“What is the best way to have unlimited internet and use my phone while I’m in Japan: should I get an internet device or a SIM card?”

This is one of the most important questions for any traveler coming to Japan! Without reliable internet, you can’t use Google Maps, translate menus, or look up train schedules. Let me break down all your options and give you my honest recommendation.

Your Main Options

“What are my choices for internet in Japan?”

You have four main options:

1. Travel SIM card – A physical SIM you insert into your phone
2. eSIM – A digital SIM activated through an app (for newer phones)
3. Pocket WiFi – A small device that creates a WiFi hotspot
4. International roaming – Using your home carrier’s plan

Let me explain each one in detail.

Option 1: Travel SIM Cards

“How do SIM cards work in Japan?”

How it works: You buy a prepaid SIM card, insert it into your unlocked phone, and get Japanese mobile data.

Pros:

• No need to carry extra device
• Your phone keeps its number (for apps like WhatsApp)
• Easy to set up
• Relatively affordable

Cons:

• Phone must be unlocked
• Need to swap out your home SIM
• Some plans are data-only (no phone calls)

Popular options:

• Mobal – ¥3,000-5,000 for 7-14 days (~$22-37 USD)
• IIJmio – Available at airports
• Sakura Mobile – Good for longer stays

Where to buy:

• Airport arrival halls (convenient but slightly pricier)
• Electronics stores (Bic Camera, Yodobashi)
• Online before your trip (delivered to your home)

Option 2: eSIM (My Top Recommendation!)

“What’s an eSIM and should I use one?”

How it works: An eSIM is a digital SIM that you activate through an app or QR code. No physical card needed!

Pros:

• Instant activation – Set up before you land
• Keep your home SIM – Dual SIM means both work simultaneously
• No pickup needed – Just download and activate
• Multiple options – Easy to compare and switch

Cons:

• Requires a compatible phone (iPhone XS or newer, recent Androids)
• Data-only (no Japanese phone number)

Popular eSIM services:

My honest recommendation: If your phone supports eSIM, this is the way to go. I use Airalo when I travel abroad, and the convenience is unbeatable.

Option 3: Pocket WiFi

“Should I rent a pocket WiFi device?”

How it works: You rent a small device that creates a WiFi hotspot. Connect your phone, tablet, and laptop to it.

Pros:

• Share with multiple devices – Perfect for couples or groups
• Works with any phone – No unlocking required
• Truly unlimited data – Most plans have no caps
• Can connect laptops – Great for work travelers

Cons:

• Must carry an extra device – And keep it charged!
• Battery life – Usually 8-12 hours
• Pickup/return hassle – Usually at airports
• Separation anxiety – If you split from your group, no internet!

Popular pocket WiFi rentals:

• Japan Wireless – ¥900-1,200/day (~$7-9 USD)
• WiFi Rental Japan – ¥800-1,000/day (~$6-7.50 USD)
• Ninja WiFi – ¥900-1,100/day (~$7-8 USD)

Where to get:

• Airport pickup counters (Narita, Haneda)
• Delivered to your hotel
• Pre-order online for best rates

Option 4: International Roaming

“Can I just use my home phone plan?”

How it works: Your home carrier provides data in Japan (for an additional fee).

Pros:

• Zero setup – Just turn on roaming
• Keep your phone number active
• Convenient for short trips

Cons:

• Often expensive – $10-20/day with some carriers
• Data limits – May be throttled after certain usage
• Coverage varies – Not all carriers have good Japan partnerships

When it makes sense:

• Very short trips (1-3 days)
• Your carrier has a good international plan
• You don’t want to deal with SIM swaps

What Japanese People Actually Do

Most locals:

• Have domestic phone plans with unlimited data
• Use home WiFi extensively
• Don’t think about “travel internet” since they’re home!

But for visiting friends and family, Japanese people often recommend:

• Pocket WiFi for groups (share one device)
• eSIM for solo travelers (simple and modern)
• Airport SIM for budget travelers

My Recommendation by Traveler Type

“So what should I actually get?”

Practical Comparison

Extra Travel Tips

1. Test before you leave Japan – Make sure everything works at the airport before heading to your hotel

2. Download offline maps – Even with good data, offline Google Maps is a lifesaver in subway tunnels

3. Free WiFi exists but is limited – Train stations, convenience stores, and cafes have free WiFi, but it’s spotty

4. Keep your home SIM safe – If you swap SIMs, store your home SIM somewhere you won’t lose it!

5. Charge pocket WiFi overnight – If you go this route, make charging part of your nightly routine

6. “Unlimited” has limits – Some “unlimited” plans throttle speeds after 3-5GB/day. Check the fine print!

7. Airport pickup is convenient – Even if online prices are slightly cheaper, airport pickup saves time

Where to Get These Services

Before your trip (online):

• Airalo (eSIM): airalo.com
• Ubigi (eSIM): ubigi.com
• Sakura Mobile (SIM): sakuramobile.jp
• Japan Wireless (Pocket WiFi): japan-wireless.com

At the airport:

• SIM vending machines in arrival halls
• Pocket WiFi counters (look for signs)
• Tourist information centers

Have more questions about traveling in Japan? Follow me on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok for daily tips!