SIM & eSIM Cards for Japan
Stay connected throughout your Okinawa adventure with the right data plan
What’s in This Guide?
SIM Card vs eSIM: Understanding Your Options
Travelers to Japan can choose between physical SIM cards and digital eSIMs. Each has distinct advantages depending on your device, travel style, and connectivity needs.
Physical SIM Cards
Traditional plastic SIM cards that physically insert into your device’s SIM tray. Available at airports, electronics stores, and online with pre-arrival delivery.
✓ Advantages
• Works with all unlocked phones (no eSIM support needed)
• Can be purchased on arrival without pre-planning
• Easy to swap between devices if needed
• Physical card provides reassurance
• Can be shared with travel companions
✗ Disadvantages
• Requires SIM ejector tool and manual installation
• Risk of losing small plastic card
• Must store your original SIM safely
• Airport kiosks may have queues/limited hours
• Delivery required if ordering online
eSIM (Digital SIM)
Digital SIM card downloaded directly to compatible devices via QR code or app. Instant activation without physical card. Growing in popularity for international travel.
✓ Advantages
• Instant purchase and activation (even before departure)
• No physical card to lose or swap
• Keep home number active simultaneously (dual SIM)
• Environmentally friendly (no plastic waste)
• Perfect for last-minute travelers
• Multiple eSIM profiles can be stored
✗ Disadvantages
• Requires eSIM-compatible device (check compatibility)
• Setup requires internet connection for initial download
• Cannot be transferred between devices
• Some older devices don’t support eSIM
• Troubleshooting can be less intuitive
Choose eSIM if: Your device supports it (iPhone XS or newer, recent Android flagships), you want instant activation, you travel frequently, or you want to keep home number active.
Choose Physical SIM if: Your device doesn’t support eSIM, you prefer tangible products, you’re not comfortable with digital setup, or you want maximum compatibility across devices.
Top SIM/eSIM Providers for Japan
Multiple providers offer tourist-focused data plans for Japan. Pricing and features vary significantly—compare options before purchasing.
| Provider | Data | Duration | Price (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mobal | Unlimited | 8-30 days | $30-75 | Physical SIM, free shipping, excellent customer service |
| Sakura Mobile | 3-10GB | 7-30 days | $15-50 | Budget option, physical SIM, airport pickup available |
| Airalo (eSIM) | 1-20GB | 7-30 days | $5-42 | Popular eSIM provider, instant activation, good app |
| Ubigi (eSIM) | 3-10GB | 30 days | $12-32 | Reliable eSIM, works with many device brands |
| IIJmio | 2-20GB | 30 days | $10-40 | Japanese provider, both SIM/eSIM, good coverage |
| Japan Wireless | Unlimited | 5-21 days | $35-90 | Physical SIM, truly unlimited, airport pickup |
Understanding Data Plans
Data-Only vs Voice/SMS: Most tourist SIM/eSIM plans provide data only—no phone calls or SMS. Use WhatsApp, LINE, or other internet-based apps for communication.
“Unlimited” Plans: Often include fair use policies. Heavy users (50GB+/month) may experience throttling. For typical travel use (maps, social media, messaging), unlimited plans work perfectly.
Data Allowances: Estimate your needs: Light use (maps, messaging) = 3-5GB/week. Moderate use (plus social media, browsing) = 7-10GB/week. Heavy use (streaming, uploads) = 15GB+/week.
Overage: Most plans stop working when data exhausted rather than charging overage fees. Plan conservatively or choose unlimited.
• Book online before departure—significantly cheaper than airport kiosks
• Compare total cost including delivery fees for physical SIMs
• Check for coupon codes—many providers offer first-time user discounts
• Consider pocket WiFi for groups—one device serves multiple people
• Download offline maps before arrival to reduce data consumption
Where to Buy SIM Cards in Japan
Online Pre-Purchase (Recommended)
Best Option for Most Travelers: Order online 1-2 weeks before departure. Physical SIMs ship internationally; eSIMs activate instantly via email.
