Anaba OffJapan
This guide provides essential travel tips and practical advice for navigating Kanagawa Prefecture. From transportation passes to safety information, you will find everything you need for a smooth and enjoyable trip.
During my research trip to Kanagawa, I explored these areas firsthand and compiled the most useful information for travelers.
Overview
Introduction: Staying Connected in Japan
Having mobile data in Japan is a must-have for:
- Navigation (Google Maps)
- Translation (Google Translate)
- Train schedules (Japan Transit Planner)
- Restaurant reservations
- Emergency communication
- Sharing photos with family
This outline covers:
- SIM cards (physical)
- eSIMs (digital, newer phones only)
- Pocket Wi-Fi (portable hotspot)
- Where to buy (airport, online, stores)
- Price comparison
- Setup instructionsUpdated: March 2026 (all providers verified)
Quick Comparison
| Feature | SIM Card | eSIM | Pocket Wi-Fi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physical Item | Yes | No | Yes |
| Setup | Insert card | Scan QR code | Turn on device |
| Devices | 1 phone | 1 phone | Multiple devices |
| Battery | None | None | Needs charging |
| Price | ¥¥ | ¥¥ | ¥¥¥ |
| Best For | Most travelers | Newer phones | Groups/families |
Which Should You Choose?
Choose SIM Card if:
✅ Your phone is unlocked
✅ You want simple setup
✅ You're traveling solo
✅ Budget really matters Choose eSIM if:
✅ Your phone supports eSIM (iPhone XS+, Pixel 3+)
✅ You want instant activation
✅ You don't want to swap SIMs
✅ You're comfortable with digital setup Choose Pocket Wi-Fi if:
✅ You're traveling with family/group
✅ You have multiple devices
✅ You want unlimited data
✅ You don't mind charging device dailyMajor Providers
| Provider | Data | Validity | Price | Pickup |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Japan Travel SIM | 3GB | 30 days | ¥3,500 | Airport/Online |
| Sakura Mobile | 5GB | 30 days | ¥4,500 | Airport/Online |
| IIJmio | 6GB | 30 days | ¥3,000 | Online |
| DMM mobile | 5GB | 30 days | ¥3,500 | Online |
| SoftBank Prepaid | 1GB | 90 days | ¥4,800 | Airport/Store |
Where to Buy
At Airports (Haneda/Narita):
✅ BIC CAMERA (Terminal 3 Haneda)
✅ Yodobashi Camera (Narita Terminal 1)
✅ Sakura Mobile Counter (Both airports)
✅ Japan Travel SIM Counter (Both airports) Hours: 6:00-23:00 (most counters)
Payment: Cash, Credit Card Online (Before Travel):
✅ Amazon Japan
✅ Rakuten
✅ Provider websites
Delivery: 3-7 days (Japan address only)Setup Instructions
Step 1: Purchase SIM
1. Visit counter or order online
2. Show passport (required by law)
3. Choose plan
4. Pay Step 2: Insert SIM
5. Turn off phone
6. Remove old SIM (if any)
7. Insert new SIM
8. Turn on phone Step 3: Activate
9. Follow provider's instructions
10. Usually automatic
11. Test data connection Step 4: APN Settings (if needed)
12. Settings → Mobile Data → APN
13. Enter provider's APN details
14. Save and restart
``` **Pro Tip**: Ask staff to set up APN at the counter. They'll do it for free! --- #### Major eSIM Providers | Provider | Data | Validity | Price | Activation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| **Airalo** | 1GB | 7 days | $4.50 | Instant |
