7+ Things to Know About Japan Tourist SIMs Before You Buy

When traveling abroad – and to Japan in particular – a travel SIM or eSIM is one of the best ways to stay in touch with people and get online easily. Join TouriESIM as we walk through everything you need to know about buying a tourist SIM for Japan – the types available, where to buy, which carrier to choose, costs and the best connectivity option – so your trip to the Land of the Rising Sun goes smoothly from start to finish.

Japan Tourist SIMs at a Glance

1. What is a Japan tourist SIM?

A Japan tourist SIM is a prepaid SIM that lets travelers access the internet (and, with some types, make calls and send texts) during their trip without paying international roaming fees. It is usually a short-term SIM valid for 1–30 days that runs on a local carrier's network. Because it connects directly to Japanese networks, a tourist SIM offers better speeds, signal quality and value. See also: eSIM vs roaming.

2. Types of Japan tourist SIM

Japan tourist SIMs fall into two main groups:

• Physical SIM: The traditional plastic SIM card, used in phones with a SIM tray. It's widely available but a little inconvenient, since you have to swap cards.
• eSIM: A digital SIM built into your device. You simply scan a QR code to install it – no card swapping needed. eSIMs are more convenient and secure than physical SIMs, but your phone must support eSIM technology. Learn more: What is an eSIM?

Note: Under Japanese law, SIMs with a phone number (voice/SMS) require strict user registration. As a result, most Japan tourist SIMs on the market are data-only 4G/5G SIMs for internet access, and you can't make regular calls or send SMS with them.

3. Carriers behind Japan tourist SIMs

Japan has three major carriers powering tourist SIMs:

• NTT Docomo: Japan's largest carrier, with wide coverage and around 36% market share. The downside is that its services cost more than those of its competitors.
• KDDI (au): Japan's second-largest carrier, with around 27% market share and stable coverage and quality. KDDI is cheaper than NTT Docomo and offers a wide range of plans suited to travelers.
• SoftBank: Japan's third-largest carrier, with around 21% market share, known for good service quality and competitive prices. Although its coverage is narrower than the other two, its reasonable prices make it a popular choice among travelers.

Overall, mobile service in Japan is excellent, so you don't need to worry much about staying connected during your trip. If you'll mostly be in cities, SoftBank is an ideal choice. If you're heading to mountainous or rural areas, NTT Docomo or KDDI are better options.

How to Buy a Japan SIM in Vietnam

Buying a SIM in Vietnam before you leave lets you choose the right plan in advance, save money and get online as soon as you set foot in Japan.

In Vietnam, Japan SIMs are sold online through websites such as Klook and Simdulich.com, or on e-commerce platforms like Shopee. The advantage is that you don't need to show any ID (just a delivery address and phone number). Once you order, the SIM is delivered to your door, saving you preparation time. If your phone supports eSIM, you can also buy a Japan eSIM online and receive the QR code by email, with no need to wait for delivery.

How to Buy a Data SIM in Japan

If you don't have time to buy one in Vietnam, you can pick up a SIM at SIM counters in Japan's international airports (Narita, Haneda) or at electronics stores such as Bic Camera and Yodobashi Camera, as well as specialist telecom shops. Buying at the airport is usually simpler and faster.

Requirements for buying a SIM in Japan include:

• A valid passport
• A visa (for tourists who need one)
• A residence card (Zairyu Card) or a registered address in Japan (for long-term residents)

Keep in mind that you may run into language barriers, so buying a Japan SIM or eSIM from Vietnam is still the most convenient option.

Popular Types of Japan Tourist SIM Plans

Japan tourist SIMs and eSIMs on the market usually come in two main plan types:

• Daily data plans: roughly 1GB–2GB of high-speed data per day, usually valid for 4–15 days; ideal if you use data steadily every day.
• Total-data plans: roughly 8GB–50GB to use freely across the whole trip, usually valid for 8–30 days; ideal for longer trips or uneven usage.

The details of each plan – data allowance, validity, features and price – vary by provider. The actual price you pay may be lower than the listed price thanks to promotions such as coupons or free shipping. For TouriESIM eSIMs, you can see daily plans, total-data plans and the latest prices on our Japan eSIM page.

Physical SIM or eSIM for Japan?

Whether you choose a physical SIM or an eSIM depends mainly on your device; you can also factor in your connectivity needs and how much you value convenience and security.

Physical SIMs work with almost every phone. If your phone only has a SIM tray and doesn't support eSIM, a physical SIM is your only option.

However, most new phones today support eSIM (iPhone XS and later, Samsung Galaxy S20 and later, and Google Pixel 3 and later). If your phone is compatible, a Japan eSIM is the best choice, as it offers several clear advantages over a physical SIM:

• Just scan a QR code (sent by email or available on the website after purchase) to install it – no card swapping.
• Easily switch plans or carriers without changing SIM cards.
• Keep your main SIM active at the same time, so you stay reachable and don't risk losing your main SIM during the trip.

👉 Buy your Japan eSIM from TouriESIM and receive the QR code by email right after payment – see the plans on our Japan eSIM page.

How to Activate and Use a Japan SIM

• Physical SIM: insert the Japan tourist SIM into SIM slot 1 and turn on Data Roaming once you arrive. Note that some SIMs require you to enter a code or register via a link printed on the packaging.
• eSIM: scan the QR code to install the eSIM. The provider usually sends this QR code via their app or to the email you registered with. Then turn on Data Roaming when you arrive in Japan. See our eSIM installation guide and eSIM activation guide for details.

Tips for Buying and Using a Japan Tourist SIM

• Know what you need: A data-only SIM is cheaper than one with voice/SMS. Use apps like WhatsApp or Zalo to call and message over the internet.
• Check your device: Make sure your phone isn't carrier-locked (SIM lock) – see how to check if your phone is locked. eSIMs only work on supported devices (iPhone XS and later, Samsung S20 and later, Pixel 3 and later).
• Bring your documents: Take your passport when buying a SIM in Japan (at Haneda Airport or convenience stores). Buying online in Vietnam via Klook, Shopee, TouriESIM and others requires no documents.
• Save data: Turn off automatic app updates and use public Wi-Fi (cafés, hotels) to cut down on data usage.
• Track your usage: Check your data usage in your phone's settings or with a dedicated app to manage your plan effectively.