Japan eSIM
Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto — install before you fly.
Skip the Telstra roaming charge
(AUD$10/day)
in Japan.
Choose your plan
Plans with 📞 include calls and SMS.
Unlimited data
Network coverage in Japan
Japan consistently ranks among the world's fastest and most reliable mobile markets. NTT Docomo and SoftBank — the two carriers your Travelren eSIM roams on — together cover over 99% of the populated land area. 5G is live across all major cities including Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Sapporo, and Fukuoka. 4G LTE reaches along all Shinkansen corridors and to major ski resorts and national park entrances. Coverage can be intermittent deep inside mountain valleys or inside older concrete buildings in rural towns, but for the vast majority of tourist routes it is seamless — you will rarely notice a gap.
What works in Japan
✅ Works well
- Google Maps navigation — offline map packs recommended for rural areas
- WhatsApp, Line, and FaceTime over data
- Google Translate camera mode (point at menus, signs, tickets)
- Booking restaurants via Tabelog and Google
- Bullet train ticket booking via the SmartEX or Shinkansen app
- Real-time transit directions on Google Maps or Japan Transit Planner app
- Apple Pay and Google Pay at convenience stores, stations, and most restaurants
- Streaming audio and video — 5G speeds in central Tokyo exceed 200 Mbps
⚠️ Watch out for
- Some older ryokan and rural guesthouses have weak indoor signal — check WiFi availability when booking
- Older Tokyo subway lines have tunnel dead zones; most major lines now have underground coverage but it varies by operator
- Topping up an IC card (Suica, Pasmo) via Apple Pay does require a data connection — load it before heading underground
- A small number of Japanese apps require a local phone number for SMS verification; tourist apps do not
Arriving in Japan
Both Narita (NRT) and Haneda (HND) airports offer free WiFi in the terminal, but coverage is patchy past immigration. If you need a physical backup, tourist SIM kiosks near the arrivals exit at Narita Terminal 1 and 2 sell data-only cards from IIJmio and B-Mobile starting around ¥1,500 for three days — roughly AUD$15 at current exchange, cash only at most kiosks. IC cards (Suica or Pasmo) are essential for trains and buses; add one to Apple Wallet before you leave and top it up at any station kiosk — no data required for the card itself. Taxis are metered, accept Visa and Mastercard in most cities, and have fixed-price options from Narita. Convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson) offer free WiFi and accept international cards — useful if you ever need a backup connection.
Installing your Japan eSIM
1
Install on your home WiFi
iPhone: Settings → Mobile Data → Add eSIM → scan the QR code from your email. Android: Settings → Connections → SIM Manager → Add eSIM. Takes about two minutes.
2
Land in Japan
Install your Japan eSIM at home on your own WiFi before you fly — it takes about two minutes. On iPhone: Settings → Mobile Data → Add eSIM, then scan the QR code from your email. On Android: Settings → Connections → SIM Manager → Add eSIM. Leave your home SIM set as the primary line for calls and SMS. Switch the Japan eSIM on for data only when you land. Your home number stays fully active throughout your trip. If you forget to install before departure, free WiFi is available in the Narita and Haneda arrivals halls.
3
Keep your home SIM for calls
Leave your home SIM in. Set the Japan eSIM as your data line only. Your number stays active the whole trip.
Good to know
A few details before you buy.
Calls and SMS
Most plans are data only — use WhatsApp or FaceTime for free. Look for the phone chip plan if you need a local number.
Compatibility
Your phone must be eSIM compatible and network-unlocked. Check yours →
Refunds
If your eSIM doesn’t activate, we’ll refund you in full. No questions asked.
Common questions
Which carrier does Travelren use in Japan?
Your eSIM connects to NTT Docomo and SoftBank via Airalo's local partner agreements — the two largest mobile networks in Japan. Both offer 5G in major cities and 4G LTE across most tourist routes. Your phone selects the strongest signal automatically. No APN configuration or manual network selection is required.
Will my eSIM work on the Shinkansen bullet train?
Yes. All major Shinkansen lines run through densely populated corridors where NTT Docomo and SoftBank have strong 4G LTE or 5G. Brief signal dips may occur inside long tunnels — typically a few seconds — but connectivity resumes immediately on exit. Many Shinkansen also offer on-board WiFi as a supplementary option.
How do I pay for trains and buses in Japan?
The easiest method is an IC card — Suica or Pasmo. Add one to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet before you leave home. The card works completely offline; you only need a data connection when topping it up via Apple Pay. You can also top up with cash at any station kiosk. IC cards are accepted on virtually all JR, subway, and city bus networks nationwide.
Does Japan support eSIM?
Yes. All three major Japanese carriers (NTT Docomo, SoftBank, au/KDDI) fully support eSIM. iPhones from the XS onwards, Google Pixel 3 and above, and most recent Samsung Galaxy models all work. Important exception: iPhones purchased in mainland China do not include eSIM hardware even if the model number looks identical to the global version. Use travelren.com/device-check to confirm your phone in 30 seconds. Check my device →
Can I use my eSIM at Narita and Haneda airports?
Yes. Both airports have strong coverage from arrival halls through to taxi and train exits. Your eSIM activates the moment your phone connects to a Japanese network — usually while the aircraft is approaching the gate, before you even stand up. Most travellers are online before reaching immigration.
How much does roaming cost without a Travelren eSIM?
Telstra's International Day Pass costs AUD$10 per day and gives you a 15 GB daily bucket on your home plan — the clock resets at midnight Australian time, not Japanese time, which can cut a day short mid-evening. AT&T charges USD$12 per day. Travelren plans start well below both, and your data doesn't evaporate at a fixed nightly cutover. Check my device →
Do Japanese apps require a local phone number?
Most tourist-relevant Japanese apps work fine with an international number or no phone number at all. Google Maps, Tabelog, Gurunavi, HyperDia, and SmartEX all work without a local number. Line allows international number registration. Apps that do require a Japanese number (certain local delivery services, some banking apps) are not apps most visitors need.
Can I install the eSIM after I arrive in Japan?
Yes, but we strongly recommend installing at home on your own WiFi before departure. The installation takes under two minutes and avoids any airport WiFi dependency. If you do need to install on arrival, both Narita and Haneda have free airport WiFi in the arrivals halls. Once installed, the eSIM activates automatically when you connect to a Japanese network — no extra steps.
Still deciding? See Japan plans from $4