Advantages: Better prices than airport, guaranteed availability, start using immediately upon landing, compare options carefully, read reviews.
Major Platforms:
• Klook: Wide selection, competitive pricing, reliable delivery
• Airalo: eSIM specialist, user-friendly app, instant activation
• Amazon: Physical SIMs with fast shipping (check seller ratings)
Timing: eSIMs can be purchased up to departure. Physical SIMs need 5-10 days for international shipping.
Naha Airport
Location: International arrivals area and domestic terminal. Multiple vending machines and staffed kiosks.
Providers: Usually find IIJmio, Sakura Mobile, or Japan Wireless. Selection limited compared to online.
Pricing: Expect 20-30% premium over online prices. Convenience fee for last-minute purchase.
Hours: Vending machines 24/7. Staffed counters typically 8 AM-9 PM (may vary).
Wait Times: Can be 15-30 minutes during peak arrival times (afternoon international flights). Early morning usually quick.
Electronics Stores (Naha)
Major Chains: Bic Camera, Yamada Denki, Kojima locations in Naha sell tourist SIM cards.
Advantages: Staff assistance (limited English), can see physical product, sometimes better prices than airport, passport required for purchase.
Locations: Naha Main Place (shopping mall), along Route 58, near Omoromachi monorail station.
Note: Not all locations stock tourist SIM cards. Call ahead or ask hotel to confirm availability.
Hotel/Accommodation Delivery
Service: Some providers deliver SIM cards to your accommodation. Coordinate arrival timing with hotel check-in.
Process: Order online, provide hotel address, SIM arrives 1-2 days before your arrival (coordinate with hotel to accept package).
Best For: Travelers arriving late at night when airport counters closed, or those who prefer not dealing with SIM immediately upon landing.
Activation & Setup Guide
Physical SIM Card Setup
Step 1 – Power Off Device: Turn off your phone completely before removing/inserting SIM cards.
Step 2 – Remove Original SIM: Use SIM ejector tool (or paperclip) to open SIM tray. Store your original SIM safely—you’ll need it when returning home.
Step 3 – Insert Japan SIM: Place new SIM in tray, ensuring correct orientation (notched corner matches tray). Push tray firmly back into device.
Step 4 – Power On & Wait: Turn device on. Wait 30-60 seconds for network connection. You should see signal bars and carrier name.
Step 5 – Configure APN (if needed): Most SIMs auto-configure. If no data connection after 5 minutes, manually enter APN settings (provided with SIM card).
iOS APN: Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data Network → enter APN details
Android APN: Settings → Network & Internet → Mobile Network → Access Point Names → Add APN
eSIM Setup
Step 1 – Purchase & Receive QR Code: After online purchase, receive QR code via email or through provider’s app. Don’t scan until ready to activate.
Step 2 – Ensure WiFi Connection: Connect to WiFi before starting eSIM installation (hotel, airport, etc.).
Step 3 – Install eSIM Profile:
iOS: Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → Use QR Code → scan provided QR code → follow prompts
Android: Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs → Add SIM → scan QR code
Step 4 – Label Your Plans: Give eSIM descriptive name (“Japan Travel”) to distinguish from home plan.
Step 5 – Select for Data: Choose Japan eSIM as primary data source. Keep home SIM active for calls/texts if desired (dual SIM mode).
Step 6 – Enable Data Roaming: Turn on data roaming for the Japan eSIM profile (this is required for eSIMs to work).
No Signal: Restart device, verify SIM inserted correctly, check airplane mode is OFF
No Data Connection: Check APN settings match provider instructions, enable data roaming, restart device
eSIM Not Appearing: Ensure device is eSIM compatible, check WiFi connected during installation, try re-scanning QR code
Slow Speeds: Move to area with better signal, check data allowance not exhausted, restart device
Can’t Make Calls: Most tourist SIMs are data-only. Use WhatsApp, LINE, or Skype for voice calls over data
Network Coverage in Okinawa
Okinawa has excellent mobile coverage across populated areas. Understanding network characteristics helps set realistic expectations.
