Japan, with its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture, is a top travel destination. However, to fully enjoy your time in this tech-savvy country, staying connected is essential. Whether it’s for navigating the subway, translating signs in Japanese, or simply sharing your adventures, a reliable mobile internet connection is a must-have.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best ways to stay connected in Japan in 2025, so you can pick the option that best suits your travel needs, whether you’re there for a few days or a few weeks.
Options for Getting Internet in Japan
Japan offers several ways for tourists and international travelers to stay connected. Here are the most popular options:
1. Data Roaming
Data roaming is the most expensive way to stay connected in Japan. Roaming charges can quickly add up, especially if you're using a lot of data. For example, Verizon, a popular U.S. provider, charges $2.05 per MB for international data usage, which quickly amounts to hefty charges (that’s $2,050 per GB).
However, Verizon offers some prepaid international plans that make data roaming a little more affordable. Their $100 monthly international plan gives you 20GB of high-speed data, but expect your speed to slow down once you reach the data cap. The TravelPass plan at $12 per day gives you unlimited data, calls, and texts, but there’s a 5GB daily limit before the speeds are reduced.
2. Installing a Japan eSIM
The most convenient and cost-effective option for staying connected in Japan is an eSIM (embedded SIM). eSIMs allow you to avoid the high costs of roaming and offer a fast, flexible, and reliable internet connection. Unlike physical SIM cards, eSIMs don’t require you to swap SIM cards, and you can purchase and activate them digitally.
The advantages of an eSIM are numerous:
- Instant activation: No need to visit a store or wait for a physical SIM card to arrive. You can purchase your eSIM online before your trip and activate it as soon as you land in Japan by scanning a QR code.
- Flexibility: eSIMs allow you to store multiple carrier profiles, meaning you can have both a local Japanese plan and an international plan on the same device.
- Affordable: Compared to roaming, eSIMs are a much more affordable option. For example, RAPIDeSIM offers unlimited data for just $9,99 for 3 Days. This is much more affordable than roaming plans that can quickly exceed $50 for 1GB.
Before purchasing an eSIM, ensure your phone is compatible with this technology. Most phones launched after 2019 are compatible, but older models or certain iPhones from mainland China, Hong Kong, or Macao may not support eSIM.
You can check our Compatibility Checker for more information
3. Picking Up a Local SIM Card
If your phone doesn’t support eSIM or if you prefer a physical SIM card, you can opt for a local SIM card once you arrive in Japan. You can easily buy a SIM card at the airport or in convenience stores like 7-Eleven, and you can also order SIM cards online before your trip.
There are two main types of SIM cards: data-only and data + voice. Most of the tourist SIM cards in Japan only offer data, while some providers like Mobal also offer voice and data options.
Here are a few popular providers:
- Mobal (Voice + Data): $19.73 USD (2,970 ¥) for 7GB/30 days.
- Sakura Mobile (Data Only): Starts at $23 USD (3,500 ¥) for 5 days of unlimited data.
- b-mobile (Data Only): Starts at $13.15 USD (1,980 ¥) for 5GB/10 days.
The downside of getting a local SIM is the inconvenience of switching SIM cards, especially if your phone isn’t dual SIM. You’ll need to replace your regular SIM, which can make it harder for friends or family to contact you while you’re traveling.
Additionally, make sure your phone is unlocked before departure. If it’s locked to a specific carrier, contact your provider to unlock it, and ensure you meet any requirements such as paying off the device in full.
4. Renting Pocket WiFi
If you’re traveling in a group or using multiple devices, renting a pocket WiFi can be a good option. These portable devices allow you to connect multiple devices to the internet at once. While pocket WiFi is more expensive than eSIM, it’s a safer option than using public WiFi networks.
You typically need to book a pocket WiFi device online before your trip, and it can be picked up at the airport or delivered to your hotel. At the end of your trip, you can return the device at the airport or mail it back, depending on the provider’s policies.
Popular pocket WiFi providers include:
- Ninja Wi-Fi: Starts at $13 USD (1,980 ¥) per day for an unlimited data plan.
- Telecom Square WiFiBOX: Starts at $9.90 USD (1,390 ¥) per day for a truly unlimited data plan.
5. Using Free WiFi Hotspots
Free public WiFi is available in many public places in Japan, including airports, train stations, restaurants, and convenience stores. However, these networks are often insecure, and the connection speed can be slow or unreliable.
- Airport WiFi: All major international airports in Japan, including Narita, Haneda, and Kansai, provide free WiFi.
- WiFi in restaurants and cafes: Many coffee shops like Starbucks, McDonald’s, and even some traditional restaurants offer free WiFi.
Tip: When using public WiFi, it’s strongly recommended to use a VPN to protect your personal data and prevent hacking risks.
Popular free WiFi networks include:
- SoftBank Free WiFi Passport: Access over 400,000 hotspots across Japan.
Comparing Mobile Internet Options in Japan
Here’s a quick comparison of all the options:
Option | Value for Money | Convenience | Safety | Speed | Reliability |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Roaming | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
eSIM | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Physical SIM | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Pocket WiFi | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Free WiFi | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
Why eSIM Is the Best Option for Japan ?
Among all the options, eSIM stands out as the best choice for most travelers. It’s the most convenient, affordable, and reliable solution for staying connected in Japan. With RAPIDeSIM offering data for just $9.99 for 3 days, it’s perfect for those who need consistent and fast internet during their stay.
Moreover, eSIMs provide an easy activation process and eliminate the need for extra devices, unlike pocket WiFi. They are also faster and more secure than public WiFi options.
Stay Connected with RAPIDeSIM eSIM in Japan
Whether you’re in Japan for a few days or a month, having reliable mobile internet is essential. RAPIDeSIM’s eSIM offers a seamless connection that allows you to stay connected without the hassle of roaming fees or carrying extra devices.
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