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Tokyo eSIM

51 Japan plans · from $3.52

Tokyo is one of the most connected cities on earth, but it is also one of the easiest to get lost in — line transfers at Shinjuku and Shibuya are effectively unnavigable without live maps. A travel eSIM activates before you land, so you have data the moment you clear immigration at Haneda or Narita and need to find the right train into town.

Landing at Haneda & Narita (HND / NRT)

Both airports have free Wi-Fi, but the rental-SIM counters at Narita Terminal 1 regularly run 20–40 minute queues at peak arrival times. An eSIM installed at home skips that entirely — switch it on while taxiing.

eSIM plans that cover Tokyo

Tokyo is covered by every Japan plan below — there is no separate city-only eSIM to buy.

Choose a data plan

1 GB

7 days· 0.4 GB per $1

$3.52

★ BEST VALUE

Unlimited

1 days· ∞ GB per $1

$3.76

2 GB

15 days· 0.4 GB per $1

$5.45

3 GB

30 days· 0.5 GB per $1

$7.11

Unlimited

3 days· ∞ GB per $1

$8.55

5 GB

30 days· 0.6 GB per $1

$10.34

Unlimited

5 days· ∞ GB per $1

$13.33

10 GB

30 days· 0.7 GB per $1

$15.75

Unlimited

7 days· ∞ GB per $1

$18.13

20 GB

30 days· 0.9 GB per $1

$25.31

Unlimited

10 days· ∞ GB per $1

$25.31

Unlimited

15 days· ∞ GB per $1

$37.28

20 GB

Global - Standard only

60 days· 0.3 GB per $1

$85.87

50 GB

Global - Standard only

90 days· 0.3 GB per $1

$202.35

Which networks you'll be on in Tokyo

Siima eSIMs for Japan ride NTT Docomo and SoftBank. Docomo has the deepest coverage nationwide; SoftBank is marginally faster in central Tokyo. Both give full 4G/5G across all 23 special wards.

Coverage around Tokyo

Metro and JR lines

Tokyo Metro and Toei tunnels have had continuous mobile coverage since 2013, including between stations — you keep data on the Ginza, Marunouchi and Oedo lines mid-tunnel. JR lines are above ground for most of the loop and never drop.

Shibuya, Shinjuku and Akihabara

Dense 5G, but crowd congestion at Shibuya Crossing and during Shinjuku rush hour can slow throughput. Maps and messaging stay fine; large uploads may crawl for a few minutes.

Shinkansen day trips

The Tokaido Shinkansen to Kyoto and Osaka has coverage along nearly the whole route, with brief drops in the longer tunnels. Download offline maps if you plan to work on the train.

Mount Takao and Nikko

The popular day-trip hikes west and north of the city hold signal on the main trails and at the summits. Deeper Okutama valleys are where it finally goes.

How much data you need

A week in Tokyo on maps, translation apps, messaging and the odd video call runs about 3–5 GB. Add 1 GB per day if you stream on the train or upload video.

Work it out with our data usage calculator →

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a Japanese phone number to use an eSIM in Tokyo?
No. A Siima eSIM for Japan is data-only — you keep your home number active for calls and SMS, and use WhatsApp, LINE or FaceTime over data. Most restaurant and hotel bookings in Tokyo can be made online without a local number.
Is an eSIM better than renting pocket Wi-Fi in Tokyo?
For one or two travellers, yes — pocket Wi-Fi rental runs roughly ¥800–1,200 per day plus airport pickup and return, and it is another device to charge. An eSIM has no hardware, no return step, and no queue. Pocket Wi-Fi still makes sense for groups of four or more sharing one connection.
How do I set up an eSIM before arriving in Tokyo?
Install it at home while you still have Wi-Fi: open Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM and scan the QR code from your Siima confirmation email. Leave the line switched off until you land — the plan starts counting from first use in Japan, not from purchase.
How much data do I need for a trip to Tokyo?
A week in Tokyo on maps, translation apps, messaging and the odd video call runs about 3–5 GB. Add 1 GB per day if you stream on the train or upload video.
Is an eSIM cheaper than roaming in Tokyo?
Almost always. Daily roaming passes from most home carriers run $10–15 per day, while Siima plans covering Tokyo start from $3.52 for the whole trip. You also avoid per-megabyte charges if you exceed a roaming pass allowance.
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