How to get your cell phone connected in Japan: eSIMs, wi-fi and mobile networks

20.11.2024 - 19:35 / lonelyplanet.com

Nov 20, 2024 • 6 min read

From the vibrant modernity of Tokyo to the timeless traditions of Kyoto, Japan is one of the world’s most beguiling destinations for a multitude of reasons.

While first-time visitors have probably heard about the potential language barriers and cultural differences in Japan, what about the challenge of staying connected while exploring the country? 

Whatever your plans in Japan, here’s what you need to know about using your cell phone, finding an eSIM, accessing wi-fi and which service providers might be best for you.

The short answer: yes. But some ways of using your phone are more affordable and more convenient than others.

Traveling around Japan on your domestic phone plan from home, you should be able to connect to local 3G, 4G and 5G networks, but will run up large roaming charges in the process. Instead, it makes sense to buy a local SIM card, rent a pocket wi-fi router, sign up for an international roaming plan or (our choice) opt for an eSIM.

Whatever you decide, it’s important to think about how many gigabytes (GB) of data you might need per day. Navigating with Google Maps, for example, can eat up 200MB per hour of usage, while streaming services such as YouTube and Netflix could run 1GB per hour (in high definition). Most travelers in Japan get by with just under 1GB a day, according to LightPocket.

Japan’s four major providers – NTT Docomo, KDDI au, SoftBank and Rakuten Mobile – all operate 3G, 4G and 5G networks with near-nationwide coverage, although signals can fade and disappear the deeper you go into the countryside. Things just might not be as superfast as Japan's high-tech reputation would suggest. According to Speedtest, Japan ranks 58th for mobile speeds, with the four main providers averaging download speeds of 46 to 61 Mbps (megabytes per second) and upload speeds of 6 to 20 Mbps.

One way to access these networks is with a prepaid SIM. Softbank, for example, offers data-only packages running from 3GB for ¥5610 (US$37) to 50GB for ¥9900 (US$64). Smaller companies, however, can often offer better deals, including Mobal, which starts from 8GB for ¥4710 (US$31).

Local prepaid SIM cards can be easily purchased at airport kiosks on arrival. Home electronics stores like Bic Camera and Yodobashi Camera also sell them. In particular, you’ll find multiple vendors at major international airports such as Narita, Haneda and Kansai International. To give one example, the prices with JAL ABC range between ¥3000–9000 (US$20–59), depending on the amount of data and whether you are getting a data-only service or data and voice.

When buying a local card, you’ll need to show your passport. When you pick up your SIM, make sure to confirm the service is working and double-check your