You need data the moment you land. Google Maps doesn't load over airport Wi-Fi reliably; you can't summon a taxi without it; restaurant reservations need it. Three options exist, and the right answer depends on whether you're alone, in a group, or staying long.
Option 1: eSIM (the default for solo / pair travel)
How it works: Buy a virtual SIM online before flying (Airalo, Ubigi, Holafly are the main options). It downloads to your phone as a profile. Activate when you land — no physical SIM swap, no rental return, no kiosk queue.
Cost: Airalo €11–25 for 14 days unlimited; Ubigi similar; Holafly slightly more for true unlimited.
Pros: Cheapest, fastest, least friction. Land at the airport with full bars.
Cons: Phone must support eSIM (most phones since 2018 do). Single device only — doesn't tether well at speed.
Full setup walkthrough: Japan eSIM with Airalo.
Option 2: Pocket WiFi (best for groups of 3+)
How it works: Rent a portable WiFi hotspot before flying (Ninja WiFi, Sakura Mobile, eConnect). Pick up at the airport, return at the end via airport drop-box.
Cost: ¥600–1,500 per day, depending on speed. Discounts for longer rentals.
Pros: Up to 10 devices share one hotspot. Better for families. Battery lasts ~10 hours.
Cons: Extra device to carry and charge. Has to be returned at trip end. Solo travellers don't need this.
Option 3: Physical prepaid SIM (rare in 2026)
How it works: Buy a SIM card at the airport or a Bic Camera store; swap it into your phone.
Cost: ¥3,000–6,000 for 14 days.
Pros: Works on phones that don't support eSIM. No app setup.
Cons: Need a SIM ejector pin, a place to safely store your home SIM, and queue time at the airport. eSIM has made this option obsolete for most.
Free WiFi options (don't rely on these)
Train stations (JR-EAST_FREE_Wi-Fi), 7-Eleven, Starbucks, McDonald's, and most hotels have free WiFi. It's patchy, requires per-network login, and slow. Useful as backup, not primary.
Quick decision tree
- Solo or pair travel, modern phone — eSIM (Airalo).
- Group of 3+ sharing one connection — Pocket WiFi.
- Long-term stay (1+ months) — Local prepaid SIM (Sakura Mobile, Mobal) for the better local rates.
- Older phone without eSIM — Physical SIM at the airport.