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How to find the best Tokyo SIM card in 2025
Need to stay connected in Japan's bustling capital? Here's where and how to find the best Tokyo SIM card in 2025.
From the neon-lit tower of NTT Docomo to the traditional Sensō-ji Temple, Tokyo offers no shortage of sights to suit every traveler’s taste.
But with so many bustling streets and breathtaking views, you need to stay connected in the Big Mikan. How else are you going to use Google Maps to find the best izakaya bars around?
In this article, we show you the best Tokyo SIM cards for 2024, where to buy them, and help you pick the right option for your needs.
Ikou!
Why buy a Tokyo SIM card?
Whether you’re traveling for business or sightseeing, using a Tokyo SIM card to stay connected ensures a smoother, safer trip.
With over 37 million inhabitants, Tokyo is now the most populous city in the world.
It’s easy to get lost amongst the crowd, so connecting to a local network and using navigation apps to get around is a must for most first-timers.
Some of the main benefits of using a local SIM card include:
- Saving money on roaming costs: Using your usual SIM card while traveling can lead to high roaming charges. A Tokyo SIM card lets you pay local rates and avoid the extra fees.
- Accessing mobile internet anywhere: A local Tokyo SIM card ensures connection to a local network wherever you’re visiting in Tokyo — whether it’s the iconic Shibuya Crossing or at the foot of Mount Daisen in Tottori.
- Having a local phone number: Many Tokyo SIM cards include a Japanese phone number, making it easier to call and text locally.
- Avoiding insecure networks: Public WiFi networks can be insecure and vulnerable to hacking. A SIM card lets you browse securely and access sensitive information without relying on untrustworthy networks.
How to buy a SIM card in Tokyo
You’ve just touched down at Haneda or Narita Airport, and you’re ready to buy your SIM ASAP. Here’s how:
- Find a provider store: Many airports, kiosks, and shops (more on these later) offer SIM cards from well-known Japanese providers like NTT Docomo, Moba, and Softbank. You’ll find a variety of plans with different prices and data usage options.
- Select and buy your SIM card plan: When browsing SIM card options, consider factors like your trip duration, data needs, coverage, and internet speed. You’ll likely need to show your passport to complete the purchase.
- Install and activate your SIM card:
- Turn off your phone, take out your current SIM card (unless your phone has a dual SIM tray)
- Carefully place your new SIM card inside and store your original SIM card somewhere safe.
- Turn your phone back on and follow the on-screen instructions to activate it.
- Turn on your mobile data to get connected!
Note: For your SIM card to work, your phone needs to be unlocked and support the right frequency bands.
Roam Tokyo with no data caps
Where to buy a SIM card in Tokyo
There are several ways to get a Tokyo SIM card, whether you prefer to buy in advance or pick one up when you arrive. Here’s a look at your options:
Online
For the most convenience, consider buying a SIM in advance online or choosing an eSIM, which you can activate without a physical card.
While some Japanese SIM providers, such as Mobal, deliver prepaid Japan SIM cards internationally through their official online stores, other providers, like Sakura Mobile, only ship their SIMs throughout Japan—meaning you’ll need to pick up your SIM when you arrive.
Alternatively, Holafly offers eSIMs that you can download directly onto your phone whenever you like, so you’re connected the moment you land.
Airports
Both Haneda and Narita airports offer kiosks, counters, electronic stores, and even SIM card vending machines where you can buy voice and data SIM cards for Tokyo.
Buying a SIM card at the airport is convenient, letting you get connected right away. However, airport options are often pricier than those in the city.
Local shops
Electronic stores like BIC Camera and Yodobashi Camera, provider stores, and even convenience stores carry a variety of Japan SIM cards and Tokyo prepaid SIM cards for tourists.
There are plenty of these stores throughout Tokyo, but finding them can be time-consuming, especially if it’s your first time in the city.
That’s why we’ve compiled some of the addresses so you don’t have to! Some locations to find SIM cards in Tokyo include:
- BIC Camera Yurakucho store: 1-11-1 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 100-0006.
- Yodobashi Camera Shinjuku West Main Store: 1-11-1, Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0023.
- LABI Shibuya: 2 Chome-29-20 Dogenzaka, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0043, Japan
How much is a SIM card in Tokyo?
Depending on your chosen provider and plan, a SIM card for Tokyo can cost anywhere from ¥990 ($6.45) to ¥9,000 ($60.30 USD).
If you’re unsure whether to go with a cheaper or more expensive Tokyo SIM card, it’s better to overestimate — otherwise, you could find yourself in an unfamiliar place without a connection.
What is the best Tokyo SIM card?
Now that you know how and where to get a Tokyo SIM card, let’s explore the top options for staying connected.
There are several reliable options from major providers in Tokyo, many of which offer tourist SIM cards. Here’s a breakdown of some of the best SIM card providers and their plans.
NTT Docomo
NTT Docomo is one of Japan’s most trusted carriers, known for its extensive coverage and reliable connection speeds.
They offer a variety of SIM card options, with their one-month plans being the most popular:
- One-month unlimited data plan starting at ¥4,565 ($29.75)
- One-month 30 GB data plan for ¥2,970 ($19.36)
- One-month 9 GB data plan ranging from ¥550 to ¥3,377 ($3.60-22)
Note: Keep in mind that Docomo’s SIM cards are designed for locals, making them less ideal for stays in Tokyo shorter than one month.
Mobal
Mobal is a Japanese telecommunications company offering a range of SIM card plans that include both data only SIM options and call options, making it popular with tourists and international residents alike.
