Prepaid SIM cards can be purchased at convenience stores, and no ID verification is required, making them easy to try out. However, with so many options available, many people might be unsure which one to choose.

This time, we compared 14 popular prepaid SIM services based on price, communication speed, ease of use, and availability. We’re presenting a ranking for those looking for affordable, stable, and easy-to-use prepaid SIMs.

【1st Place】HIS Mobile
If you want unlimited data without worrying about capacity, this is the one. It offers unlimited data for 30 days at a low price of 3,512 yen. It uses the Docomo network, making it perfect for everyday use. Speeds may slow down during daytime in urban areas, but outside those times, videos load smoothly. The only downside is that it can only be purchased on their EC site.

【2nd Place】Nippon SIM for Japan
Features 50GB for 30 days at 4,480 yen, offering great cost performance. It’s very user-friendly—just insert the SIM and start using it, ideal for those who dislike complicated setup. Also available at electronics retail stores, so it’s good for those who need it immediately. Speeds are slower during the day but comfortable at other times.

【3rd Place】Prepaid SIM Dotcom SIM Card
Affordable at 4,580 yen for 50GB over 31 days. Can be topped up 24/7, so you don’t have to worry about running out of data. Speeds in downtown areas in the evening exceed 170 Mbps, allowing stress-free video streaming. However, it’s only sold through EC sites, so pre-order is necessary.

【4th Place】Prepaid SIM Dotcom eSIM
Since it’s an eSIM, there’s no worry about losing it. Easy to set up with Wi-Fi. 10GB for 2,980 yen is affordable, making it suitable for temporary return trips. However, 50GB costs 4,980 yen, which may be expensive for daily use.

【5th Place】IIJmio JAPAN TRAVEL SIM
The biggest advantage is that it can be purchased at convenience stores, drugstores, and Don Quijote. With an eSIM, you can start using it in as little as 5–10 minutes. However, the price is higher, and speeds may slow down in suburban areas during the day.

【6th Place】JAPAN PREPAID SIM
Uses SoftBank’s direct network, so it offers stable speeds. It’s comfortable to use even during the day. 10GB costs 2,380 yen, making it a good deal for temporary trips back home. However, it’s only available on EC sites, so it’s not ideal if you need it immediately.

【7th Place】JAPAN PREPAID SIM CARD
10GB for 2,780 yen, making it one of the cheapest options. The downside is that speeds are slow at all times. Suitable for limited use—if you want to keep a smartphone but don’t use it often.

【8th Place】CALENDAR 1-Year Prepaid SIM
Supports 5G on Rakuten’s network. 3GB/month costs 6,060 yen, which is affordable. Speeds are stable, making it suitable for long-term use as a secondary device. However, it doesn’t offer large data plans, so it’s not ideal for daily use.

【9th Place】HUAWEI-minwifi SIM Card
Rakuten network, 3GB/month for 12 months at 6,120 yen. Supports SMS, so LINE can be used. Slightly slower during the day, but fine for browsing websites. Designed for long-term use as a secondary device.

【10th Place】Various Label Prepaid SIM
Rakuten network with SMS support. However, 30GB costs 7,860 yen, which is relatively high. Speeds vary depending on location, so it’s not suitable for everyday use.