Tokyo eSIM
A Tokyo eSIM replaces the pocket wi-fi rental counter — but check your handset first, because Japan's carriers have retired the older networks a foreign phone might otherwise fall back on.
Getting online when you land in Tokyo
Haneda (HND) is the closer of the two airports and the easier arrival; Narita (NRT) is around an hour out by Skyliner or Narita Express. Both have the rental desks where visitors have traditionally picked up a pocket wi-fi device — an eSIM does the same job without the deposit, the return, or a second thing to charge.
Mobile coverage in Tokyo
Tokyo is exceptionally well covered, including underground: the Metro and Toei subway lines have service in tunnels as well as on platforms, and the Yamanote loop is solid the whole way round. Even the deeper Oedo line is served. Coverage stays strong out to Yokohama, and along the Shinkansen route towards Kyoto apart from the longer tunnels.
What visitors to Tokyo often miss
Japan's operators have retired their 3G networks, which matters more here than in most places: a handset that relies on 3G as its fallback abroad may show no service at all rather than a slow connection. Modern LTE and 5G phones are fine — this is really a warning about older or unusual devices, and a reason to test the eSIM line before you leave the airport rather than on a train to Kyoto.
Tokyo connectivity tips
- Test the line before leaving the airport — a 3G-only fallback handset won't connect anywhere in Japan.
- The subway is covered in the tunnels, so transit apps work underground.
- IC card top-ups and most transit apps are data-light; navigation is where your allowance actually goes.
- Coverage holds along the Shinkansen except in the longer tunnels.
Tokyo eSIM FAQs
For most travellers, yes: there's no rental desk, no deposit, no return at the airport and no second device to charge. Pocket wi-fi still makes sense if several people need to share one connection or a device in the group can't take an eSIM.
Yes. The Metro and Toei lines have coverage in the tunnels as well as at the platforms, so navigation apps keep working underground.
Only if it supports the current LTE or 5G bands. Japan's carriers have shut down their 3G networks, so a handset that falls back to 3G when roaming may show no service at all. Check the device before you rely on it.