Japan – known for anime, cherry blossom trees & the crazy number of (reasonably priced) vending machines.
The country is also known for sumo wrestling, the shinkansen train & technological advancements.
Whenever I watch some anime or manga, which is rare, I always feel like going to Japan, get some groceries & certainly buy leek for the authentic anime grocery shopping experience.
But you are probably not going to Japan just to get some leek (at least, I hope not).
If you can, you certainly want to go to Mount Fuji (do not call it Mount Fiji 🤪).
And the many stunning castles or temples across the country, such as Kinkaku-Ji, Kiyomizu-Dera & Osaka Castle.
And anime and manga lovers want to go to Akihabara – even those who are not into those things, like myself, will still be in awe by all the stores nearby.
As you can see, there is no reason to be bored in Japan – and I only mentioned a handful of things to do!
What you should not do, in many cases, is roam internationally in Japan – International roaming can be expensive.
That is why I always recommend local prepaid SIM cards, eSIMs & even travel eSIMs so that you can enjoy low rates for data, minutes & SMS.
Most Japanese mobile operators do not offer prepaid SIM cards to tourists because of a low prohibiting travelers from getting voice-enabled SIM cards.
Yes… if you get a SIM card in Japan, it will always be data-only… with one exception.
So, how much do SIM cards cost in Japan?
You can get a Japanese (tourist) SIM card for 4500 JPY (32.90 USD) from SoftBank in their stores. MVNOs sell SIM cards for between 1780 JPY (13.80 USD) to 26 400 JPY (201.40 USD). SIM cards are also sold at various airports, including (Tokyo) Haneda Airport (HND).
With almost all of the options mentioned above, you can pre-order your SIM card so that they are waiting for you at the airport or a post office close to your accommodation (or it can be delivered there too for a slightly higher fee).
Unlike some other countries in East– and Southeast Asia, (prepaid) SIM cards are not as accessible as in other countries, but it is still doable.
In this guide, I will go over everything you need to know about buying a SIM card in Japan. Let's go.

Original publication: 13th of December 2019. Last updated: 15th of March 2023.
Table of Contents
Can You Buy a SIM Card in Japan?
Anyone 18 years or older living in or visiting Japan can buy a Japanese SIM card from SoftBank and various Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs – Bmobile, COMST, GTN Mobile, IIJMio (Japan Travel SIM) & Modal, Nippon SIM (for Japan – that is part of the name), Sakura Mobile, Wi-Ho! & Wireless Gate) with some restrictions.
The main restriction is that short-term visitors cannot buy voice-enabled Japanese SIM cards.
This means that SIM cards mentioned in this guide are data-only and targeted at tourists (except for Mobal).
While regular prepaid SIM cards are available, although barely after the pandemic, you cannot get them without a Japanese Residence Certificate (Jūminhyō – 住民票).
Besides that restriction, you are free to use (select) Japanese SIM cards.
You do have to comply with the SIM card registration regulations.
- Find out which countries have SIM card registration regulations and what is required from you (lookup tool)

Moreover, you need a phone that supports the frequencies used in the country (preferably all of them to have the most optimal experience while in Japan).
Furthermore, you need to have a SIM-lock-free device.
Where Can You Buy a SIM Card in Japan?
You can get a Japanese SIM card in (select) Softbank stores. Resellers, like convenience stores and electronic shops, also sell SIM cards. It is also possible to get SIM cards at select airports, including (Tokyo) Haneda Airport (HND) and (Tokyo) Narita International Airport (NRT), or get them delivered to post offices or your accommodation.
Normally, I do not include online-only mobile operators or SIM card providers in my guides because they can be inconvenient.
However, as Japan is a special case where most mobile operators do not offer prepaid services (to travelers), online-based mobile operators are included.
Mostly because most can ship your SIM card to your accommodation (private or hotel), nearby post offices & airports (with some options, you have to pre-order your SIM card before going to Japan. Else, your SIM card will not be available).
You can buy a Japanese SIM card delivered to/in the following airports:
- Chitose – New Chitose Airport (CTS)
- Chubu/Tokoname (Aichi) – Nagoya/Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO)
- Fukuoka – Fukuoka Airport (FUK 🗿)
- Kagoshima – Kagoshima Airport (KOJ)
- Osaka – Kansai International Airport (KIX)
- Tokyo – Tokyo-Haneda International Airport (HND)
- Tokyo – Tokyo-Narita International Airport (NRT)
You can expect to pay the following for Japanese (travel) SIM cards:
- SoftBank Japan: 4500 JPY
- Bmobile Japan: 1980 JPY & 2970 JPY
- COMST Japan: 2420 JPY – 8800 JPY
- GTN Mobile: 5000 JPY & 10 000 JPY
- IIJmio Japan Travel SIM: 1990 JPY & 3020 JPY
- Mobal Japan: 3990 JPY – 16 500 JPY
- Nippon SIM (for Japan): 1780 JPY – 1980 JPY
- Sakura Mobile: 4950 JPY – 26 400 JPY
- Wi-Ho! Japan: 4980 JPY, 5980 JPY & 6980 JPY
- Wireless Gate Japan: 2420 JPY – 8800 JPY
Note: most SIM cards have open pricing, meaning that retailers can set the price (but the ones mentioned above are the suggested prices). Actual prices may be slightly higher or lower than above.
However, if a retailer (often foreign resellers) is charging you significantly more, be sure to try another reseller.
For up-to-date JPY:your currency (let's say HKD) exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)

Can You Use Your Phone in Japan?
Japan uses GSM technology for mobile communications. CDMA phones will not work in Japan. If your phone has a SIM card slot, then it supports GSMA (99% of the phones do support GSM nowadays).
Traditional European frequencies are used in Japan, which are mostly used in ITU Regions 1 and 3 (Africa, Asia (including the Middle East), Europe & Oceania).
The Americas (North-, Central– & South America + the Caribbean – ITU Region 2) use American frequencies, which differ from the European ones.

If you bought your phone in Africa, Asia, Europe, or Oceania (ITU Regions 1 and 3), you should not experience any issues with using your phone in Japan.
But be aware, Japan uses some uncommon frequencies that are used in the country only, but you should still be fine if you bought your phone in ITU Regions 1 and 3).
If you purchased your phone in the Americas (ITU Region 2) and have a low/medium-end device (without Tri-Band or Quad-Band) support, then there is a possibility you cannot use your phone when in Japan or can only use slower networks (3G or 2G).
If you have a medium/high-end device with Tri-Band or Quad-Band support, you can use your phone in Japan (to some extent) – also on 4G/LTE and 5G NR.
Mobile Operators, Networks & Frequencies in Japan
Japan has one mobile network operator and nine Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) offering prepaid services easily accessible to travelers:
- SoftBank Japan
- Bmobile Japan (NTT DoCoMo MVNO)
- COMST Japan (NTT DoCoMo MVNO)
- GTN Mobile Japan (NTT DoCoMo MVNO)
- IIJmio Japan Travel SIM (NTT DoCoMo MVNO)
- Mobal Japan (NTT DoCoMo MVNO (data-only) & SoftBank MVNO (with calls/SMS)
- Nippon SIM for Japan (NTT DoCoMo MVNO & SoftBank MVNO (for one SIM card only))
- Sakura Mobile (NTT DoCoMo MVNO)
- Wirless Gate Japan (NTT DoCoMo MVNO)
- Wi-Ho! Japan (NTT DoCoMo MVNO)
The following frequencies are used in Japan:
- 2G: N/A – shut down in 2012 (yes, about a decade ago)
- 3G: 800 MHz, 850 MHz, 900 MHz & 2100 MHz – not for Rakuten Mobile
- 4G/LTE: 700 MHz (Band 28), 800 MHz (Band 18 & Band 19 – not the usual Band 20), 900 MHz (Band 8), 1500 MHz (Band 11 & Band 21), 1800 MHz (Band 3), 2100 MHz (Band 1), 2500 MHz (Band 41) & 3500 MHz (Band 32 & Band 42)
- 5G NR: 3500 MHz (n78), 3700 MHz (n77) & 4900 MHz (n79)
You can learn more about frequencies in the video below.
To check whether your phone will work in Japan, check out this page by Kimovil or this one by Will My Phone Work (outdated, unfortunately, but extremely user-friendly – useful for phones launched in or before 2019. It does not check for 5G NR compatibility).
Again, make sure your phone is unlocked. Otherwise, you will not be able to use any SIM card except the one from your home operator (meaning you have to roam internationally or buy another unlocked phone that does support the frequencies listed above).
If you want to learn how international roaming works, this guide explains it in-depth. If you wonder why it is often so expensive to roam, this article explains the hidden reason they do not want you to know.
VoLTE & VoWiFi in Japan
Both VoLTE (Voice over LTE (4G) – also known as HD Voice) and VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi – also known as WiFi calling) are available in Japan. All Japanese mobile operators (NTT DoCoMo, AU, SoftBank & Rakuten Mobile) offer both services.
This means that your phone does not have to downgrade to 2G or 3G when making a call in Japan (unlike mobile operators that do not support VoLTE).
VoWiFi is, as the name implies, calling on a WiFi connection as opposed to on a cellular network.
But, as you recall from the Can You Buy a SIM Card in Japan section, travelers cannot get voice-enabled SIM cards.
Mobal is the only exception (maybe because it is an American-based company?).
I only got its data-only SIM card in the past, so I do not know if it supports VoLTE and VoWiFi too.
5G NR in Japan
Commercial 5G NR has been available in Japan since May 2019. It is available on the NTT DoCoMo, AU, SoftBank & Rakuten Mobile networks. Only COMST has SIM cards with 5G NR access for travelers.
Best SIM Card in Japan
Best eSIM in Japan
Bmobile and Nippon SIM (for Japan) offer eSIMs for its travel SIM cards.
Note that the Japanese mobile operators require your identification (passport) for eSIMs and physical SIM cards (will be discussed later).
Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for Japan without personal detail capturing, you can get the Japan (Moshi Moshi) eSIM from Airalo.

