E X P L O R E
Οδηγος ιντερνετ ταξιδιου Ιαπωνιας — Πως να επιλεξετε μεταξυ eSIM, SIM και WiFi τσεπης
Συγκρινετε eSIM, SIM και WiFi τσεπης κατα τιμη και ευκολια. Τιμες παροχων, σημεια παραλαβης αεροδρομιου, ορια 'απεριοριστων' πλανων και συμβουλες αντιμετωπισης προβληματων.
Comparing Your 3 Options
There are three ways to get online in Japan: eSIM, physical SIM, and pocket WiFi. The best choice depends on your device compatibility, group size, and length of stay.
| eSIM | Physical SIM | Pocket WiFi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (7 days) | See provider details below | ¥1,980–¥3,000 | ¥3,000–¥10,000 |
| Where to buy | Online (before departure) | Airport counter or vending machine | Airport counter or pre-shipped |
| Setup | Scan QR code (5 min) | Swap SIM card | Power on and connect to WiFi |
| Multi-device | 1 device only | 1 device only | 5–10 devices (varies by model) |
| Phone number | None (most plans) | None (most plans) | None |
| Charging | Not needed | Not needed | Daily charging required |
| Return | Not needed | Not needed | Return at airport, etc. |
For solo or duo travelers with eSIM-compatible phones, eSIM offers the best value. Unlike pocket WiFi, there’s no battery to worry about and nothing extra to carry. If you’re in a group of three or more and want to share a single router, or if your phone doesn’t support eSIM, pocket WiFi or a physical SIM is the way to go.
Recommended eSIM Providers
Many eSIM providers offer coverage in Japan, and nearly all are data-only (no voice calls or SMS). Here’s a comparison of major providers.
Fixed Data Plans
| Provider | Plan examples | Network |
|---|---|---|
| Airalo | 1 GB–100 GB / 7–30 days | SoftBank / au |
| Ubigi | 3 GB–50 GB / 15–30 days | au / NTT docomo |
| Saily | 1 GB–20 GB / 7–30 days | NTT docomo |
| b-mobile eSIM | 3 GB+ | NTT docomo |
Prices vary by displayed currency (USD/EUR, etc.) depending on your region. Check each provider’s official page for the latest pricing.
Unlimited Plans
| Provider | Duration | Throttle conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Holafly | 7–90 days | Throttled to 256 Kbps–1 Mbps after 90 GB/month |
| Airalo Unlimited | 30 days | Throttled to 1 Mbps after 3 GB/day |
| Ubigi Unlimited | 15 days | Throttled to 2 Mbps after ~30 GB |
For a 7-day Tokyo trip focused on Google Maps, LINE, and web browsing — essential for navigating station transfers — expect to use around 300–500 MB per day. A 3 GB plan will likely be enough. If you plan to stream video frequently or stay longer than two weeks, an unlimited plan like Holafly gives you more peace of mind.
Network Differences
Different eSIM providers use different Japanese carriers behind the scenes.
- NTT docomo — Widely considered to have the broadest nationwide coverage of the three major carriers. Strong in rural and mountainous areas, making it a reliable choice if you’re venturing beyond Tokyo
- SoftBank — Strong urban coverage with aggressive 5G expansion. Works perfectly for trips focused on Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto
- au (KDDI) — Coverage falls between docomo and SoftBank, with solid performance in both urban and suburban areas
Within central Tokyo (the 23 wards), there’s virtually no noticeable difference between carriers. If you’re planning to visit the Mt. Fuji area, Hokkaido, or remote islands in Okinawa, choosing a provider on the docomo network (Ubigi, b-mobile, etc.) is the safer bet.
How to Set Up an eSIM
Setup takes about 5 minutes. We recommend installing it at home on WiFi before departure — it saves you from hunting for airport WiFi after landing in Japan.
iPhone
- Purchase a plan on the eSIM provider’s website. You’ll receive a QR code via email or their app
- Go to Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → scan the QR code
- Select the new eSIM under “Cellular Data”
- After arriving in Japan, go to Settings → Cellular → [your eSIM line] → Data Roaming and turn it on
Android
- Have the QR code from your purchase ready
- Go to Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → Add SIM → scan the QR code
- Enable the new SIM profile
- After arriving in Japan, turn on Roaming
How to Check Device Compatibility
Here’s how to find out whether your phone supports eSIM.
- iPhone — Go to Settings → General → About and look for “EID.” If you see a 32-digit number, your device supports eSIM
- Android — Go to Settings → About phone (or Device information) and look for “EID.” Alternatively, go to Settings → Network & internet → SIMs and check if “Add eSIM” appears as an option
If you can’t find an EID, your phone does not support eSIM — go with a physical SIM or pocket WiFi instead.
