Planning to use Google Fi in Japan?
It’s a convenient option for travelers, but it may not always be the best fit. Factors like fees, data capacity, and usage restrictions could make a local SIM a better choice.
This guide covers everything you need to know about using Google Fi in Japan and how it compares to local options in Japan.
Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
- Overview of Google Fi plans in Japan
- Google Fi Japan plans coverage
- What’s so good about Google Fi Japan?
- For travelers, business trips, and short stays
- For those staying in Japan 3+ months
→Do you need a Japanese phone number? - For people who use the Unlimited Plus plan in the US
TL;DR:
1) Traveling in Japan for less than 3 months: stay with Google Fi (Unlimited Plus) if you’re already subscribed and you don’t mind possible lag in customer service if there are issues. You can also go for a Japanese prepaid SIM card for peace of mind.
2) If staying longer or you’re worried about coverage: get a local SIM or pocket WiFi to save on cash and keep reliable coverage.
Overview of Google Fi plans in Japan
First up are the price and data limits for Google Fi in Japan.
Google Fi has a total of three plans, but the two available in Japan are the Unlimited Plus and Flexible Plans.
Important: If you’re subscribed to the Simply Unlimited Plan, it won’t work in Japan—you’ll need to switch plans before your trip or get a local SIM card for coverage in Japan.
To summarize Google Fi’s two plans with coverage in Japan:
- Unlimited Plus Plan: $65/month, unlimited data (slows after 50 GB).
Ideal for frequent international travelers staying less than 90 days. - Flexible Plan: $20 base fee, plus $10/GB. Pay-as-you-go plan (high-speed data up to 15GB, price capped at $80/month if you go over 6 GB). Good for light data users but less cost-effective for heavy use.
Both plans offer free texting abroad and charge .20 cents/minute for international calls (outside the US, Canada, and Mexico).
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Google Fi Japan plans coverage
Google Fi seems to use networks from Japan’s major carriers (docomo, SoftBank, au), offering reliable coverage in most populated areas. However, there’s no detailed coverage map for Japan, which may cause confusion.
You can check the coverage map and type an address here to see if you’ll be covered.
What we found: We tested about 10 random addresses from Hokkaido to Okinawa, and all of them showed “Covered.”
Unless you are in a very rural area, underground, or deep in the mountains, you can probably expect to be able to communicate without any problems using Google Fi.
In my experience as a past Google Fi customer, I was able to connect right after landing in Japan. However, if you’re worried about potential coverage gaps or need extra support, going with a local SIM ensures peace of mind.
For troubleshooting, Google Fi’s remote customer service may be less familiar with Japan-specific network issues. Local providers like Sakura Mobile offer better support and know exactly which network their SIMs connect to, making problem-solving much easier.
For guaranteed coverage on Japan’s trustworthy docomo and SoftBank networks, check out Sakura Mobile!🌸
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What’s so good about Google Fi Japan?
Up to here, we’ve discussed the Ultimate Plus Plan, the Flexible Plan, and their coverage, but are these plans actually a good value compared to a Japanese local prepaid SIM or pocket WiFi rental?
People come to Japan for a number of different reasons, and we actually recommend choosing your data based on the amount of time and reason you’re in Japan.
Who Should Use Google Fi?
Best for:
- Short visits: Already subscribed to the Unlimited Plus Plan? You can use it in Japan without extra costs.
- Frequent travelers: The Unlimited Plus Plan works in many countries, saving you the hassle of switching SIMs.
Not ideal for:
- Stays over 90 days: Google Fi’s terms require primarily U.S.-based usage. Extended use abroad may result in suspension.
- Heavy data users: The Flexible Plan gets pricey at $80/month if you go over 6GB.
- People who need a Japanese phone number: Many apps and essential services in Japan require one.
- People who are concerned about: Customer Support issues and delays while in Japan.
It’s unclear which networks Google Fi uses, and if you run into issues, the representatives are usually unfamiliar with Japan’s cellular networks and how to troubleshoot problems. This includes any network issues and such.
Avoid service suspensions and high fees—choose Sakura Mobile’s affordable plans with full English support! Check out our short-term plans and long-term plans.
Read more about our recommendations below! ⬇️
For travelers, business trips, and short stays
If you plan on staying in Japan for a short period of time, we recommend getting a prepaid SIM card.
With Sakura Mobile, you can use unlimited data for about half the price of Google Fi’s Unlimited Plus Plan or Flexible Plan.
Below is Sakura Mobile’s pricing point for a travel SIM card with unlimited data.
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For those staying in Japan 3+ months
If you plan to stay in Japan for a long period of time, such as for work or study abroad, it’s best to sign up for data plans provided by a Japanese carrier.
