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CompareBest SIM cards for foreigners in Tokyo
The short answer
Use a data-only eSIM for your first days. Once your address is on your residence card, switch to a long-term SIM with a Japanese phone number.
Why two steps?
In Japan, a bank account often needs a phone number, and a phone contract often needs a bank account or credit card. Getting data first breaks the loop. Register your address, then sign a long-term contract.
Pick by your situation
| Your situation | What to get | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Just landed | Data-only eSIM for travelers | Travel eSIM apps such as Airalo |
| No Japanese card or bank yet | A foreigner-friendly SIM that accepts overseas cards | Sakura Mobile: English website and contract. Voice + data from ¥3,278 a month for 5 GB, plus a ¥5,500 activation fee |
| Want support in your language | A SIM with multilingual support | GTN Mobile: support by phone, email or chat in English, Chinese, Korean, Indonesian, Vietnamese and Nepali. You can apply before you arrive (MATCHA) |
| Bank account and card ready | A low-cost plan from a major carrier | Rakuten Mobile: English website and online sign-up; phone support is in Japanese. LINEMO is cheap (from ¥990 a month for 3 GB) but sign-up and support are mostly in Japanese (Sakura Mobile blog) |
Prices include tax and were checked on each company's site in November 2026. Plans change often, so check the official page before you sign up.
Our pick · PR
Lyprimo (prepaid SIM)
See Lyprimo plans- Prepaid, no long contract
- Can be used the same day
What you need to sign up
- Residence card with your address on it
- A way to pay: credit card, debit card or bank transfer (varies by company)
- An unlocked phone. Phones bought abroad should also support Japanese frequency bands.
Watch out for
- "Data-only" plans have no phone number. Banks and city offices need a voice number.
- Some plans have a minimum term or a cancellation fee. For a short stay, pick one without.
- If identity checks can't be done online, you may need to visit a shop.
Next step
Opening a bank account as a new arrival
Japan Post Bank is usually the easiest first account. For your first six months you count as a non-resident for foreign exchange rules,...
Read the guide