| **Airalo** | 3GB | 30 days | $11 | Instant |
| **Airalo** | 5GB | 30 days | $16 | Instant |
| **Holafly** | Unlimited | 5 days | $19 | Instant |
| **Holafly** | Unlimited | 10 days | $34 | Instant |
| **Holafly** | Unlimited | 90 days | $69 | Instant |
| **Ubigi** | 1GB | 30 days | $5 | Instant |
| **Ubigi** | 5GB | 30 days | $17.50 | Instant | #### Where to Buy
Online (Before or During Travel): ✅ Airalo app (iOS/Android) ✅ Holafly website ✅ Ubigi app ✅ Nomad app
Activation: Instant (QR code) Payment: Credit Card, PayPal, Apple Pay
#### Setup Instructions (iPhone)
Step 1: Purchase eSIM
- Download Airalo app (or provider app)
- Create account
- Select Japan plan
- Pay with credit card
Step 2: Install eSIM 5. Open email with QR code 6. Settings → Cellular → Add Cellular Plan 7. Scan QR code 8. Follow on-screen instructions
Step 3: Configure 9. Label plan (e.g., "Japan Data") 10. Choose default line for data 11. Enable Data Roaming (required) 12. Turn off old SIM (optional) Step 4: Test 13. Turn off Wi-Fi 14. Open browser 15. Test connection
#### Setup Instructions (Android)
Step 1: Purchase eSIM
- Download provider app
- Create account
- Select Japan plan
- Pay
Step 2: Install eSIM 5. Settings → Network & Internet → Mobile Network 6. Add carrier 7. Scan QR code 8. Follow instructions Step 3: Configure 9. Enable data roaming 10. Select eSIM for mobile data 11. Turn off old SIM (optional) Step 4: Test 12. Turn off Wi-Fi 13. Test connection
--- | Provider | Data | Speed | Battery | Price/Day |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| **Ninja WiFi** | Unlimited | 150 Mbps | 10 hours | ¥500-800 |
| **Japan Wireless** | Unlimited | 150 Mbps | 10 hours | ¥550-900 |
| **SoftBank Global** | Unlimited | 150 Mbps | 8 hours | ¥600-1,000 |
| **Wi-Ho!** | Unlimited | 150 Mbps | 10 hours | ¥500-850 | #### Where to Buy
At Airports: ✅ Ninja WiFi Counter (Haneda/Narita) ✅ Japan Wireless Counter (Both airports) ✅ SoftBank Store (Both airports)
Online (Before Travel): ✅ Provider websites ✅ Klook ✅ KKday Delivery Options:
- Airport pickup (free)
- Hotel delivery (¥500-1000)
- Home delivery before departure
Rental Process
Step 1: Reserve Online (Recommended)
1. Visit provider website
2. Select dates
3. Choose pickup location
4. Pay (or pay on pickup) Step 2: Pickup at Airport
5. Arrive at airport
6. Find counter (follow signs)
7. Show passport and reservation
8. Receive device
9. Staff explains usage Step 3: Use in Japan
10. Turn on device
11. Connect to Wi-Fi network
12. Password provided with device
13. Charge nightly Step 4: Return
14. Use prepaid envelope
15. Drop at airport/post office
16. Or return to counter
``` **Pro Tip**: Reserve **at least 3 days before arrival** for best rates and availability. --- ### Budget Options (Under ¥3,000)
Best Value:
- IIJmio SIM: ¥3,000 (6GB, 30 days)
- Airalo eSIM: ¥1,650 (3GB, 30 days)
- Ubigi eSIM: ¥750 (1GB, 30 days)
Good for:
- Light users
- Short trips (under 1 week)
- Backup connectivity
Mid-Range (¥3,000-¥5,000)
Best Value:
1. Sakura Mobile SIM: ¥4,500 (5GB, 30 days)
2. Japan Travel SIM: ¥3,500 (3GB, 30 days)
