Prepaid SIM Cards at Convenience Stores in Japan: 2026 Guide & Prices - if you cannot buy at airport
Updated : 2026-01-07 21:40:19
Travelers visiting Japan are likely filled with excitement from the moment they land at Narita, Haneda, or Kansai Airport. However, it can be a major stressful situation if you miss the chance to get a SIM card and find yourself without any way to stay connected.
For those arriving late at night or early in the morning, airport shops are often closed. Others transferring to regional airports may simply run out of time to buy a SIM card. In such cases, the next thing many travelers consider is a convenience store.
In Japan, convenience stores like 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson are found on almost every corner and do sell SIM cards and eSIMs. However, before you head to one, there are several crucial points you need to understand about buying them there.
As of 2026, the SIM card and eSIM situation at Japanese convenience stores has become quite "unique." This article introduces the current state of convenience store SIM cards to help you navigate your trip smoothly.
The Reality in 2026: SIM Card Availability at Convenience Stores is Declining
By 2026, the majority of travelers have shifted to eSIMs, making physical SIM cards a "rare item" on convenience store shelves. As the number of people choosing eSIM over physical cards continues to grow, in-store stock has significantly decreased.
Only Available at Select Stores
SIM cards are not sold at every convenience store. While you can often find them in high-traffic areas like city centers, major stations, or popular tourist spots, they are rarely stocked in residential areas or rural locations.
You Might Not Be Able to Use It Immediately
One advantage of convenience store SIM cards is that they can be cheaper than those sold at airports. However, unlike airport versions, these cards often aren't "ready-to-use." You may need to complete an "activation" process via a Wi-Fi environment or follow a secondary procedure to purchase the actual data capacity after buying the physical card. *Note: A credit card is usually required for these data purchases.
| Data | SMS | Call |
|---|---|---|
| Available | No | No |
By Major Chain: SIM Card Price Lists and Features
Lawson
Some Lawson stores carry SIM cards from "IIJ," a prominent Japanese MVNO. These are highly recommended for travelers because once you set up the APN, they are ready to use immediately, saving you the trouble of hunting for a Wi-Fi spot to activate them.
| Days | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 30 days | 3GB | ¥2,480 |
| 30 days | 6GB | ¥2,980 |
| 30 days | 10GB | ¥3,280 |
| 30 days | 15GB | ¥3,480 |
| 30 days | 25GB | ¥4,580 |
| 30 days | 35GB | ¥4,980 |
| 30 days | 55GB | ¥5,780 |
7-Eleven / FamilyMart
These stores typically sell roaming-type SIM cards from overseas carriers. After purchasing the card, you will need to connect to Wi-Fi to select and pay for your desired data plan online.
Initial Cost: SIM Card Package ¥880
| Days | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 3 days | 500MB/day | ¥ 1,100 |
| 5 days | 500MB/day | ¥ 1,200 |
| 7 days | 500MB/day | ¥ 1,400 |
| 14 days | 500MB/day | ¥ 1,800 |
| 30 days | 500MB/day | ¥ 3,100 |
| Days | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 3 days | 1GB/day | ¥ 1,300 |
| 5 days | 1GB/day | ¥ 1,500 |
| 7 days | 1GB/day | ¥ 1,700 |
| 14 days | 1GB/day | ¥ 2,200 |
| 30 days | 1GB/day | ¥ 4,100 |
Major Convenience Stores: Their Specific Selling Styles
7-Eleven
SIM cards are often found in the prepaid card corner, hanging alongside iTunes cards and Amazon gift cards.
FamilyMart
If you don’t see them on the shelves, some stores require you to use the in-store multi-copy machine to print a voucher, which you then take to the register.
Lawson
IIJ SIM packages are usually displayed in the prepaid card section of the store.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Can I buy a SIM card at any convenience store?
- A: No. They are mainly found in major stores in city centers and tourist zones. Residential and rural shops generally do not stock them.
- Q: Can I use the internet immediately after purchase?
- A: For SIMs sold at 7-Eleven or FamilyMart, you must purchase a data plan via Wi-Fi after buying the card. Lawson’s IIJ SIM is ready to use immediately after you complete the APN settings.
- Q: What should I do if the convenience store doesn't have any SIM cards?
- A: If your phone is eSIM-compatible, buying an eSIM online is the fastest fix. Otherwise, renting a Pocket Wi-Fi for hotel delivery is highly recommended.
Last Resort: What to Do if You Can't Find a SIM Card
If local convenience stores are out of stock, consider these options:
- Electronics Stores: Major retailers like Yodobashi Camera and Bic Camera carry a wide variety of SIM cards and eSIMs.
- Online Pocket Wi-Fi Rental: These can be delivered to your hotel or a post office in as little as 2–3 days.
- Instant eSIM Purchase: If your device is compatible, buying an eSIM online will restore your connection almost instantly.
Prepare Before Your Trip to Japan
Many travelers run into trouble by failing to secure a SIM card or Pocket Wi-Fi at the airport. While convenience stores do sell them, availability is decreasing in 2026.
If you know you won't have time at the airport, it is essential to prepare in advance—for example, by ordering online and having your device shipped to your hotel.