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

Are you planning on making a trip to Japan?

While there, you’ll want seamless internet access to apps like WhatsApp, Google Maps, Google Translate, or Instagram without any issues.

However, choosing between eSIM & physical SIM options can be challenging. Lack of information might lead to:
• Uncertainty about which type your phone supports.
• Running out of data too soon.
• Difficulty setting up your eSIM or SIM card without prompt customer support.

Don’t worry — we’ve got you covered! Keep reading to learn the basics of eSIMs & SIM cards. We’ll cover everything you need to know for a short-term stay (under 90 days), including data plans, prices, setup guides, customer reviews, & the top providers.

A simple comparison table of eSIM, SIM Card, and Pocket WIFI

This article covers information on eSIM & SIM cards for short-term stays (under 90 days). Please refer to the article below for information on long-term SIM cards (monthly contracts).

Table of contents

1. What is an eSIM?
2. What travelers in Japan need to know about eSIM
3. The best 6 eSIM for traveling to Japan
4. Things to keep in mind when choosing an eSIM
5. Introduction to Physical SIM Cards
6. What travelers in Japan need to know about physical SIM cards
7. Top SIM cards for Japan Travel
8. Key Factors when choosing a SIM card
9. eSIM and physical SIM card vs. Pocket WiFi: Which is Best?
10. eSIM and Physical SIM card FAQ
11. Final Thoughts

Click the image below to enlarge

1.　What is an eSIM?

eSIM stands for ” embedded SIM,” which means the SIM card is built into the device. Many newer smartphones and tablets now support eSIM. Unlike a physical SIM card, an eSIM doesn’t need to be inserted or swapped; you can set it up online.
Before buying an eSIM, make sure your device supports it. For example, iPhone XS and later models (except those sold in Hong Kong) are compatible with eSIM.

Do you want to quickly check if your device is compatible with eSIM? If so, you can refer to the list in the article below.

TRAVEL eSIM COMPATIBILITY

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2.　What travelers in Japan need to know about eSIM

Before you use an eSIM for your trip to Japan, here are two things you should know:

How to Get an eSIM for Your Japan Trip

Are you thinking of buying an eSIM for your trip from one of Japan’s major carriers (docomo, SoftBank, or au)? Unfortunately, they don’t offer short-term eSIM plans.

But don’t worry! You can get one from a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO). They use major carrier networks to offer short-term eSIM plans.

Sakura Mobile is one such MVNO. Please read through this blog and choose the eSIM plan that meets your needs.

About eSIM with phone numbers

While some companies may offer eSIMs with Japanese phone numbers, providing Japanese phone numbers to non-residents is challenging due to stringent regulations and security concerns. Furthermore, they might not work correctly.

Data-only eSIMs, however, are an excellent option for short-term travelers since they do not have legal issues. Their internet access allows making calls and chat using apps like WhatsApp.

Most short- and medium-term tourists don’t need a phone number, but if you need one for work purposes or applications to government agencies, please refer to the article below.

How to Get a Japanese Phone Number

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3.　The 6 Best eSIM for Travel in Japan

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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.

Sakura Mobile

While Sakura Mobile’s eSIM isn’t the cheapest option, it offers flexibility and up to 200 GB of data. You can also top up your data and extend your usage as needed. When choosing a provider, Sakura Mobile stands out.
Easy and Flexible with Travel eSIM

Let’s take a closer look at Sakura Mobile.

Comprehensive Plans

Sakura Mobile offers a variety of data plans, from 3 GB to 200 GB, with usage periods between 3 and 90 days. You’re sure to find a plan that fits your needs perfectly.

Year-round English Customer Support

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

High Customer Satisfaction Rating

Sakura Mobile’s website boasts over 3,000 positive reviews, making it one of the highest-rated and most reliable companies in the comparison table.

