When you’re travelling overseas, staying connected is incredibly important for a stress-free trip. And by connected, we mean with a SIM card or an eSIM. Whether you’re navigating through a busy yokocho, translating a Japanese menu, or planning your metro trip around your favourite attractions in Japan, having a SIM card with ample data will make your life so much easier, especially as public WiFi is less common and could be unreliable. 

International roaming with your existing Australian number is convenient, but it can be expensive. Popular international roaming plans can cost around AU$5-10 a day. The total cost of choosing to roam quickly adds up, especially if you’re in Japan for an extended period. 

If you’re keen to save your cash, opting for a local SIM or eSIM in Japan is a lot more cost-effective. Plus, you’ll get the added bonus of excellent coverage and high speeds by going local. So, if you're staying more than a few days or know you’ll rely heavily on online maps and translating apps, getting a local SIM is your best bet. 

Getting a SIM card or eSIM in Japan is easy and straightforward and can be sorted before you leave or when you arrive.

Most tourist SIM cards are data-only, and generally, this is all you’ll need for your trip in Japan. However, if you prefer a SIM card with minutes and data, make sure to specify in-store or online and expect to show your passport to complete your purchase. 

https://unsplash.com/photos/person-holding-black-smartphone-taking-photo-of-green-trees-wp_Knx_QT8o

If you need to get connected as soon as you land, it’s wise to buy a SIM card in advance. This way, you can open up Maps and navigate your way through Japan’s metro system and head straight to your hotel without delay. 

Buying a SIM card or eSIM in advance is more expensive than purchasing one at the airport; however, the added convenience and peace of mind you get from having your SIM card sorted is well worth it. Plus, you’ll skip the lines at the airport, too. 

There are a few providers to choose from when picking your SIM card or eSIM for Japan. Below are some of the best ones in Japan right now, particularly for tourists. 

The main difference between getting a physical SIM and an eSIM in Japan comes down to convenience and flexibility. 

A physical SIM is often cheaper and can include local call minutes and a local phone number, however, you’ll need to visit a store at the airport or in town to register and activate. 

Alternatively, eSIMs offer a fully digital solution—you can purchase and install one before your trip, so you're online the moment you arrive. While they usually come at a slightly higher cost and don’t include a local Japanese phone number, they’re a great option if you only need data. For travellers focused on convenience and avoiding SIM card swaps, eSIMs are a hassle-free way to stay connected abroad.

The cost of an eSIM in Japan can vary depending on your provider, the amount of data you plan to purchase and how long you need the validity to be. Typically, eSIMs can be as little as AU$2 a day or as much as AU$40 for your whole trip. 

You can get a 4GB GoHub eSIM for Japan on Traveloka from AU$7. Or better yet, if you purchase your flight to Japan or book a hotel in Japan via Traveloka, you’ll get a free eSIM with your booking. How good?

A multi-country eSIM is excellent if you’re hitting a few countries during a short trip. You may consider grabbing a local SIM card or eSIM if you’re only visiting Japan, or if you’re staying in Japan for an extended period before your next destination.