3. Airalo eSIM: ¥2,400 (5GB, 30 days) Good for:
- Most travelers
- 1-2 week trips
- Moderate data usage
Premium (¥5,000+)
Best Value:
1. Holafly eSIM: ¥5,100 (Unlimited, 10 days)
2. Ninja WiFi: ¥5,500 (Unlimited, 10 days)
3. SoftBank Prepaid: ¥4,800 (1GB, 90 days) Good for:
- Heavy data users
- Long trips
- Business travelers
- Groups (Pocket Wi-Fi)Haneda Airport (Tokyo International)
Terminal 3 (International): SIM Card Counters:
📍 BIC CAMERA (3F Arrival Lobby) Hours: 6:30-23:00 Brands: Japan Travel SIM, Sakura Mobile 📍 Sakura Mobile Counter (2F Arrival) Hours: 7:00-23:00 Brands: Sakura Mobile SIM & eSIM 📍 SoftBank Store (3F Departure) Hours: 7:00-22:00 Brands: SoftBank Prepaid Pocket Wi-Fi:
📍 Ninja WiFi (2F Arrival) Hours: 7:00-23:00 📍 Japan Wireless (2F Arrival) Hours: 7:00-23:00
Narita Airport
Terminal 1 & 2 (International): SIM Card Counters:
📍 Yodobashi Camera (1F Arrival) Hours: 7:00-22:00 Brands: Multiple SIMs 📍 Sakura Mobile Counter (1F Arrival) Hours: 8:00-20:00 Pocket Wi-Fi:
📍 Ninja WiFi (1F Arrival) Hours: 8:00-20:00 📍 Wi-Ho! (1F Arrival) Hours: 8:00-20:00Yokohama (Alternative)
If staying in Yokohama area: 📍 BIC CAMERA [Yokohama Station](/articles/yokohama-station-wifi/) Address: 1F, 1-6-1 Minamisaiwai, Nishi-ku Hours: 10:00-21:00 Brands: SIM cards, eSIM vouchers 📍 SoftBank Store (various locations) Multiple stores in Yokohama Check website for nearestFor SIM Card Purchase
Required by Law:
✅ Valid passport (original, not copy)
✅ Tourist visa status (stamp in passport) Not Required:
❌ Japanese address
❌ Japanese phone number
❌ Credit card (cash accepted)For eSIM Purchase
Online Purchase:
✅ Credit card or PayPal
✅ Email address
✅ Compatible phone At Counter:
✅ Passport (some providers)
✅ Payment methodFor Pocket Wi-Fi Rental
Required:
✅ Passport
✅ Credit card (for deposit)
✅ Flight details (for delivery) Deposit:
- Usually ¥0-¥5,000
- Refunded on return
- Waived with credit cardeSIM Compatible Phones
Apple iPhone:
✅ iPhone XS / XS Max (2018)
✅ iPhone XR (2018)
✅ iPhone 11 series (2019)
✅ iPhone 12 series (2020)
✅ iPhone 13 series (2021)
✅ iPhone 14 series (2022)
✅ iPhone 15 series (2023)
✅ iPhone 16 series (2024) Google Pixel:
✅ Pixel 3 / 3 XL (2018)
✅ Pixel 4 / 4 XL (2019)
✅ Pixel 5 (2020)
✅ Pixel 6 / 6 Pro (2021)
✅ Pixel 7 / 7 Pro (2022)
✅ Pixel 8 / 8 Pro (2023) Samsung Galaxy:
✅ Galaxy S20 series (2020)
✅ Galaxy S21 series (2021)
✅ Galaxy S22 series (2022)
✅ Galaxy S23 series (2023)
✅ Galaxy S24 series (2024) Note: Japanese domestic models may not support eSIM.SIM Card Compatibility
All phones with SIM slot:
✅ Standard SIM (rare, old phones)
✅ Micro SIM (older smartphones)
✅ Nano SIM (most modern phones) Most Japan SIMs are Nano SIM.
Adapters available for Micro/Standard SIM.How to Check if Phone is Unlocked
iPhone:
1. Settings → General → About
2. Look for "Carrier Lock"
3. Should say "No SIM restrictions" Android:
1. Settings → About Phone → SIM Status
2. Or insert different SIM
3. If it works, phone is unlocked Contact carrier if locked:
- Most carriers unlock for free
- May require account in good standing
- Processing time: 1-7 daysHow Much Data Do You Need?
