Ways to stay connected in Japan: So easy! 3 main ways to buy prepaid Travel SIM cards for Japan

You might not believe how much it has changed, but it is true. The situation has changed so much in Japan and it is now incredibly easy to purchase prepaid Travel sim cards for Japan.

There are 3 ways to buy prepaid Travel SIMs for foreign visitors to Japan.

online at either Amazon.com or Amazon.co.jp
International airports such as Narita/Haneda and others
stores such as Bic Camera (shown above), Yodobashi Camera, or convenience stores in big cities

1. Purchase SIM from Amazon

Amazon.com

I was born in Japan (US resident) and visit Japan often. I usually order a prepaid sim card for Japan from Amazon.com and take it with me so I can start using my iPhone SE sim-free model, just as soon as I get into the airport terminal.

This is probably the easiest way for US travelers to make sure that they can get connected in Japan with the correct handset or tablet.

See prepaid Travel sim for Japan at Amazon.com

The selection is limited compared to what's available in Japan, but I don't mind not using the very best travel sim as long as it works well.

Also, you might think there are higher costs for Japanese sim cards sold in the USA, but that is not true. The prices are very reasonable and I can enjoy free shipping with my Amazon Prime membership.

Amazon.co.jp

I would say it is almost as good to order a prepaid Travel sim from Amazon.co.jp from the comfort of your home in the USA and have it delivered to your hotel or destination in Japan. You can compare specifications and prices ahead of time. Certainly there is a wider selection in Japan.

Check prepaid Travel sim for Japan at Amazon.co.jp

You will be on the move every minute after you land in Japan and can easily forget to buy a sim card for your phone at the airport. Once you are away from the airport, it will be troublesome to find a store where they carry sim cards for foreigners. Pre-purchasing your sim before you leave home can eliminate this task.

One more benefit of this is that you can take advantage of the current exchange rate. It is about 113 yen to $1, so shopping Japanese products online with a US credit card gives you a merit.

2. Purchase SIM at International Airports

Narita Airport (Terminal 1, 2 and 3)

There are a lot of services in Narita airport for travelers, and SIM card sales are one of them. There are several sales/rental service counters with representatives. Also there are vending machines.

J WiFi & Mobile / JAL ABC Counter / Telecom Square / Softbank Global Rental

If you need customer support, this is a good way to find the right SIM for you. For example, you might not be sure if your device can take a foreign SIM.

Costs at the airports are much higher.

If your smartphone turns out to be locked to your home carrier, you can rent a smartphone for your travel.

For J Wifi&Mobile, click here. (Japanese site)
For JAL ABC Counter, click here.
For Softbank global rental counter, click here. (Japanese site)

SIM Vending machines

There are SIM vending machines at each terminal in Narita Airport. There are only 2 or 3 brands sold there, but in case you arrive after store hours they might come in very handy. Cash and credit cards are usable.

For the details on sim&wifi rentals available in Narita Airport, click here.

Haneda Airport (International Terminal)

This blog gives very detailed information.

Kansai Airport (International Terminal)

This blog (in Japanese) gives very detailed information.

4. Purchase SIM at a store such as Bic/Yodobashi Camera

If you would like to browse in person what prepaid Travel SIM cards are available, go to a big discount camera shop such as Bic Camera or Yodobashi Camera among others.

photo https://commons.wikimedia.org

You might see sim cards sold in convenience stores such as Seven Eleven or Lawson, but many are meant for residents, not for tourists. If you want to buy a sim card for a short stay in Japan, try to choose one in a package all in English or Chinese.