Japan SIM Card, eSIM, or Pocket WiFi – Which One is Best to Use?
Anywhere you go, internet connectivity is essential. This is why we made sure to secure our Japan SIM card on our first trip to the Land of the Rising Sun. But why did we use a SIM card instead of a pocket WiFi in Japan? We’ll let you know later.
Is it better to get a pocket WiFi, SIM card, or eSIM in Japan? With so many options, it’ll be challenging to pick which one to use in Japan. We’ll break down the things to consider so you can choose the right one for you.
Japan SIM card and eSIM
What is a Japan SIM card and eSIM?
A Japan SIM card is a small plastic card inserted into your phone so you can communicate via call or text and use mobile data for internet connection while in Japan.
On the other hand, an eSIM functions like a regular SIM except that you no longer have to insert a physical SIM to your phone. You will just download an app, subscribe to a plan, and activate it. Do note that your mobile phone must be eSIM compatible. Be sure to check the list of eSIM compatible phones before subscribing to any eSIM plan.
Both SIM cards and eSIMs are provided by telcos and internet service providers in a particular country like Japan.
What is the best SIM card or eSIM for Japan?
Here are some of the best Japan eSIMs and SIM cards foreigners can purchase online:
1. Yesim eSIM Japan
This Yesim eSIM is a popular eSIM in Japan with coverage provided by KDDI, one of the largest telcos in Japan and Asia. The eSIM features standard and unlimited data coverage across Japan with 1 day, 7 days, 15 days, or 30 days validity options.
What’s cool about it is that you don’t need to insert another SIM card to your smartphone. Just download the Yesim app, follow the instructions, and choose your data package to enjoy high-speed data connection in Japan. (Tip: Use our promo code: CHILL3 to get a €3 / ¥515 bonus on your first subscription.)
Price: ¥1,700 (US$11) 3 GB data for 7 days
2. Airalo Moshi Moshi eSIM
This Moshi Moshi eSIM from Airalo is one of the most reliable eSIMs in Japan. It features 1 GB to 20 GB data coverage across Japan with 7 days, 15 days, or 30 days validity options. As with any other eSIM, you no longer have to insert a SIM card to your phone. Instead, you just download the Airalo app, install, and choose your data plan.
Price: ¥695 (US$4.50) 1 GB data for 7 days
3. Asia Pacific Travel eSIM
This Asia Pacific Travel eSIM features 6 GB 4G data which you can use for 8 days across Asia-Pacific countries including Japan. You can activate the mobile voucher within 180 days from your booking confirmation.
Price: ¥1,889 (US$12.25) 6 GB data for 8 days
4. Sakura Mobile 4G SIM Card
This 4G SIM card is offered by Sakura Mobile, a popular wireless service provider in Japan. It features unlimited 4G data, which is usable across Japan for 5 to 31 days, depending on your preferred validity period. Pick-up locations include Haneda Airport and Narita Airport in Tokyo, and Kansai Airport in Osaka.
Price: ¥3,500 (US$22.69) unlimited data for 5 days
5. 5G Japan SIM
This 5G Japan SIM operated by NTT docomo’s Network (MVNO) features unlimited 5G data which you can use all over Japan for 5 to 31 days, depending on your chosen validity period. You can choose to pick up the SIM in Tokyo’s Haneda Airport, Osaka’s Kansai Airport, Nagoya’s Chubu Centrair Airport, Fukouka Airport, and Hokkaido’s New Chitose Airport.
Price: ¥2,500 (US$16.20) unlimited data for 5 days
How much is a SIM card and eSIM in Japan?
A Japan SIM card cost starts from ¥2,500 (US$16.20) with unlimited data for 5 days, and a Japan eSIM could cost around ¥695 (US$4.50) with 1 GB data to ¥1,700 (US$11) with 3 GB data valid for 7 days. The prices depend on the service provider and validity period. See a summary of Japan SIM card and eSIM costs below:
Japan eSIM and SIM card prices 2024 (online purchase)
| eSIM Provider | 5 Days | 7 Days | 15 Days | 30 Days |
| Yesim eSIM | – | ¥1,700 | ¥2,000 | ¥2,900 |
| Moshi Moshi eSIM | – | ¥695 | ¥1,000 | ¥1,300 |
| Asia Pacific eSIM | – | ¥1,889 (8 days) | – | – |
| SIM Provider | 5 Days | 8 Days | 16 Days | 31 Days |
| Sakura Mobile | ¥3,500 | ¥4,000 | ¥6,000 | ¥7,000 |
| Japan 5G SIM | ¥2,500 | ¥3,600 | ¥6,000 | ¥7,000 |
*Do note that Japan eSIM and SIM card prices are accurate as of publication date and may change without prior notice. Be sure to check the respective listings prior to your trip.
How to get a Japan SIM card?
We always recommend that you secure your Japan SIM card before traveling to the country to avoid inconvenience.
After buying online, you can claim the physical SIM card at designated locations in airports like Narita Airport and Haneda Airport in Tokyo, and Kansai Airport in Osaka.
If you failed to buy your Japan SIM card prior to your trip, you may still buy your SIM card at mobile centers or airport counters for telcos and network providers including NTT Docomo, Sakura Mobile, Telecom Square, and NINJA WiFi. Alternatively, you may find Japanese vending machines at airports that sell prepaid SIM cards.
Can foreigners buy a SIM card in Japan?
Yes, foreigners can buy their SIM cards in Japan. As mentioned earlier, you can buy your Japan SIM card at designated mobile centers and counters as well as vending machines at airports in Japan.