Data-only plans:
- 8-day 25 GB data plan for ¥4,730 ($30.80)
- 16-day 50 GB data plan for ¥6,490 ($42.30)
- 31-day 50 GB data plan for ¥7,920 ($51.65)
Mobal also offers data, call, and text plans with a Japanese phone number. Each of these plans comes with 7GB of 4G LTE internet speeds.
Once you use up your gigabytes, you can continue to enjoy unlimited data, albeit at a lower speed of 200 kbps each month. Your 7GB budget resets on the first of each month. For example, if you travel from April 20th to May 19th, you end up with 14 GB of data.
- 30-day 7 GB data plan for ¥7,920 ($51.65): This Mobal plan is ¥2,970 ($19.60) for purchase and ¥4,950 ($32.65) to activate.
- 60-day 7 GB data plan for ¥12,870 ($83.90): It’s ¥2,970 ($19.60) to purchase this Mobal plan, but you’ll need to pay another ¥9,900 ($65.32) to activate it.
- 90-day 7 GB data plan for ¥17,820 ($116.20): Costs ¥2,970 ($19.60) with a ¥14,850 ($97.98) activation fee.
Some other important things to keep in mind when it comes to Mobal SIM cards:
- Mobal Japan SIMs are compatible with any unlocked device that takes a physical SIM card and supports the 4G Band 1 (2100MHz) frequency.
- Your device must support VoLTE (voice over LTE) if you’re calling people using the Softbank network. This is only available for devices that have Android 12 or a newer version installed.
- Mobal reported that Google Pixel 7 devices are incompatible with their tourist, data-only cards, causing connection drops.
SoftBank
SoftBank is one of Tokyo’s oldest telecommunications companies with plenty of plans available. However, they only have one travel SIM card data plan that costs ¥1,650 ($10.90) for 3 GBs of data.
This SIM card is only available for purchase at their official stores. It’s worth noting that they also have shops with English-speaking staff, including:
- SoftBank Ginza: 5-7-8, Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
- SoftBank Omotesando: Alteka Plaza 1F 1-13-9, Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- SoftBank Roppongi: MUFG Bank Roppongi Building 1F 4-9-7 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
- SoftBank Shibuya: Kiyama Building 27-4 Udagawa-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- SoftBank Nagoya: Nissei Murase Building 1F 3-25-11 Nishiki, Naka-ku, Nagoya-Shi, Aichi
To ensure you can get assistance and the right SIM card, SoftBank also recommends making a shop reservation in advance. They even offer video call assistance.
IIJmio
IIJmio, a budget-friendly Japanese telecom service from Internet Initiative Japan (IIJ), is popular among travelers and locals looking for flexible and cost-effective mobile plans. Their most popular data plans include:
- 30-day 3 GB data plan for ¥2,480 ($16.20)
- 30-day 15 GB data plan for ¥3,480 ($22.70)
IIJmio also offers specialized monthly travel SIMS:
- Voice SIMs from ¥850 ($5.60) monthly
- Data SIMs from ¥740 ($4.90) monthly
- SMS SIMs from ¥440 ($2.90) monthly
However, keep in mind that these prices can vary depending on where you find your SIM card for purchase.
Sakura
Sakura specializes in providing expatriates and travelers with simple and effective mobile services, including pocket WiFi rentals, Tokyo eSIMs, and SIM cards.
They have a wide range of data plans for both short-term and long-term travelers visiting the country. Known for reliable connections and fast speeds, their most popular plans include:
- 5-day unlimited data plan for ¥3,500 ($23.50)
- 8-day unlimited data plan for ¥4,500 ($30.15)
- 12-day unlimited data plan for ¥5,700 ($38.20)
- 15-day unlimited data plan for ¥6,500 ($43.55)
- 21-day unlimited data plan for ¥7,650 ($51.30)
- 30-day unlimited data plan for ¥9,000 ($60.30)
B-mobile
While B-mobile may not be Japan’s most famous provider, it offers reliable, budget-friendly mobile services.
Owned by Japan Communications Inc. (JCI), B-mobile’s Japan SIM card data options operate on major carriers like Docomo and Softbank. Some of their popular data SIM cards and plans include:
- 10-day 5 GB data plan for ¥1,980 ($13.30)
- 21-day 7 GB data plan for ¥2,970 ($19.90)
It’s also worth noting that you can add 1 GB/day of data for ¥500 ($3.30) up to two days after your chosen plan expires.
For maximum convenience, we recommend using an eSIM, which you can set up quickly without needing a physical card.
Providers like Holafly offer unlimited data eSIMs, so you’re connected the moment you arrive.
Using Holafly as an eSIM alternative
If you’re looking for the best SIM card in Tokyo, you have plenty of options.
Reliable providers like Sakura and Softbank offer a range of Japan SIM card plans at different price points, available from airport vending machines to online stores —ideal for both light scrollers and heavy data consumers.
However, choosing an unlimited data Tokyo eSIM from Holafly is even easier. With an eSIM, you can activate your plan quickly without needing a physical card.
Plus, unlimited data gives you peace of mind, so you won’t have to worry about running out mid-trip.
Once you’re connected, you’re all set to explore the world’s most populous city. Just remember to snap a pic of the sushi and send over some sake while you’re there!
Stay connected without the hassle
Plans that may interest you
Originally from Michigan USA and currently based in Sarajevo Bosnia and Herzegovina, Armin Tanovic has five years of experience writing content and copy for both US and European marketing agencies. He’s written for travel brands like TravelPerk, and loves an adventure in the great outdoors. You can catch him off the beaten path exploring mountains and coastlines while drawing his writing inspiration from the scenery.
