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eSIM, SIM card or pocket Wi-Fi? The right one depends on your phone and how you travel. Answer two questions.
Can your phone use an eSIM?
Five ways compared
eSIM (data only)
- Rough price
- From about US$4 for 1 GB. Unlimited data about US$27 for 7 days and US$48–49 for 15 days (Airalo and Saily pages).
- What you need
- A phone that supports eSIM and is not carrier-locked, and a connection while you install it.
- Good for
- Solo travellers, people who often split up, anyone who does not want to pick up and return a device.
- Watch out for
- No Japanese phone number (call through apps such as LINE or WhatsApp). Some unlimited plans slow down after a daily amount.
SIM card
- Rough price
- About ¥3,000 for 1 GB over 30 days, as a rough guide (JNTO).
- What you need
- An unlocked phone with a SIM slot. iPhone 14 and later bought in the United States have no SIM slot.
- Good for
- People whose phone does not support eSIM.
- Watch out for
- Sold at airports and at electronics stores such as Bic Camera and Yodobashi Camera. Keep your own SIM somewhere safe.
Pocket Wi-Fi (rental)
- Rough price
- About ¥550–1,000 a day for unlimited data (a rental company’s page).
- What you need
- Book it, then pick it up at an airport counter or have it delivered to your hotel. Returns follow the company’s rules (some take it back by post).
- Good for
- Families and groups who stay together, and phones that cannot use an eSIM. JNTO calls it the safest option.
- Watch out for
- Charge it every day. It stops working when you are away from whoever carries it. Late returns cost extra.
Free Wi-Fi
- Rough price
- Free.
- What you need
- Some spots ask you to register. The free app “Japan Wi-Fi auto-connect” connects you automatically where it is supported.
- Good for
- Short trips, when Wi-Fi at the hotel, stations and cafés is enough.
- Watch out for
- No signal while you walk between spots, and some are slow (JNTO). Never enter card numbers or passwords.
Roaming with your own carrier
- Rough price
- Varies a lot by carrier and plan.
- What you need
- Usually nothing. Before you go, ask your carrier about prices and whether it has a daily plan.
- Good for
- Short trips, and keeping your usual phone number.
- Watch out for
- It can be expensive, and some people only notice on the bill, so check first.
☎️ A data-only eSIM, a pocket Wi-Fi and free Wi-Fi are not phone lines. Before your trip, read how to call 110 and 119 in an emergency on the page below.
Prices and plans change often. The prices here were read on each company’s page on the date below. Check the company’s own page before you buy.
Sources (checked 2026-10-17)
- JNTO — Wi-Fi in Japan
- Saily — Japan eSIM
- Airalo — Japan eSIM (Moshi Moshi)
- Airalo — What devices support eSIM?
- Apple — Use eSIM while traveling internationally
- Apple — Unlock your iPhone for a different carrier
- Apple — Which SIM card your iPhone uses (eSIM-only models)
- Japan Wireless — What is a pocket WiFi? (a rental company)
- NTT Broadband Platform — Japan Wi-Fi auto-connect terms