You have these six options:
- Japan/Moshi Moshi 1 GB eSIM for 7 days
- Japan/Moshi Moshi 2 GB eSIM for 15 days
- Japan/Moshi Moshi 3 GB eSIM for 30 days
- Japan/Moshi Moshi 5 GB eSIM for 30 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- Japan/Moshi Moshi 10 GB eSIM for 30 days – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- Japan/Moshi Moshi 20 GB eSIM for 30 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in March based on data up to the 13th of March (2023 data only)
The Airalo links above will automatically get you the available Phone Travel Wiz exclusive offers – a code is unnecessary.
For an in-depth analysis of the Airalo Moshi Moshi eSIMs (covering pros and cons as well), check out my Japan eSIMs Compared guide.
- Check out my Airalo eSIM reviews

You can also get Japan eSIMs from Nomad.


By the way, the 5 GB Nomad Japan eSIM for 30 days is the most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers, while the 3 GB for 30 days variant is very popular.
Use code ADU123 for the best deals available when getting Nomad eSIMs (on the site or their apps) and get 3 USD/2.85 EUR/2.45 GBP/4.10 CAD off (even on top of current promotions)!
For an in-depth analysis of the Nomad Japan eSIMs (covering pros and cons as well), check out my Japan eSIMs Compared guide.
- Check out my Nomad reviews

Finally, you can get Japan eSIMs from Holafly if you prefer unlimited data plans and do not mind paying a bit more for this advantage:
- Japan unlimited data eSIM for 5 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- Japan unlimited data eSIM for 10 days – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- Japan unlimited data eSIM for 15 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- Japan unlimited data eSIM for 20 days
- Japan unlimited data eSIM for 30 days
- Japan unlimited data eSIM for 60 days
- Japan unlimited data eSIM for 90 days
Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in March based on data up to the 7th of March.

Use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for exclusive deals when getting Holafly eSIMs, AND get an additional 5% off!
For an in-depth analysis of the Holafly Japan eSIMs (covering pros and cons as well), check out my Japan eSIMs Compared guide.
- Check out my Holafly reviews
With these eSIMs, you can skip Japan's SIM card registration scheme entirely and use it immediately upon arriving in Japan!
- Find out about the best local eSIMs, local travel eSIMs & regional travel eSIMs for every country (lookup tool)

TIP: check out my Best Japan eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison of several eSIMs for Japan, including ones not mentioned above.
Airalo recently heavily improved its Asia eSIM, following the popular Eurolink eSIM for 39 European countries, with six variants: 1 GB/7 days, 3 GB/30 days – very popular with PTW readers, 5 GB/30 days – most popular with PTW readers, 10 GB/30 days – very popular with PTW readers, 50 GB/90 days & 100 GB/180 days to be used in Japan and 13 other Asian countries:

Just like in Europe, many readers tend to visit multiple Asian countries, so they would rather have a travel eSIM covering multiple countries than just one (like Japan).
The Asialink eSIM can be used in 14 countries in East Asia and Southeast Asia:
- Cambodia
- China
- Hong Kong
- Indonesia
- Japan
- Laos
- Macau
- Malaysia
- Philippines
- Singapore 1
- South Korea
- Taiwan
- Thailand
- Vietnam
1 currently, newly bought Asialink eSIMs cannot be used in Singapore. Airalo is working on re-including Singapore in its Asialink offering

With the Asialink eSIM, you can save a lot of money by skipping the initial SIM card costs per country you visit.
- Check out my Airalo Asialink review ((being) tested in Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Macau, Malaysia, the Philippines, (Singapore), South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand & Vietnam (ongoing review throughout 2023 and 2024, so check back often!)

TIP: Check out my eSIM lookup tool for an overview of local mobile operators offering eSIMs to prepaid customers and travel eSIMs I use and love (for eSIMs in Japan and eSIMs worldwide) and my Best Japan eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparion of several eSIMs for Japan.
Best International/Travel SIM Card for Japan
If you want to buy the best international/travel SIM card for Japan, I recommend going with SimCorner's Japan Travel SIM cards. Consider SimCorner's Asia SIM cards to be used in Japan and 20+ countries, including neighboring China, South Korea & Taiwan.
You have the following three Japan Travel SIM cards:
- Japan Travel SIM Card with 6 GB for 8 days
- Japan Travel SIM Card with 15 GB for 180 days
- Japan Travel SIM card with unlimited data for 30 days (new: also available as an eSIM)
As you can mostly get tourist SIM cards in Japan, it may be more convenient getting a SIM card from SimCorner instead.


You have these two Asia SIM cards:
- Asia SIM card with 6 GB for 8 days in 30 countries
- Asia SIM card with 6 GB for 15 days in 20+ countries (new: also available as an eSIM)


The SimCorner Asia SIM cards can be used in Japan and the following other countries:
- Azerbaijan 2
- Bahrain 1
- Bangladesh
- Brunei
- Cambodia
- China
- Georgia
- Guam 1
- Hong Kong
- India
- Indonesia
- Japan
- Jordan 1
- Kazakhstan
- Kuwait 1
- Kyrgyzstan 2
- Laos
- Macau
- Malaysia
- Mongolia 1
- Myanmar (Burma)
- Nepal
- Oman 1
- Pakistan
- Philippines
- Qatar 1
- Singapore
- South Korea
- Sri Lanka
- Taiwan
- Thailand 2, 3
- Uzbekistan
- Vietnam
1 for the 8 day version only
2 for the 15 days version only
3 only 500 MB in Thailand – better get the SimCorner Thailand Travel SIM Cards instead
You can also get the SimCorner International Travel SIM card (new: also available as an eSIM) 6 GB of data valid for 15 days to be used in Japan and 100+ countries, including most of the ones mentioned above (Asia) and in the Americas, Europe & Oceania:


- Åland Islands
- Albania
- Argentina
- Armenia
- Australia
- Austria
- Azerbaijan
- Bangladesh
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Brunei
- Bulgaria
- Cambodia
- Canada
- Chad
- Chile
- China
- Colombia
- Congo, the Republic of (Brazzaville)
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Egypt
- El Salvador
- Estonia
- Faroe Islands
- Fiji
- Finland
- France
- Gabon
- Germany
- Ghana
- Greece
- Guam
- Guatemala
- Honduras
- Hong Kong
- Hungary
- Iceland
- India
- Indonesia
- Ireland
- Israel
- Italy
- Japan
- Jordan
- Kenya
- Kuwait
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Macau
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Malaysia
- Malta
- Mexico
- Moldova
- Mongolia
- Montenegro
- Myanmar
- Nauru
- Nepal
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Nigeria
- North Macedonia
- Northern Cyprus
- Norway
- Oman
- Pakistan
- Panama
- Papua New Guinea
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Philippines
- Poland
- Portugal
- Puerto Rico
- Qatar
- Romania
- Russia
- San Marino
- Saudi Arabia
- Serbia
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- South Africa
- South Korea
- Spain
- Sri Lanka
- Svalbard and Jan Mayen
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- Tonga
- Tunisia
- Turkey
- U.S. Virgin Islands
- Uganda
- Ukraine
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Uruguay
- Uzbekistan
- Vatican City
- Vietnam
Instead of spending between 0.34 USD to 384 USD for SIM cards in each country, get a SimCorner travel SIM card covering numerous countries for just one price!
Use discount code PHONETRAVELWIZ for extra savings!
- Check out my SimCorner reviews

SIM Card Registration in Japan
SIM card registration, with the use of your passport information, is mandatory in Japan. This will be done at the point of purchase.
- Find out which countries have SIM card registration regulations and what is required from you (lookup tool)

Remember, SIM cards purchased by tourists cannot make calls because only those with a Japanese Residence Certificate can purchase voice-enabled SIM cards.
Japan Mobile Speeds, Mobile Internet Prices & Insights

Currency in Japan

Japan uses the Japanese Yen with the symbol JPY (which will be used throughout this guide).
However, prices are often listed as ¥. For example, 25 JPY = ¥25.
For reference, below are some exchange rates between JPY and USD (US Dollars):
- 10 JPY = 0.07 USD
- 100 JPY = 0.75 USD
- 1000 JPY = 7.30 USD
- 10 000 JPY = 73.10 USD
- 100 000 JPY = 731 USD
For up-to-date JPY:your currency (let's say HKD – Hong Kong Dollar) exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
If your credit/debit card charges you foreign exchange fees, get yourself a Wise Borderless Account and Debit Card.
Their fees are MUCH lower than banks and credit card companies charge you (and Wise is transparent about their fees, unlike banks).
I have saved literal THOUSANDS of Australian Dollars and Euros, my main currencies, when using Wise abroad when traveling compared to my debit and credit cards.
Japanese Prepaid SIM Cards
Below, I will guide you through SoftBank Japan, Bmobile Japan, COMST Japan, GTN Mobile Japan, IIJmio (Japan Travel SIM), Mobal Japan, Nippon SIM for Japan, Sakura Mobile, Wireless Gate Japan & Wi-Ho! Japan, and go through:
- Background information
- Mobile coverage
- SIM card types, prices, and availability
- Recharge/top-up information
- Combo plans, data plans, and special packs (such as social media packs)
With that being said, let’s see what Japan to offer to us.
SoftBank Japan