Japanese eSIM Provider

Sakura Mobile is a Japanese telecommunications provider that uses docomo’s network, Japan’s largest, to ensure high-quality communication. Besides offering a reliable network, Sakura Mobile is known for its exceptional and friendly customer service, a hallmark of Japanese hospitality. Additionally, with offices and stores in Japan, customers can easily access direct support from staff.

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Conclusion: Which eSIM provider should I choose?

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4.　Choosing an eSIM: What to Know

Now that you understand eSIMs better, let’s go over a few important points to consider when choosing the best travel eSIM for Japan.

eSIM Activation

In most cases, you can activate your eSIM by scanning a QR code provided by your service provider. This QR code is usually sent via email or can be found in the provider’s app.

Flexibility: Extending Usage, Cancellation & Refunds, Adding Data, etc.

Unexpected changes can happen when traveling. For instance, you might fall ill after buying an eSIM and cancel your trip, or a one-week business trip might extend to two weeks. Sometimes, you may also use more data than expected and run out.

Signal/Service Coverage

The eSIM providers featured in this article use Japan’s major carrier networks, covering 99% of the population. However, be cautious when using your phone in rural areas, mountains, or underground.

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

English Language Support

Running into connection issues or needing clarification on settings can be frustrating, especially in another language. Choosing an eSIM provider with English customer support can make your experience smoother.

Here are some key points to consider:

1. Contact Methods: Choose a provider offering both email and phone support. This allows you to call for emergencies and email for non-urgent matters.
2. Availability: Many eSIM providers are closed on weekends, which can be inconvenient if you need assistance. It’s best to select a provider whose customer support is available year-round, including holidays.
3. Local Presence: If you prefer in-person communication, opt for a provider with a physical location you can visit.

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5. Introduction to Physical SIM Cards

If your phone doesn’t support eSIM or you prefer not to switch your eSIM, don’t worry! You can always use a SIM card for your travels. Read on to learn how to choose the right physical SIM for your trip!

6. What travelers in Japan need to know about physical SIM cards

Before you buy a SIM card for travel in Japan, here are three important things you need to know:

Where to buy a SIM card in Japan

You might think you can buy a SIM card directly from a major Japanese mobile carrier like docomo, au, or SoftBank. However, this isn’t possible. These carriers provide prepaid SIMs to retailers, and that’s where you can get one. One example of such a retailer is Sakura Mobile, as mentioned in this article.

 

How to use SIM card and Pocket Wi-Fi in Japan

About prepaid SIM cards with phone numbers

In Japan, prepaid SIM cards sold with a phone number are rare due to legal and security concerns. This means you can only apply for a Japanese phone number here if you have a residence card, which is impossible to obtain on a tourist visa. However, anyone can get a data-only SIM card, which lets you use messenger apps like WhatsApp to make calls.

In Japan, prepaid SIMs with phone numbers for travelers are rare, with only data-only SIMs typically available. 

These provide data but no phone number due to strict identity verification laws, which restrict phone numbers to residents. Providing phone numbers to non-residents is generally considered illegal. Some companies may offer eSIMs with Japanese numbers, but they could be operating illegally, and the SIM may not work properly. 

Data-only SIMs on the other hand, still allow calls and messaging through apps like Skype and WhatsApp without any of the legal complications. 

 

For those who want to know more about obtaining a phone number in Japan and the related legal aspects, please refer to the article below.

Online Reservation vs. Airport Purchase

How to get a SIM card in Japan?

There are two ways to purchase a SIM card for Japan:

1. Reserve one online before your trip and pick it up at the airport upon arrival.
2. Buy one from a retailer at the airport after you land.

We recommend reserving your SIM card online for two main reasons:

1. It’s cheaper. Online retailers have lower operating costs, so their prices are more affordable.
2. You’ll avoid the risk of SIM cards being sold out. During peak travel seasons, airport shops may run out of stock. With a reservation, you can pick up your SIM card stress-free.

All the providers we introduce in this article offer the option to reserve your SIM card online. It’s a convenient choice to make before your trip.

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7. Top SIM Cards for Japan Travel

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Which SIM Card Should You Choose?

