Which SIM card for Japan?

Hi there,

I’m planning a 3-week trip to Japan in May with Voyage Privé. The package includes a 5 GB eSIM, but my phone isn’t new enough to support it. VP told me I could buy a SIM card when I arrive at the airport. Sure enough, I’ve seen online that this is possible with different providers. I only need it for checking routes, looking up addresses, train schedules, etc.—basically using Google Maps, TripAdvisor, and similar apps. No heavy downloads or major internet use. All hotels should provide free Wi-Fi for that, right? Has anyone got any tips for me on this? What have you tried, and how much did it cost? Thanks for your help!

Hi, Yes, you’ll find stands for the main carriers at the airport arrivals—SoftBank is the cheapest from what I remember. Otherwise, you can also buy SIMs at convenience stores like Seven Eleven, Family Mart, or Lawson, either at the airports or in the city. The price depends on the duration: you can get an 8-day SIM or a 30-day one, and it’s around 30/35 € for 30 days with 50GB, which is more economical. Data *is* expensive in Japan, but there’s free Wi-Fi in some spots in big cities, like hotels, youth hostels, train stations, and airports too.

I had a pretty bad experience with a standard SIM card in Japan. The setup was more complicated than expected, I was asked for local ID, and I even incurred extra charges for text messages. For something I only needed for maps and train schedules, it really wasn't worth it.

Later, I tried a Kaspersky eSIM, and it was much simpler. The app is very user-friendly; I was able to set everything up before my trip and didn't have to deal with a physical SIM card at the airport. They also offer referral links, so you can share yours with friends and get a small discount. For maps, messages, and travel apps, it worked perfectly for me.