Prepaid SIM Cards Sold Convenience Stores in Japan Prices and Plans - if you cannot buy at airport

For travelers visiting Japan, internet connectivity is an essential element during their stay. It's necessary for using map apps in tourist spots, searching for restaurant and sightseeing reviews, and staying in touch with friends and family or updating social media.

At Narita Airport, Haneda Airport, and Kansai Airport, SIM cards are available for purchase, and Pocket Wi-Fi can also be rented. However, upon arrival at regional airports after transferring from Narita, Haneda, or Kansai, neither SIM cards nor Pocket Wi-Fi are available for purchase or rental.

If you cannot purchase a SIM card at the airport or rent Pocket Wi-Fi, there are several methods to ensure connectivity in Japan, such as purchasing eSIM or applying online for Pocket Wi-Fi to be delivered to your hotel. Alternatively, you can buy SIM cards at convenience stores.

In fact, SIM cards for travelers are available at some convenience stores. This article introduces plans and prices for SIM cards sold at convenience stores.

SIM Cards for Travelers in Japan

SIM cards(eSIM) for travelers sold in Japan are dedicated to data communication. They do not include a phone number, and SMS cannot be sent or received. For making calls, you'll need to use apps like WhatsApp,Line and etc.

Data	SMS	Call
OK	No	No

Convenience Stores Selling SIM Cards

• Seven-Eleven
• FamilyMart
• Lawson

Prices and plans for SIM cards available at 7-Eleven

You can purchase a SIM card for 880 yen, and afterward, you'll need to buy data capacity. The SIM card is from a Taiwanese communication carrier, so you'll need to turn on the roaming feature to communicate.

Prices for data Plans

After purchasing a SIM card, you will need to purchase a data plan. You will need WIFI to purchase a data plan, so you will not be able to communicate immediately after purchasing and setting up the SIM card.

Considering the need to purchase additional data plans from a WIFI environment, eSIM is more convenient, as there is no need to go to a convenience store to purchase a SIM card.
Japan Travel eSIM

Prices and plans for SIM cards available at Family Mart

FamilyMart also sells a SIM similar to 7-eleven. You can purchase a SIM card for 880 yen, and afterward, you'll need to buy data capacity. The SIM card is from a Taiwanese communication carrier, so you'll need to turn on the roaming feature to communicate.

Prices for data Plans

After purchasing a SIM card, you will need to purchase a data plan. You will need WIFI to purchase a data plan, so you will not be able to communicate immediately after purchasing and setting up the SIM card.

Japan Travel eSIM

Prices and plans for SIM cards available at Lawson

SIM cards are available at some Lawson stores. The telecommunications company is IIJ, a Japanese MVNO. You can communicate using the Japanese company's network, so the roaming function is turned off.

These IIJ Prepaid SIM cards can be used as soon as it is purchased and the APN is set. You don’t need to go to a WIFI environment.

What to Do If SIM Cards Are Not Sold at Convenience Stores

Rent a Pocket Wi-Fi

If you're staying in a rural area where SIM cards are not sold at convenience stores, consider renting a Pocket Wi-Fi online. It can be delivered to your hotel or a nearby post office. Keep in mind that delivery may take 2-3 days.
Pocket Wifi Japan

Purchase eSIM

If you have a smartphone that supports eSIM, purchasing eSIM is a good option. eSIMs can be purchased anytime, anywhere. Especially online shops in Japan offer eSIMs at lower prices and with higher data capacities than SIM cards sold at convenience stores.
Japan Travel eSIM

Ensuring Connectivity in Japan

For travelers who cannot purchase SIM cards or rent Pocket Wi-Fi at the airport, or if SIM cards are not available at convenience stores everywhere, it's advisable to make reservations in advance. Similar to booking hotels or air tickets before coming to Japan, make reservations for Pocket Wi-Fi or prepaid SIM cards. Outside of major Japanese international airports like Narita and Kansai, options for renting Pocket Wi-Fi or buying SIM cards are limited. If you cannot pick them up at the airport, they can be delivered to your hotel. If you have a smartphone that supports eSIM, purchasing eSIM is the best option. Japan Travel eSIM