Feeling more confident about which SIM card might be right for you? Let’s dive deeper into the details of our top three recommended providers.

Sakura Mobile

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While Sakura Mobile’s SIM cards may not be the cheapest, they offer relatively fast connection speeds (up to 20 Mbps) and unlimited data.

Here are some key benefits of choosing Sakura Mobile:

Extended Airport Counter Hours

Most companies listed above require you to pick up your SIM card at the airport post office, which may be closed if your flight arrives late. However, Sakura Mobile has airport pickup counters with extended hours, ensuring you can get your SIM card without any hassle.

Year-Round English Support

At Sakura Mobile, our English customer support is available year-round, making it easy to get help with your SIM card whenever you need it. You can also reach out to us via email for assistance.

High Customer Satisfaction Rating

Sakura Mobile’s website has over 3,000 positive reviews, significantly more than its competitors.

Main airport pickup counters

• • Narita Airport Terminals 1 and 2: Open daily from 7:00 am until the last flight.　
    • 5 Best SIM Cards at Narita Airport | Unlimited Data Options
  • Haneda Airport: Open 24/7　
    • 5 Best SIM Cards at Haneda Airport | Unlimited Data Options
  • Kansai International Airport: Open daily from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm
    • 6 Best SIM Cards at Kansai Airport | Unlimited Data Options

Sakura Mobile Review | Prepaid SIM & WiFi (Pick Up at Narita & Haneda Airports)

https://youtu.be/L1E1TH4a3QI

How to pick up your SIM card from the airport counter

Picking up your SIM card from the airport counter is easy. Just bring your reservation confirmation email from Sakura Mobile and your passport. The video below explains how to pick up a Sakura Mobile SIM card at the airport.

 

Explore Customer Feedback on Sakura Mobile SIMs

While traveling in Japan, we have had customers who experienced frustration and stress while dealing with SIM cards and eSIMs. Although many companies in Japan offer similar telecom services, the same cannot be said for the English support and service that Sakura Mobile provides. Along with utilizing the largest telecom network in Japan, docomo, Sakura Mobile provides full English service from start to finish, helping customers with their orders and any technical issues that may ruin the trip. With support via phone, email, and chat, customers can enjoy their trip to the fullest without any worries and stress.

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8. Key Factors When Choosing a SIM Card

Before introducing the top companies that provide travel SIM cards, here are some key points to consider:

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

Let’s dive into each of these in more detail.

① Connection speed

When you’re on a trip and using your phone, you typically browse the web, message, or use Google Maps. For these activities, speeds of 3 to 5 Mbps are usually enough. Here’s a table of the ideal internet speeds for various online activities.

Scroll right for more if on mobile→→

You might wonder how fast prepaid SIM cards in Japan can be. While connection speeds vary by provider, you can generally expect speeds between 1 and 20 Mbps. We recommend choosing one with faster speeds for better reliability.

Although some providers claim speeds up to 187 Mbps, the maximum speed you’ll likely experience is around 20 Mbps. The comparison table lists actual speeds for each provider so you know what to expect. Note that some companies do not disclose their SIM card speeds; in these cases, we’ve marked them as “unknown” in the table

② Data Allowance

If you’ve been looking into prepaid SIM cards, you’ll notice many data plans available. With a limited data plan, you might run out of data in the middle of your trip, which can be very inconvenient. Imagine losing access to Google Maps and Google Translate in a foreign country — that would be quite stressful. To travel worry-free, we strongly recommend getting a prepaid SIM card with unlimited data.
Our experts explain the prepaid SIM card with unlimited data in the blog below.
Japan Prepaid SIM Data: Fixed vs. Unlimited Plans

③ Service Coverage

The SIM card providers we recommend use Japan’s major carrier networks, covering 99% of populated areas. This ensures you’ll have internet access almost everywhere in Japan. However, signals may weaken in mountainous regions or underground.

