Internet in Japan: eSIM, SIM or pocket WiFi

The eSIM is a digital SIM card that installs by scanning a QR from the phone. There is no physical card, no need to go to the airport and it activates in seconds. The only requirement is that your phone is compatible (most smartphones from 2019 are). If you go for this option, the eSIM for Japan guide has the detail of requirements, step-by-step activation and how much data to budget for.

Common providers for Japan

The eSIM market for Japan is very developed. The best-known providers — Airalo, Holafly, Ubigi, Saily and Nomad, plus the travel platforms that sell their own eSIM — offer both total-data plans (a bundle of GB for the whole trip) and unlimited-data ones with a daily quota. They all rely on the major local networks:

Prices change frequently and depend on the plan: as a reference, an eSIM for two weeks usually costs between 10 and 20 € on total-data plans and a little more on unlimited ones. For the detailed comparison, requirements and activation you have the eSIM for Japan guide.

How to know if your phone has eSIM

• iPhone: XR/XS or later (2018+). Except the first-generation iPhone SE and some models sold in mainland China.
• Samsung Galaxy: S20 series or later. Some models sold in certain markets do not have eSIM.
• Google Pixel: Pixel 4 or later without restrictions (the Pixel 3 has eSIM, but only in certain regional versions).
• Quick check: Settings → Mobile Data/SIM → if the "Add plan" or "Add eSIM" option appears, your phone is compatible.

The whole process takes less than five minutes and is done once. The key is to separate two moments: installing the eSIM (at home, with WiFi) and activating it (on arrival, so the day counter does not start early).

1. Buy the plan online before leaving. The provider (Airalo, Holafly, Ubigi) sends a QR code and instructions by email.
2. Install the eSIM at home, with WiFi. On iPhone: Settings → Mobile → Add eSIM → scan QR. On Android: Settings → Connections → SIM → Add eSIM. This only downloads the profile, it does not use data yet.
3. Label the line as "Travel" or "Japan" to tell it apart from your home SIM. Leave your main line active to receive verification SMS from your bank.
4. Turn off the data on your home line and turn off roaming on it, to avoid accidental charges. Keep your number active only for calls and SMS if you need it.
5. On landing in Japan, select the travel eSIM as the data line and turn on "Data Roaming" on that specific line (the Japanese eSIM needs it despite being called roaming). At that point the plan starts counting.

Essential apps for getting around with data

• Google Maps: essential for public transport; it shows real train times and the exact platform.
• Japan Travel by NAVITIME: optimised train routes, indicates whether the journey is covered by the JR Pass.
• Google Translate: download the offline Japanese pack and use the camera to translate menus and signs.
• LINE: the standard messaging app in Japan, useful if you book tours or contact local accommodation.

With internet ready on arrival, the next two steps of the first day are usually transport and money: setting up a Suica or Pasmo card for the metro and trains, and being clear on how much cash to carry per the money in Japan guide.

If your phone does not have eSIM, the tourist SIM is the best alternative. It is bought on arrival in Japan at Narita, Haneda, Kansai and Fukuoka airports, or at electronics shops.

Where to buy a tourist SIM in Japan

• Narita airport: IIJmio, OCN Mobile, B-Mobile and Docomo counters in the arrivals terminals. Open 24h.
• Haneda airport: similar, in the international terminals.
• Bic Camera / Yodobashi Camera stores: in Akihabara, Shinjuku and Shibuya (Tokyo), and in Osaka Namba. A wide variety of plans.
• Konbini (7-Eleven, Lawson): they sell SIMs from some operators (pre-configured Docomo) although with less variety.

Most common plans

The tourist SIM gives data only, not voice calls (except specific plans). For local calls, use WhatsApp, LINE or FaceTime over data.

Pocket WiFi (or portable WiFi modem) is a 4G router that creates its own WiFi network and lets you connect several devices. It was the most popular option until 2020, but the eSIM has displaced it for individual travellers.

When pocket WiFi makes sense

• Groups of 3 or more people — the price is split and works out cheaper than three eSIMs.
• You need to connect a tablet or laptop — if you work or need data on several devices during the trip.
• All the phones are eSIM-incompatible — an increasingly rare case.

Drawbacks of pocket WiFi

• It has to be charged (6–10 hour battery on standard models). You need a power bank or to charge it overnight.
• If one person leaves the group, no one has data.
• It has to be returned at the airport before leaving (with dedicated drop boxes at Narita and Haneda).
• Higher price per person if you travel solo or as a couple.

Where to rent pocket WiFi in Japan

The main providers (Japan Wireless, Ninja WiFi, eConnect Japan, Global Advanced Communications) let you book online. Delivery is at the arrival airport or by post to the hotel. The price depends on the plan: routers with unlimited data are usually between 440 and 2,000 ¥/day (about 2.40–11 €/day) depending on whether they are 4G or 5G; check the provider's current rate before booking. Remember that cost is split between everyone sharing the router.

Japan has one of the most advanced telecommunications infrastructures in the world. 4G coverage covers practically the whole territory, including:

• Tokyo metro: 4G coverage on most lines even inside the tunnels. Occasional exceptions on older sections.
• Shinkansen: continuous coverage along the whole route, although in some mountain tunnels there are interruptions of 30–60 seconds.
• Rural and mountain areas: minimal 3G coverage practically everywhere. Remote hiking trails (Kumano Kodo, Japanese Alps) may have spots with no signal.
• Remote islands: Okinawa and the main islands have good coverage; small islands may have only 3G.

The Docomo (NTT Docomo) network has the best rural coverage in the country, followed by SoftBank and au (KDDI). For trips with a lot of nature and remote areas, prioritise an eSIM on the Docomo network.