Internet and eSIM in Japan: How to Get a SIM Card

The short answer to how to get internet and a SIM card in Japan is: buy online before you set off. If your phone is unlocked, choose an eSIM or a data SIM; if not, choose Pocket Wi-Fi. Most short-term SIMs only provide data; they don't offer a Japanese number or calling. For a voice SIM, identity verification is required.

In brief

• If your phone is unlocked and supports eSIM, an eSIM is the most practical option; a physical SIM and Pocket Wi-Fi are alternatives.
• Most short-term SIMs only provide data; calling and SMS require a voice SIM and identity verification.
• Before purchasing, check your phone's lock status, eSIM compatibility and, if necessary, support for Band 1 and Band 3.
• SIM and Pocket Wi-Fi can be ordered online; Pocket Wi-Fi is picked up from Kansai or Narita.

The essence of the rule: three options

In Japan you connect to the internet in three ways: eSIM, physical SIM and Pocket Wi-Fi. All three can be purchased online before you set off. Which one suits you depends on your phone's status and the number of people travelling with you.

Turkish citizens can enter Japan visa-free, and the permitted stay is 90 days. For current entry requirements, see the Japan visa page. Internet choice is independent of visa status; however, your length of stay determines the duration of the package you should get.

The general rule is this:

• If your phone is unlocked and supports eSIM: eSIM is the least troublesome route.
• If your phone doesn't support eSIM but is unlocked: get a physical data SIM.
• If your phone is locked or you'll be connecting multiple devices: consider Pocket Wi-Fi.

Wi-Fi is widespread in hotels, ryokans, cafés, the Shinkansen and airports. Starbucks offers free Wi-Fi to customers. Still, maps, route and translation apps need uninterrupted data all day; relying only on open networks is risky.

The difference between eSIM and physical SIM

With a physical SIM, you remove the existing SIM in your phone and insert the travel SIM. During this time you can't use your Turkish line in the same slot, and you need to make sure you don't lose the card you removed. Bring a SIM ejector pin with you.

An eSIM, on the other hand, is a virtual SIM. It's installed directly on the phone without removing your own SIM, so your Turkish line stays in place. It's safest to do the installation at home before your flight, while you have an internet connection.

Not every phone supports eSIM. Before purchasing, check your device's eSIM compatibility. Also, to use a data-only SIM in Japan, the phone must be unlocked; ask your carrier whether there's a carrier lock.

Some eSIMs have technical requirements. For example, the Japan Experience eSIM only works in Japan and requires your phone to support Band 1 (2.0 GHz) and Band 3 (1.7 GHz). Read the seller's compatibility list before purchasing.

Data package limits

Most eSIMs and physical SIMs sold for short-term travel are prepaid and data-only. Some packages have a throttling limit; read the daily or total data rule in the package description before purchasing.

Pocket Wi-Fi: when does it make sense?

Pocket Wi-Fi is a modem that fits in your pocket. It doesn't depend on your phone's SIM or eSIM support; a phone, tablet and laptop can all connect to the same device. It's a practical solution for those with a locked phone and for those travelling together.

You can order online and pick it up from Kansai International Airport or Tokyo Narita Airport. You may need to return the device; clarify the return method and conditions on the order page.

Advantages:

• You don't have to deal with phone settings.
• Multiple devices get internet access from a single connection.
• It doesn't matter if your phone is locked.

Disadvantages:

• You need to charge it; the battery may run out during the day.
• It means carrying a separate device and cable.
• The return process and conditions require follow-up.

If you're travelling alone and your phone supports eSIM, eSIM usually stays simpler. If you're going with a tour, read what the itinerary says about internet on the tour page; don't rely on an unwritten provision, and plan your own connection in advance.

If you need to make calls: voice SIM and identity

For most travellers, the need to make calls is solved with VOIP apps like WhatsApp. These apps work over a data package. A data package that doesn't provide a Japanese phone number can't make regular calls or send SMS.

Due to regulations in Japan, identity verification is required to get a voice (call-capable) SIM card. Some carriers, such as Mobal, issue voice SIMs to foreign visitors with an identity document such as a passport. Identity verification is less strict for data-only SIMs.

For example, the GTN Prepaid SIM can only be applied for with a passport. It offers options ranging from a minimum of 7 days to a maximum of 90 days, either data-only or voice+data. There's a throttling limit and no extension option; that is, if your stay is extended, you'll need to buy a new package.

Situations requiring voice include:

• If you'll call a local restaurant or accommodation by phone,
• If you'll use a service waiting for a verification code via SMS.

In these cases, choose a voice SIM and keep your passport with you.