Note: Smartphones sold in Japan since October 2021 are required to be SIM-unlocked by law, so they ship SIM-free. Phones brought from overseas will also work as long as the carrier SIM lock has been removed.
Using Alongside Your Home SIM (Dual SIM)
A major advantage of eSIM is that you don’t need to remove your physical SIM card. iPhones support eSIM + physical SIM configurations, and newer models support eSIM + eSIM — so your home SIM stays in place.
This matters because of two-factor authentication. Many banking apps and social media services send verification codes via SMS to your home phone number. If you can’t receive those texts, you may get locked out of your accounts. The safest setup is to assign the Japan eSIM to data and keep your home SIM for calls and SMS. You can choose which line handles data in your phone’s settings.
Emergency Calls
Data-only eSIMs and physical SIMs cannot make voice calls to 110 (police) or 119 (fire/ambulance). In an emergency, ask for help at your hotel front desk, a nearby convenience store, or a koban (police box). You can also switch to your home SIM and use international roaming to make the call. If you need voice capability, consider a plan with voice support such as Mobal Voice Lite eSIM.
Buying a Physical SIM at the Airport
If your phone doesn’t support eSIM, you can buy a physical SIM at the arrival lobbies of Narita and Haneda airports.
Narita Airport
- SIM vending machines — Five machines installed on the 1F of Terminals 1–3. Since they’re vending machines, you can buy outside staffed counter hours
- J WiFi & Mobile — Terminal 1 North Wing 4F, South Wing 4F, and Central Building 1F; 7:00–21:00
- AnyFone JAPAN — Terminal 1 Central Building 1F; 7:00–21:00
Haneda Airport
- Mobile Center (Terminal 3, 2F Arrival Lobby) — 6:00–23:00
- AnyFone JAPAN (Terminal 3, 2F Arrival Lobby) — 6:00–23:00
- BIC CAMERA (Terminal 3, 4F) — Sells SIMs from brands like IIJmio and b-mobile over the counter
Even if you arrive late at night or early in the morning when staffed counters are closed, SIM vending machines are still available. If you don’t have time to compare plans, grabbing one from the vending machine is the quickest option.
Major Physical SIM Brands
| Brand | Plan examples | Network |
|---|---|---|
| b-mobile Visitor SIM | 5 GB / 10 days: ¥1,980 / 7 GB / 21 days: ¥2,970 | NTT docomo |
| IIJmio Japan Travel SIM | 3 GB–55 GB / up to 30 days | NTT docomo |
Outside the airport, you can also find prepaid SIMs at electronics retailers (BIC CAMERA, Yodobashi Camera) and convenience stores (FamilyMart, Lawson). FamilyMart and Lawson carry traveler-oriented SIMs like IIJmio, which is helpful if you forgot to buy one at the airport. That said, not all branches stock them — availability is limited to stores in urban areas.
SIM card size for modern smartphones is almost always nano SIM. Older devices may use micro SIM or standard SIM, so check your phone’s SIM tray before purchasing.
When Pocket WiFi Makes Sense
A pocket WiFi (mobile router) is a small device that lets multiple phones, tablets, and laptops connect through a single data plan. It’s worth considering in these situations:
- Groups of 3 or more — Splitting one rental across the group can be cheaper than buying individual eSIMs for everyone
- Multiple devices without eSIM — Tablets, laptops, and gaming devices can all connect
- Heavy data usage — Japan Wireless does not list a Fair Use Policy, making it suitable for high-volume use
Major Rental Services
| Service | Approximate price | Network | Simultaneous connections |
|---|---|---|---|
| WiFiBOX | From ¥440/day | — | Up to 5 devices |
| Japan Wireless | From ~¥700/day | SoftBank | Up to 10 devices |
| Ninja WiFi | ¥1,980/day (discounted plans available) | SoftBank 4G LTE | See official site |
Most services support pickup and return at Narita and Haneda airport counters. Reserving online in advance is recommended to guarantee availability. Many services also offer optional damage/loss insurance (~¥200–300/day) at checkout, which is worth considering if you’re worried about losing or breaking the device.
Downsides of Pocket WiFi
Daily charging is unavoidable. Battery life ranges from 8 to 20 hours depending on the model, so on a full day out from morning to night, the battery may die partway through. Bringing a portable charger is recommended. If your group shares one router, everyone goes offline the moment they get separated from the person carrying it. You also need to return the device at an airport counter or drop box before you leave — forget to return it and you’ll face late fees of several hundred to several thousand yen per day.
The Reality of “Unlimited” Plans
Many eSIM and pocket WiFi plans marketed as “unlimited” actually throttle your speed significantly after you hit a certain data threshold. After throttling kicks in, speeds drop to 128 Kbps–1 Mbps — slow enough that Google Maps takes noticeably longer to load and video streaming becomes virtually impossible.
