When you land in Japan, you’ll need a way to stay connected. Without a reliable connection, it can be tough to navigate the train system, find your hotel, or even use a map. The problem is, Japan doesn’t have a lot of free WiFi. So, how do you get online without a lot of stress?
Getting a SIM card at Narita Airport is the easiest and fastest way to get connected right away. But with so many options, how do you know which one is right for you? This guide helps you compare the best SIM cards at Narita Airport so you can choose the right one for your trip.
Table of contents
- Comparison of 5 SIM Card Providers at Narita Airport
- Pickup Locations and Videos
- 3 Things to Look For in a SIM Card
- The Top 3 SIM Cards at Narita Airport
- Things to Be Careful Of When Buying a Prepaid SIM Card
- For Long-Term Stays
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Comparison of 5 SIM Card Providers at Narita Airport
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| Rating | Data Amount | Prices | English Support | Network | Online Order | |
| Sakura Mobile | ★★★★★ | Unlimited | Average | Excellent | docomo | Yes |
| JAL ABC | ★★★★☆ | Varies | Low | Poor | SoftBank | No (eSIM only) |
AnyFone JAPAN | ★★★☆☆ | Unlimited | High | Good | docomo | No (eSIM only) |
| Global WiFi | ★★★☆☆ | Unlimited | Average | Poor | docomo | Yes |
| Mobile Center | ★★★☆☆ | Unlimited | High | Average | docomo | Yes |
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Pickup Locations and Videos
Picking up your SIM card at Narita Airport is simple, especially if you pre-order it. You just need to know where to go.
There are pickup counters in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 at Narita Airport. You can find more information about these locations and their ours on the Narita Airport website.
To pick up your Sakura Mobile order, look for the counter with the JAL ABC sign, as Sakura Mobile shares a counter with them. Watch this video to see exactly how.
Click below to play YouTube video↓↓
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3 Things to Look For in a SIM Card
When you’re trying to choose a SIM card, it helps to know what to look for. Here are three important things to consider before you buy.
1. Reserve Your SIM Card in Advance
-If you have the option to reserve your SIM card online, we recommend taking it. This can save you a lot of money. For example, you can save 2,000 yen on an 8-day SIM card just by booking it online. Pre-ordering also guarantees that the SIM card you want will be waiting for you. Airport counters often run out of stock, and if the plan you want is sold out, you’ll be forced to find another provider – a stressful start to your trip.
2. Check the Data Plans
If you’re not sure how much data you’ll use, it’s a good idea to get an unlimited data plan. Free WiFi in Japan is not very common. You might find it in some fast-food restaurants or coffee shops, but it may not always work, and you won’t find it when you’re on the train or exploring rural areas. An unlimited plan means you can use your phone as much as you want without worrying about running out of data.
3. Make Sure There’s English Support
You might think you’ll pick up your SIM card, put it in your phone, and never have another issue. But there may be times during your trip when the SIM card malfunctions or does not connect properly. In these cases, using a provider with English support can be a lifesaver. It is also a good idea to make sure you can reach customer service in various ways, like by email, live chat, and phone.
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Top 3 SIM cards at Narita Airport
👑 #1. Sakura Mobile
Sakura Mobile is a great choice for travelers who want a reliable connection and strong support. It uses the docomo network, which is known for having great coverage almost anywhere in Japan. You can also order your SIM card online and pick it up at Narita or any other major airport in Japan. If you run into any problems, their English customer service is there to help you.
Key features
- Unlimited data plan starting from 3,500 JPY
- Uses the reliable docomo 4G LTE network
- 99% of populated area is covered
- English support available all year
- Order online and pick up as early as the next day
- Pickup counters in all major international airports
🥈 #2. JAL ABC
JAL ABC is run by Japan Airlines, a large and trustworthy company. It offers a variety of plans, including unlimited data and options for different lengths of stay. While you cannot pre-order a physical SIM card online their prices are clearly listed on their website so you know exactly what you will pay when you arrive.
Key features
- Purchase counters at Narita, Haneda, and Kansai Airports.