Major Networks
NTT Docomo: Japan’s largest carrier, most extensive coverage including remote islands. Tourist SIMs often use Docomo network. Excellent reliability.
SoftBank: Second-largest carrier, strong urban coverage. Some tourist SIMs operate on SoftBank network. Good speeds in cities.
au (KDDI): Third major carrier, comparable coverage to SoftBank. Used by some MVNOs offering tourist plans.
Which to Choose: Docomo-based SIMs offer best coverage for remote areas. In main tourist areas, all networks perform well.
Coverage by Area
Naha & Urban Areas: Excellent 4G/LTE coverage from all carriers. Fast speeds suitable for streaming, video calls. 5G increasingly available in downtown Naha.
Beach Resorts (Onna, Yomitan): Very good coverage along coast and major hotels. Occasional weak spots in valleys between resorts.
Northern Okinawa: Good coverage in towns (Nago, Motobu) and major tourist sites (Churaumi Aquarium). Yanbaru forests have sporadic coverage.
Remote Islands (Kerama, Miyako, Ishigaki): Good coverage in main settlements and popular beaches. Docomo strongest on smallest islands. Some remote beaches have no signal.
Underwater/Diving: Obviously no mobile coverage underwater. Download maps and info before boat trips.
4G/LTE Speeds: Typically 10-50 Mbps download in good coverage areas. Sufficient for all standard uses including HD video streaming.
Throttling: Some “unlimited” plans throttle speeds after certain thresholds (often unreported). Rarely impacts normal travel use.
Peak Times: Slight slowdowns possible in very crowded areas (major festivals, concerts) but generally reliable.
Practical Tips & FAQ
Before You Buy
Check Device Compatibility:
• Phone must be unlocked (not carrier-locked)
• Verify eSIM support if choosing eSIM (Settings → About → check for “Digital SIM” or “eSIM”)
• Confirm device supports Japan’s LTE bands (B1, B3, B19, B21)
• iPhones bought from major carriers usually work; some regional Android models may have limited compatibility
Estimate Data Needs:
• Check your typical monthly usage in phone settings
• Add extra for navigation (Google Maps uses ~5-10MB per hour)
• Consider WiFi availability at accommodation
• Download content before trip (offline maps, entertainment)
During Your Trip
Conserve Data: Disable auto-play videos on social media, avoid streaming when WiFi available, use offline maps
Check Balance: Most providers offer apps or USSD codes to check remaining data
Keep Documentation: Save QR codes (eSIM), APN settings, and customer service contacts in case of issues
Backup Communication: Download LINE or WhatsApp—these work over data for messaging/calls
Emergency Numbers: 110 (police), 119 (fire/ambulance) work even without SIM credit
Common Questions
Q: Can I receive calls on my home number?
A: With physical SIM—no, your home SIM is removed. With eSIM on dual-SIM device—yes, keep home SIM active for calls while using Japan eSIM for data.
Q: What happens when data runs out?
A: Most plans simply stop working. No overage charges. Purchase additional data through provider’s website/app or buy new SIM.
Q: Can I use hotspot/tethering?
A: Usually yes, but check plan terms. Some providers restrict tethering or count it toward data limits.
Q: Do I need to return physical SIM?
A: No, tourist SIMs are yours to keep. They stop working after plan expires. Simply remove and reinstall your original SIM.
Q: Will my phone number change?
A: Yes, you’ll get a Japanese number (data-only plans don’t provide working numbers for calls). Share your WhatsApp/LINE to stay in touch.
Stay Connected in Paradise
Reliable mobile connectivity enhances your Okinawa experience—from navigating remote beaches to sharing moments in real-time. Whether choosing the convenience of instant eSIM activation or the reliability of physical SIM cards, advance planning ensures you stay connected from the moment you land. Compare providers based on your data needs, check device compatibility, and purchase before departure for the best rates. With proper connectivity, you can confidently explore Okinawa’s islands, access translation apps, book last-minute activities, and maintain connections with home—all while discovering Japan’s tropical paradise.