SoftBank Japan, just SoftBank, is the third-largest mobile operator in Japan.
It is currently the only mobile operator offering prepaid services (or a travel SIM card) to travelers (NTT DoCoMo has prepaid options for residents only, while AU Japan and Rakuten Mobile discontinued their prepaid lines altogether).
SoftBank has the best 5G NR availability.
But you cannot use 5G NR with the SoftBank tourist SIM card.
SoftBank uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: N/A – shut down in 2012 (yes, about a decade ago)
- 3G: 900 MHz & 2100 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 700 MHz (Band 28), 800 MHz (Band 18 – not the usual Band 20), 900 MHz (Band 8), 1500 MHz (Band 11), 1800 MHz (Band 3), 2100 MHz (Band 1), 2500 MHz (Band 41) & 3500 MHz (Band 42)
- 5G NR: 3700 MHz (n77) – not for prepaid customers… yet
- VoLTE: Yes, but you cannot make calls as a tourists
- VoWiFi: Yes, but you cannot make calls as a tourists
This is what you will learn about SoftBank:
* Coverage
* How to Get a SoftBank SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – SoftBank Japan
SoftBank has excellent coverage throughout Japan.
While this is true for all the other Japanese mobile operators, it is still remarkable.
Below is SoftBank's coverage map produced by Speedtest:
SIM Card Price – SoftBank Japan
You can get a SoftBank tourist SIM card for 4500 JPY in SoftBank stores. Resellers, including electronic stores, sell them too. SoftBank tourist SIM cards are also sold at airports, including (Tokyo) Haneda Airport (HND) and (Tokyo) Narita International Airport (NRT).

While SoftBank has regular prepaid SIM cards, which is uncommon for Japanese mobile operators nowadays, you need to have a Japanese Residence Certificate (Jūminhyō – 住民票) to get one, which is why they are not mentioned in this section.
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)

While SoftBank does have eSIMs, they are (currently) not offered to those with tourist SIM cards.
Note that the Japanese mobile operators require your identification (passport) for (future) eSIMs and for physical SIM cards.
Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for Japan (without personal detail capturing), you can get Japan Moshi Moshi eSIMs from Airalo (six options):

- 1 GB/7 days
- 2 GB/15 days
- 3 GB/30 days
- 5 GB/30 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- 10 GB/30 days – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- 20 GB/30 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in March based on data up to the 13th of March (2023 data only)
No idea what or who Airalo is? Check out my Airalo review, where I share my hands-on experience after using its eSIMs in more than 25 countries over four years.

If you plan on visiting other neighboring Asian nations, consider the Airalo Asialink eSIM to be used in 14 Asian countries 1 with six variants:
- 1 GB/7 days
- 3 GB/30 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- 5 GB/30 days – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- 10 GB/30 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- 50 GB/90 days
- 100 GB/180 days
Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in March based on data up to the 13th of March (2023 data only)
1 currently, newly bought Asialink eSIMs cannot be used in Singapore. Airalo is working on re-including Singapore in its Asialink offering

Do you think the map above is nice, but you want a country list instead (because you do not recognize the countries on a map🗿)? You can find it in my Airalo review!
I have used, and will be using, the Airalo Asialink eSIM in every country it can be used in.
- Be sure to check out my Airalo Asialink eSIM review for my insights!

Many more travel eSIMs will perform well in Japan.
You can read about them in my Best Japan eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison.

Note that SoftBank offers VoLTE (Voice over LTE (4G)) and VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi).
But as you can only get data-only SIM cards in Japan, the features will not be available to you 😓.
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – SoftBank Japan
SoftBank top-up vouchers are sold in SoftBank stores and convenience stores throughout Japan.
To top up your SoftBank SIM card, call 1400 and follow the instructions.
Call 1400 to check your SoftBank balance.
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – SoftBank Japan
SoftBank has only one data-featured prepaid plan for the tourist SIM card.
I will list all the prices in JPY (Japanese Yen).
To convert JPY to your currency (let's say HKD – Hong Kong Dollar) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
For 1650 JPY, you get 500 MB (without 5G NR access) for 31 days.
This plan can be purchased multiple times, and each activation extends the validity of your tourist SIM card by 31 days.
APN/Internet Settings – SoftBank Japan
- Name: SoftBank
- APN: plus.4g
- Username: plus
- Password: 4g
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
B-mobile Japan

B-mobile Japan, just B-mobile and not to be confused with Bmobile in Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, or Trinidad & Tobago, is an NTT DoCoMo MVNO.
It is one of the MVNOs offering SIM cards to tourists.
The NTT DoCoMo network, which B-mobile uses, uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: N/A – shut down in 2012 (yes, about a decade ago)
- 3G: 800 MHz & 2100 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 700 MHz (Band 28), 800 MHz (Band 19 – not the usual Band 20), 1500 MHz (Band 11), 1800 MHz (Band 3), 2100 MHz (Band 1) & 3500 MHz (Band 42)
- 5G NR: 3500 MHz (n78) & 3700 MHz (n77) – not for Bmobile customers… yet
- VoLTE: Yes, but you cannot make calls as a Bmobile customer
- VoWiFi: Yes, but you cannot make calls as a Bmobile customer
This is what you will learn about B-mobile:
* Coverage
* How to Get a B-mobile SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – B-mobile Japan
B-mobile is an NTT DoCoMo MVNO, meaning B-mobile uses the NTT DoCoMo MVNO network and does not have its own mobile infrastructure.
NTT DoCoMo has the best coverage in Japan (although all Japanese mobile operators have BASICALLY perfect nationwide coverage).
With B-mobile, you do not get full access to the NTT DoCoMo network, but it is still extensive.
Below on the left, you have NTT DoCoMo's coverage and a coverage map for another NTT DoCoMo MVNO on the right produced by Speedtest:
SIM Card Price – B-mobile Japan
You can get a B-mobile SIM card for 1980 JPY or 2970 JPY from resellers, such as AEON, Bic Camera, Yamada Denki & Yodobashi Central. They can also be delivered to various airports, including the Tokyo ones, and post offices for 370 JPY. Delivery to your accommodation will cost 520 JPY.
The following two B-mobile SIM cards are available:
Price | Data | Validity |
---|---|---|
1980 JPY | 5 GB | 10 days |
2970 JPY | 7 GB | 21 days |

Delivery to any prefecture and airport will take one business day (you can place your order at least one week before arrival so that it will be waiting for you at the airport's post office).
Delivery to your accommodation, hotels, or private addresses in Hokkaido, Kagoshima & Okinawa will take two business days – even longer for remote islands (up to six business days).
B-mobile SIM card can be delivered to the following international airports:
- Chitose – New Chitose Airport (CTS)
- Chubu/Tokoname (Aichi) – Nagoya/Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO)
- Kagoshima – Kagoshima Airport (KOJ)
- Tokyo – Tokyo-Haneda International Airport (HND)
- Tokyo – Tokyo-Narita International Airport (NRT)


- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)

It is possible to get a B-mobile eSIM for the same price as a regular SIM card.
Somehow, you will not receive your eSIM immediately after placing your order.
Instead, it can take up to 24 hours before you receive the activation details.
Moreover, B-mobile eSIMs are only available online – not from the resellers mentioned above.
Note that the Japanese mobile operators require your identification (passport) for eSIMs and physical SIM cards.
Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for Japan (without personal detail capturing), you can get unlimited data eSIMs from Holafly (seven options):
- Unlimited/5 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- Unlimited/10 days – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- Unlimited/15 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- Unlimited/20 days
- Unlimited/30 days
- Unlimited/60 days
- Unlimited/90 days
Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in March based on data up to the 7th of March.

The best part is that you can get 5% off using code PHONETRAVELWIZ on each Holafly eSIM purchase!
No idea what or who Holafly is? Check out my Holafly review, where I share my hands-on experience after using its eSIMs in more than ten countries over two years.

If you plan on visiting other neighboring Asia nations, consider the Holafly Asia eSIM to be used in 11 Asian countries with two variants:
- 6 GB/15 days (max. 500 MB/day) – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- 10 GB/30 days (max. 500 MB/day) – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in March based on data up to the 7th of March.

Do you think the map above is nice, but you want a country list instead (because you do not recognize the countries on a map🗿)? You can find it in my Holafly review!
Remember to use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for 5% off each Holafly purchase!
Many more travel eSIMs will perform well in Japan.
You can read about them in my Best Japan eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison.

