Planning a vacation to Japan? Thinking about using Mint Mobile in Japan? You’re in luck! (Sort of.) Mint Mobile might be your data provider, and you’re wondering if they have an international plan and if this plan is the right choice for you. Mint Mobile offers Minternational passes that you can use in Japan, but they might not provide enough data in these passes.
Here we’ll break down using Mint Mobile in Japan and introduce a more data-filled and affordable alternative: prepaid SIM cards from Sakura Mobile.
Table of Contents
1. What is Mint Mobile’s International Plan for Japan?
Japan is one of the 180+ countries in which the Minternational plan can be used.
Mint Mobile offers three passes under their Minternational plan:
| Pass | Price | Call/Text/Data | Average Data per Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Day | $5 | 60 Calls 60 Texts 1 GB | 1 GB |
| 3-Day | $10 | 200 Calls 200 Texts 3 GB of high-speed data | 1 GB of high-speed data |
| 10-Day | $20 | 500 Calls 500 Texts 10 GB of high-speed unlimited data | 1 GB of high-speed data |
Notes:
- Mint Mobile may reduce the speed to 2G speeds (128 kbps) on non-Unlimited Plans.
- The speed may be reduced to 3G speeds (512 kbps) on Unlimited Plans.
You can purchase your pass or passes at any time before or during your trip to Japan.
Is 1 GB a Day Enough Data?
Some things you might want to consider before you purchase your passes include the fact that you can only buy up to two passes at a time. So, you can have two passes stored in your account while using a pass, but you will be unable to store more than that under your account, even under a family plan.
Also, knowing that your data may become throttled when you run out of high-speed data.
Generally, when you run out of high-speed data, Mint Mobile may reduce the speed to 2G speeds (128 kbps) on most non-unlimited plans or 3G speeds (512 kbps) on Unlimited plans.
For reference on data usage that people might be looking at when they are traveling:
| Activity | Estimated Data Usage |
|---|---|
| Using Google Maps & Sending Texts | 500MB~800MB per day |
| Browsing the internet | ~50MB per hour (~2.33MB per usage) |
| Using Social Media | Between 2.05MB and 6MB per minute |
| Using Spotify | ~115 MB per hour (depending on sound quality) |
| Watching Netflix | Up to 7GB per hour (depending on picture quality) |
| Watching YouTube | Up to 9GB per hour (depending on picture quality) |
| Mobile Games | Anywhere from 10MB~100+MB per hour |
If you plan on using data for navigation or streaming, when looking at the checklist for international roaming, some sites recommend that you consider a local SIM. This is especially true if you don’t plan on hopping on WiFi where it is possible to do so.
If you are considering using Mint Mobile in Japan, this is our recommendation for passes, depending on your length of stay in Japan.
| Stay Duration | Pass | Total Price | Data Allowance | Average Data (per day) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 days | 10-Day | $20 | 10 GB of high-speed data | 1.25 GB per day |
| 10 days | 10-Day (possibly 2 passes) | >$20 | 10 GB of high-speed data | 1 GB per day |
| 15 days | 10-Day + 3-Day (x2) | >$40 | 16 GB of high speed data | ~1 GB per day |
| 30 days | 10-Day (x3 or more) | >$60 | 30 GB of high-speed data | 1 GB |
(These prices do not include tax.)
Are These Good Prices?
If you plan on staying in Japan for more than 10 days, or if you plan on using a lot of data while you are traveling throughout Japan, the price for the Minternational Plan may get quite expensive.
The Minternational Plans may be convenient if you plan on making a lot of calls or texts to family or friends back home and wish to use your existing phone number. And if you are okay with relying on WiFi spots to conserve your data as much as possible so as not to use up all of your minutes or high-speed data.
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2. Who Should Consider Using Mint Mobile in Japan (Mint Mobile’s International Plans)?
The Minternational Plan options can be useful for certain visitors, but they might not be ideal for everyone. Individuals who might benefit from using Minternational passes include:
- Short Visits:
If you’re only visiting for a period that these plans would cover, Minternational might work for you. - No SIM Swaps:
These passes allow you to use your existing SIM card, so you can keep using your phone number throughout your trip. - Budget Flexibility:
If you’re not traveling for a short visit, and you don’t mind the additional costs that can add up, then Minternational shouldn’t be a problem.
However, Mint Mobile’s Minternational passes might not be your best fit if:
- Social Guru:
Posting photos, stories, or videos uses a lot of data, which can quickly lead to throttled speeds (basically nonexistent data). - You Need More Data for Exploration:
If you plan on researching places on the go or you’re the designated navigator, the Minternational passes may feel restrictive. - Not a WiFi Hunter:
Constantly searching for free public WiFi can become tiresome quickly, and not all networks will be secure.
