Prepaid SIM market, the number of options is increasing. Recently, many products are now available at convenience stores, expanding choices for when you suddenly need one. The fact that IIJmio has started selling at Lawson and MiniStop is quietly convenient. It also seems that drugstores and Don Quijote are increasing their handling of convenience store SIM cards.

However, when comparing, there’s quite a variation in the balance between price and speed. If you prioritize affordability, HIS Mobile’s unlimited 30-day plan for around 3,500 yen is attractive, but speeds tend to drop in downtown during the day. Conversely, if speed is the priority, SoftBank’s direct-line products are stable regardless of the time of day, but the 50GB plan is relatively expensive.

It feels like the right choice depends on whether you value the convenience of getting a SIM card immediately at a convenience store or the lower cost of online purchase. For temporary return trips or secondary devices, a smaller data plan might suffice, while for daily use, looking for a large-capacity plan makes sense. Ultimately, it depends on your usage pattern.