Note that NTT DoCoMo, the network Bmobile uses, offers VoLTE (Voice over LTE (4G)) and VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi).
But as you can only get data-only SIM cards in Japan, the features will not be available to you 😓.
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Bmobile Japan
You can top-up your Bmobile SIM card online – the same page can be used for checking your balance.
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Bmobile Japan
Bmobile has one data-featured prepaid plan with no apparent name.
For 500 JPY, you get 1 GB of data (without 5G NR access) until midnight.
However, each plan extends the validity of your SIM card by another day.
Suppose your SIM card has expired, and you still want to use it.
In that case, you can purchase the plan within two days of expiry (any later, and it will stay deactivated permanently).
APN/Internet Settings – Bmobile Japan
- Name: b-mobile
- APN: bmobile.ne.jp
- Username: bmobile@4g
- Password: bmobile
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
COMST Japan

COMST Japan, just COMST, is an NTT DoCoMo MVNO.
It is the only MVNO in this guide allowing prepaid customers to use 5G NR.
The NTT DoCoMo network, which COMST uses, uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: N/A – shut down in 2012 (yes, about a decade ago)
- 3G: 800 MHz & 2100 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 700 MHz (Band 28), 800 MHz (Band 19 – not the usual Band 20), 1500 MHz (Band 11), 1800 MHz (Band 3), 2100 MHz (Band 1) & 3500 MHz (Band 42)
- 5G NR: 3500 MHz (n78) & 3700 MHz (n77)
- VoLTE: Yes, but you cannot make calls as a COMST customer
- VoWiFi: Yes, but you cannot make calls as a COMST customer
This is what you will learn about COMST:
* Coverage
* How to Get a COMST SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – COMST Japan
COMST is an NTT DoCoMo MVNO, meaning COMST uses the NTT DoCoMo MVNO network and does not have its own mobile infrastructure.
NTT DoCoMo has the best coverage in Japan (although all Japanese mobile operators have basically perfect nationwide coverage).
With COMST, you do not get full access to the NTT DoCoMo network, but it is still extensive.
Below on the left, you have NTT DoCoMo's coverage and a coverage map for another NTT DoCoMo MVNO on the right produced by Speedtest:
SIM Card Price – COMST Japan
You can get a COMST SIM card for 2750 JPY to 3960 JPY from Yodobashi Central.
The following four COMST SIM cards, also called Initial Plans, are available:
Price | Data 1 | Validity |
---|---|---|
2750 JPY | 2 GB | 30 days |
3520 JPY | 5 GB | 30 days |
3740 JPY | 300 MB/day (9000 MB) | 30 days |
3960 JPY | 10 GB | 30 days |
1 with 5G NR access

- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)

COMST SIM has no eSIMs.
Note that the Japanese mobile operators require your identification (passport) for (future) eSIMs and for physical SIM cards.
Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for Nomad without personal detail capturing, you can get eSIMs from Nomad (ten options):
- 1 GB/3 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- 3 GB/5 days
- 5 GB/10 days – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- 10 GB/30 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- 15 GB/30 days
- 20 GB/30 days
- 30 GB/30 days
- 40 GB/30 days
- 50 GB/30 days
- 100 GB/60 days
The best part is that you can get 3 USD/2.85 EUR/2.45 GBP/4.10 CAD off using code ADU123 on your first Nomad eSIM purchase!
No idea what or who Nomad is? Check out my Nomad review, where I share my hands-on experience after using its eSIMs in more than 25 countries over two years.

If you plan on visiting other neighboring Asian nations, consider the Nomad APAC eSIM (Asia-Pacific) to be used in 7, 12, or 15 countries, depending on the plan, with nine variants:
Note: all plans (7 Countries Plan, 12 Countries Plan & 15 Countries Plans) can be used in Japan.
- 1 GB/3 days (15 Countries Plan)
- 3 GB/5 days (15 Countries Plan)
- 3 GB/30 days (7 & 12 Countries Plan)
- 5 GB/10 days (15 Countries Plan) – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- 5 GB/30 days (7 & 12 Countries Plan) – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- 10 GB/15 days (15 Countries Plan)
- 20 GB/30 days (15 Countries Plan) – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers

Check out my Nomad review for a complete country list
Remember to use code ADU123 for 3 USD/2.85 EUR/2.45 GBP/4.10 CAD off your first Nomad purchase!
I have used, and will be using, the Nomad APAC eSIM in select countries it can be used in (I may try the Nomad SEA-Oceania eSIM instead – but in the long run, I will use it in all where possible).
- Be sure to check out my Nomad APAC eSIM review for my insights!

Many more travel eSIMs will perform well in Japan.
You can read about them in my Best Japan eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison.

Note that NTT DoCoMo, the network COMST uses, offers VoLTE (Voice over LTE (4G)) and VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi).
But as you can only get data-only SIM cards in Japan, the features will not be available to you 😓.
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – COMST Japan
You can top-up your COMST SIM card online – the same page can be used for checking your balance. But you can also top-up in convenience stores like 7-Eleven, Circle K & FamilyMart.

Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – COMST Japan
COMST has only one data-featured prepaid plan: Recharge Plans (data). They are slightly cheaper than the initial prices for COMST SIM cards.
I will list all the prices in JPY (Japanese Yen).
To convert JPY to your currency (let's say HKD – Hong Kong Dollar) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
The following Recharge Plans are available:
Price | Data | Validity |
---|---|---|
1100 JPY | 1 GB | 15 days |
1980 JPY | 3 GB | 30 days |
2750 JPY | 7 GB | 30 days |
3300 JPY | “Unlimited”, 300 MB/day (9000 MB) | 30 days |

APN/Internet Settings – COMST Japan
- Name: COMST
- APN: linksmate.jp
- Username: user
- Password: mate
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
GTN Mobile Japan

GTN Mobile Japan, just GTN Mobile, is an NTT DoCoMo MVNO.
It is one of the MVNOs offering SIM cards to tourists.
The NTT DoCoMo network, which GTN Mobile uses, uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: N/A – shut down in 2012 (yes, about a decade ago)
- 3G: 800 MHz & 2100 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 700 MHz (Band 28), 800 MHz (Band 19 – not the usual Band 20), 1500 MHz (Band 11), 1800 MHz (Band 3), 2100 MHz (Band 1) & 3500 MHz (Band 42)
- 5G NR: 3500 MHz (n78) & 3700 MHz (n77) – not for tourists using GTN Mobile … yet
- VoLTE: Yes, but you cannot make calls as a tourist using GTN Mobile
- VoWiFi: Yes, but you cannot make calls as a tourist using GTN Mobile
This is what you will learn about GTN Mobile:
* Coverage
* How to Get a GTN Mobile SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – GTN Mobile Japan
GTN Mobile is an NTT DoCoMo MVNO, meaning GTN Mobile uses the NTT DoCoMo MVNO network and does not have its own mobile infrastructure.
NTT DoCoMo has the best coverage in Japan (although all Japanese mobile operators have basically perfect nationwide coverage).
With GTN Mobile, you do not get full access to the NTT DoCoMo network, but it is still extensive.
Below on the left, you have NTT DoCoMo's coverage and a coverage map for another NTT DoCoMo MVNO on the right produced by Speedtest:
SIM Card Price – GTN Mobile Japan
You can get a GTN Mobile SIM card for 5000 JPY or 10 000 JPY from a handful of stores in Kyoto, Namba & Shin-Okubo (Tokyo). They can also be delivered to the post offices in various airports, including the Tokyo Haneda Airport, for 700 JPY. Delivery to your accommodation will cost the same.
The following two GTN Mobile SIM cards, also called Data-only SIM cards, are available:
Price | Data | Validity |
---|---|---|
5000 JPY | 50 GB | 30 days |
10 000 JPY | 135 GB | 90 days |

While GTN Mobile has several other, perhaps attractive to you, plans listed on its site, tourists cannot get them – only residents.
GTN Mobile SIM card can be delivered to the following international airports:
- Chitose – New Chitose Airport (CTS)
- Chubu/Tokoname (Aichi) – Nagoya/Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO)
- Kagoshima – Kagoshima Airport (KOJ)
- Osaka – Kansai International Airport (KIX)
- Tokyo – Tokyo-Haneda International Airport (HND)

- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)

GTN Mobile has no eSIMs.
Note that the Japanese mobile operators require your identification (passport) for (future) eSIMs and for physical SIM cards.
Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for Japan (without personal detail capturing), you can get Japan Moshi Moshi eSIMs from Airalo (six options):

- 1 GB/7 days
- 2 GB/15 days
- 3 GB/30 days
- 5 GB/30 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- 10 GB/30 days – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- 20 GB/30 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in March based on data up to the 13th of March (2023 data only)
No idea what or who Airalo is? Check out my Airalo review, where I share my hands-on experience after using its eSIMs in more than 25 countries over four years.

If you plan on visiting other neighboring Asian OR Oceanian nations, consider the Nomad SEA-Oceania eSIM (Southeast Asia) to be used in eight countries with nine variants:
- 1 GB/3 days
- 3 GB/5 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- 5 GB/10 days
- 10 GB/15 days– most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- 15 GB/30 days
- 20 GB/30 days
- 30 GB/30 days
- 40 GB/30 days
- 50 GB/30 days
- 100 GB/60 days

Check out my Nomad review for a complete country list
Remember to use code ADU123 for 3 USD/2.85 EUR/2.45 GBP/4.10 CAD off your first Nomad purchase!
I have used, and will be using, the Nomad SEA-Oceania eSIM in select countries it can be used in (I may try the Nomad APAC eSIM instead – but in the long run, I will use it in all where possible).
- Be sure to check out my Nomad SEA-Oceania eSIM review for my insights!

Many more travel eSIMs will perform well in Japan.
You can read about them in my Best Japan eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison.

