Prepaid phones have been coming in many different varieties lately, and I’ve been trying out various options to see which ones are most user-friendly. Prepaid SIM cards don’t require identity verification or credit cards, and they can be conveniently purchased at convenience stores or online. Since they are disposable with fixed data capacity and validity periods, many people find them useful for temporary visits or as secondary devices.

Based on a rough comparison, if you prioritize cost savings, HIS Mobile’s unlimited plan is the best. You can get 30 days of unlimited data for around 3,500 yen, which is quite a deal. The network speed may slow down a bit during the daytime, but outside of that, videos stream smoothly. Nippon SIM also offers large data plans at affordable prices, and the fact that you can start using it immediately is a big advantage.

If speed is your priority, JAPAN PREPAID SIM is a good choice. Since it’s directly connected to SoftBank’s network, it remains stable regardless of the time of day. However, if you want to use 50GB, it gets a bit pricey. Also, prepaid phones using Rakuten’s network are available, but since their data capacity is limited, they’re more suitable for secondary use.

For quick purchases at convenience stores, IIJmio is convenient because it’s sold at Lawson and drugstores. However, the prices tend to be a bit higher. Ultimately, choosing based on your usage makes the most sense. If you’re visiting temporarily, go for the cheapest option; for everyday use, prioritize speed; and if you need it urgently, consider ease of acquisition. Choosing a prepaid phone is surprisingly simple.