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.
You may want to get a travel eSIM for Japan, which can be cheaper than getting a SIM card from B-mobile Japan (in some cases).
Especially when getting an eSIM covering popular Asian destinations if you do not stay in just Japan or a global eSIM valid for up to a year if you want one eSIM to work practically worldwide.
My Japan eSIM buying guide analyzes various eSIM options of eSIM providers I have tested extensively worldwide.
Here is a quick introduction to them:
- Airalo: Moshi Moshi (Japan only), Asialink &Discover+ (130 countries worldwide + call and text feature) – use code NEWTOAIRALO15 (15% off – first-time users only) or AIRALOESIM10 (10% off)
- Alosim: Japan – use code PTW (5% off – no limits)
- Holafly: Japan – these eSIMs have unlimited data – use code PHONETRAVELWIZ (5% off – no limits)
- Nomad: Japan, APAC (up to 20 countries) & Global (up to 139 countries) – use code ADU123 (3 USD off – first-time users only)
For more information, such as the prices and data allowances, check out my Japan eSIM buying guide.
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.