Where to Buy A Prepaid SIM Card in Japan

The most convenient and cost-effective way to use a prepaid SIM card when traveling to Japan is to reserve it through an online service and pick it up at the airport or hotel. You can also buy SIM cards at the airport, but the price will be higher than the price sold online. Also, there is not a large selection of SIM cards at the airport, so you may not be able to find the SIM card with the best plan you want.
The best way is to make a reservation and pick up a SIM card at the airport or hotel before you arrive in Japan, but if this is not possible, Also, if you need an additional prepaid SIM card, there are a limited number of places where you can buy a SIM card.

For travelers to Japan, SIM cards and eSIMs are data only

You may be considering using a SIM card or eSIM in Japan, but be aware that the SIM cards and eSIMs available for purchase for travelers and short-term visitors to Japan are designed for data only. It means that SIM card (eSIM) is not support making or receiving phone calls or SMS in Japan. If you wish to purchase a SIM card or eSIM that supports phone numbers, you y need a Japanese address, a credit card issued in Japan or a Japanese bank account to verify your identity. This makes the purchase process complicated and not easy to obtain.

However, for short-term stays in Japan, there are ways to use the service without a Japanese phone number: communication applications such as IP phone applications or Facebook Messenger, Skype, and LINE can be used to communicate without a phone number. Thus, for short-term visitors, the lack of a local phone number should not be a major problem.

Prepaid SIM Card - What's the most cost-effective way to purchase?

There are four ways to purchase Prepaid SIM cards for use in Japan:

Japanese online services
Japanese electronics retail stores
Japanese airports
Online services outside Japan
Convenience stores

A rough summary of their characteristics is as follows:

	SIM Types	Selling Price
Japanese Online Services	Most abundant	Inexpensive
Japanese Electronics Retail Stores	Abundant	Inexpensive
Japanese Airports	Abundant	Expensive
Online Services Outside Japan	Limited	Average
Convenience stores	Limited	Expensive

Prepaid SIM Card Providers in Japan(Online Service)

Purchasing a Prepaid SIM card from an online shop that specializes in Japanese Prepaid SIM cards and having it delivered is considered the best method.
You can have it delivered to the hotel where you are staying. Smaller companies will ship immediately if you negotiate with them via email.

The advantages of buying online include

Wide Variety of Options

You can choose the most suitable Prepaid SIM card from a diverse range of options. Japan offers various types of Prepaid SIM cards, allowing you to select a plan and price that align with your preferences.

No Stock Shortages

When buying a SIM card at the airport, such as from vending machines or stores, there may be limited choices, and during peak travel times, items may be sold out. When purchasing online, stock shortages are rare.

Cost-Effectiveness

Buying a SIM card at the airport can be relatively expensive. Online purchases are often sold at prices without additional airport fees, making it a cost-effective way to obtain a SIM card.

Nationwide Delivery

With reliable delivery services throughout Japan, ordering online ensures that your SIM card can be delivered anywhere in the country.

It is advisable to order a SIM card online before coming to Japan. However, even if you forget to make a purchase, online ordering and delivery services are available, making online purchases a convenient option.

Provider	Official Site
CDJapan Rental	https://rental.cdjapan.co.jp/
b-mobile	https://www.bmobile.ne.jp/intro_for_foreigner.html
Sakura Mobile	https://www.sakuramobile.jp/
mobal	https://www.mobal.com/
HIS mobile	https://his-mobile.com/domestic/service/prepaid#googtrans
Japan Wireless	https://www.japan-wireless.com/
Amazon.co.jp	https://www.amazon.co.jp/

Prepaid SIM card on Amazon Japan
If you purchase a SIM card from Amazon Japan, they may deliver it the day you order or the next day.
However, be careful how you enter your address.
The following page describes how to enter your address in order to have a SIM card purchased from Amazon Japan delivered to your hotel.
How to buy from Amazon in Japan and pick up at the hotel

Electronic Stores

In some major cities like Tokyo , Osaka,Nagoya and Fukuoka you can buy Prepaid SIM cards at certain electronics stores. Consider visiting large electronics retailers such as Yodobashi Camera; it's often more cost-effective than purchasing at the airport.

Yodobashi Camera

They have a wide variety of prepaid SIM cards, and for buying the best one for your purpose,
they have "SIM Counter," which gives you an advice on it.
One of their largest stores is located in front of Akihabara Station.
Yodobashi Camera Store Information

Bic Camera

Their flagship store in Ikebukuro in Tokyo is the biggest.
Meanwhile, Yurakucho store located in Ginza is very convenience and close to the Palace area.
Bic Camera stores List

Convenience stores

Not all convenience stores offer SIM cards, but some are starting to do so. However, they are more expensive than Amazon Japan and online services. Also, the selection is limited.

Airports in Japan

In Japanese airports, Prepaid SIM cards for travelers are available for purchase at vending machines and shops. Airports are the most common locations for handling a variety of Prepaid SIM cards.
However, it's worth noting that Prepaid SIM cards sold at airports are typically more expensive than usual. To obtain a Prepaid SIM card at a lower cost, one effective method is to order online and pick it up upon arrival at a Japanese airport. Another option is to place an online order and have it delivered to your accommodation, such as a hotel.

There are some shops and vending machines of prepaid SIM cards at airports in Narita, Haneda, Kansai, Chitose, and Naha.