Where can I buy a prepaid SIM in Japan? Recommended SIM cards for foreigners are also introduced.

update date 2024/03/10

This site introduces products through an affiliate program.

Smooth access to the Internet is very important for foreigners visiting Japan. Prepaid SIM cards can be a useful tool for short-stay and travelers.

This article summarizes the following information regarding prepaid SIM cards in Japan.

Can foreigners purchase a prepaid SIM card in Japan?
Where can I buy a prepaid SIM in Japan?
Recommended Japanese Prepaid SIM Cards

If you want to get a prepaid SIM card that is easy to use in Japan, or if you are wondering where you can buy a prepaid SIM card in Japan, please refer to this page.

▼ If you are staying in Japan for an extended period of time and are looking for a SIM card, we recommend this article!

The Complete Guide to Mobile Plans in Japan! Mobile Phone Companies and Rate Plans for Foreigners

★ Click here to view Goandup Picks' most popular articles.▼

Can foreigners buy a prepaid SIM card in Japan?

Communication options for foreign visitors to Japan are very important. Prepaid SIM cards are available for a specified amount of data and talk time, with fees paid in advance. They can be purchased at many locations in Japan and are readily available to foreign travelers.

Attractiveness of Prepaid SIM Cards

The biggest advantage of prepaid SIM cards is that they are alsoImmediate start-up without special procedures, registration, or documentationPoint. As a foreign visitor to Japan, you may have difficulty submitting identification or filling out forms in Japanese, but with a prepaid SIM card you can use it without worrying about such procedures.

Prepaid SIM cards are the best option, especially for those who are unfamiliar with the Japanese language or those staying for a short period of time. It allows you to easily establish a communication environment without worrying about Japanese-language procedures or long-term contracts. This allows you to smoothly use the Internet to gather information and maintain contact during your stay.

Where to Buy Prepaid SIM Cards in Japan

It is very easy for foreigners to get a prepaid SIM card in Japan.

Consumer electronics stores are for long-term visitors and those who wish to make detailed comparisons, convenience stores are convenient for short-term visitors and those in a hurry, airports meet the communication needs of those who have just arrived in Japan, and direct sales by telecommunications companies are suitable for long-term visitors and those seeking professional advice.

Below are the features of each purchase destination.

mass merchandiser of household electrical appliances

Bic Camera
Yodobashi Camera
Yamada Denki
Nojima, etc.

Bic Camera is especially recommended for its wide selection of products and expert advice. Located near train stations in major cities, they will be easily accessible for tourists. Yodobashi Camera, Yamada Denki, and Nojima similarly offer prepaid SIM cards for purchase in various locations, with different services and plans available in different areas. Consider the features of each store and make your choice based on convenience and service.

convenience store

Seven-Eleven
Family Mart (company)
Lawson.
Ministop, etc.

Japanese convenience stores such as 7-Eleven, Family Mart, Lawson, and Ministop are scattered throughout the country and open 24 hours a day, making it easy to meet urgent needs. While these stores offer easy access to purchase items, the selection and variety of plans are limited. They are especially convenient for emergencies and short-term visitors, but if you want more choices, consider other places to buy.

airport

store
vending machine

Many international airports have stores and vending machines that sell prepaid SIM cards. This is very convenient because it allows you to set up a communication environment immediately after arriving in Japan.

Direct sales by telecommunications companies

Provider (telecommunications company) stores
Provider (telecommunications company) Web site
Websites dealing with prepaid SIM cards, etc.

At a telecommunications company store, you can select the appropriate SIM card with the advice of staff. You can also purchase online through the official websites of telecommunications companies and other websites that specialize in prepaid SIM cards.

Precautions when using a prepaid SIM card

Prepaid SIM cards are very convenient, but there are a few points you should know when using them. Please understand these precautions to ensure trouble-free and comfortable use.

More expensive than monthly contracts
If you use up the amount of data you purchased, you need to recharge it.
- Data charging may take time.
- Some SIM cards do not allow data charging in the first place.
Calls using phone numbers are often not available.
Must be used by a set deadline

As you may know, there is quite a difference from SIM cards available with monthly contracts.

As for calling capabilities, some companies offer calling services as an option, but basically it is safe to assume that you will not have a phone number.

Understand these points and choose the prepaid SIM card that best suits your needs.

Recommended Japanese Prepaid SIM Cards for Foreigners

Here are some Japanese prepaid SIM cards that are recommended and suitable for foreigners.

service name	Main Plans	Purchase Site
Lyprimo	SIM with voice call and Two types of data-only SIMs	Prepaid cell phones and prepaid SIMs \| Lyprimo
TRVeSIM	Data Communications Only (SMS/call use is not available)	TRAVeSIM] available in 140 countries and regions worldwide
JAPAN TOURIST SIM	Data Communications Only (SMS/call use is not available)	From amazon website
JAPAN PREPAID SIM	Data Communications Only (SMS/call use is not available)	From amazon website
Nippon SIM for Japan	Data Communications Only (SMS/call use is not available)	From amazon website
Docomo Prepaid SIM	Data Communications Only (SMS/call use is not available)	From amazon website
Even with a data-only SIM, it is possible to make calls with IP phones that use data communication, such as LINE and Skype.

With a 24-hour, 365-day support desk and many prepaid SIM cards available in multiple languages, including English and Chinese, you can rest assured that you will be taken care of in the event of any problems.

In addition, depending on the type of prepaid SIM card, you may be asked to present or photocopy your ID or passport at the time of purchase.

Therefore, we recommend that you always bring your passport when purchasing a prepaid SIM card. Check carefully and purchase the right prepaid SIM card for you.

Recommended No. 1 Prepaid SIM Card

Among the best prepaid SIM cards for foreigners areLyprimo.It is.

