Being stuck without data or racking up huge fees while traveling can quickly ruin a trip. Its now easier and cheaper than ever to stay connected in Japan with pre-paid sim cards. You’ll be able to post to Instagram and make your friends jealous your entire trip!
Buying and getting set up with a Sim card can be done right when you arrive in Japan. Most pre-paid Sim card companies make it easy to pick up Sim cards at both Narita and Haneda Airport. They also have English support so you don’t have to worry about any language barriers. You’ll need to have an unlocked cell phone to use a prepaid sim card and most options don’t offer text and calling. However, you can always download a messaging app and make free calls from that.
Here are some of the best options for Pre-paid Sim Cards in Japan
Mobal: They offer one of the only plans with voice and data. For Voice + 7GB data for 30 days it costs ¥4,500. They also offer just data packages with Unlimited data for 8 days at ¥3,990 or 16 days: ¥5,990 or 31 days: ¥7,490. They have pick up from all major airports in Japan and if your already in Japan, you can have it sent to your hotel. Click here for more info.
Sim Card Geek: They offer data plans at affordable rates. Their data packages include 8GB for 8 days at ¥3,480 or 16GB for 16 days at ¥5,480 or 31GB for 31 days at ¥6,980. You can pick up your sim card at Narita or Haneda from the post office or have it directly shipped to you. Click here for more info
U-mobile: For those looking for smaller data packages, U-mobile offers 220MB at day for 7 days at ¥2,000 or 220MB/day for 15 days at ¥3,500. SIM cards can be purchased at both Narita and Haneda Airport. Click here for more info
OCN: Has smaller data packages that are bit more expensive but are easily bought all around Japan. They offer 100MB/day for 7 days at ¥3,218 or 100MB/day for 14 days at ¥3,780. You can buy them at most major airports and electronic retailors across Japan. Click here for more info
While most foreign carriers charge exorbitant roaming fees some carriers have options for international roaming plans. Voda phone offers a $5 a day international roaming fee that includes data, calling and text. T-mobile USA actually offers free data for its customers in Japan. Check with your carrier to see what they offer.
If none of these options work for you, just remember Nozawa Onsen has plenty of Wi-fi spots and our accommodation comes equipped with high-speed internet!