New Option for Staying Connected in Japan: So-net Launches Prepaid SIM Cards Available at Airport Vending Machines

Reported by You Tzu-ju / Compiled by staff

Travelers visiting Japan have a new option for staying connected beyond daily mobile data plans from Taiwanese telecoms or renting a mobile Wi-Fi device. On April 22, Japan’s So-net Corporation launched the “Prepaid LTE SIM,” a high-speed LTE prepaid SIM card that provides coverage in both cities and the countryside. The most affordable 30-day, 100MB plan starts at just 3,000 yen (approx. NT$880), with an average daily cost of under NT$30.


▲ So-net Corporation launched its new “Prepaid LTE SIM” on April 22. (Photo provided by the company)

In 2013, the number of Taiwanese travelers visiting Japan surpassed 2.3 million. For short-term visitors, convenient internet access has become an essential need. By offering prepaid SIM cards at airports, So-net allows international tourists to easily purchase and use their own devices to get online. This provides a user-friendly internet option for foreign travelers arriving in Japan—they can buy the SIM card right at the airport and use it immediately. In addition to meeting travelers’ data needs, it offers a faster and more convenient mobile internet environment for short-term visitors.

The “Prepaid LTE SIM” comes in two data options: 100MB or 500MB, which can be paired with three different SIM card sizes, resulting in six product variations now on sale. The 30-day, 100MB plan is available for 3,000 yen (approx. NT$880), while the 60-day, 500MB plan costs 5,000 yen (approx. NT$1,475). Both options offer average daily costs under NT$30. Additional data can be added via a top-up service once the included quota is used up.
 

▲ Available at Kansai International Airport vending machines. (Photo provided by the company)

The “Prepaid LTE SIM” is a prepaid card that only requires a simple online registration process after purchase to activate. It also supports multiple languages for convenience. In addition to Japanese and English phone support, the official website offers content in Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean, and Thai.

Currently, the “Prepaid LTE SIM” is only sold at Kansai International Airport and Narita International Airport. Travelers heading to other regions may need to consider alternative options. At Kansai International Airport, the SIM cards are available via vending machines, allowing purchase at any time regardless of flight arrival schedules. At Narita International Airport, they can be purchased at the Telecom Square Mobile Center in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.