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Best Japan SIM Card for Tourists + Honest Mobal SIM Review
Japan blends old traditions with modern life – from ancient temples to tech-savvy cities.
While free WiFi is common, even at temples, you might wonder if getting a Japan SIM card for tourists or a WiFi device is necessary for a short stay.
I thought the same until I realised how useful it is to have your own data and the ability to make calls.
When Sahana and I planned our 3-week plus 3 days trip, we knew we’d spend time in rural areas near Mount Fuji with limited WiFi access.
Using travel apps, translating signs, and making online payments made staying connected with good network, essential.
In this post, I’ll share the best ways to stay connected in Japan, from wifi plans to the top SIM cards for tourists, including an honest review of the Mobal SIM we used.
Keep reading for discount coupons on Japan SIM cards and WiFi devices – every bit counts, to make your Japan trip more affordable!
Why do tourists need a good network in Japan?
Having a good data and voice network in Japan makes everything easier—finding your way, translating signs, exploring local spots, and staying in touch with loved ones.
Plus, it’s super helpful for public transport info and staying safe especially during natural disasters.
Trust me, using Japanese public transport is the best way to save money and see the country, but it’s tough without internet and apps!
I can’t imagine what we would have done without the internet or phone calls we had using the Mobal SIM while trying to navigate Tokyo’s metro and subway.
Even while wandering in Osaka’s underground shopping arcades, we badly needed internet.
They’re incredibly efficient but can be quite confusing at first.
I’m not trying to scare you, but Japan does have natural disasters like earthquakes and tsunamis. Nothing happened when we visited in December, but if it does, having a phone network to call for help is crucial.
Japan also has some unique places to stay beyond hotels and hostels. For example, if you’re booking a “shukubo” (temple stay), you’ll usually need to call ahead to reserve.
So, having a local Japan Sim Card as tourist that got data and call connection is a must when travelling in Japan.
How do stay connected with internet in Japan?
Tourists in Japan can get internet by buying or renting a portable WiFi device, using free WiFi in cafes, hotels, and train stations. Or buying a local SIM card – which I recommend.
Can tourists buy SIM cards in Japan?
Foreigners can easily buy a prepaid SIM card in Japan, and I’d definitely recommend it! If your phone supports eSIM, that’s a great option. Or, if you prefer, go old school like us and grab a physical SIM card.
Is it cheaper to buy a SIM in Japan?
Yes, it’s usually cheaper to buy a SIM card in Japan than to use your home country’s roaming plan.
It was definitely cheaper for us to use a Japanese SIM card than sticking with our Indian SIM and its roaming charges.
So, make sure to check with your service provider about their roaming fees!
Types of SIM for short term visitors to Japan
Apart from choosing between an eSIM or a physical SIM, you’ve got options like Data Only SIMs or ones that cover calls, texts, and data. Then, you can pick the duration that suits you best—8, 16, or 30 days.
Data Only SIM or Voice+Data Sim
If you’re in Japan for a week to 10 days and mostly exploring major cities, a Data Only SIM should do the trick. But if you’re staying for over 2 weeks and plan to visit rural or offbeat spots, a Voice Call + Data SIM is the way to go.
A Data Only SIM is cheaper and can be bought for 8, 16, or 30 days. Voice Call + Data SIMs are a bit pricier, come with less data (up to 7GB per month, which is more than enough for a tourist in Japan for 3 and a half week like us), and the minimum duration is 30 days.
Benefits of Voice+Data SIM for Tourists in Japan
Stay Connected Anywhere: Great for when you’re exploring rural spots or offbeat places where WiFi is hard to find.
Emergency Calls: Useful for making local calls in case of emergencies or booking reservations.
Easy Communication: Call hotels, restaurants, or services without relying on internet apps. Especially if you are going for homestays and Temple stays where you have to call and book the rooms.
Flexible Usage: Use data for maps, social media, and streaming, while still having the option to make regular calls.
