Buying a SIM card in Tokyo can seem like a daunting process. But going in with a little knowledge will save you a lot of time and effort in the long run.
If you like to be prepared, chances are you’re here to see where to buy a SIM card before you arrive in the country. You’re in the right place! If you … prefer to go with the flow, then you’re here to see where to pick up a SIM in Tokyo. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered, too!
Option one: Sort your SIM out online before you arrive
Depending on how long you’ll be here (and how good your Japanese is), you’ll save a lot of time and effort just by ordering your SIM online in advance. This is especially true if you’re a tourist.
For short-term visits, Mobal is our top pick. Their 8-day to 31-day data-only SIM cards will set you back ¥4,730 to ¥7,920. The 8-day SIM includes a hefty 25GB of data, which is more than enough for navigation, social media, messaging, and streaming for 8 days of travel. The 16- and 31-day plans each come with 50GB worth of data, which should definitely keep you covered.
If you’re after options that include call and text functionality, Mobal also offers 30-, 60- and 90-day call, text, and data SIMs billed monthly. All of Mobal’s SIMs are available for pick-up from Narita or Haneda airports and various locations around the country.
But everyone’s different, and another provider might suit you better if you have specific needs. Our list of prepaid short-term SIM providers in Japan includes a handy pricing and features guide, with information on whether you can order the SIM online.
There can be a lot more to think about if you’re looking for a more permanent long-term SIM contract. The main factors you’ll want to focus on are price, data allowances, English support, and contract termination fees. Our guide to long-term SIM cards in Japan includes a simple price comparison chart, and is recommended reading before you make a decision. Essentially, though, shopping online will be the most hassle-free approach. Especially if your Japanese is limited.
Option two: Buy your SIM card in Tokyo
So you’ve already arrived in Tokyo, and you didn’t organize your SIM online before you rolled into town. We’re not here to judge — you were probably busy daydreaming about all the amazing things you’re going to eat. But if you need data and pocket Wi-Fi and eSIMs aren’t right for you, you’ll have to get your SIM in person. So, where do you start?
Buying SIM cards at Tokyo’s airports
For in-person purchases, the airport is one of the most convenient options. Both Narita and Haneda airports have sales points from which travelers can buy a SIM card. This is especially helpful for tourists with limited Japanese — Tokyo airport SIM stalls deal routinely with foreigners, so there’s a good chance they’ll have a fluent English speaker on hand.
However, there are a couple of potential downsides to buying your SIM at Haneda or Narita. Your choice is going to be limited — and, as with everything in airports, there’s a good chance you’ll be paying more than you would elsewhere. Such is the price of convenience. Presumably, you’ll also be fresh off a flight — groggy and worse for wear from hours in what effectively amounts to a noisy, airtight petri dish. In other words, not in the best mindset for smart decision-making.
Pro tip: Read up on the easiest ways of getting from Narita to your accommodation. We have a Haneda transport guide too.
Ordering a last-minute SIM online, on the spot
An easy, all-English option is to order a SIM card on the Mobal website. Then, you can go and pick it up in person at a collection point in Shibuya, Shinjuku, Tokyo Station, or Asakusa that same day. No Wi-Fi? No problem — find some free Wi-Fi at a cafe, and you’ll be sorted in a few taps and a trot downtown. They also have pick-up points in Kyoto, Osaka, Nagoya, Nagano, Hokkaido, Okinawa, Kanazawa, and Yokohama.
Buying SIM cards at Bic Camera and Yodobashi Camera in Tokyo
Don’t let the “camera” part fool you. If it vaguely involves electricity, these stores stock it — and SIM cards are no exception. As Japan’s biggest electronics titans, they have two major advantages over ordering online: the range of options, and some price cuts. If you’re after a prepaid travel SIM, you should be able to wander into a store, pick a SIM, and message your buddies back home about Japan’s famously fancy toilets in record time.
If you’re staying in inner-city Tokyo, there’s a good chance you’ll be close to a Bic Camera. Many branches are tactically placed near many Yamanote Line stations, including Shinjuku, Shibuya, Akihabara and Yurakuchō. If you’ve got time to kill around the airport, there are also small Bic Camera branches in Narita Airport Terminal 2 and Haneda Airport International Terminal — which are likely to be cheaper than any of the dedicated independent travel SIM retailers and should have prepaid SIMs on display.
If you’re after a more permanent contract, you might be asked for a permanent address or Japanese bank account details. And there will likely be very little foreign-language support while you’re choosing and setting up a contract. The same goes for any questions you have during or while canceling your plan.
Put simply, when it comes to buying long-term SIM cards in-store, if you speak fluent Japanese or have a friend who’s willing to help, the world is your oyster. Otherwise, consider sacrificing these options and going online to keep your sanity intact.
Alternatives to buying a SIM card in Tokyo
Finally, an option to consider is not getting a SIM card at all. Firstly, there are now many options for a Japan eSIM — a software SIM that doesn’t involve swapping out your existing physical SIM card.
Alternatively, if you haven’t considered renting a Wi-Fi router in Japan, you might want to look into this instead, especially if you have multiple devices (traveling as a family?), and/or are likely to be a heavy internet user.
And if you’re a bit of world cheapo, you’ll be pleased to know we’ve got you covered on our sister cheapo sites if you’re looking for a UK SIM card or a SIM card in Hong Kong.
Buying a SIM card in Tokyo FAQs
How much does a Japan SIM card cost?
It really depends on your data needs and the duration of your trip. If you’re here for a week or two and don’t need more than 5GB of data, you’re looking at between ¥2,000 to ¥3,000. If you’re here for a longer stint or want 25GB+ or unlimited data, companies like Mobal or Sakura charge between ¥4,500 and ¥10,000.
How much data do I need for a trip to Japan?
This also depends largely on the length of your trip and your data habits. If you’re here for around a week and planning to use your device for everyday things like navigation, social media, browsing, streaming audio or video, maybe even making audio or video calls over services like Messenger, Facetime, or WhatsApp, you’re likely to use between 3GB to 10GB. If you’re a heavier data user like a digital nomad — using data for work, making lots of video calls, or dealing with large image or video files, you could use much more than 10GB in this time.
Can I use tethering/hotspot with a Japanese SIM card?
Most carriers do support tethering and hotspot, but availability might depend on your device or operating system. Check with your provider to be sure.
Can I get a Japanese phone number with a Japan SIM card?
Only if it’s a calls, text, and data SIM card. Not if the SIM card is data-only. If you’re after a Japanese phone number, we recommend providers like Mobal.
While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change. Post first published in February 2019. Last updated in November 2024 by Patrick Balfe.