Google Fi’s Unlimited Plus Plan (50GB for $65/month) seems like a great option at first, but Google Fi’s terms and conditions do not allow for long-term use of Google Fi services overseas.
Important: Fi’s Terms of Service require you to activate and use Fi service primarily in the United States. If you try to activate Fi abroad or use Fi service predominantly internationally, you may have your international capabilities suspended.
Source: Google Fi Help
Since the main use of the SIM card is supposed to be “in the United States,” there is a risk that the Google Fi SIM card will get suspended, especially if the card is used in Japan only for more than 3 months.
Do you need a Japanese phone number?
Living in Japan often means relying on local apps, but did you know that you’ll need a Japanese phone number to sign up for most of them?
Apps like Mercari, Uber Eats, or PayPay, a widely-used mobile payment app for cashless transactions, are used every day here – but you’ll need a Japanese phone number. Even to buy concert tickets on apps like e+(イープラス), you’ll need a number to sign up.
Beyond apps, essential procedures such as opening a bank account, signing up for health insurance, or registering for utilities also require a Japanese phone number, making it a must-have for life in Japan.
With Sakura Mobile’s Voice + Data SIM/eSIM, you can get a Japanese phone number quickly and hassle-free. Our affordable plans ensure you’re always connected, whether it’s when ordering takeout, transferring money, or buying concert tickets.
Plus, our customer support is in English, so you can set everything up with ease and peace of mind!
Thinking of signing up for Google Fi right before your trip to Japan? Think again.⚠️
Some users who sign up for Google Fi and immediately go abroad report issues with international data roaming. According to Google Fi’s Terms and Conditions, International Roaming is not allowed unless an Unlimited Plan has already been active for an undetermined period in the US.
In addition, prices are also lower when you sign a contract with a Japanese carrier. Sakura Mobile’s plans, which are popular among foreigners, are as follows.
| Data | Monthly fee |
| 5GB | 2,980 JPY ($19) |
| 25GB | 3,980 JPY ($26) |
| 40GB | 4,890 JPY ($32) |
*Exchange rate 154 JPY/USD, Tax not included
For visitors staying more than three months or needing a Japanese phone number, local SIMs like Sakura Mobile are the way to go. Benefits include:
- Affordable plans with data rollover for Voice+Data SIMs
- Stable coverage on the docomo network
- English-speaking customer support
- Japanese phone number for apps or essential services like banking
For internet access at home, check out the following article!⬇️
And consider Pocket WiFi if you want more data (100 GB/200 GB) while on the go/that multiple people can share.
- Read more here: Best Long-Term Pocket WiFi in Japan
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For people who use the Unlimited Plus plan in the US
If you are currently using Google Fi’s Unlimited Plus Plan in America, it may be best to keep using it in Japan as it won’t cost any extra to keep using it.
Important: If you plan to stay in Japan for over 90 days, as explained in the previous section, using Google Fi services overseas for an extended period of time is a violation of the terms and conditions, and you run the risk of having your data and phone line being cut off.
But if you plan to stay longer than 3 months, we recommend that you consider a Japanese phone carrier for long-term service.
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Conclusion
To summarize…
- Short-term stays (travel/business trips): A prepaid SIM card is recommended.
- For frequent travelers: Stick with Google Fi’s Unlimited Plus Plan if already subscribed.*
- Long-term stays (study/work): A local SIM/eSIM Plan or Pocket WiFi is the most cost-effective and reliable.
- Existing Google Fi users: Use your Unlimited Plus Plan in Japan (if staying under 90 days)
*Google Fi’s Flexible Plan may be a reasonable option if you use under 3 GB or stay connected to WiFi. But in Japan, free WiFi is not as easily accessible as in other countries. In this case, we recommend a SIM/eSIM or pocket WiFi from Sakura Mobile.
While Google Fi is convenient for short-term use, it has limitations abroad, such as:
- Coverage and network providers are unclear.
- Some users report issues getting service while abroad, which can be difficult to troubleshoot due to the reasons above.
- Strict terms of use; must use Fi in the U.S. before traveling internationally.
On the other hand, Sakura Mobile offers a more reliable alternative.
Why choose Sakura Mobile? 🌸
- Reliable docomo 4G/5G network (99% population coverage).
- English-speaking support for setup and troubleshooting.
- Unlimited data and flexible plans tailored to the duration of your stay.
- Convenient delivery to airports, hotels, or your residence.
- Easy online application.
Sakura Mobile’s SIM cards are all on the docomo network, which is the largest mobile network in Japan.
We recommend Sakura Mobile for those who want to use the highest possible quality connection.
Choose Sakura Mobile for peace of mind during your stay in Japan!🗾
If you’re still unsure, Sakura Mobile’s friendly support team is here to help you find the best solution for your stay.
Ready to get started? Explore our plans today and enjoy your stay in Japan with peace of mind!😊