Save Money: Skip the pricey international roaming fees by using a local SIM for both calls and data.
Best for Couples and Group Travellers: Whether you’re in a group or with your spouse, you often end up exploring places on your own. Sahana and I do this all the time—I’m into food, while she loves architecture.
So, while I was busy in the Akihabara gaming arcade, she went searching for local soy sauce nearby. Having a voice call option with our 30 Days, along with data, was super handy in situations like these!
Which SIM card is best in Japan for tourists?
Mobal SIM is the best choice for tourists in Japan! It’s easy to buy and set up, offers great coverage across the country by using Softbank’s network, and provides English customer service.
You can have the SIM shipped to you before you leave, so you’re ready with a local SIM as soon as you arrive, or pick it up in various cities across Japan.
The coverage of Mobal SIM was so good that, we could easily use google maps and other apps uninterruptedly even at remote forest areas of Saga arashiyama.
Softbank SIM Vs Mobal
Mobal acts as a virtual mobile operator, meaning it doesn’t have its own network but uses Softbank’s infrastructure. While Softbank’s SIM cards cover 99% of Japan’s population, they are mainly for locals with postpaid plans.
The prepaid plans that tourists need involve a lot of paperwork and restrictions. With Mobal, you get the same reliable coverage, flexible options, and easy setup, all without the hassle.
Get it Shipped or Collect it in Japan?
You can choose to have your Mobal SIM shipped to your home or collect it in Japan, depending on your timing and preference.
If you’re ordering at least 20 days before departure, it’s best to get it shipped to your home, so you have it ready before landing in Japan.
If you’re buying last minute, like we did (a week before leaving), it’s easier to pick it up in Japan.
Mobal SIM collection points
Mobal has multiple pick-up locations in 9 cities, including major spots like Tokyo and Osaka airports, as well as Kyoto, Kanazawa, and Nagoya.
In Tokyo alone, there are over 5 pick-up spots, including Haneda and Narita airports, plus popular areas like Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Asakusa—places every traveller exploring Tokyo will likely visit.
If you’re picking up your SIM at the airport, check the opening hours—the airports might be 24/7, but the Mobal SIM shops aren’t.
We picked ours up at the Shibuya Mark City (Creation Square Shibuya Store on 4th floor)
Step by Step Guide to buy Mobal SIM
- Visit the Mobal Website: Go to the Mobal Physical SIM Card Page
- Choose Your SIM : Select Data Only SIM or Voice+Data SIM and duration.
- Add to Cart: Click “Add to Cart” after choosing your options.
- Pickup or Delivery: Choose to have it shipped to your location or collect it in Japan. If getting shipped, add your house address. If you ar epicking, choose the right option for you
- Billing Details: Select your nationality, and you’ll see the required documents to upload. For Indians, it’s the passport’s front and back pages. For US citizens, you can use a driver’s license or state ID card. For South African citizens, you’ll need a South African passport plus a billing document from a state-owned electricity company The required documents vary based on nationality.
- Review Order: Check your order details, including duration and price.
- Checkout and make payment:us Pay with an international debit or credit card or Paypal
- Receive Confirmation: Get a confirmation email with order details.
- Collect: Receive the Physical SIM and Install
- Activation: Device activates within 2 business days; you’ll get an email when ready.
Heads up : If you choose an Short Term eSIM for purchase, the booking steps remain the same up to Step 9 for collection.
In step 9, you receive an Access Code instead of a physical SIM. If picking up, show your ID at the location. Enter the code on the activation portal, choose a plan (30-90 days), install the eSIM, and set the APN using the provided instructions. That’s it!
What is Portable Wifi Device in Japan?
A portable Wi-Fi device in Japan is a mini router you can carry in your pocket, providing internet access through a mobile network, just like your home Wi-Fi.
These devices are popular with tourists staying for a week or two. While many companies rent them, be cautious—there are lots of complaints about unreliable connections.
It’s often better to buy one instead of renting from random sellers.