【【Lyprimo(at sentence-end, falling tone) indicates a confident conclusionfeature]

Lyprimois not only data use.Voice calls are also availableThe main attraction of this service is that it can be used immediately after purchase. This is very flexible because you can use it for as long as you want to use it. You can also save even more money by purchasing with a handset.

Both voice calls and data connections are available, and you can start using the service immediately after purchase and extend the contract in one-month increments, so you can use it for as long as you want. You can also save money by purchasing a set of handsets.

【【plan]

SIM with unlimited voice callsAnd,Data-only (SMS) SIMYou can choose between two types of plans.

The Voice Calling Plan (Unlimited Calling) allows unlimited voice calls, while the Data Only (SMS) Plan charges different rates depending on the amount of data traffic.

【【Charge]

The fee structure depends on the plan and data volume chosen.

Voice Calling Plan (Unlimited Calling)

1GB: 6,980 yen (tax included)
- On sale for a limited time only! Regular price 6,980 yen → 4,980 yen only now!
3GB: 7,980 yen (tax included)
10GB: 9,980 yen (tax included)

Data-only (SMS) Plan

1GB: 1,980 yen (tax included)
3GB: 2,980 yen (tax included)
10GB: 4,980 yen (tax included)

【【Flow up to the start of use]

The method of use is very simple. First, apply for the plan you need from the official website and make payment. Once payment is completed, your SIM card will be shipped within 1 to 2 business days, and you can start using it as soon as it arrives.

【【reputation]

Word of mouth on the Internet has shown the simplicity of the procedure and the quality of the support.Positive evaluations are particularly noticeableThe company is also working on a new mobile phone service. Many users appreciate the "use only what you need, when you need it" characteristic of prepaid cell phones.

For more information, click here.▶︎ Official site:Prepaid cell phone and SIM [Lyprimo

This article is also recommended!

Introducing Japanese unlimited data SIM cards recommended for foreigners!

I want to use the cheapest SIM card in Japan! Recommended SIM cards

Extra Edition] No. 1 SIM Card Chosen by ForeignersJP SMART SIM

Not a prepaid SIM card, but very highly rated by foreign users, even for short-term visitors.JP SMART SIMWe will also introduce you to

With JP SMART SIM, monthly communication charges are lower than those of major carriers in Japan. Even if you are staying in Japan for a long time and already have a contract with another company, you can switch to JP SMART SIM without changing your current phone number.

JP SMART SIM(at sentence-end, falling tone) indicates a confident conclusionfeature

JP SMART SIMis popular as the "No. 1 SIM card chosen by foreigners" (according to Japan Marketing Research Organization). It has many advantages, such as the ability to apply with only a residence card or passport, no restrictions on visa status, and no basic fee for the first month. In addition, there is no minimum usage period restriction, so you can freely use the service for as long as you want. In addition, multilingual customer support and My Page are available to assist users.

plan

"CALL SIM".,"DATE SIM".You can choose from two types of plans.

CALL SIMcan have a Japanese phone number (080/090, etc.) and is chosen by long-term residents. You can apply with your residence card.

DATE SIMis for data communication only, but IP phone (050 phone number) is available as an option. Since there are no contract term restrictions and applications can be made with a passport, this service is recommended for short-term residents.

Charge

The fee structure varies depending on the plan and data capacity chosen. In addition to the basic fees listed below, a contract administration fee of 3,300 yen (tax included) is required when applying for the first time.

CALL SIM

3GB: 1,480 yen
6GB: 1,980 yen
12GB: 2,480 yen
25GB: 3,980 yen
50GB: 5,980 yen

DATE SIM

3GB: 1,130 yen
6GB: 1,630 yen
12GB: 2,130 yen
25GB: 3,630 yen
50GB: 5,630 yen

Flow up to the start of use

You can apply online, select a SIM plan, upload a photo of your required documents (residence card or passport), and once the process is complete, your SIM card will be shipped with free shipping.

reputation

JP SMART SIM is,Highly favored by foreignersThe "no basic fee for the first month is attractive" and "excellent multilingual support" were the most popular evaluations.

For more information, click here.▶︎ Official site:JP Smart SIM

For a list of other recommended SIMs, click here!

Serious employment support to help you realize your dream of working in Japan!

Do you want to work in Japan?
Let us "Goandup" make that dream a reality!

【 Program Features 】
✅ JLPT N3 level Japanese language acquisition
✅ Thorough preparation for the specific skills test
✅ Full support for job hunting in Japan

Business-focused one-on-one lessons will help you find a job in Japan in the shortest possible time.

【 Program Menu 】

Individual Japanese language lessons
- Intensive curriculum to obtain N3, especially specialized lessons for business Japanese that can be used at work.
Preparation for the Specific Skills Test
- Customized materials for specific skill tests will be used to focus on frequently asked questions and learning to pass the test.
Resume and CV support
- To create resumes and CVs tailored to Japanese corporate culture, and to brush up on self-promotion and motivation for application.
Interview Preparation
- Guidance on areas for improvement through mock interviews and feedback based on corporate interview scenarios. Learn interview etiquette and behavior unique to Japan.
career consulting
- Provide introductions to companies that match the participant's career goals, select companies to apply to, and provide advice on the level of knowledge required by the companies to which the participant is applying.
Chat Support
- In addition to one-on-one individual lessons, we also accept casual questions via DM (visa application, living support, assistance in finding a room, etc.).

If you are serious about your career in Japan, join us now!

▶︎ for more informationclick here.

We will do our best to support your success in Japan!

summary

In this article, we explained and introduced information about prepaid SIM cards in Japan, including whether foreigners can purchase prepaid SIM cards, where prepaid SIM cards can be purchased, and recommended Japanese prepaid SIM cards.

Please refer to the contents to obtain a comfortable communication environment in Japan.