Docomo to launch prepaid SIM service for foreign visitors to Japan

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NTT Docomo will launch a new prepaid SIM service called “Japan Welcome SIM” that will allow foreign travelers to access the internet through the Docomo network during their stay in Japan, starting July 1.

Travelers can apply for the service online via a dedicated website prior to leaving their home country and retrieve the SIM card from a location such as Narita, Haneda or Kansai International airport upon arrival in Japan. The SIM card, available in regular, micro and nano formats, provides users with access to Docomo’s network for 15 days and is compatible with smartphones and tablets without the need for APN settings.

Docomo will be offering three 15-day plans as part of this service, including Plan Zero, Plan 1000 and Plan 1700. Plan Zero (available from Oct 2017) will allow users to access the Internet for free at 128 Kbps in exchange for viewing a certain number of video advertisements and filling out a survey prior to arriving in Japan. At 1,000 yen, Plan 1000 will give users ad-free access at 128 Kbps, while paying a further 700 yen for Plan 1700 will provide increased download speeds (up to 682 Mbps) for the first 500 MB used.

Users can continue to enjoy high-speed access by recharging their SIMs for an additional 200 yen/100 MB or 700 yen/500 MB (prices excluding tax). Alternatively, users can recharge their SIMs for free through a variety of methods such as watching video advertisements and filling in surveys.

Applications for Japan Welcome SIM can be made through the official website. Support is available in English, Chinese (Traditional and Simplified), Korean, Thai, and Japanese.

As part of Docomo’s “+d” initiative to create new value through collaboration, Docomo partners will be able to sell the Japan Welcome SIM to foreign travelers visiting Japan in conjunction with their own services. This B2B2C service will initially be offered in partnership with Tokyu Hotels and Booking.com Partners will have the choice of a “set offer” or “count free” service.

The “set offer” allows companies such as hotels, travel agencies and airlines to sell the Japan Welcome SIM together with their own accommodation and tour plans.

The “count free” service provides high-speed data to customers of partner companies while disregarding data volumes, when the partner company’s web services or applications are used.