Best SIM Card for Japan Travel: Guide for Kiwis

Pricing claim based on comparative data for select airports and passes. Live pricing is subject to exchange rate fluctuations.
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Japan is an incredible destination to explore, often high on the bucket list for Kiwis travelling abroad. Like many places though, having reliable data can make traveling much easier.

While roaming with a New Zealand mobile provider is possible, many travellers find that purchasing a Japanese SIM card or travel eSIM offers better value for money. As such, this guide will explore the best SIM card options for Kiwis visiting Japan, comparing popular providers and exploring where to get a Japanese SIM or eSIM from. We'll also introduce to you Wise Travel Card that can help you save on international transactions with currency conversions at mid-market exchange rates.

Should you use roaming or a Japan SIM card?

In general, it’s better to get a Japanese SIM or eSIM, rather than rely on New Zealand data roaming. Japan travel SIMs are designed for visitors, and usually provide a larger data allowance for a fixed price. If you’re visiting for more than a few days it tends to be the most cost effective option. New Zealand mobile providers generally offer roaming packages for Japan, but these are often much more expensive than the usual data costs for using it in New Zealand. That said, roaming can be convenient for shorter trips.

A common approach among travellers is to have both, keeping your New Zealand SIM active for messages while using a Japan SIM or eSIM for mobile data.

Things to note when choosing a SIM card for Japan

Before buying a SIM or eSIM for Japan, here’s a few things to consider.

• How much data will you need to meet your transport app, social media, translation, and messaging needs
• Is your phone eSIM compatible
• How long will you be travelling in Japan for
• Is there a fair usage speed cap for Unlimited Data plans
• Are there limits on the hotspot data

Best SIM card for Japan: Prepaid SIMs and eSIMs

There are many SIM card options available for visitors to Japan. Here is a comparison of six popular choices based on the data and price ranges available for different trip lengths.

When buying a data plan to use overseas, be aware it generally won’t be priced in NZD. Japanese SIMs can be charged in JPY or another currency, like USD, so it’s worth thinking about what card you’ll use to pay for it. Some, including Wise, are suited to making foreign currency payments. Others can involve high fees and poor exchange rates that really add up over time.

Now let’s look at each provider in greater detail.

Holafly

Best for: Unlimited eSIM data with easy setup

Holafly is an eSIM provider that specialises in unlimited data plans for international travellers.¹ The pricing for these plans is based on the number of days the plan will cover, and the destination.

Key features:

• Data-only eSIMs downloaded directly to your phone
• Unlimited plans are for a set number of days, determined by the dates you select
• Uses the KDDI and Softbank networks

As well as their unlimited data plans, Holafly also has a couple of monthly plans designed for frequent travellers.

Saily

Best for: Budget eSIM data plans

Another eSIM provider that targets international travellers, Saily offers unlimited data plans as well as plans with set data limits.²

Key features:

• Data-only eSIMs downloaded directly to your phone
• Plans start automatically when you connect to the network, or 30 days after purchase
• Get Saily credit back on purchases

Saily doesn’t mention which Japanese networks they partner with, simply stating they offer reliable coverage in a variety of cities including Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka.

Airalo

Best for: Range of eSIM plans

One of the original eSIM sellers for travellers, Airalo also offers standard data and unlimited data plans.

Key features:

• Data-only eSIMs downloaded directly to your phone
• Plans automatically start when you connect to the network
• Uses the KDDI and Softbank networks

Like many of the travel eSIM providers, Airalo also gives you the choice to buy regional and global eSIMs that give coverage in Japan and other destinations as well.

Ninja Wifi

Best for: Higher data SIM card

A Japanese provider, Ninja Wifi specialises in providing internet services to foreigners.

Key features:

• SHOGUN SIM cards with standard or unlimited data plans using the Docomo 4G network⁶
• SHOGUN SIM cards with 60-day standard data plans using the SoftBank 5G network
• Ninja eSIMs downloaded directly to your phone with standard data plans⁷

Alongside SIM and eSIM options, Ninja also offers portable WiFi hotspot rentals.

Sakura Mobile

Best for: Unlimited data from well-known local provider

Alongside their offerings for Japanese locals, Sakura Mobile also has SIM and eSIM plans designed for tourists.