Note that NTT DoCoMo, the network GTN Mobile uses, offers VoLTE (Voice over LTE (4G)) and VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi).
But as you can only get data-only SIM cards in Japan, the features will not be available to you 😓.
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – GTN Mobile Japan
You cannot purchase top-ups for the GTN Mobile SIM cards because the validity cannot be extended, nor can credit be added.
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – GTN Mobile Japan
You cannot purchase additional plans for the GTN Mobile SIM cards because the validity cannot be extended.
You will have to purchase a new GTN Mobile SIM card if you need more data or if the SIM card expires.
APN/Internet Settings – GTN Mobile Japan
- Name: gtnmobile
- APN: plus.acs.jp
- Username: ym
- Password: ym
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
IIJmoi Japan Travel SIM

IIJmoi, with the Japan Travel SIM, is an NTT DoCoMo MVNO.
It is one of the MVNOs offering SIM cards to tourists.
The NTT DoCoMo network, which IIJmoi Japan Travel uses, uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: N/A – shut down in 2012 (yes, about a decade ago)
- 3G: 800 MHz & 2100 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 700 MHz (Band 28), 800 MHz (Band 19 – not the usual Band 20), 1500 MHz (Band 11), 1800 MHz (Band 3), 2100 MHz (Band 1) & 3500 MHz (Band 42)
- 5G NR: 3500 MHz (n78) & 3700 MHz (n77) – not for IIJmoi Japan Travel customers… yet
- VoLTE: Yes, but you cannot make calls as a IIJmoi Japan Travel
- VoWiFi: Yes, but you cannot make calls as a IIJmoi Japan Travel
This is what you will learn about IIJmoi Japan Travel:
* Coverage
* How to Get a(n) IIJmoi Japan Travel SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – IIJmoi Japan Travel SIM
IIJmoi (Japan Travel SIM) is an NTT DoCoMo MVNO, meaning IIJmoi uses the NTT DoCoMo MVNO network and does not have its own mobile infrastructure.
NTT DoCoMo has the best coverage in Japan (although all Japanese mobile operators have basically perfect nationwide coverage).
With IIJmoi, you do not get full access to the NTT DoCoMo network, but it is still extensive.
Below on the left, you have NTT DoCoMo's coverage and a coverage map for IIJmoi on the right produced by Speedtest:
SIM Card Price – IIJmoi Japan Travel SIM
You can get a(n) IIJmoi Japan Travel SIM card for 1990 JPY and 3020 JPY from resellers, including Bic Camera, Joshin & Yodobashi Camera. SIM cards are also sold at various airports, including (Tokyo) Haneda Airport (HND) and (Tokyo) Narita International Airport (NRT).

The following three IIJmoi (Japan Travel SIM) are available:
Price | Data | Validity |
---|---|---|
1990 JPY | 1 GB | 30 days |
3020 JPY | 2 GB | 3 months |
3020 JPY | 3 GB | 30 days |

The IIJmoi Japan Travel SIM card is available at the following international airports from these resellers:
- Chitose – New Chitose Airport (CTS – from Kiosk)
- Fukuoka – Fukuoka Airport (FUK 🗿 – from Global WiFi)
- Osaka – Kansai International Airport (KIX – from Global WiFi)
- Tokyo – Tokyo-Haneda International Airport (HND – from Global WiFi & JAL ABC)
- Tokyo – Tokyo-Narita International Airport (NRT – from BLUE SKY & JAL ABC)

Apparently, it is possible to get IIJmoi Japan Travel SIM cards (the 2 GB/3 months variant) in other countries, including Australia, Austria, Brazil, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Malaysia, Norway, the Philippines, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, the United Kingdom & the United States, but this is not something I can confirm (I do not often buy local SIM cards in other countries 🤪).

- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)

IIJmoi Japan Travel SIM has no eSIMs.
Note that the Japanese mobile operators require your identification (passport) for (future) eSIMs and for physical SIM cards.
Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for Japan (without personal detail capturing), you can get unlimited data eSIMs from Holafly (seven options):
- Unlimited/5 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- Unlimited/10 days – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- Unlimited/15 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- Unlimited/20 days
- Unlimited/30 days
- Unlimited/60 days
- Unlimited/90 days
Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in March based on data up to the 7th of March.

The best part is that you can get 5% off using code PHONETRAVELWIZ on each Holafly eSIM purchase!
No idea what or who Holafly is? Check out my Holafly review, where I share my hands-on experience after using its eSIMs in more than ten countries over two years.

If you plan on visiting other countries in Asia and others in other regions or continents, consider the Airalo Discover Global eSIM to be used in 85+ countries worldwide with five variants:
- 1 GB/7 days
- 3 GB/15 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- 5 GB/30 days – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- 10 GB/60 days
- 20 GB/180 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in March based on data up to the 13th of March (2023 data only)

Do you think the map above is nice, but you want a country list instead (because you do not recognize the countries on a map🗿)? You can find it in my Airalo review!
From 2023 on, my goal is to test this eSIM in all eligible countries.
- Be sure to check out my Airalo Discover Global eSIM review for my insights!

Many more travel eSIMs will perform well in Japan.
You can read about them in my Best Japan eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison.

Note that NTT DoCoMo, the network GTN Mobile uses, offers VoLTE (Voice over LTE (4G)) and VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi).
But as you can only get data-only SIM cards in Japan, the features will not be available to you 😓.
Note that NTT DoCoMo, the network IIJmoi Japan Travel SIM uses, offers VoLTE (Voice over LTE (4G)) and VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi).
But as you can only get data-only SIM cards in Japan, the features will not be available to you 😓.
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – IIJmoi Japan Travel SIM
IIJmoi (and Bic) top-up vouchers can be redeemed online – the same page can be used for checking your balance (or this one).
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – IIJmoi Japan Travel SIM
IIJmoi Japan Travel SIM has only one data-featured prepaid plan with no apparent name.
I will list all the prices in JPY (Japanese Yen).
To convert JPY to your currency (let's say HKD – Hong Kong Dollar) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
The following plans are available, which can be activated online.
Price | Data | Validity |
---|---|---|
1500 JPY | 500 MB | 30 days |
2300 JPY | 1 GB | 30 days |
3000 JPY | 2 GB | 30 days |
4100 JPY | 3 GB | 30 days |
5400 JPY | 5 GB | 30 days |

APN/Internet Settings – IIJmoi Japan Travel SIM
- Name: iijmio
- APN: iijmio.jp
- Username: mio@iij
- Password: iij
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
Mobal Japan

Mobal Japan, just Mobal, is an NTT DoCoMo MVNO and a SoftBank Japan MVNO.
Surprisingly, it is one of, if not the only, MVNO allowing tourists to make calls (legally, of course).
How they manage to do it – I do not know… but it works!
Anyway, if you get the Mobal data-only SIM card, you will be on the NTT DoCoMo network (the best in Japan).
You will be on the SoftBank Japan network instead if you get the voice-enabled Mobal SIM card.
This is what you will learn about Mobal:
* Coverage
* How to Get a Mobal SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – Mobal Japan
Mobal is an NTT DoCoMo and SoftBank Japan MVNO, meaning Mobal uses the NTT DoCoMo and SoftBank Japan networks and does not have its own mobile infrastructure.
NTT DoCoMo has the best coverage in Japan (although all Japanese mobile operators have basically perfect nationwide coverage).
With Mobal, you do not get full access to the NTT DoCoMo network, but it is still extensive.
In the case of SoftBank Japan, you should get full access, but that is not something I can confirm yet (I only got Modal's data-only SIM card, using NTT DoCoMo).
Below on the left, you have NTT DoCoMo's coverage and a coverage map for another NTT DoCoMo MVNO on the right produced by Speedtest:
SIM Card Price – Mobal Japan
You can get a Mobal SIM card for between 3990 JPY to 16 500 JPY online, and it can be picked up from various convenient locations, including at airports (Travelex), train stations & tourist information centers. Mobal SIM cards can be shipped for free to select destinations 1, allowing you to have your SIM card before going to Japan.
1 to Australia, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Israel, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, the United Kingdom & the United States


Note that Mobal is the only MVNO on this guide with a few voice-enabled SIM cards (using SoftBank Japan).
If you remember from earlier, SIM cards sold to tourists must be data-only because only nationals and those with a Japanese Residence Certificate (Jūminhyō – 住民票) can purchase voice-enabled SIM cards.
How Mobal manages to do this… I do not know, but it works!
Anyway, the following six Mobal SIM cards are available:
Price | Data | Local Minutes 3 | Local SMS 4 | Validity |
---|---|---|---|---|
3990 JPY | “Unlimited”, 3 GB/day (24 GB) 1 | N/A | N/A | 8 days |
5990 JPY | “Unlimited”, 3 GB/day (48 GB) 1 | N/A | N/A | 16 days |
7490 JPY | “Unlimited”, 3 GB/day (93 GB) 1 | N/A | N/A | 31 days |
7500 JPY | “Unlimited”, 7 GB 2 | Allowed | Allowed | 30 days |
12 000 JPY | “Unlimited”, 7 GB 2 | Allowed | Allowed | 60 days |
16 500 JPY | “Unlimited”, 7 GB 2 | Allowed | Allowed | 90 days |
1 while you can use more than 3 GB in a day, your speeds may be reduced for the coming 48 hours – you are better off using less than 3 GB/day for the best performance
2 +unlimited data @ 200 Kbps (annoyingly slow!) after exhausting your data allowance
3 @ standard rates (39 JPY/minute for local calls, 65 JPY/minute for calls to Australia, Belgium, Canada, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Malaysia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, the United Kingdom & the United States) & 200 JPY/minute to any other country (if you use dial prefix 0063)
4 @ standard rates (29 JPY/SMS for local texts & 140 JPY/SMS for international SMS (to any country))

