The main carriers are NTT Docomo, SoftBank, KDDI au. One of the best networks in the world. 5G in the metropolises and signal even inside the subway and the Shinkansen (bullet train).
A travel eSIM like VoaSim uses those same towers: coverage is that of the local networks.
| Option | How it works in practice |
|---|---|
| Travel eSIM | Bought online before the trip, arrives by e-mail and connects on landing. Unlimited from USD 1.79/day at VoaSim, no paperwork or queues. |
| Local SIM | Tourist physical SIMs (IIJmio, Sakura Mobile) are booked online or bought at the airport for USD 20-40; data only. Buying a regular Japanese SIM requires residency — tourists only access the travel versions. |
| Your carrier's roaming | Convenient but with a daily cost that piles up, and passes usually carry few GB or fair use. Check the exact rate in your app before flying. |
| Wi-Fi only | Free, but leaves you without maps, translator or rides on the street — exactly where you need them most. |
Coverage is exceptional, Tokyo metro included. Quirk: Japan uses its own bands, but modern phones cover them well. Cash still rules in Japan: maps and the translator on your phone are even more critical.
Narita and Haneda have decent free Wi-Fi and tourist SIM counters close at night: if your flight lands late, the installed eSIM is the difference between connecting or not.
| Days | Price | Per day |
|---|---|---|
| 5 days | USD 18.90 | USD 3.78/day |
| 7 days | USD 23.90 | USD 3.42/day |
| 10 days | USD 30.90 | USD 3.09/day |
| 15 days | USD 42.90 | USD 2.86/day |
| 30 days | USD 61.90 | USD 2.07/day |
| 60 days | USD 106.90 | USD 1.79/day |
Today's promo prices, the same in 160+ countries. Second eSIM in the same order gets an extra 10% off.
Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Sapporo and the whole territory with local network coverage. More details on the eSIM for Japan page.
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