Short-term data SIM options while travelling to Japan
Mobal – https://www.mobal.com/japan-sim-card/
Mobal is a new player in the travel SIM space in Japan. For travellers, they have two options. One 15 day Voice + Text+ Data Plan for 4000 yen* or 30 day Voice + Text + Data Plan for 6000 yen*. Both include 7GB of high speed data with unlimited throttled data after that. Mobal also provides free worldwide shipping so you can start browsing as soon as you touch down.
U-Mobile – https://umobile.jp/lp/prepaid_eng/
U-Mobile have vending machines installed at Narita. The machines look a bit like this:
Look out for these at Narita Terminal 1, 2 and 3.
They are also available from some shops at Narita and Haneda airports. The SIM cards come in 7, 15 and 30-day versions, with prices starting from just over 2000 yen* and increasing with the package.
With this one can get 200MB of high-speed (375Mbps) a day; once that limit is reached, speeds are reduced to 200kbps. The limit is lifted at midnight. Unlike some of the other prepaid SIMs, it’s not possible to recharge with more data.
Japan Travel SIM – https://www.iijmio.jp/hdd/visitors/
One can spot these at one of the convenience stores in the Arrivals hall shortly after touching down at Narita
The Japan Travel SIM, a service from MVNO giant IIJmio offers a prepaid SIM service that lasts for 1-3 months depending on your package. It’s great for the slightly longer-term visitor, as well as for a short-term heavy user, as the data allowance can be up to 2GB. The packaging also opens up to an idyllic Japanese scene, which is a visual treat.
B-Mobile – http://www.bmobile.ne.jp/english/product.html
This company offers the facility of posting a Visitor SIM to an airport pickup point so you can grab it straight away, or even to your hotel. It’s 3,223yen* and good for 21 days with 5GB data, plus it’s rechargeable directly from the phone (1GB is 500 yen*). Please note to check that your phone is compatible (you can do this on the website) before ordering this SIM card.
Ninja SIM – http://ninjasim.jp/en/
Ninja SIM is by Biglobe. Like B-Mobile, they have both airport pick-up and hotel delivery options. The SIM cards come in 3GB (4900 yen*) and 7GB (7700 yen*) sizes.
Note: No one can call you on your cell phone
With the exception of Mobal, SIM cards for short-term travellers are usually data-only SIMs, meaning you can’t call or text or even receive phone calls. It is always better to check the details before purchase.
Pocket Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi Rental Store offers pocket wi-fi on rent. Visit the website http://en.wifi-rental-store.jp/ for details and rates. It is a convenient way for browsing and accessing social media. They also offer to deliver to airport or hotel.
Abbey Language Travel