④ English Language Support

If you’re having trouble connecting to the internet or setting up your SIM card, you’ll want to be able to contact customer support and get help.

Choose a SIM card provider that offers both email and phone support. This way, you can use the phone for urgent issues and email when you don’t need an immediate response.

Many prepaid SIM card providers don’t offer weekend support, which can be a real hassle if you need immediate assistance. Be sure to choose one with year-round customer service to make sure you’re not stuck waiting for the next business day.

⑤ Airport Pickup

To avoid any inconvenience when picking up your SIM card at the airport, ensure your arrival time aligns with the pickup counter’s operating hours. The last thing you want is to find the counter closed when you get there.

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8. eSIM vs. Physical SIM Card vs. Pocket WiFi: Which is Best?

When traveling in Japan, eSIM and SIM cards aren’t your only options for staying connected. Pocket WiFi devices, also known as mobile hotspots or portable WiFi routers, are also popular among travelers.

	eSIM	SIM Card	Pocket WiFi
Price	Relatively low	Relatively low	Relatively high
Set Up	Requires changing the device's settings	Requires changing the device's settings	Ready to use out of the box
Supported Devices	Smartphones and tablets that are unlocked and support eSIM function	Smartphones and tablets that are unlocked	All WiFi-compatible devices
Battery Life	No charging required	No charging required	Requires regular charging
Best Use	Solo travelers with one mobile device	Solo travelers with one mobile device	Travelers in a group or travelers with multiple devices

We recommend buying a pocket WiFi if you want to:

• • • Have easy internet access with minimal setup
    • Share data with family and friends while traveling

Consider purchasing an eSIM or physical SIM card if you:

• • • Prefer not to carry a pocket WiFi device
    • Prefer not to have to worry about another device’s battery life
    • Don’t need to share data with others during your trip

Learn About Sakura Mobile’s Pocket WiFi Devices

9. eSIM & Physical SIM card FAQ

eSIM FAQ

Can I Use a Japanese eSIM with My Phone?

To use a Japanese eSIM, your device must:

• • • Be eSIM-compatible
    • Be SIM-free (not SIM-locked)
    • Work with Japanese networks

Most providers’ websites have a list of compatible devices for their eSIM. For example, see the list of devices compatible with Sakura Mobile’s eSIM.

If you need help figuring out if your device is SIM-free and compatible with Japanese networks, contact your chosen carrier to confirm. For example, you can use Sakura Mobile’s Contact Form to send your device name and model number, and their staff will confirm compatibility.

Setting up an eSIM varies by device and provider but usually involves scanning a QR code. This code is often emailed or found in the provider’s app. Using the app may require you to register and provide personal details. If you get the QR code by email, you can often skip this step, making the process easier and faster.

Physical SIM FAQ

Can I Use a Japanese eSIM with My Phone?

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

• • • SIM-free (unlocked)
    • Able to receive Japanese carriers’ signals

Most providers’ websites have a list of compatible devices for their SIM cards. For example, see the list of devices compatible with Sakura Mobile’s SIM cards.

If you need help figuring out if your device is unlocked and can receive Japanese carriers’ signals, contact your chosen carrier to confirm. For example, you can use Sakura Mobile’s Contact Form to send your device name and model number, and their staff will confirm compatibility.

The SIM card setup process varies depending on your device and provider. However, it’s straightforward and can be completed in 10 to 15 minutes by following the manual.

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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

This article covered everything you need to know when shopping for mobile internet access for your Japan trip. We hope you found it helpful. Thank you for reading, and good luck!

Why Sakura Mobile is the Best Choice for eSIM & SIM Cards

Learn More About Sakura Mobile eSIMs

Learn More About Sakura Mobile SIM Cards

For your eSIM and SIM card needs in Japan, we recommend Sakura Mobile, which has earned over 3,000 customer reviews and a 4.7/5 satisfaction rating. If you’re getting a SIM card, Sakura Mobile will deliver it free of charge to the airport or the place you’ll be staying.

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