- Offers multiple data options, including unlimited plans.
- No online reservation available for physical SIM cards.
🥉 #3. AnyFone Japan
AnyFone is another good option that you can fid at Narita Airport. It offers a wide range of plans with different data amounts and durations. Because they have both fixed data and unlimited options, you can choose a plan that works best for your trip.
Key features
- Counters at Narita Airport.
- Offers both fixed data and unlimited data options.
- Plans available for different lengths of stay.
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Things to Be Careful of When Buying a Prepaid SIM Card
Before you buy a SIM card, there are a few things you should check to make sure it will work with your phone.
Is Your Phone Unlocked?
If your phone is locked, it will not be able to take SIM cards from other carriers. This means you will not be able to use a SIM card from Japan properly. You will need to contact your cellphone carrier to find out if your device is unlocked (also referred to as SIM-free).
Do You Have the Right SIM Size?
SIM cards come in three different sizes: regular, nano, and micro. When you get a prepaid SIM card, be sure to choose the right size. Sakura Mobile’s SIM cards all come with a free adjuster, so you can use the SIM card no matter the device.
Is Your Phone Compatible?
Some network signals used in Japan may not be compatible with your device. The docomo network, which Sakura Mobile sues, operates on Band 1 and Band 19. If you are unsure whether your phone will work in Japan, feel free to reach out to our customer support team for help, or check out our compatibility page.
If you are unable to get any of the above points figured out before coming to Japan, we recommend that you purchase a portable WiFi device instead of a SIM card. This will allow you to stay connected even if your phone is not unlocked, the SIM card does not fit, or your device is not SIM-compatible. You can get a Pocket WiFi from Sakura Mobile, and it will work with any phone.
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For Long-Term Stays
If you are planning to stay in Japan for more than three months, a prepaid SIM card might not be the best choice. Prepaid SIM cards are meant for short-term visitors, not for residents. For longer stays, it is better to get a monthly contract. Sakura Mobile also offers many different long-term plans for people living in Japan.
Sakura Mobile Long-term SIM Card Plans
If you are interested in learning about the different options that Japan has for monthly contracts, visit the article below.
5 Best SIM Cards for Long-Term Stays in Japan
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FAQ
Can I make phone calls with this SIM card?
No, this is a data-only SIM card, so it does not come with a phone number for traditional calls or text messages. However, you can still use voice and video calls through apps like WhatsApp, Skype, or LINE, which use your data connection.
How do I check my data usage?
There is no specific way to check your data usage on data-only SIM card. However, because our travel SIM plans come with unlimited data, you \don’t need to worry about running out of data.
Do I need to return the SIM card after my trip?
No, you do not. You can simply dispose of your Sakura Mobile Travel SIM card when you are done using it. You do not have to worry about the return process.
How do I set up my SIM card?
Setting up the SIM card is easy. Once you put the SIM card in your phone, you just need to follow a few simple steps to set up the APN (Access Point Name) settings. Instructions are included with your SIM card. You can also find a SIM installation guide on the Sakura Mobile website.
What if I have a problem or my SIM card doesn’t work?
If you have any trouble with your SIM card , you can reach out to Sakura Mobile’s English customer support team for help. They are available by email or live chat to help you solve any issues.
What if I have to transfer or arrive at an airport other than Narita?
You can still pick up your SIM card, even if you’re arriving at another airport. Sakura Mobile has pickup counters at several major international airports, so you can still get your SIM card upon arrival. You can pick up your order at Haneda, Kansai, or Fukuoka Airports, in addition to Narita. See our airport counter pickup locations page for hours and more detailed information.
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Conclusion
Choosing a SIM card at Narita Airport can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be Each company is different in its prices and plans, so make sure to look carefully and choose based on your own needs and priorities. We hope that this article helped you narrow down which SIM card provider you want to use in Japan.
Sakura Mobile is a top choice because it makes everything simple. With easy online ordering, reliable docomo coverage, and friendly English support, you can land in Japan and get connected without any trouble.
Ready to get started?
Check out Sakura Mobile’s SIM card plans today!
