Wondering where to buy a SIM card in Tokyo? You can easily buy a data-only SIM card just a short walk away from Tokyo Station at the BIC Camera Yurakucho Store.
If you haven’t already purchased a physical SIM or eSim before arriving, you can easily buy a physical SIM card in Tokyo. A good place to do so is BIC Camera in Yurakucho, which is an easy walk from Tokyo Station (you’ll also find branches of BIC Camera in places like Shinjuku).
SIM cards on sale at the BIC Camera Yurakucho Store © Chris Rowthorn
At BIC Camera in Yurakucho, the SIM cards are near the Kokusai Forum Entrance, which is at the north end of the store near the International Forum (Kokusai Forum in Japanese). Note: They can install the SIM card for you at the service counter on the 5th floor (the fee for this service is ¥2200 – do NOT open the package if you wish to use this service).
Here’s how to get to the BIC Camera in Yurakucho:
On Foot From Tokyo Station:
Exit Tokyo Station on the Marunouchi side and walk to the Kitte Marunouchi Building, which is right next to the Tokyo Central Post Office. Walk through Kitte on the ground floor, then walk past the TOKIA Building. Then cross the street and walk through the International Forum Building. BIC Camera is across the street from the south end of the International Forum Building. As mentioned above, the SIM cards are right inside the entrance nearest the International Forum.
By JR Trains (JR Yamanote Loop Line):
Take the JR Yamanote Loop Line and get off at Yurakucho Station. Exit via the Kokusai Forum Exit, and you will see the Yurakucho BIC Camera right in front of you.
By Tokyo Subway:
If you’re coming by subway (most likely the Yurakucho Line), get off at Yurakucho Station. Exit the subway station via exit D4, which connects you directly to the BIC Camera.
For more details on buying a SIM card in Japan and the offerings at BIC Camera, see How to Buy a SIM Card in Tokyo on our companion website TrulyTokyo.com.
SIM cards at BIC Camera © Chris Rowthorn
Easier Ways To Get A Japanese SIM Card
If you don’t want to be bothered with buying a SIM card after arriving in Japan, you can buy a SIM card online and have it delivered to your arrival airport or your first night’s lodgings.
Even more convenient is buying an eSim before you arrive in Japan which you can easily get up and running yourself. See our Japan eSim and pocket wifi guide for all the details.
Kyoto Vacation Checklist
- ESSENTIALS – For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
- HOTELS – Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- BULLET TRAIN – You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Kyoto to Osaka and Kyoto to Tokyo
- WHERE TO STAY – Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
- PACKING LIST – See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- SIM CARDS – You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Tokyo's Narita or Haneda Airports or Kansai International Airport. You can also rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- FLIGHTS – Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
- JAPAN RAIL PASS – If you're making frequent train journeys during your visit, you might save money with Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- TRAVEL INSURANCE – World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- WANT HELP? – Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help
Kyoto District Map
Click a Kyoto District for detailed info on attractions, places to eat and accommodation
About InsideKyoto.com and Chris Rowthorn
- Chris Rowthorn is the co-founder of InsideKyoto.com and has an unparalleled travel knowledge of Kyoto spanning three decades. Chris has written or commissioned and edited every page on the Inside Kyoto website.
- A former author of Lonely Planet Kyoto and Lonely Planet Japan guidebooks, Chris is also the director of the Kyoto walking tour company Chris Rowthorn Tours, and Japan Travel Consulting, where you can get bespoke travel advice for your Japan trip.
- InsideKyoto.com has been cited by the New York Times and The Times of London, among many other publications and websites.