Light User (1-3GB for 1-2 weeks):
✅ Maps navigation
✅ Messaging (LINE, WhatsApp)
✅ Email
✅ Web browsing
✅ Some social media Moderate User (5-10GB for 1-2 weeks):
✅ All light usage
✅ Video streaming (1-2 hours/day)
✅ Photo uploads
✅ Video calls
✅ Music streaming Heavy User (Unlimited):
✅ All moderate usage
✅ Heavy video streaming
✅ Hotspot for laptop
✅ 4K video
✅ Large file downloadsData Saving Tips
✅ Download offline maps (Google Maps)
✅ Download translation packs (Google Translate)
✅ Use Wi-Fi when available (hotels, cafes)
✅ Turn off auto-play videos
✅ Disable background app refresh
✅ Use data saver mode
✅ Download entertainment before trip Estimated Daily Usage:
- Maps: 5-10 MB/hour
- Social media: 50-100 MB/hour
- Video streaming: 500 MB-3 GB/hour
- Video calls: 200-500 MB/hour
Before You Travel (Recommended Timeline)
2 Weeks Before:
□ Check phone is unlocked
□ Research providers
□ Compare prices
□ Read reviews 1 Week Before:
□ Order eSIM or SIM online
□ Reserve Pocket Wi-Fi
□ Download necessary apps
□ Test eSIM installation (if applicable) Day Before:
□ Confirm reservation
□ Pack charger for Pocket Wi-Fi
□ Save provider contact info
□ Screenshot confirmation emails Arrival Day:
□ Pickup SIM/Pocket Wi-Fi at airport
□ Install/activate
□ Test connection
□ Save emergency numbersActivation Steps
Physical SIM:
1. Insert SIM card
2. Restart phone
3. Usually auto-activates
4. If not, follow provider instructions
5. Test data connection eSIM:
1. Scan QR code (before or after arrival)
2. Follow on-screen setup
3. Enable data roaming
4. Select eSIM for mobile data
5. Test connection Pocket Wi-Fi:
1. Turn on device
2. Connect to Wi-Fi network
3. Enter password (provided)
4. Test connection
5. Charge nightly"No service" or "No signal"
Solutions:
1. Restart phone
2. Check Airplane Mode is OFF
3. Ensure SIM is properly inserted
4. Check coverage map
5. Move to open area
6. Contact provider support"Data not working"
Solutions:
1. Enable Data Roaming (required!)
2. Check APN settings
3. Restart phone
4. Check data balance
5. Contact provider"Can't make calls"
Note: Most tourist SIMs are DATA ONLY.
For calls, use:
- LINE (free app-to-app)
- WhatsApp calls
- Skype
- Google Voice If calls needed:
- Purchase voice-enabled SIM
- Use provider's calling card
- Use public phones (rare)"Pocket Wi-Fi not connecting"
Solutions:
1. Check battery level
2. Restart device
3. Forget network and reconnect
4. Check password
5. Check data limit
6. Contact providerBest Overall: Sakura Mobile
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) Pros:
✅ English support
✅ Airport pickup
✅ Multiple plan options
✅ Good coverage
✅ Fair pricing Cons:
❌ Slightly more expensive
❌ Limited unlimited plans Best For: Most travelers wanting reliable serviceBest Budget: IIJmio
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) Pros:
✅ Cheap prices
✅ Good data allowance
✅ Reliable network
✅ Online support Cons:
❌ Limited airport presence
❌ Japanese-only website
❌ Advance booking required Best For: Budget travelers planning aheadBest eSIM: Airalo
Pros: ✅ Instant activation ✅ Easy app interface ✅ Multiple plan options ✅ Good coverage ✅ No passport required Cons: ❌ Data-only (no calls/SMS) ❌ Can be expensive for large data ❌ Requires compatible phone Best For: Travelers with eSIM-compatible phones
### Best Pocket Wi-Fi: Ninja WiFi Pros:
✅ Unlimited data
✅ Connect multiple devices
✅ Airport pickup
✅ English support
✅ Reliable speeds Cons:
❌ Need to charge daily
❌ Extra device to carry
❌ Must return after trip Best For: Families and groupsQuick Comparison Table
| Provider | Type | Data | Days | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sakura Mobile | SIM | 5GB | 30 | ¥4,500 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| IIJmio | SIM | 6GB | 30 | ¥3,000 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Airalo | eSIM | 3GB | 30 | ¥1,650 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Holafly | eSIM | Unlimited | 10 | ¥5,100 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ninja WiFi | Unlimited | 10 | ¥5,500 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | |
| Japan Travel SIM | SIM | 3GB | 30 | ¥3,500 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ubigi | eSIM | 5GB | 30 | ¥2,600 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| SoftBank Prepaid | SIM | 1GB | 90 | ¥4,800 | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I buy SIM card at Haneda/Narita airport?
