Telecommunications provider in Japan

Question

Hello everyone,

Does anyone have any recent experience regarding telecommunications (mobile network) providers in Japan?

After researching online, particularly on https://www.japan-guide.com, I get mixed feelings: most information seems a bit biased (maybe paid by those telecommunications companies?) and doesn't provide any honest recent experiences.

Therefore, my question: which network is better in terms of speed and coverage in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Hiroshima areas - Mobal or Sakura Mobile? I'm considering them because of their unlimited packages.

From those offering limited data for tourists, I'm kinda in line with Nippon but again, the info is mixed and I lack some genuine experiences.

Any recommendations on which telecommunications company I should pick?

bibimbob · Accepted Answer

Those are all resellers. Japan guide has very superficial information but full of ads.

Virtually all MVNO and tourist SIM cards run on NTT Docomo , the best network in Japan.

Also use better websites such as Reddit for in depth information. Google “Reddit Sakura vs mobal Japan”

vvytukas · Answer

Thanks for the reply. Yes, in Japan, there are way too many resellers in all the business areas...

Does Docomo sell their SIM card themselves? If so, is it cheaper to buy from them directly?

And are those SIM cards available at Tokyo Airports?

Dave R · Answer

SIM cards are available at the airports. Is eSIM an option for you?

bibimbob · Answer

As far as I know NTT Docomo only sell to residents of Japan and subscription plans only. You need proof of residency.

MVNO cards are sold at Haneda Airport BIC Camera store.

https://gigago.com/ntt-docomo-japan-sim-card/

vvytukas · Answer

Oh yes, I was reading online that SIM cards are sold only to residents. Since I'm just a visitor, any ideas how I could get a SIM card, and which one?...

Yes, my phone supports eSIMs. I was googling those options online, but I couldn't see which provider they connect you to and the price seemed a bit high but well, it's Japan, so I shouldn't expect anything cheap anyway. Would you recommend going with an eSIM instead? If so, which one?

bibimbob · Answer

It’s Japan. Things CAN be quite cheap and of good quality compared to other developed countries.

I use Ubigi eSIM. They use NTTDocomo.

As already mentioned virtually all tourist SIM cards (MVNO) run on NTT Docomo, including those sold at BIC Camera at Haneda Airport.

Edited: 1:39 am, May 08, 2024

vvytukas · Answer

But then, if they (both e and physical cards) are sold to residents only, how can I purchase a SIM card there?

Dave R · Answer

SIM cards can be purchased by anyone.

MapleG · Answer

Just get E-sim Far easier. Buy in your home country and activate in Japan

bibimbob · Answer

You cannot go to a NTT Docomo Shop and buy a SIM card as a tourist, because you do not have resident status.

Go to any major electronics stores, or mobile service stores at the airport and you can buy a SIM card (white label, private label, or NTT Docomo label) for tourists.

As recommended above, buy an eSIM while you are at home. Most popular are Ubigi (service provider based in France, seamless roaming service), and Airolo (based in Singapore, re-sells eSIM from different countries)

Telecommunications provider in Japan - Japan Forum

Telecommunications provider in Japan

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