How to Get a SIM Card and Internet in Japan: Best Options for Travelers and Expats

Staying connected in Japan is essential for both short-term visitors and long-term residents. Whether you’re navigating Tokyo’s trains, working remotely, or just posting photos of sushi, you’ll need a reliable mobile connection and internet access. But Japan’s mobile market can be confusing for newcomers. This guide explains how to get a SIM card and internet in Japan, with the best options for travelers, expats, and students.

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1. Mobile Network Basics in Japan

① Major Carriers (MNOs)

• NTT Docomo, au (KDDI), and SoftBank are the three major mobile operators.
• They offer nationwide coverage and high speeds, but contracts are long and often expensive.

② Budget-Friendly Alternatives (MVNOs)

• MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) lease networks from MNOs.
• Examples: Rakuten Mobile, LINEMO, IIJmio, b-mobile, Sakura Mobile.
• Cheaper and flexible but may have lower speed during peak times.

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2. SIM Card Options for Travelers

① Prepaid SIM Cards (Short-Term)

• Ideal for stays under 90 days.
• No contract or ID registration required for data-only SIMs.
• Available at airports, electronics stores, convenience stores, or online.

Provider	Validity	Data	Price
Sakura Mobile	8–30 days	3–30GB	¥3,000–¥6,500
Mobal	8–90 days	Unlimited (Fair Use)	¥4,500–¥8,000
Japan Wireless	7–30 days	Unlimited (Rental SIM)	¥3,000–¥7,000

💡 Tip: Make sure your phone is unlocked before arriving in Japan.

② Pocket Wi-Fi Rental

• Great for groups or multiple device use.
• Unlimited data and easy setup.
• Rentable at airports or online with hotel delivery.

Provider	Rental Period	Price
Ninja WiFi	Per day	¥800–¥1,200/day
Japan Wireless	1 week+	¥5,000–¥10,000/month
Sakura Mobile	1 week+	¥4,500–¥8,500/month

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3. SIM & Mobile Plans for Expats and Students

① Long-Term SIM Plans (With Monthly Billing)

• Requires a residence card and Japanese address.
• Monthly contract with automatic billing via credit card or bank account.

Provider	Plan Type	Monthly Fee
Rakuten Mobile	Unlimited	¥2,980
LINEMO	3–20GB	¥990–¥2,728
Sakura Mobile	4–25GB	¥2,750–¥4,950

✅ No contract options available for most MVNOs. ✅ English customer support: Sakura Mobile, Mobal, GTN Mobile.

② Student-Friendly Plans

• Sakura Mobile and GTN Mobile offer plans tailored for foreign students.
• Includes data SIM + phone number + English support.

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4. Home Internet Options in Japan

① Fiber Optic Internet (光回線)

• Super fast and stable (up to 1 Gbps).
• Requires installation and a contract (1–2 years).

Provider	Monthly Fee	Installation Time
NTT FLET’S	¥4,000–¥6,000	1–3 weeks
AU Hikari	¥4,000–¥6,000	2–4 weeks
SoftBank Hikari	¥4,000–¥6,500	2–3 weeks

💡 Tip: Many apartments already have fiber lines installed—just pick a provider.

② Portable Wi-Fi (Home Router or Pocket Wi-Fi)

• Good for temporary housing or shared living.
• No installation required.

Provider	Monthly Fee	Speed
SoftBank Air	¥4,880	Up to 612 Mbps
Sakura Mobile (Home WiFi)	¥4,950	Varies by area
WiMAX	¥4,000–¥5,500	Up to 1 Gbps (theoretical)

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5. Tips Before You Choose

✅ Unlocked Phone: Make sure your phone is unlocked for use with Japanese SIMs.
✅ Coverage: Check coverage maps if you’re in rural areas.
✅ Data Usage: Know how much data you really need (streaming, work, maps, etc.).
✅ Language Support: Choose providers with English support if needed.
✅ Payment Method: Some providers accept only credit cards or Japanese bank accounts.

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Conclusion

Whether you’re in Japan for a week or a year, there are plenty of options to stay connected. SIM cards, pocket Wi-Fi, long-term mobile plans, and home internet services are all available depending on your needs. With the right plan, you can enjoy fast and reliable internet anywhere in Japan.