| Way | What you need to know |
|---|---|
| eSIM | Your phone must support eSIM and must not be carrier-locked. You can install it before you leave, so it works as soon as you land. Many travel eSIMs are data-only — for example, Airalo's Japan eSIM is data-only and runs on the SoftBank and KDDI networks |
| Travel SIM card | Sold at airports (including vending machines) and at electronics stores such as Bic Camera and Yodobashi Camera. JNTO notes your phone must be SIM-unlocked |
| Pocket Wi-Fi rental | Rent at an airport counter, or book online and have it delivered to your hotel. JNTO says rental Wi-Fi is the most reliable option, especially outside big cities |
| Free Wi-Fi | Major airports have free Wi-Fi. SoftBank's FREE Wi-Fi PASSPORT gives overseas visitors 2 weeks of free Wi-Fi: connect to “.FREE_Wi-Fi_PASSPORT” and get a password by phone call or email (call charges may apply; prepaid plans may not work; it is not encrypted). Some cafes, fast-food chains and convenience stores have their own free Wi-Fi, often with registration |
- Narita: SIM and Wi-Fi counters from several companies, plus SIM vending machines in Terminals 1–3, including on the arrival floors — so you can use them when you land. Free Wi-Fi: “FreeWiFi-NARITA” (the airport recommends a VPN for secure connections)
- Haneda: a prepaid SIM vending machine and a Wi-Fi rental shop in Terminal 1, and Wi-Fi/SIM counters in Terminals 2 and 3. Free Wi-Fi: “HANEDA-FREE-WIFI”
- Kansai: counters, 24-hour pickup lockers, return boxes and SIM vending machines in Terminals 1 and 2. Free Wi-Fi: “#AirportFreeWiFi-Kansai” (no sign-up; not encrypted)
Hotels: large city hotels usually have Wi-Fi. JNTO suggests checking when you book if you are staying at a ryokan or a small guesthouse.
Set it up at home, and you can open maps and messages the moment you land.
PR 📶 Japan eSIM
Install it before your trip, and it connects when you arrive. Japan plans from 1GB up to unlimited data, on the SoftBank and KDDI networks. Data-only, with 24-hour support in many languages.
PR 📶 Japan eSIM
Turns on by itself when you land in Japan. Plans from 1GB for a week up to unlimited data; you can add a US phone number for calls and texts. 24/7 chat support.
Maps and translation drain the battery. Japan uses 100V with types A and B plugs — check whether your charger works → Will my device work in Japan?
- JNTO: Wi-Fi in Japan
- SoftBank: FREE Wi-Fi PASSPORT
- Narita Airport: Phone, Wi-Fi rental and SIM sales · Narita Airport: Free Wi-Fi
- Haneda Airport: Phone and Wi-Fi rental · Haneda Airport: Free Wi-Fi
- Kansai Airport: Wi-Fi and SIM rental · Kansai Airport: Free Wi-Fi
- Airalo: Japan eSIM
Checked on 7 October 2026. Services, prices and locations can change.