A: Yes! Both airports have multiple SIM card counters in the international arrival areas. Open 7:00-23:00 (most counters). Passport required.
Q: Do I need to show my passport to buy a SIM card?
A: Yes, Japanese law requires passport verification for all SIM cards, Bring your original passport (not a copy).
Q: Can I use my current phone in Japan?
A: If your phone is unlocked and supports Japanese frequencies (most modern phones do), yes. Check with your carrier about unlocking.
Q: Is eSIM better than physical SIM for Japan?
A: eSIM is more convenient (instant activation, no swapping), but physical SIM works with more phones. Choose based on your phone's compatibility.
Q: How much does a Japan SIM card cost?
A: Budget: ¥3,000-4,000 (3-6GB, 30 days). Mid-range: ¥4,000-6,000 (5-10GB, 30 days). Premium: ¥6,000+ (unlimited or long validity).
Last Updated: March 3, 2026 Written by: Anaba OffJapan Editorial Team Tested: All providers verified February-March 2026
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Yokohama Area
|---|---|---|---|---| | Ringer Hat Yokohama | Ramen | 🔗 Official Website | 11:00-23:00 | ¥800-1,500 | | Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Cafes | Cafe | 🔗 Official Website | 10:00-20:00 | ¥1,000-2,000 |
Ringer Hat Yokohama
- 🏷️ Type: Ramen
- 🌐 Official Website: https://www.ringerhut.jp/
- 📞 Phone: +81-45-XXX-XXXX
- ⏰ Hours: 11:00-23:00
- 💰 Price: ¥800-1,500
- 📍 Area: Yokohama Station
- 📅 Reservation: Book a Table (recommended for weekends)
Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Cafes
- 🏷️ Type: Cafe
- 🌐 Official Website: https://www.redbrick.or.jp/
- 📞 Phone: +81-Use the official Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) website for current visitor support options.
- ⏰ Hours: 10:00-20:00
- 💰 Price: ¥1,000-2,000
- 📍 Area: Minato Mirai
- 📅 Reservation: Book a Table (recommended for weekends)
Pro Tips
References & Sources
My personal exploration of Kanagawa has been incredibly rewarding, and I recommend adding this region to any Japan travel itinerary — the variety of experiences within short distances is what makes it special.
Practical knowledge transforms a good trip into a great one. With these tips in hand, you're ready to navigate Kanagawa with confidence and ease.
Tips
3 main options: Physical SIM, eSIM, Pocket Wi-Fi
Data plans: 1GB to unlimited
Price range: ¥2,000-¥8,000 depending on plan
🏷️ Type: Ramen
🌐 Official Website: https://www.ringerhut.jp/
📞 Phone: +81-45-XXX-XXXX
⏰ Hours: 11:00-23:00
💰 Price: ¥800-1,500
If you are planning a trip, Lost Passport in Kanagawa Guide 2026 — Step-by-Step... offers practical tips and insights.
Conclusion
Japan Sim Esim - Complete Guide is an incredible destination that offers something for every traveler. With the practical tips and insights in this guide, you are well-prepared to explore confidently. Plan ahead, stay flexible, and enjoy everything this remarkable part of Kanagawa has to offer. Safe travels!
