for your trip to Japan.
Safe travels and good luck!
✈️Landing at Haneda soon?
Don’t waste time searching for a SIM after you arrive. Pre-order a Sakura Mobile SIM or Pocket WiFi and enjoy instant access to high-speed data as soon as you touch down.
Looking for an even easier option? Try our eSIM — no need to swap physical cards, and it activates instantly. Perfect for travelers who want hassle-free connectivity right from arrival.