For travelers who want more data at a lower cost, a local prepaid SIM card is a great alternative. Order online in advance and pick up your SIM at the airport to start using it as soon as you arrive. Among the options available, we highly recommend Sakura Mobile for its reliability and flexibility.
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3. Why Choose Sakura Mobile? Affordable Unlimited Data and Flexible Data Options
Key Features:
- Unlimited data plan starting from 3,500 JPY:
With no data caps, you can explore, post, and stream as much as you need. - Reliable docomo 46 LTE network:
Sakura Mobile’s service covers 99% of populated areas in Japan, providing strong and stable connections. - Convenient pickup and delivery options:
Order online, pick up your SIM at any international airport, or have it delivered directly to your hotel. There is no need to hunt down a store or worry about activating your card on the go. - English-speaking customer support:
We offer reliable, year-round support so you can travel worry-free, knowing help is always available.
We recommend that you order your SIM at least three days before your landing day. You can pick up your product from the airport, or it can be delivered to the hotel or place you are staying at in Japan. You can also choose to pick up your SIM directly from our Tokyo office.
Sakura Mobile is currently offering a campaign on travel SIM cards that includes free shipping. Be sure to take advantage of this offer while it is still available.
Don’t want to deal with the hassle of transferring a physical SIM card?
Sakura Mobile also offers travel eSIMs.
Order your eSIM to ensure coverage throughout your stay in Japan. Right after you order it, you’ll receive an email with a QR code from the link attached inside. You can activate your eSIM through the QR code when you arrive in Japan.
(※Make sure you activate your QR code and get the eSIM issued when you arrive in Japan and plan on using it!)
This way, you don’t have to worry about losing or breaking a physical SIM card, and it’s better for the environment with no additional plastic. In addition, the eSIM plan provides flexibility regarding the amount of data and the rental period.
Sakura Mobile also offers fixed data eSIMs for those who might be unsure if the unlimited data plans are the right fit for them.
You can check out the Fixed Data eSIM plans via a link on the Travel SIM/eSIM page.
If you’re traveling with family and plan on sharing data, one option you might want to consider is getting Sakura Mobile’s pocket WiFi. It is compatible with all WiFi-enabled devices and allows you to connect up to 15 devices at a time.
Check out our travel pocket WiFi here.
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4. Maximize Your Data with These Tips
Traveling with limited data? Here are some ways you can save data and make the most of your connection:
- Download offline maps:
- Apps like Google Maps allow you to download maps and use the app without data, which is perfect for navigating on the go.
- Use public WiFi when possible:
- Take advantage of free WiFi hotspots in restaurants and cafes for data-heavy activities like video calls or uploads.
- Enable data-saving modes:
- Many apps have settings to reduce data usage, and you can keep the app from running in the background while you’re not using it. This can help you stretch your plan further.
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5. Things to Make Sure of
Is your phone compatible with Japanese frequency bands?
Before leaving for Japan, check if your phone is compatible with Japan’s frequency bands. This is important regardless of whether you use Mint Mobile or Sakura Mobile.
To ensure compatibility with Sakura Mobile, you can check your device against our compatibility list:
Sakura Mobile SIM card device compatibility
If your device isn’t listed, don’t worry! Our customer support team is here to help. Just reach out with your questions, and we’ll get back to you by the next day. We want to make sure you’re fully prepared to enjoy your trip to Japan with seamless connectivity.
However, in the unlikely situation where you find your phone incompatible with our SIM card, for whatever reason, or if you are unsure whether it is compatible with Japanese frequency bands, Sakura Mobile offers SIM compatibility insurance where you can immediately upgrade your plan, and we’ll send you a pocket WiFi device.
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6. Enjoy Your Trip to Japan!
With so many different foods to taste and places to visit during your trip to Japan, your phone not working should be the last thing on your mind.
People in Japan are kind and will help you if you need assistance, but a good portion of the population does not speak English well, even in metropolitan areas like Tokyo. So, if you cannot navigate using your phone, it might be difficult just to find your hotel.
WiFi hopping is also not guaranteed, especially depending on where in Japan you are traveling. The networks are not always secured, especially when you are using a WiFi source that is available to the public with no password required.
To be as safe as possible and enjoy your trip to the fullest, we recommend getting Sakura Mobile’s unlimited data SIM or eSIM card.
Enjoy your trip to Japan without worrying about data limits!
For people who will be staying in Japan for over 90 days, Voice and Data plans are available!
Sakura Mobile offers various long-term postpaid voice and data service plans. These plans include a Japanese phone number, which is a must if you want to open a bank account, rent an apartment, etc.! Use the link below to find the one that best suits your needs.
LINK: Sakura Mobile Voice + Data Sim
