WHAT SIM CARD TO BUY IN JAPAN TO HAVE INTERNET IN THE MOBILE

Although we always recommend buying a SIM with internet for any trip, in the case of Japan it is even more important. Here it is essential to be able to check which bus or subway line you have to take, the schedule of the temples or museums, translate the menu of a restaurant, order a taxi, etc. In the most technological country in the world it is not easy to connect to free Wifis (beyond the hotel or a cafeteria) and you cannot be disconnected! And to make things a little easier, we will tell you which SIM card to buy in Japan to have internet on mobile, where to do it, the companies that operate and their plans and restrictions.

Unlike in many other countries, buying a local SIM card from any operator in Japan as a tourist is not easy. In order to access the best rates you have to present a residence permit, bank account there, make a minimum one or two year contract and a paperwork that does not interest us. But we don't have everything lost, there are two very practical solutions:

1. Buy a SIM with internet on Holafly before traveling to Japan

Normally, it is usually more important to buy a local SIM upon arrival at the destination. However, for Japan, the prices between ordering a card with internet from providers like Holafly in Spain or doing so with a Japanese operator is not significant, so it is an option to consider.

The process is very simple: you go to their website, you ask for the card, you receive it at home (without shipping) and once you arrive in Japan you install it on your free mobile and you already have internet. Anyway, along with the SIM they send you detailed instructions and you will have support service 24 hours a day. Prices vary depending on the days and the amount of data, ranging from 30€ (although sometimes they have offers!).

Enjoy also a 5% discount on this link

2. Buy a prepaid SIM with limited validity once we arrive in Japan

There are several companies that offer prepaid cards with more or less validity and amount of data. Some of the most important we have found are these:

• IIjmio: 1.5GB and 30 days = ¥ 2,030 / 3GB and 30 days = ¥ 3,080
• Bmobile: 5GB and 10 days = ¥ 1,980 / 7GB and 21 days = ¥ 2,970
• Rakuten Mobile: 1GB and 30 days = ¥ 2,980 / 2GB and 90 days = ¥ 3,980
• Sakura Mobile: unlimited data 8 days = ¥ 4,500 / 15 days = ¥ 6,500 / 30 days = ¥ 9,000

Here you can see a larger list (in English).

In the airports (At least in Kansai where we arrived, although we assume that also in Tokyo), there is a room with prepaid SIM card vending machines. We saw several companies and with different plans / days, but none convinced us (especially for the price). We also found some specific counters where he sold these cards, but the prices were still higher.

So we went to Kyoto without having internet on mobile and there we opted to search electronics stores, and among them Bic Camera. Specifically in this they sell the cards of IIjm, and from what we saw and compared they were the cheapest. We caught the 30-day and 3GB for 3,080 ¥, there was also the option of 30 days with 1,5Gb for 2,030 ¥ (we read that the prices depended on each reseller and the price may be different in other places). We also found cards in stores Lawson, but they were much more expensive.

• List of stores where they sell IIjmio cards.
• List of stores where they sell Bmobile cards

These are the options to have internet on mobile on a trip to Japan. Hopefully now you have clearer which SIM card to buy in Japan and you can take the right train and choose the ramen you like best 😉