What is the best Pocket WiFi in Japan?
Mobal Pocket WiFi works all four major Japanese networks: Softbank, Docomo, and AU, Rakuten. Locals use it too, so it’s reliable – It is mainly useful for local residents or long term travellers.
It’s super easy to buy online with an international card, and you can get it shipped to your address (your first hotel) in Japan.
The device is tiny—smaller than a box of Tic Tacs! You won’t even notice it’s there. It charges with a USB and lasts up to 12 hours on a full charge.
Who should buy Portable Wifi Device in Japan?
Japan pocket WiFi is perfect for solo travellers and digital nomads who need lots of data. It’s great for working on the go with a fast, reliable connection.
However, it’s not ideal for groups or couples since it only connects up to 5 devices. If one person takes it while exploring, the others won’t have access to the network.
How to buy Pocket Wifi from Mobal?
Visit the Mobal Website: Go to the Mobal Japan WiFi page. Add the device to your cart ( Minimum contract is 3 months – So this is perfect for long term travellers/residents and digital nomads)
Review Order: Check your order details, including duration and price.
Checkout: Click “Checkout” to proceed. Add your Japan hotel/residence address as delivery address ( No overseas shipping)
Enter Details: Provide your name, email, and delivery info.
Make Payment: Pay with an international debit or credit card.
Receive Confirmation: Get a confirmation email with order details.
Receive it in Japan: Collect it in your Japan residnetial/hostel/hotel.
Activation: Device activates within 2 business days; you’ll get an email when ready.
So, by the time it arrives or you pick it up from the store, it’ll be good to go. The activation key or password will be included with the device.
Portable Wifi Device Vs Mobile SIM
| Criteria | Data Only SIM/eSIM | Voice + Data SIM/eSIM | Portable WiFi Device |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 8, 16, 31 Days | 30, 60, 90 Days | Monthly (charges apply per month) Min. 3 months (you can cancel under 3 months, but need to return the device) |
| Data | Physical SIMs: 25GB (8 Days), 50GB (16 or 31 Days) eSIMs: 8days: 3/10/30GB, 16days: 3/10/50/100GB, 31days:10/50/100GB | 7GB per calendar month | (depends on plan; multiple networks) 100GB/month |
| Voice Calling | Not Available | Available (charges apply) | Not Available |
| Texting | Not Available | Available (charges apply) | Not Available |
| Total Cost (JPY) | Physical SIM : Prices Vary for 9-16-31 days. Check here for prices. eSIM : Prices Vary depending on 8-16-21 days and The capacity you choose (3 GB, 10GB, and 30GB) Check here for prices | Prices Vary for Long term (90 days and More) and Short Term ( Less than 90 Dyas- Suitable for travellers). Check here for prices. | ¥6,980 (Initial), then ¥4,980 per month |
| Discount | No discount | 20% discount for Data+Voice Physical SIM if booked through our link | No discount |
| Best For | Tourists for short stays; data-heavy users | Tourists needing both data and calling capabilities ( We opted for this and recommend this) long-term residences | Perfect for long-term residences or long term travellers in Japan |
| Ease of Purchase | Online purchase, pick-up in Japan, and shipping worldwide | Online purchase, pick-up in Japan, and shipping worldwide | Online purchase, shipping only to Japan address |
| Coverage | SIM/eSIM: IIJ | SIM: Softbank Network (99% of Japan) eSIM: Docomo | Works on all major Japanese networks (Softbank, Docomo, AU, Rakuten) |
| Device Compatibility | Requires an unlocked phone | Requires an unlocked phone | Compatible with any WiFi-enabled device |
| Battery Life | N/A | N/A | Up to 12 hours on a full charge using a USB cable |
| Return Process | N/A | N/A | Cancel under 3months: you need to return it to Mobal office. Cancel after 3months: you can keep the device (don’t need to return it). |
Summary
So now you know what suits your Japan Travel Plan You can pick either of this
