HanaCell: Your Go-To Japan SIM that Gives Back

Planning a trip to Japan and need to get connected? Luckily, HanaCell’s Japan SIM has you covered for data, calls, and texts, without any hidden fees.

Whether you're booking a concert ticket, making a reservation at a traditional restaurant, verifying your identity, or planning a longer stay for work, consider the all-in-one solution that’ll get you a local number alongside high-speed data. 

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the benefits of HanaCell’s Japan SIM, and how choosing it can help make a difference, too. 

Photo by Tosan Shrestha

Why choose HanaCell’s Japan SIM?

Most SIM providers don’t include a Japanese phone number. Fewer still offer the flexibility of a pay-as-you-go plan. That’s where HanaCell’s Japan SIM stands out. Designed specifically for overseas residents making visits to Japan, you get reliable data, a local number, and flexible billing without the hassle of prepaid top-ups or hidden charges. Best of all, every purchase supports communities in need through HanaCell’s partner charities.

When it comes to signing up, there’s no residency requirement so you can easily get set up without a Japanese visa. Just a small annual maintenance fee keeps your number active between trips to Japan. So whether you're a frequent traveler or just someone who wants seamless connectivity, HanaCell’s got your back. 

Here’s what you get with the Japan SIM:

• 5G/LTE data – 3GB high-speed data, then unlimited low-speed

• Discounted calls – Use “0063” to save up to 63% on international/domestic calls

• No prepaid top-ups – Postpaid billing prevents interruptions

• Money-back guarantee – Full refund within 8 days if unsatisfied

• No activation or cancellation fees – Cancel anytime, no strings attached

Photo by Zen Chung

How does it compare to other options? 

Most providers offer data-only SIM cards but with HanaCell, you’ll be guaranteed a local number with your data. That means you can also use your phone for reservations, local calls, and international calls from Japan. 

Feature	Hanacell’s Japan SIM	Prepaid SIM	Rental WiFi
Data & Calls	✅	✅	✅
Japanese Phone Number	✅	❌	❌
SMS with Japanese Number	✅	❌	❌
Emergency Calls (110, 119)	✅	❌	❌
Fee Structure	Pay only when used and don’t worry about topping up every time	Fixed data expiry and top-up required	Daily rental fee
Pros	You can use your SIM while you're in Japan, and keep the same one for your next trip	You can use your SIM for one trip in Japan	Easy to calculate prices since they’re set by the number of rental days
Cons	Requires basic SIM set up	Short validity	Extra device needed

Pricing at a Glance

With HanaCell, you won’t need to buy another SIM for Japan ever again. Just keep the same SIM and number, and pay only for the months you use it. Here’s a quick breakdown of the costs involved (in USD):

• SIM cost: $69 (up-front cost)

• Annual fee: $8/year (first year free)

• Data: $29/month for 3GB high-speed data, unlimited low-speed data afterward. $0/ month if you don’t use your phone. 

• Calls:

  • Incoming: Free

  • Domestic: $0.85/min ($0.65 with “0063”)

  • International: $1.75/min ($0.65 with “0063” to select countries)

• SMS: $0.12 (domestic), $1.40 (international)

Photo by freestocks on Unsplash

How it works 

1. Order your SIM: You can order and pick up your Hanacell SIM at the airport in Japan or have it shipped to you overseas in advance with no shipping cost. 

2. Activate your SIM: Submit an online activation request to start using your number. 

3. Use your SIM: Once activated, you can use your phone straight away.

   
   

Physical SIM vs. eSIM 

You can choose a physical SIM to insert into your device or an eSIM that’s downloadable and usable upon arrival. 

The eSIM can be used for newer phones such as models including or beyond the iPhone 11 and iPhone XS/XR. You can also check whether your Android phone is compatible by searching for “SIM status” in your device settings. Keep in mind that if you switch from a physical SIM to an eSIM, you’ll receive a new phone number.

Giving Back with Every Call

More than just a SIM provider, HanaCell also supports communities in need. Through its parent company, Mobell Communications, a portion of all proceeds helps fund life-changing projects in Malawi, Africa. 

Two standout initiatives include Seibo Japan and Krizevac Project. Seibo Japan provides daily meals for 18,000 school children, while Krizevac Project contributes to the creation of jobs, schools, and skills training to foster long-term economic growth. Their efforts, with a focus on food security, quality education, and economic growth, were recognized with the Social Products Award 2025, celebrating organizations making measurable social impact. 

As part of this ongoing commitment, HanaCell Director Ms. Yoshida visited Malawi in 2023 to attend the opening ceremony of a newly built school and visited a local preschool supported through their programs.

HanaCell Director Ms. Yoshida in Malawi, 2023. Image credit: HanaCell.

Image credit: Mobell Communications.

How to get started

With HanaCell’s Japan SIM, you can keep a local number, and only pay when you use data, calls, or texts. It’s seamless connectivity for your time in Japan—plus, every call and purchase helps make a difference in communities that need it most.

Learn more and order your SIM here:

https://www.hanacell.com/

HanaCell: Your Go-To Japan SIM that Gives Back