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Just Gone Wandering

📱 Japan SIM Card Guide 2024

Published about 1 month ago • 1 min read

Hello, Wanderer!

I get asked a lot about which SIM card you should get when traveling in Japan. There's a lot of outdated information out there, so I understand why people get confused.

Things have changed over the last few years (for the better) and now it’s EASIEST and CHEAPEST to get an eSIM. That's an electronic SIM card, fyi.

I prefer using eSIMs when I can because I can buy it beforehand and activate it as soon as I land in Japan. No need to go to a booth in the airport, or track down a convenience store and try to puzzle through data plans!

My favorite eSIM company is Airalo.

I use Airalo's Moshi Moshi eSIM for my trips to Japan. It works great to Instagram, messaging on WhatsApp, Google Maps, etc. and costs much less than a physical SIM card.

Plans available for Moshi Moshi:

  • 1GB for 7 days
  • 2GB for 15 days
  • 3G, 5GB, 10GB or 20GB for 30 days

I tend to get the 5GB for 30 days one and do any heavy web surfing or IG posts while connected to wifi.

Need more data? Prefer a physical SIM card? Check out my guide to Japan eSIMs and SIM cards here.

Happy travels!

Anastasia

PS 📲 Traveling through multiple countries? Grab the Asialink regional eSIM from Airalo. New users, use promo code NEWTOAIRALO15 to save 15%. Existing users, use promo code AIRALOESIM10 to save 10%!

Japan Travel Tips

​Japan Travel Guide 2024​

Japan has a reputation for being an expensive destination, but actually it can be very affordable! I’ve visited Japan twice for a total of nearly six months and spent only about $48 USD/day using these very tips in this Japan budget travel guide.

Keep reading to learn how to save money on Accommodation, Transit, Food and Tourism while traveling in Japan.

​Japan's Highway Buses Are the Best​

An express highway bus from Tokyo to Osaka can be as low as $25 USD for a 8.5 hour ride. That’s a major savings! If you’re not pressed for time and don’t mind taking a slower route, a highway bus is an excellent option. I’ve taken buses across Japan several times on my visits there, and I’ve written up a guide on how to do it yourself on your own journeys.

​Where to Find Eki Stamps​

Eki stamps (“station stamps”) are free rubber stamps for tourists. Originally, they were only found at train stations (hence “station stamp”) but now you can get them nearly everywhere.

Finding and collecting eki stamps is one of my favorite things to do in Japan, and I encourage everyone to get some for their own collection.

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Just Gone Wandering

with solo female nomad Anastasia Finch

I'm a former librarian turned world wanderer! Sign up for my newsletter for the best tips & info on traveling full-time around the world.

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