Internet in Japan: eSIM, WiFi and everything you need to know
Without internet in Japan you are lost. Trains are paid for with apps, restaurants are searched on Google Maps, and the translator needs data. Here I explain how to get connected without paying more.
Option 1: eSIM (THE BEST)
An eSIM is a virtual SIM card. You buy it online, you scan a QR, and you have internet when you land. Without changing the physical SIM.
The best eSIMs for Japan (2026)
| Supplier | Price | Data | Speed | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hellofly | €19 | Unlimited | 4G/LTE | 5 days |
| Air it | €11 | 10GB | 4G | 30 days |
| Ubigi | €15 | 10GB | 5G | 30 days |
| Nomad | €12 | 10GB | 4G | 30 days |
My recommendation
For trips of less than 7 days: Unlimited Holafly. You don't worry about the GB. For trips of more than 7 days: Airalo 10GB. If you use the hotel's WiFi, you have more than enough.
How to install an eSIM (step by step)
BEFORE you fly (with home WiFi):
- Buy the eSIM on the provider's website
- You will receive an email with a QR code
- Save that QR as an image on your mobile
- Go to Settings → Mobile data → Add eSIM
- Scan the QR
- DO NOT activate the eSIM yet (wait until it arrives)
When landing in Japan:
- Activate the eSIM in Settings → Mobile data
- Select the eSIM as main data
- Keep your main SIM for emergency calls/SMS
- Try opening Google Maps
Option 2: Portable WiFi
You rent a device that creates a WiFi network. Useful if you travel in a group.
| Supplier | Price/day | Speed | Pickup |
|---|---|---|---|
| Global WiFi | €5 | 4G | Airport |
| WiFi Ninja | €6 | 4G | Airport |
| Japan Wireless | €4 | 4G | Airport |
Advantage: You can connect 5-10 devices. Disadvantage: You have to charge another device and return it.
Option 3: Free WiFi
Japan has a lot of free WiFi, but it is not 100% reliable.
Where is free WiFi:
- ✅ Airports (Narita, Haneda, Kansai)
- ✅ Main train stations
- ✅ Convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson)
- ✅ McDonald's and Starbucks
- ✅ Hotels (most)
- ✅ Airports and train stations
Where there is NO WiFi:
- ❌ Streets and parks
- ❌ Public transportation (except premium shinkansen)
- ❌ Temples and shrines
- ❌ Small restaurants
How many GB do you need
| Usage | GB/day | GB in 7 days |
|---|---|---|
| Maps and messages only | 0.5GB | 3.5GB |
| Maps + social networks | 1GB | 7GB |
| Maps + networks + photos | 2GB | 14GB |
| Remote work + everything | 3+ GB | 21+GB |
Tip: If you use hotel WiFi at night, you can use less GB.
Settings of your mobile
iPhone:
- Settings → Mobile data → Add data plan
- Scan the QR of your eSIM
- Name the line (ex: "Japan")
- Activate "Allow data line change"
- Select the eSIM as main data
Android:
- Settings → Network and Internet → SIMs → Add eSIM
- Scan the QR
- Set as main data
- Activate roaming if necessary
Hotel WiFi: what to expect
- Business hotels (APA, Toyoko Inn): Decent WiFi, 10-50 Mbps
- Ryokans: Variable WiFi, some only in the lobby
- Hostels: Good WiFi in general
- Airbnb: Depends on the host
Tip: If the hotel WiFi is slow, use your eSIM. If it's good, it saves data.
Mistakes that everyone makes
- Do not buy eSIM before going: At the airport it is more expensive
- Activate the eSIM on the plane: Wait until landing
- Delete the eSIM after the trip: Keep it in case you return
- Don't try before you go: Set it up at home with WiFi
- Use data from your main SIM: Roaming is very expensive
Connectivity checklist
- ☐ eSIM purchased and QR saved
- ☐ eSIM installed (but not activated)
- ☐ Google Maps offline downloaded
- ☐ Google Translate offline configured
- ☐ Hotel WiFi confirmed
- ☐ Saved Japanese emergency number: 110 (police) / 119 (ambulance)