The Mobal SIM card can be picked up at the following international airports (if you ordered them online before arrival):
- Chubu/Tokoname (Aichi) – Nagoya/Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO)
- Osaka – Kansai International Airport (KIX)
- Tokyo – Tokyo-Haneda International Airport (HND)
- Tokyo – Tokyo-Narita International Airport (NRT)
Mobal SIM cards can also be picked up from these non-airport locations:
- Kyoto – Kyoto Tower JTB Kansai Tourist Information Center
- Nagoya – Nagoya City Sakae Money Transfer Plaza Travelex
- Osaka – Pivot BASE Dotonbori
- Tokohama – Yokohama Station Keikyu Travelex
- Tokyo – Shibuya Mark City Building (Play! Diversity Shibuya Coin Space (4th floor))
- Tokyo – Shinjuku Station (Travelex Keio Shinjuku)

- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)

Mobal has no eSIMs.
Note that the Japanese mobile operators require your identification (passport) for (future) eSIMs and for physical SIM cards.
Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for Nomad without personal detail capturing, you can get eSIMs from Nomad (ten options):
- 1 GB/3 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- 3 GB/5 days
- 5 GB/10 days – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- 10 GB/30 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- 15 GB/30 days
- 20 GB/30 days
- 30 GB/30 days
- 40 GB/30 days
- 50 GB/30 days
- 100 GB/60 days
The best part is that you can get 3 USD/2.85 EUR/2.45 GBP/4.10 CAD off using code ADU123 on your first Nomad eSIM purchase!
No idea what or who Nomad is? Check out my Nomad review, where I share my hands-on experience after using its eSIMs in more than 25 countries over two years.

If you plan on visiting other countries in Asia and others in other regions or continents, consider the Nomad Global eSIM to be used in 110 countries worldwide with five variants:
- 1 GB/7 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- 3 GB/30 days
- 5 GB/30 days – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in February based on data up to the 7th of February.

Do you think the map above is nice, but you want a country list instead (because you do not recognize the countries on a map🗿)? You can find it in my Nomad review!
Remember to use code ADU123 for 3 USD/2.85 EUR/2.45 GBP/4.10 CAD off your first Nomad purchase!
Many more travel eSIMs will perform well in Japan.
You can read about them in my Best Japan eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison.

Note that NTT DoCoMo, the network Mobal uses, offers VoLTE (Voice over LTE (4G)) and VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi).
But as you can only get data-only SIM cards in Japan, the features will not be available to you 😓.
Note that NTT DoCoMo and SoftBank, the networks Mobal uses depending on the type of SIM card you have, offer VoLTE (Voice over LTE (4G)) and VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi).
But as you can only get data-only SIM cards in Japan, these features will not be available to you 😓.
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Mobal Japan
Mobal top-ups are sold by FamilyMart, Lawson & Ministop throughout Japan.
Note that the Mobal unlimited data-only SIM cards cannot be extended, and no credit can be added because it is unnecessary (which also means the SIM cards become deactivated after 8, 16, or 31 days).
However, the voice-enabled SIM cards are also long-term plans (which will be discussed in the next section), for which you can top up your SIM card (or pay for your plan online).
You can check your balance online.
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Mobal Japan
Mobal has only one data-featured prepaid plan: Japan Unlimited SIM Long Term Plans. it is a data bundle (without 5G NR access).
I will list all the prices in JPY (Japanese Yen).
To convert JPY to your currency (let's say HKD – Hong Kong Dollar) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
It can only be added to the Mobal voice-enabled SIM cards (SoftBank Japan)
Japan Unlimited Long Term Plans can be activated online:
Price | Data | Validity |
---|---|---|
1480 JPY | 1 GB | 1 month (until 1st of month) |
2980 JPY | 5 GB | 1 month (until 1st of month) |
3280 JPY | 10 GB | 1 month (until 1st of month) |
4380 JPY | 30 GB | 1 month (until 1st of month) |
It is recommended to purchase a plan as early on in the month to get the most out of it because plans expire on the first of each month, regardless of when it was activated (even if it was done on the 28th (February), 29th (February leap year), 30th, or 31st.
These plans do not have call or SMS allowances, but you can call and text with them (after adding extra credit to your SIM card.
You will be charged 39 JPY/minute for local calls
International calls to Australia, Belgium, Canada, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Malaysia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, the United Kingdom & the United States) are charged at 65 JPY/minute
International calls to any other country than the 26 mentioned above will cost 200 JPY/minute (if you use dial prefix 0063)
Local texts will cost 29 JPY/SMS. International SMS to any country will cost 140 JPY/SMS.
APN/Internet Settings – Mobal Japan
- Name: Mobal (data-only/NTT DoCoMo & voice-enabled/SoftBank Japan)
- APN: ppsim.jp (data-only/NTT DoCoMo) OR sb.mvno (voice-enabled/SoftBank Japan)
- Username: pp@sim (data-only/NTT DoCoMo) OR data@jp (voice-enabled/SoftBank Japan)
- Password: jpn (data-only/NTT DoCoMo) OR data (voice-enabled/SoftBank Japan)
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
Nippon SIM for Japan

Nippon SIM for Japan, just Nippon SIM, is an NTT DoCoMo MVNO and a SoftBank Japan MVNO, depending on the SIM card you choose.
However, the SoftBank Network SIM card has only one option, so you will most likely be on the NTT DoCoMo MVNO instead.
This is what you will learn about Nippon SIM:
* Coverage
* How to Get a Nippon SIM SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – Nippon SIM
Nippon SIM is an NTT DoCoMo and SoftBank MVNO (the latter for one starter pack only), meaning Nippon SIM uses the NTT DoCoMo MVNO network or SoftBank network and does not have its own mobile infrastructure.
NTT DoCoMo has the best coverage in Japan (although all Japanese mobile operators, including SoftBank, have basically perfect nationwide coverage).
With Nippon SIM, you do not get full access to the NTT DoCoMo network, but it is still extensive.
I believe you get full access to the SoftBank network if you get the SoftBank SIM card (but you cannot use its 5G NR access).
Below on the left, you have NTT DoCoMo's coverage and a coverage map for another NTT DoCoMo MVNO on the right produced by Speedtest:
Below is SoftBank's coverage map produced by Speedtest:

SIM Card Price – Nippon SIM
You can get a Nippon SIM card for 1780 JPY to 7980 JPY from resellers, such as Askul, Bic Camera, & Yodobashi Central. They can also be delivered to the post offices in various airports, including the Tokyo ones, for 550 JPY. Delivery to your accommodation is free (up to five business days). International delivery is available too (for up to 10 000 JPY).
Nippon SIM has four different SIM card lines: SoftBank Network Plan, Unlimited Plans, Standard Plans & App Count Free Plans.
These SIM cards also act as plans for the Nippon SIM (which cannot be extended if you need more data).
Note that no Nippon SIM allows for 5G NR access.
The SoftBank Network Plan is the only Nippon SIM card that does not use the NTT DoCoMo network (for some reason).
It costs 1780 JPY and gives you 10 GB of data (without 5G NR access) until your SIM card expires.
The SIM card's expiry date is stated on the SIM card starter pack (often many months in the future), meaning you could use your allowance for months.
Price | Data | Validity |
---|---|---|
1780 JPY | 10 GB | Until SIM card expiry 1 |
1 stated on the SIM card starter pack

The following three Nippon SIM Unlimited Plans are available:
Price | Data | Validity |
---|---|---|
1980 JPY | Unlimited | 5 days |
2980 JPY 1 | “Unlimited”, 2 GB/day (14 GB) | 8 days |
4980 JPY 1 | “Unlimited”, 2 GB/day (30 GB) | 15 days |
1 also available as eSIM

The following 13 Nippon SIM Standard Plans are available:
Price | Data | Validity |
---|---|---|
2480 JPY | “Unlimited”, 3 GB | 30 days |
2980 JPY | 3 GB | 90 days |
2980 JPY | 10 GB | 180 days |
3280 JPY | 15 GB | 180 days |
3980 JPY | 6 GB | 180 days |
3980 JPY | 9 GB | 90 days |
4980 JPY 1 | 15 GB | 90 days |
4980 JPY | 30 GB | 180 days |
5980 JPY | 18 GB | 180 days |
5980 JPY | 20 GB | 365 days |
6980 JPY 1 | 30 GB | 180 days |
7980 JPY 1 | 50 GB | 180 days |
1 also available as eSIM

The following three Nippon SIM App Count Free Plans are available:
Price | Data | Social Data 1 | Validity |
---|---|---|---|
2980 JPY | 1 GB | Unlimited | 7 days |
3980 JPY | 2 GB | Unlimited | 14 days |
4980 JPY | 3 GB | Unlimited | 30 days |
1 for Facebook, Facebook Messenger, Google Maps, Instagram, Kakaotalk, LINE, Skype, Twitter, WeChat & WhatsApp

- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)

It is possible to get a Nippon eSIM for the same price as a regular SIM card.
However, the selection is limited (only five of the 19 Nippon SIM starter packs are available as eSIM).
But you can also get travel eSIMs from Airalo, Holafly & Nomad (which are, in most cases, cheaper than the Nippon eSIM options).
Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for Japan (without personal detail capturing), you can get Japan Moshi Moshi eSIMs from Airalo (six options):

- 1 GB/7 days
- 2 GB/15 days
- 3 GB/30 days
- 5 GB/30 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- 10 GB/30 days – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- 20 GB/30 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in March based on data up to the 13th of March (2023 data only)
No idea what or who Airalo is? Check out my Airalo review, where I share my hands-on experience after using its eSIMs in more than 25 countries over four years.

