SIM cards and eSIM in Japan

Which carriers matter, what buying a SIM involves, and when an eSIM is the smarter move.

Mobile internet eSIM Best option when traveling

Guac

Recommended

Reliable mobile internet at better prices than most travel eSIMs, with polished iOS and Android apps and support for making and receiving phone calls.

App Store Play Store See plans

Airalo

One of the biggest travel eSIM brands, with a very large destination catalog.

Holafly

Known for unlimited-data plans in many destinations, at a higher price per gigabyte.

Buying a local SIM card ID registration required

Registration: Bring your passport; the seller registers the prepaid SIM during activation.
Tourist plans and prices: SoftBank prepaid tourist SIM includes 3GB for 30 days and costs around $11.50.
Where to buy: Airport counters and city carrier stores are the easiest places to buy; confirm activation before leaving.
Local eSIM: Local eSIM is available and follows the same identity rules as a physical SIM.

Good to know

Most tourist plans are data-only, so services that require a local number or SMS may not work.

Local carriers

NTT Docomo
Best choice for broad coverage, including rural areas.
SoftBank
Tourist-friendly choice with a straightforward purchase process.
au (KDDI)
A solid alternative; compare current prepaid offers before buying.
Tourist MVNOs
Tourist-friendly choice with a straightforward purchase process.

eSIM and SIM cards by country→

Sources and how current this is

Data checked July 2026

Source dates: Sakura Mobile: ~23 Jul 2026 | Tokyo Expat: 21 Jun 2026 | Simology: ~16 Jul 2026 | BitJoy: 17 May 2026 (affiliate - used for SoftBank/MVNO plan structure only, cross-checked)

Sources disagree: Registration practice or tourist eligibility still varies between published accounts.

Sources

Frequently asked questions

Do I need my passport to buy a SIM card in Japan?

Bring your passport; the seller registers the prepaid SIM during activation.

What is the best eSIM for Japan?

Guac eSIM covers Japan with data plans starting from $1.50 per GB and instant activation, so your phone is online the moment you land. Airalo and Holafly are popular alternatives.

← All essential apps for Japan

Mobile internet eSIM Best option when traveling

Guac

Recommended

Reliable mobile internet at better prices than most travel eSIMs, with polished iOS and Android apps and support for making and receiving phone calls.

App Store Play Store See plans

Airalo

One of the biggest travel eSIM brands, with a very large destination catalog.

Holafly

Known for unlimited-data plans in many destinations, at a higher price per gigabyte.

Buying a local SIM card ID registration required

Registration

Bring your passport; the seller registers the prepaid SIM during activation.

Tourist plans and prices

SoftBank prepaid tourist SIM includes 3GB for 30 days and costs around $11.50.

Where to buy

Airport counters and city carrier stores are the easiest places to buy; confirm activation before leaving.

Local eSIM

Local eSIM is available and follows the same identity rules as a physical SIM.

Good to know

Most tourist plans are data-only, so services that require a local number or SMS may not work.

Local carriers

NTT Docomo

Best choice for broad coverage, including rural areas.

SoftBank

Tourist-friendly choice with a straightforward purchase process.

au (KDDI)

A solid alternative; compare current prepaid offers before buying.

Tourist MVNOs

Tourist-friendly choice with a straightforward purchase process.

Sources and how current this is

Data checked July 2026

Source dates: Sakura Mobile: ~23 Jul 2026 | Tokyo Expat: 21 Jun 2026 | Simology: ~16 Jul 2026 | BitJoy: 17 May 2026 (affiliate - used for SoftBank/MVNO plan structure only, cross-checked)

Sources disagree: Registration practice or tourist eligibility still varies between published accounts.

Sources

Frequently asked questions

Do I need my passport to buy a SIM card in Japan?

Bring your passport; the seller registers the prepaid SIM during activation.

What is the best eSIM for Japan?

Guac eSIM covers Japan with data plans starting from $1.50 per GB and instant activation, so your phone is online the moment you land. Airalo and Holafly are popular alternatives.