Get online in Japan before you land
eSIMs, SIM cards and pocket WiFi compared by someone who lives here. Answer four questions and we’ll point you to the cheapest plans that fit your trip.
Stephen, based in Osaka. How we test
Good places to start
Our picks for the three most common situations. Every price links back to the provider’s own page, with the date we last checked it.
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Cheapest for a week
Airalo
SoftBank au (KDDI)The lowest price for a week of light use among the plans we track: enough for maps and messaging.
- Plan
- 3GB, 7 days
- Price
- ¥1,350
- Per day
- ≈$1.22
View deal Checked -
Travelling as a group
Japan Wireless
SoftBankUnlimited data shared by up to 8 devices, with a free power bank. The daily rate depends on rental length.
- Plan
- Unlimited pocket WiFi (from)
- Price
- $4.70/day
- Per day
- ≈$4.70
View deal Checked -
You need a Japanese phone number
Sakura Mobile
au (KDDI)The only plan we have found that gives short-term visitors a Japanese number. It needs an in-person ID check when you arrive.
- Plan
- Voice + data eSIM, 7 days
- Price
- ¥10,340
- Per day
- ≈$9.33
View deal Checked
eSIM or pocket WiFi?
Choose an eSIM if
- your phone is unlocked and supports eSIM
- you’re travelling alone or everyone has their own phone
- you don’t want to collect or return a device
Choose pocket WiFi if
- your phone is locked to your carrier or has no eSIM
- several people or laptops need to share one connection
- you’re happy to carry and charge one more device
Guides
- Will my phone work in Japan?SIM lock, eSIM support and network bands
- Setting up an eSIMStep by step on iPhone and Android
- How much data do you need?Realistic daily use, and when unlimited plans are worth it
- Picking up WiFi or a SIM at the airportHaneda, Narita, Kansai and others
- Getting a Japanese phone numberFor visitors and new residents
- Staying longer than a monthMonthly plans, home internet and what you need to sign up
Written by Stephen
Stephen lives in Osaka. fly-jpn is where he compares eSIMs, SIM cards and pocket WiFi for visitors, using what he has learned as a resident. A plan is only described as tested when he has bought it and used it in Japan himself.