Key features:

• Physical travel SIM cards with unlimited data plans that are ordered in advance and delivered to an airport, hotel, residence, their office or a partner counter⁴
• 4G or 5G/4G eSIMs downloaded directly to your phone with unlimited data plans
• English language customer support

Be aware that hotspot data for these plans is limited, so if that’s something you need, you may be better getting a pocket hotspot device instead, which Sakura Mobile also offers.

Mobal

Best for: Plans that include data, calls and SMS

Mobal stands out from many of the other Japanese providers because as well as offering SIM and eSIM options, they also give tourists the choice between Data-Only and Voice + Text + Data plans.

Key features:

• Data-only SIM cards with a standard allowance for 8, 16 or 31 days
• Voice + Text + Data SIM cards that are valid for 30 days or monthly
• Data-only eSIMs with unlimited or standard allowance
• Monthly or 30 day Voice + Text + Data eSIMs

The physical SIM cards from Mobal can be collected from a pick-up location in Japan, or delivered internationally so you get it before departing for your trip.

Where to get your Japan SIM card

To get a Japanese SIM card you could order it online before you go, get an eSIM, or pick one up in Japan.

Order a SIM before leaving New Zealand

If you’d prefer a physical SIM card you can order one from a company like Mobal and have it delivered to your home in New Zealand. The main benefit of this is you can gain access to calls, data and texts as soon as you land in Japan.

Get an eSIM

With a compatible phone it’s generally possible to download an eSIM at any time, provided you have a WiFi connection. Companies like Holafly, Saily and Airalo specialise in eSIMs for global travellers, while Modal, Ninja WiFi and Sakura Mobile offer plans specific to Japan.

Buy a SIM card in Japan

It’s also possible to buy a prepaid SIM card after arriving in Japan, at the airport, a partner store, or by ordering one online and having it sent to the airport, your hotel or a collection point. Modal, Ninja WiFi and Sakura Mobile each offer services for this, although only Modal has plans that include calls and SMS.

Choosing your Japan SIM card

Japan offers several SIM card and eSIM options for travellers, but the best choice depends on your phone, travel style and how much data you expect to use.

Traditional prepaid SIM cards from providers such as Sakura Mobile, Mobal and Ninja WiFi offer reliable coverage using major Japanese networks, while specialised eSIM providers like Airalo, Nomad and Holafly provide convenient plans that can be installed before you arrive. There’s also the possibility of getting a portable Wi-Fi hotspot, if that would suit you better. Whichever option you choose, having mobile data can make navigating Japan much easier.

As well as phone data, it’s also worth giving some thought to how you’ll pay for things during your trip. Most purchases in Japan are made in Japanese yen, and exchange rates can impact the true cost of your travel spending.

Heading to Japan? Bring along the Wise card to get more Yen for your NZD

The Wise card is a simple way to save up to 8x when you're spending internationally. You can spend in 150+ countries at mid-market rate — basically the rate you see on Google. With no foreign transaction fees and low, transparent pricing, Wise usually gives you the best value for your money.

Simply create a Wise account for free, order a card and top-up NZD to get started. Having a physical Wise card allows you to make chip and pin payments, as well as make some free ATM withdrawals each month for when you're abroad. You can get digital cards and add to your Google or Apple Pay wallet for instant use. Spend directly with the Wise account in NZD and let auto-conversion do the trick or convert in advance to your desired currency. You can hold and exchange 40+ currencies in your Wise account and spend the currencies you hold for free.

Wherever your travel takes you, the Wise card makes spending money abroad cheaper and easier.

🚀 Get your Wise card

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This general advice does not take into account your objectives, financial circumstances or needs and you should consider if it is appropriate for you. Savings claim based on our rates vs. selected New Zealand banks and other similar providers in Jan 2025. To learn more please visit https://payout-surge.live/nz/compare%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E

Please see Terms of Use and product availability for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.

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Sources:

1. Holafly - eSIM Japan
2. Saily - Japan eSIM data plans
3. Airalo - Јаpan eSIM
4. Sakura Mobile - Japan Travel SIM card
5. Sakura Mobile - Japan Travel eSIM
6. Ninja - SHOGUN SIM
7. Ninja - eSIM for Japan Travelers
8. Mobal - Japan SIM Card
9. Mobal - eSIM Japan

Date: 16 March 2026