Where to Buy an eSIM for Tokyo & Japan
Where to buy an eSIM for Tokyo & Japan
Buy it before you fly. It takes 5 minutes at home, and you’ll have data the second you land at Narita or Haneda. There is no good reason to wait.
Before your trip (do this)
Travel eSIM apps
Download the app, buy a plan, scan the QR code. Your eSIM sits idle until you hit a Japanese network, then it activates automatically.
Ubigi — From US$9. Best all-around option. Buy online or through the app, QR code delivered by email.
Nomad — From US$4. Cheapest entry. Install up to 60 days before your trip, activates on arrival.
Holafly — Unlimited data from ~US$19. The app walks you through everything.
Airalo — From ~US$4.50. Biggest marketplace, most plan options.
Japan-based providers
Sakura Mobile — From ¥5,000 for 7 days unlimited 5G. Order online, instant QR delivery. Japan-based company with local English support.
Mobal — From ¥990/month. The only option with a real Japanese phone number. Order online before your trip.
Install the eSIM at home on Wi-Fi. Don't wait until you're at the airport. The eSIM won't activate until it sees a Japanese network, so there's zero downside to installing early.
After arrival (if you forgot)
On airport Wi-Fi
Both Narita and Haneda airports have free Wi-Fi. Connect, buy a plan from any of the apps above, install the eSIM. Takes 10 minutes. You’re not locked into airport prices.
Airport counters and vending machines
Narita Airport: Multiple SIM/eSIM counters in the arrivals hall. JAL ABC and other vendors sell prepaid data SIMs and eSIMs. Expect to wait in line.
Haneda Airport: Similar setup. SIM vending machines are also available if you want to skip human interaction (very Japan).
Airport SIM counters are fine in a pinch, but you'll almost always pay more than buying online. The apps work on airport Wi-Fi, so there's no reason to queue unless you really want to.
Electronics stores
Bic Camera and Yodobashi Camera in Tokyo sell prepaid SIMs and can help with eSIM setup. Staff in major branches speak some English. These are tourist-friendly stores, but again, buying online is faster and cheaper.
Pocket Wi-Fi vs eSIM
You’ll see pocket Wi-Fi rental recommended everywhere for Japan. Here’s the honest comparison:
| eSIM | Pocket Wi-Fi | |
|---|---|---|
| Setup | 5 minutes, on your phone | Pick up at airport, return before departure |
| Carry | Nothing extra | Extra device + charger |
| Battery | Uses your phone | Separate device dies after 6-8 hours |
| Sharing | Limited (1 GB/day hotspot on Holafly) | Multiple devices |
| Price | US$4-33 depending on plan | ¥800-1,500/day (~US$5-10) |
| Hassle | None | Must return before flight or pay penalty |
Get a pocket Wi-Fi if: you’re traveling in a group and want to share one connection across 4-5 phones.
Get an eSIM if: you’re solo or a couple. It’s simpler, cheaper, and you don’t have to carry/charge another device or worry about returning it.
Bottom line
| When | How | Time |
|---|---|---|
| At home before trip | Any app or Sakura Mobile online | 5 minutes |
| On arrival via Wi-Fi | Same apps, same process | 10 minutes |
| Airport counter | Narita or Haneda arrivals | 20-30 minutes |
| Electronics store | Bic Camera, Yodobashi | 30+ minutes |
Not sure which provider? Read the full comparison. Not sure how to set it up? Read the activation guide.