Common mistakes

Check for these mistakes before you set off:

• Not checking the phone's lock status. A data-only SIM in Japan requires the phone to be unlocked.
• Assuming eSIM compatibility. Not every phone supports eSIM; verify from device settings or the manufacturer's page.
• Leaving the installation to be done in Japan. Finding a connection on arrival can take time; install the eSIM at home if possible, and check the activation condition on the seller's page.
• Expecting a number. A data package doesn't provide a Japanese number; keep your Turkish number active on standby for a service that requires SMS verification.
• Getting too short a package duration. Some SIMs have no extension; compare your travel days with the package duration.
• Losing the old card while removing a physical SIM. Store the card in a small box.
• Skipping band compatibility. Some eSIMs require specific bands; read the seller's compatibility information.

For any carrier's current conditions, check the seller's page or the carrier's official announcement; package rules may change.

Step by step: how to get internet

1. Check your phone. Is it unlocked, does it support eSIM? Verify from settings and with your carrier.
2. Determine your requirement. If data alone is enough, get a data package; if you need calls, consider a voice SIM and the passport requirement.
3. Choose your option. Decide between eSIM, physical SIM or Pocket Wi-Fi.
4. Buy online. SIMs can be purchased online before the trip. For Pocket Wi-Fi, choose the pickup point (Kansai or Narita) and date.
5. Save the installation instructions. For eSIM, save the QR code and settings somewhere accessible offline.
6. Activate upon arriving in Japan. Check the package's start condition on the seller's page.
7. Test the connection. Open a map app or send a message; make sure the data roaming setting is on.
8. Note the date if a return is required. Determine in advance where and when to return the Pocket Wi-Fi device.

If you're going with a tour, read the itinerary and accommodation information on the tour page. When choosing a route, the When to Go to Japan? article may also help.

Checklist before you set off

Complete the following before your flight:

• Is your phone unlocked? Confirm with your carrier.
• Does it support eSIM? Check from device settings.
• If there's a compatibility requirement like Band 1 and Band 3, read the seller's list.
• Is the package data-only, or do you need calling and SMS? If so, have your passport ready for a voice SIM.
• Does the package duration cover your travel days? For packages without extension, get the full duration.
• For a physical SIM, do you have a SIM ejector pin and a small box to store the old card?
• Is the eSIM QR code or installation instructions saved offline?
• If you ordered Pocket Wi-Fi, have the pickup point (Kansai or Narita) and return method been noted?
• Is your charger and portable charger in your bag?
• Have you reviewed your Turkish line's roaming and SMS verification needs?

If you're ready to choose a Japan tour, take a look at Japan tours; for example, the Japan & Korea Tour Mystic Routes V6 page includes route and accommodation details. Package rules may vary by carrier; check the seller's current conditions before purchasing.

Frequently asked questions

Can you make calls with a SIM card in Japan?

Most SIMs and eSIMs sold for short-term travel are data-only packages; no Japanese number is provided, so regular calling and SMS are not possible. VOIP apps like WhatsApp can be used. If you need to make calls, look into a voice SIM option that requires identity verification.

Does my phone need to be unlocked to use an eSIM in Japan?

Yes, using a data-only SIM in Japan requires an unlocked phone. Also, not every phone supports eSIM; check your device's compatibility before purchasing. Some eSIMs also require specific bands.

Do you need a passport for a SIM card in Japan?

Identity verification is less strict for data-only SIMs. To get a voice SIM, however, identity verification is required due to regulations in Japan; an identity document such as a passport is requested. The GTN Prepaid SIM can only be applied for with a passport.

Can a SIM card or eSIM be purchased before going to Japan?

Yes, SIMs can be purchased online before the trip. Pocket Wi-Fi can also be ordered online and picked up from Kansai International Airport or Tokyo Narita Airport. Read the installation and activation conditions on the seller's page.

Is there free Wi-Fi in Japan?

Wi-Fi is widespread in hotels, ryokans, cafés, the Shinkansen and airports. Starbucks offers free Wi-Fi to customers. These connections may not be enough all day; also carry your own data package for maps and translation.

Can Turkish citizens go to Japan visa-free?

Yes, Japan is visa-free for Turkish citizens, and the permitted stay is 90 days. Check the current entry requirements on the Japan country page. Choose your SIM package according to the length of your stay.

Sources

• Internet Access for Travelers in Japan - Plan your Japan trip - Japan Travel — en.japantravel.com
• Voice-Enabled SIM Cards! Complete Guide to Selection, Purchase, and Recommended Plans - GTN MAGAZINE — gtn.co.jp
• Internet In Japan For Tourists: Wifi, Pocket Wifi, SIM Cards, Rental Phones etc - Inside Kyoto — insidekyoto.com
• eSIM - easy and convenient internet access in Japan — japan-experience.com