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.