If you plan on visiting other neighboring Asian nations, consider the Airalo Asialink eSIM to be used in 14 Asian countries 1 with six variants:
- 1 GB/7 days
- 3 GB/30 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- 5 GB/30 days – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- 10 GB/30 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- 50 GB/90 days
- 100 GB/180 days
Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in March based on data up to the 13th of March (2023 data only)
1 currently, newly bought Asialink eSIMs cannot be used in Singapore. Airalo is working on re-including Singapore in its Asialink offering

Do you think the map above is nice, but you want a country list instead (because you do not recognize the countries on a map🗿)? You can find it in my Airalo review!
I have used, and will be using, the Airalo Asialink eSIM in every country it can be used in.
- Be sure to check out my Airalo Asialink eSIM review for my insights!

Many more travel eSIMs will perform well in Japan.
You can read about them in my Best Japan eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison.

Note that NTT DoCoMo and SoftBank offers VoLTE (Voice over LTE (4G)) and VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi).
But as you can only get data-only SIM cards in Japan, the features will not be available to you 😓.
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Nippon SIM
You cannot purchase top-ups for the Nippon SIM cards because the validity cannot be extended, nor can credit be added.
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Nippon SIM
You cannot purchase additional plans for the Nippon SIM cards because the validity cannot be extended.
You will have to purchase a new Nippon SIM card if you need more data or if the SIM card expires.

APN/Internet Settings – Nippon SIM
The APN settings are depend on the Nippon SIM card starter pack (or eSIM) you get.
Luckily, Nippon SIM has an extensive guide on which APN settings to use for the SIM card (or eSIM) you get on this page.
Note: leave anything not mentioned in the guide untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
Sakura Mobile

Saruka Mobile is an NTT DoCoMo MVNO.
It is one of the MVNOs offering SIM cards to tourists.
The NTT DoCoMo network, which Saruka Mobile uses, uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: N/A – shut down in 2012 (yes, about a decade ago)
- 3G: 800 MHz & 2100 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 700 MHz (Band 28), 800 MHz (Band 19 – not the usual Band 20), 1500 MHz (Band 11), 1800 MHz (Band 3), 2100 MHz (Band 1) & 3500 MHz (Band 42)
- 5G NR: 3500 MHz (n78) & 3700 MHz (n77) – not for Sakura Mobile customers… yet
- VoLTE: Yes, but you cannot make calls as a Sakura Mobile customer
- VoWiFi: Yes, but you cannot make calls as a Sakura Mobile customer
This is what you will learn about Sakura Mobile:
* Coverage
* How to Get a Sakura Mobile SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – Sakura Mobile
Sakura Mobile is an NTT DoCoMo MVNO, meaning Sakura Mobile uses the NTT DoCoMo MVNO network and does not have its own mobile infrastructure.
NTT DoCoMo has the best coverage in Japan (although all Japanese mobile operators have basically perfect nationwide coverage).
With Sakura Mobile, you do not get full access to the NTT DoCoMo network, but it is still extensive.
Below on the left, you have NTT DoCoMo's coverage and a coverage map for another NTT DoCoMo MVNO on the right produced by Speedtest:
SIM Card Price – Sakura Mobile
You can get a Sakura Mobile SIM card for 4950 JPY to 26 400 JPY at airports, including the Tokyo ones, from JBL ABC or post offices. Delivery to your accommodation is free.

The following six Sakura Mobile, also called Sakura Mobile Travel SIM Unlimited Plans, are available:
Price | Data | Validity |
---|---|---|
4950 JPY | Unlimited | 8 days |
7150 JPY | Unlimited | 15 days |
9900 JPY | Unlimited | 30 days |
15 950 JPY | Unlimited | 45 days |
17 600 JPY | Unlimited | 60 days |
26 400 JPY | Unlimited | 90 days |
Sakura Mobile SIM card can be picked up (after placing an order online) at the following international airports:
- Chitose – New Chitose Airport (CTS – airport post office)
- Chubu/Tokoname (Aichi) – Nagoya/Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO – airport post office)
- Osaka – Kansai International Airport (KIX – terminal 1)
- Tokyo – Tokyo-Haneda International Airport (HND – terminal 3)
- Tokyo – Tokyo-Narita International Airport (NRT – terminals 1, 2 & 3)
Below are the Tokyo-Narita International Airport pick-up locations:



Below are the pick-up locations of the remaining airports:




- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)

Saruka Mobile SIM has no eSIMs.
Note that the Japanese mobile operators require your identification (passport) for (future) eSIMs and for physical SIM cards.
Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for Japan (without personal detail capturing), you can get unlimited data eSIMs from Holafly (seven options):
- Unlimited/5 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- Unlimited/10 days – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- Unlimited/15 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- Unlimited/20 days
- Unlimited/30 days
- Unlimited/60 days
- Unlimited/90 days
Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in March based on data up to the 7th of March.

The best part is that you can get 5% off using code PHONETRAVELWIZ on each Holafly eSIM purchase!
No idea what or who Holafly is? Check out my Holafly review, where I share my hands-on experience after using its eSIMs in more than ten countries over two years.

If you plan on visiting other neighboring Asia nations, consider the Holafly Asia eSIM to be used in 11 Asian countries with two variants:
- 6 GB/15 days (max. 500 MB/day) – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- 10 GB/30 days (max. 500 MB/day) – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in March based on data up to the 7th of March.

Do you think the map above is nice, but you want a country list instead (because you do not recognize the countries on a map🗿)? You can find it in my Holafly review!
Remember to use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for 5% off each Holafly purchase!
Many more travel eSIMs will perform well in Japan.
You can read about them in my Best Japan eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison.

Note that NTT DoCoMo, the network Bmobile uses, offers VoLTE (Voice over LTE (4G)) and VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi).
But as you can only get data-only SIM cards in Japan, the features will not be available to you 😓.
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Sakura Mobile
You cannot purchase top-ups for the Saruka Mobile SIM cards because the validity cannot be extended, nor can credit be added.
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Sakura Mobile
You cannot purchase additional plans for the Sakura Mobile SIM cards because the validity cannot be extended.
You will have to purchase a new Sakura Mobile SIM card if you need more data or if the SIM card expires.
APN/Internet Settings – Sakura Mobile
- Name: ppsim
- APN: ppsim.jp
- Username: pp@sim
- Password: jpn
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
Wireless Gate Japan

Wireless Gate Japan, just Wireless Gate, is an NTT DoCoMo MVNO.
It is one of the MVNOs offering SIM cards to tourists.
The NTT DoCoMo network, which Wireless Gate uses, uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: N/A – shut down in 2012 (yes, about a decade ago)
- 3G: 800 MHz & 2100 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 700 MHz (Band 28), 800 MHz (Band 19 – not the usual Band 20), 1500 MHz (Band 11), 1800 MHz (Band 3), 2100 MHz (Band 1) & 3500 MHz (Band 42)
- 5G NR: 3500 MHz (n78) & 3700 MHz (n77) – not for Wireless Gate customers… yet
- VoLTE: Yes, but you cannot make calls as a Wireless Gate customer
- VoWiFi: Yes, but you cannot make calls as a Wireless Gate customer
This is what you will learn about Wireless Gate:
* Coverage
* How to Get a Wireless Gate SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – Wireless Gate Japan
Wireless Gate is an NTT DoCoMo MVNO, meaning Wireless Gate uses the NTT DoCoMo MVNO network and does not have its own mobile infrastructure.
NTT DoCoMo has the best coverage in Japan (although all Japanese mobile operators have basically perfect nationwide coverage).
With Wireless Gate, you do not get full access to the NTT DoCoMo network, but it is still extensive.
Below on the left, you have NTT DoCoMo's coverage and a coverage map for another NTT DoCoMo MVNO on the right produced by Speedtest:
SIM Card Price – Wireless Gate Japan
You can get a Wireless Gate SIM card for 2420 JPY to 8800 JPY from Yodobashi Central. They may be sold at various airports, but I will have to confirm this in April 2023 (SIM card availability at airports has decreased significantly due to COVID-19 – even in 2023).
The following six Wireless Gate SIM cards are available:
Price | Data 1 | Validity |
---|---|---|
2420 JPY | 1.5 GB | 31 days |
2750 JPY | 3 GB | 31 days |
3410 JPY | 5 GB | 31 days |
5000 JPY | 50 GB | 31 days |
6380 JPY | 30 GB | 90 days |
8800 JPY | 90 GB | 60 days |
1 no 5G NR access

- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)

Wireless Gate SIM has no eSIMs.
Note that the Japanese mobile operators require your identification (passport) for (future) eSIMs and for physical SIM cards.
Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for Nomad without personal detail capturing, you can get eSIMs from Nomad (ten options):
- 1 GB/3 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- 3 GB/5 days
- 5 GB/10 days – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- 10 GB/30 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- 15 GB/30 days
- 20 GB/30 days
- 30 GB/30 days
- 40 GB/30 days
- 50 GB/30 days
- 100 GB/60 days
The best part is that you can get 3 USD/2.85 EUR/2.45 GBP/4.10 CAD off using code ADU123 on your first Nomad eSIM purchase!
No idea what or who Nomad is? Check out my Nomad review, where I share my hands-on experience after using its eSIMs in more than 25 countries over two years.

