1
I'm planing to travel in Japan for 6 months.Did you make sure that you can stay for 6 months? Most tourist permits are for 90 days only and some nationalities may extend their stay for another 90 days.
No idea about the SIM card. From what I understand rental is popular, but others will know more about it.
2
Whether you can buy a SIM card and use it in your phone will depend upon your phone. GSM is not the usual technology for phones in Japan. Buying SIM cards for pay as you go use is not easy in Japan even with the phone is compatible with Japanese phone technology.Try softbank as they may be the only company that does this and only at certain locations if memory recalls. www.softbank-rental.jp/e/rental-plan.php
Ruth