Specific limits:
- Holafly — Throttled to 256 Kbps–1 Mbps after 90 GB/month. Tethering is also capped at 1 GB/day
- Airalo Unlimited — Throttled to 1 Mbps after 3 GB/day
- Ubigi Unlimited 15 days — Throttled to 2 Mbps after ~30 GB
If you want to avoid throttling altogether, a pocket WiFi service like Japan Wireless, which doesn’t list a Fair Use Policy, is one option. If you’re buying an “unlimited” eSIM, check the provider’s Fair Use Policy on their official page before committing.
When You Need a Phone Number
Data-only eSIMs and physical SIMs do not come with a Japanese phone number. For most Tokyo sightseeing, you won’t run into problems without one — but there are a few exceptions.
- Registering for PayPay — Requires SMS verification with a Japanese phone number (080/090/070). However, tourists can get by without PayPay. See the Payment Methods Guide for alternative ways to pay
- Making phone reservations — Some restaurants and facilities only accept bookings by phone (though online reservations are increasingly the norm, so you’re unlikely to encounter this often)
If you absolutely need a Japanese phone number, Mobal Voice Lite eSIM is one option. For an initial fee of ¥3,300 plus ¥990/month, you get an eSIM with a Japanese 070/080/090 number — no residence card or Japanese address required.
For day-to-day messaging and calls, LINE over data works just fine. LINE is also useful when booking restaurants, as some venues accept reservations via their LINE account. It’s the dominant messaging app in Japan, and with a data connection, you don’t need a phone number to use it.
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Still showing “No Service” after arrival | Data roaming is off | Settings → Cellular → eSIM line → turn Data Roaming on |
| Can’t scan the QR code | Focus or brightness issue | Enlarge the QR code and try again in a well-lit area |
| Extremely slow data speeds | Hit throttle limit / old APN settings interfering | Delete unnecessary APN settings. If throttled, purchase additional data |
| eSIM installation failed | Unstable WiFi connection | Retry on a stable WiFi network. If airport WiFi is flaky, try a cafe |
| Not sure if device supports eSIM | — | iPhone: Settings → General → About → check for EID. Android: Settings → About phone → check for EID |
Most connection issues are resolved by toggling airplane mode on and off or restarting your phone. If that doesn’t work, contact your eSIM provider’s support team.
Using Free WiFi to Save Data
Even with an eSIM or pocket WiFi, connecting to free WiFi when available helps conserve your data allowance.
TOKYO FREE Wi-Fi is a city-run network available in tourist areas including Shibuya, Shinjuku, Asakusa, Ginza, Akihabara, and Odaiba. You’ll need to register an email address when connecting. Convenience stores (FamilyMart, Lawson) and coffee chains (Starbucks, Tully’s, Doutor) also offer free WiFi. Major JR East stations (Yamanote Line stops, Shinkansen stations) have WiFi hotspots as well, and the JNTO (Japan National Tourism Organization) WiFi guide lists available connection points.
That said, relying on free WiFi alone for an entire trip isn’t realistic. You lose your connection the moment you leave a hotspot, which means no Google Maps or transit apps while you’re on the move. Think of free WiFi as a supplement for saving data — make sure you have at least one of eSIM, physical SIM, or pocket WiFi as your primary connection.
Summary — Set Up an eSIM Before You Leave
If your phone supports eSIM, installing one before departure is the lowest-effort option. Having Google Maps ready to search routes the moment you land at the airport is a genuine relief. Even if your phone doesn’t support eSIM, physical SIMs are available right in the Narita and Haneda arrival lobbies, so there’s no reason to stress. For group travel, sharing a pocket WiFi is a sensible choice too. Whatever you choose, don’t rely solely on Tokyo’s free WiFi — secure at least one dedicated mobile data connection for yourself, and your trip will go much more smoothly. For a full pre-departure checklist, see our guide on common Tokyo travel mistakes.
Sources:
- Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications “Guidelines (SIM Lock Release)” https://www.soumu.go.jp/joho_tsusin/eidsystem/competition12_01.html (accessed: 2026-02-27)
- Narita International Airport “Internet / Wi-Fi / Mobile Phones” https://www.narita-airport.jp/en/service/internet/rental/ (accessed: 2026-02-27)
- Haneda Airport Mobile Center https://tokyo-haneda.com/en/shop_and_dine/detail/tenant_00435.html (accessed: 2026-02-27)
- JNTO “WiFi & Connectivity” https://www.japan.travel/en/plan/wifi-and-connectivity/ (accessed: 2026-02-27)
Related Articles
- How to Buy and Use a Suica Card — Step-by-step guide to purchasing, topping up, and using Suica
- How Payments Work in Japan — PayPay, Suica, cash — what you actually need to carry
- Tokyo Travel Pitfalls — A checklist of things to prepare beyond your SIM card
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