If you plan on visiting other neighboring Asian nations, consider the Nomad APAC eSIM (Asia-Pacific) to be used in 7, 12, or 15 countries, depending on the plan, with nine variants:
Note: all plans (7 Countries Plan, 12 Countries Plan & 15 Countries Plans) can be used in Japan.
- 1 GB/3 days (15 Countries Plan)
- 3 GB/5 days (15 Countries Plan)
- 3 GB/30 days (7 & 12 Countries Plan)
- 5 GB/10 days (15 Countries Plan) – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- 5 GB/30 days (7 & 12 Countries Plan) – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- 10 GB/15 days (15 Countries Plan)
- 20 GB/30 days (15 Countries Plan) – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in February based on data up to the 7th of February.

Do you think the map above is nice, but you want a country list instead (because you do not recognize the countries on a map🗿)? You can find it in my Nomad review!
Remember to use code ADU123 for 3 USD/2.85 EUR/2.45 GBP/4.10 CAD off your first Nomad purchase!
I have used, and will be using, the Nomad APAC eSIM in select countries it can be used in (I may try the Nomad SEA-Oceania eSIM instead – but in the long run, I will use it in all where possible).
- Be sure to check out my Nomad APAC eSIM review for my insights!

Many more travel eSIMs will perform well in Japan.
You can read about them in my Best Japan eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison.

Note that NTT DoCoMo, the network COMST uses, offers VoLTE (Voice over LTE (4G)) and VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi).
But as you can only get data-only SIM cards in Japan, the features will not be available to you 😓.
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Wireless Gate Japan
You cannot purchase top-ups for the Wireless Gate SIM cards because the validity cannot be extended, nor can credit be added.
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Wireless Gate Japan
You cannot purchase additional plans for the Wireless Gate SIM cards because the validity cannot be extended.
You will have to purchase a new Wireless Gate SIM card if you need more data or if the SIM card expires.

APN/Internet Settings – Wireless Gate Japan
- Name: JPSIM
- APN: xi01.wi-gate.net
- Username: wg@sim
- Password: wg
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
Wi-Ho! Japan

Wi-Ho! Japan, just Wi-Ho!, is an NTT DoCoMo MVNO.
It is one of the MVNOs offering SIM cards to tourists.
The NTT DoCoMo network, which Wi-Ho! uses, uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: N/A – shut down in 2012 (yes, about a decade ago)
- 3G: 800 MHz & 2100 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 700 MHz (Band 28), 800 MHz (Band 19 – not the usual Band 20), 1500 MHz (Band 11), 1800 MHz (Band 3), 2100 MHz (Band 1) & 3500 MHz (Band 42)
- 5G NR: 3500 MHz (n78) & 3700 MHz (n77) – not for tourists using Wi-Ho! … yet
- VoLTE: Yes, but you cannot make calls as a tourist using Wi-Ho!
- VoWiFi: Yes, but you cannot make calls as a tourist using Wi-Ho!
This is what you will learn about Wi-Ho!:
* Coverage
* How to Get a Wi-Ho! SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – Wi-Ho! Japan
Wi-Ho! is an NTT DoCoMo MVNO, meaning Wi-Ho! uses the NTT DoCoMo MVNO network and does not have its own mobile infrastructure.
NTT DoCoMo has the best coverage in Japan (although all Japanese mobile operators have basically perfect nationwide coverage).
With Wi-Ho!, you do not get full access to the NTT DoCoMo network, but it is still extensive.
Below on the left, you have NTT DoCoMo's coverage and a coverage map for another NTT DoCoMo MVNO on the right produced by Speedtest:
SIM Card Price – Wi-Ho! Japan
You can get a Wi-Ho! SIM card for 4980 JPY, 5980 JPY, or 6980 JPY at Tokyo-Haneda International Airport (HND) 1. They can also be purchased online from your local Amazon and delivered to you before traveling to Japan.
Before COVID-19, Wi-Ho! had sales channels at practically all international airports. From March 2020 until early 2023, all its airport stores closed. Wi-Ho! is slowly re-opening its airport stores, so you may want to purchase one from Amazon instead or get a SIM card from any other MVNO listed in this guide.
The following three Wi-Ho! SIM cards are available:
Price | Data 1 | Validity |
---|---|---|
4980 JPY | Unlimited | 8 days |
5980 JPY | Unlimited | 16 days |
6980 JPY | Unlimited | 31 days |
1 without 5G NR access

- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)

Wi-Ho! has no eSIMs.
Note that the Japanese mobile operators require your identification (passport) for (future) eSIMs and for physical SIM cards.
Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for Japan (without personal detail capturing), you can get Japan Moshi Moshi eSIMs from Airalo (six options):

- 1 GB/7 days
- 2 GB/15 days
- 3 GB/30 days
- 5 GB/30 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- 10 GB/30 days – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- 20 GB/30 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in March based on data up to the 13th of March (2023 data only)
No idea what or who Airalo is? Check out my Airalo review, where I share my hands-on experience after using its eSIMs in more than 25 countries over four years.

If you plan on visiting other neighboring Asian OR Oceanian nations, consider the Nomad SEA-Oceania eSIM (Southeast Asia) to be used in eight countries with nine variants:
- 1 GB/3 days
- 3 GB/5 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- 5 GB/10 days
- 10 GB/15 days – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- 15 GB/30 days
- 20 GB/30 days
- 30 GB/30 days
- 40 GB/30 days
- 50 GB/30 days
- 100 GB/60 days
Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in February based on data up to the 7th of February.

Do you think the map above is nice, but you want a country list instead (because you do not recognize the countries on a map🗿)? You can find it in my Nomad review!
Remember to use code ADU123 for 3 USD/2.85 EUR/2.45 GBP/4.10 CAD off your first Nomad purchase!
I have used, and will be using, the Nomad SEA-Oceania eSIM in select countries it can be used in (I may try the Nomad APAC eSIM instead – but in the long run, I will use it in all where possible).
- Be sure to check out my Nomad SEA-Oceania eSIM review for my insights!

Many more travel eSIMs will perform well in Japan.
You can read about them in my Best Japan eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison.

Note that NTT DoCoMo, the network GTN Mobile uses, offers VoLTE (Voice over LTE (4G)) and VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi).
But as you can only get data-only SIM cards in Japan, the features will not be available to you 😓.
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Wi-Ho! Japan
You cannot purchase top-ups for the Wi-Ho! SIM cards because the validity cannot be extended, nor can credit be added.
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Wi-Ho! Japan
You cannot purchase additional plans for the Wi-Ho! SIM cards because the validity cannot be extended.
You will have to purchase a new Wi-Ho! SIM card if you need more data or if the SIM card expires.
APN/Internet Settings – Wi-Ho! Japan
- Name: ppsim
- APN: ppsim.jp
- Username: pp@sim
- Password: jpn
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
The Preferred Way to Stay Connected When Traveling in Japan
Getting a SIM card from Bmobile, COMST, Mobal, Nippon SIM & Sakura Mobile would do you well when considering a Japanese SIM card.
Local Prepaid SIM Card in Other Asian Countries
Visiting other countries in Asia? Check out my region-specific SIM card buying guides:
- Central Asia
- East Asia
- (Middle East)
- South Asia
- Southeast Asia (revamped in September 2022)
- West Asia
Or check out my SIM card buying guides for individual Asian countries:
Going to other places around the world? Then you should also check out my sim card buying guides for other destinations around the world.
Next Steps to Enhance Your Travel Experiences
Looking for the next steps to enhance your phone travel experiences? Here is what to do:
Support Phone Travel Wiz
It takes a lot of time to analyze, translate & review the SIM card options worldwide (especially to test them out).
Your support helps me keep producing impartial content by eliminating the need to recommend international SIM cards as the best local SIM card (but some of them CAN be useful).
Every Ko-Fi donation, one-time or monthly, helps me to spend more time creating local SIM card buying guides.
Check Out My Resource Page
Looking for the best companies and gadgets to enhance your travel experience?
Check out my travel resources page for the best companies to use when you travel!
Save money with international SIM cards, on plane tickets, bus rides, cruises & accommodation.
Besides that, I also list services and items I use to make my life easier – and I believe they will help you too!
Start Your Own Online Business – Make Money While Traveling
Do you want to learn how I started an online business that allows me to generate income while traveling?
In my starting an online business guide, I tell you which tools, services & products I have for this site and my YouTube channel.
If I can start a business about something I am passionate about (phone travel), then you can do it too!
Learn About Your Phone Travel Options
You can buy local prepaid SIM cards, international SIM cards, mobile hotspots, or roam internationally.
Each of these options has its pros and cons. Learn more about them, and find the best option for you.
Phone Travel Tips, Tricks & Hacks
I have written many articles with tips and hacks to save money on mobile costs while abroad. You surely want to check them out!
Sign Up for the Phone Travel Wiz Newsletter
Get updates related to the newest guides, videos & recommended products and services.
Moreover, I send you many tips and tricks on saving money while traveling every now and then.
Let's Be Social
Did you know that I have a YouTube channel covering everything you need to know about traveling with your phone?
A lot of useful videos are uploaded multiple times a week, and you do not want to miss out on them!
Learn More About Who Adu Actually Is
Who is the guy behind Phone Travel Wiz? Well, find out on the Ernest Adu about page!