5 Best SIM Cards for Long-Term Stays in Japan

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!

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

1. Japanese SIM Cards Explained

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 →→

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

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.

• *All prices listed include tax

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3. Phone Carrier Types in Japan Explained

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?

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?

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 →→

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 →→

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.

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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 →→

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.

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

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

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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