However, to avoid the hassle of searching for a SIM card in Japan, we suggest that you get your SIM card before your trip and claim it at designated counters in Japan airports. By doing so, you’ll be at ease knowing you have internet connectivity as soon as you land in Japan.
Japan pocket WiFi
What is a Japan pocket WiFi?
A Japan pocket WiFi is a small wireless device which you can bring anywhere to give internet connection to your gadgets like phones, laptops, and tablets. Usually, a SIM card from a mobile network is connected to the pocket WiFi device.
What is the best pocket WiFi for Japan?
You’ll find a lot of pocket WiFi rentals in Japan, but here are some of the available ones you can rent online:
1. NINJA WiFi with Free Powerbank
This pocket WiFi from NINJA WiFi is a reliable pocket WiFi device featuring unlimited 4G WiFi across Japan. It has a battery life of up to 9 hours and can be shared by up to 5 devices. It also comes with a free powerbank and charger when you pick up from the airport.
Price: ¥528 (US$3.45) per day
2. Softbank 4G Pocket WiFi with Powerbank
This pocket WiFi from Softbank features unlimited 4G WiFi across Japan. It has a battery life of up to 9 hours and can be shared by up to 10 devices. It also comes with a free powerbank and a round-trip delivery in Japan.
Price: ¥529 (US$3.45) per day
How much does pocket WiFi cost in Japan?
Japan pocket WiFi may cost ¥497 (US$3.30) to ¥750 (US$4.98) per day which can be shared with 5-10 devices, depending on the service provider. See a summary of Japan pocket WiFi rentals below:
Japan pocket WiFi prices 2024 (online purchase)
| Service Provider | Battery Life | # of Devices | Cost Per Day |
| NINJA WiFi | 9 hrs | 5 | ¥528 |
| Softbank (WiFi + Powerbank) | 9 hrs | 10 | ¥529 |
*The Japan pocket WiFi prices above are accurate as of publication date. Check the respective listings for the most updated rates.
How to get pocket WiFi in Japan?
It’s always best to secure your Japan pocket WiFi before your trip. Same with Japan SIM cards, you can collect the actual pocket WiFi device at designated counters in Japan airports such as Narita Airport, Haneda Airport, and Kansai Airport.
Some Japan pocket WiFi rentals like this Softbank Pocket WiFi with powerbank can also be delivered to your Japan hotel prior to your arrival.
Is it worth getting pocket WiFi in Japan?
Yes, pocket WiFi in Japan is worth it, especially for group travelers. You can share the WiFi with multiple devices, allowing you to save more since you can split the costs.
Is Japan pocket WiFi unlimited?
Yes, Japan pocket WiFi is unlimited, with a minimum of 3 GB of high-speed data daily. Some even offer up to 10 GB of high-speed data at a higher cost.
Japan SIM card vs eSIM vs Pocket WiFi: Which is best to use?
So, is it better to get a SIM card or pocket WiFi in Japan? The answer to that question actually depends on several factors including the number of people, length of stay, and budget.
Which one is cheaper?
If we compare the costs let’s say for 5 days, a SIM card could cost ¥2,500 and a pocket WiFi could cost ¥2,640, but it’s already good for up to 5 devices.
Meaning, if you are traveling in groups, it would be more practical to get a pocket WiFi since you can share the WiFi and split the cost. For instance, if there are 5 people, you’ll only spend ¥528 each for 5 days.
But if you are traveling solo or as a couple, it’s better to get the SIM card since it’ll only cost you ¥2,500 (solo) or ¥1,250 (couple) each for 5 days as opposed to paying the entire pocket WiFi cost of ¥2,640.
You factor everything in, do the math, and see which is cheaper for your Japan trip.
What are the pros and cons?
Japan SIM Card
Pros:
- No need to carry a separate device
- It’s cheaper for solo travelers and couples
- You can keep the SIM card as a souvenir since you don’t need to return it
Cons:
- Setting up could take time
- Possible phone compatibility issues
- Usage is dependent on your phone’s battery life
Japan eSIM
Pros:
- No need to insert a physical SIM
- Easy to download and activate
- No more additional device
Cons:
- Phone must be eSIM compatible
- Challenging to install for non-techie users
- Usage is still dependent on phone’s battery life
Japan Pocket WiFi
Pros:
- Easy to use and no setup needed
- Cost-effective for big groups of 5 or more people
- Shareable to 5 or more devices
Cons:
- Additional device to carry and charge
- You need to return the device
- Battery life is limited to 9-10 hours
What do we recommend as travelers?
Now, let us answer the question in the intro as to why we used a SIM card instead of a pocket WiFi in Japan. It’s quite simple. We traveled as a couple so there were only two of us. It was only practical to get one SIM card since only one person had to use the internet for research and navigation. If we needed to upload our photos and videos, we just used the free public WiFi like the one in our hotel so we could save on data usage.
If you are a solo traveler or a couple like us, we recommend that you get a SIM card in Japan. But if you are traveling in groups of say 5 or more people, it would be better for you to rent a pocket WiFi instead as it’s more cost-effective.
And, if you’re not really a heavy internet user and you want to save even more, you may want to consider getting a Japan eSIM like Yesim and Airalo instead since it’s easy to install and activate on the same phone. Be sure to check your phone’s eSIM compatibility before subscribing to a plan.
Now that you know all these, which one will you use when traveling in Japan: SIM card, eSIM or pocket WiFi? Pick wisely!
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