Prepaid SIM Cards in Japan: What Tourists Should Know

Japan restricts voice SIMs for short-term visitors, so most tourists end up with a data-only card.

• Data-only SIMs start around $15 for 3 GB
• Available at airports and electronics stores
• Voice SIMs require more paperwork
• Pocket Wi-Fi is a popular alternative at $5 per day

For most travelers an eSIM is faster, but a physical SIM works on any unlocked phone.

Most short-stay visitors pair a data SIM with messaging apps rather than paying extra for voice minutes.