Quick Facts About Japan
General Information
- • Capital: Tokyo
- • Currency: Japanese Yen (JPY)
- • Language: Japanese (Limited English)
- • Population: 124.8 million
- • Time Zone: JST (UTC+9)
Travel Information
- • Best Time: Spring (Mar-May) & Fall (Sep-Nov)
- • Power Plug: Type A/B (100V)
- • Emergency: 110 (Police), 119 (Fire/Ambulance)
- • Calling Code: +81
- • Visa: 90 days visa-free for many countries
Benefits of eSIM for Japan Travel
🚅 Bullet Train Navigation
Essential for JR Pass app and train schedules.
🌸 Cherry Blossom Tracking
Real-time sakura forecasts and best viewing spots.
🗾 Translation Tools
Instant translation for menus, signs, and conversations.
📱 No Pocket WiFi Hassle
No device to carry, charge, or return at airport.
🏔️ Mountain Coverage
Stay connected at Mount Fuji and hiking trails.
🏝️ Island Connectivity
Coverage from Hokkaido to Okinawa islands.
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How to Install Your Japan eSIM
Simple Installation Steps
- Purchase: Buy your Japan eSIM plan online before travel
- Receive QR Code: Get installation instructions via email instantly
- Install: Scan QR code in phone settings while on WiFi
- Activate: Turn on eSIM when you land at Narita, Haneda, or Kansai Airport
Important: Japan-specific eSIMs only work within Japan. They will NOT work in other countries, even neighboring ones like Korea or China. For multi-country travel, choose a regional or global plan.
Network Coverage Across Japan
Major Cities (5G Available)
- • Tokyo - Capital metropolis
- • Osaka - Commercial hub
- • Kyoto - Cultural capital
- • Yokohama - Port city
- • Nagoya - Industrial center
- • Sapporo - Hokkaido capital
- • Fukuoka - Kyushu gateway
- • Kobe - Cosmopolitan port
Tourist Areas (4G/5G)
- • Mount Fuji - 5th station coverage
- • Hiroshima - Peace Memorial
- • Nara - Deer park area
- • Kamakura - Great Buddha
- • Nikko - Temples & nature
- • Hakone - Hot springs region
- • Okinawa - Tropical islands
- • Japanese Alps - Major routes
Data Plan Recommendations by Travel Type
Tokyo Explorer
Perfect for navigating Tokyo's complex transit system and urban adventures
Best for:
- •Train navigation apps
- •Restaurant finding
- •Translation tools
- •Social media sharing
Cultural Journey
Essential for temple visits, cultural sites, and off-the-beaten-path exploration
Best for:
- •Audio guides & AR apps
- •Cultural information lookup
- •Photo/video sharing
- •Accommodation booking
JR Pass Tour
Stay connected while traveling across Japan by Shinkansen and local trains
Best for:
- •JR Pass app usage
- •Multi-city navigation
- •Bullet train connectivity
- •Regional exploration
Business Trip
Stay productive in Japan's business districts and conference centers
Best for:
- •Video conferencing
- •Cloud access
- •Email & messaging
- •Mobile hotspot use
Cherry Blossom Season
Capture and share sakura moments across multiple viewing spots
Best for:
- •Cherry blossom forecasts
- •Live streaming
- •Photo/video uploads
- •Crowd navigation
Extended Stay
Long-term visitors needing consistent connectivity for work or study
Best for:
- •Remote work capability
- •Streaming services
- •Online learning
- •Daily life apps
Data Usage Tips for Japan
Save Data:
- • Use train station WiFi
- • Download offline maps
- • Cache translation phrases
- • Use convenience store WiFi
Typical Usage:
- • Navigation: ~10MB per hour
- • Translation app: ~50MB/day
- • Video streaming: ~1GB/hour
- • Video calls: ~500MB/hour
Not sure which plan is right for your Japan adventure? Our customer support team is here to help!
Compare All Japan PlansEssential Travel Tips for Japan
Connectivity
- • World-class 5G infrastructure
- • Limited free WiFi compared to other Asian countries
- • Cash-based society - ATMs essential
- • Local coverage within Japan only
- • Train WiFi often limited or paid
Money & Practical
- • JPY cash is king
- • IC cards (Suica/Pasmo) for transit
- • 7-Eleven ATMs accept foreign cards
- • Tax-free shopping available
- • Tipping is not customary
Must-Visit Attractions
Cultural Sites
- 🏯 Senso-ji Temple: Tokyo\'s oldest temple
- ⛩️ Fushimi Inari: Thousand torii gates
- 🏰 Himeji Castle: Original castle
- 🦌 Nara Park: Sacred deer sanctuary
Modern Experiences
- 🗼 Tokyo Skytree: City views
- 🤖 teamLab Borderless: Digital art
- 🎌 Shibuya Crossing: Iconic intersection
- 🎮 Akihabara: Electronics & anime
Network Providers in Japan
NTT Docomo
Largest network
- • Best nationwide coverage
- • Extensive 5G network
- • Rural area strength
- • Premium quality
KDDI (au)
Second largest
- • Strong urban coverage
- • Fast 5G expansion
- • Competitive speeds
- • Good reliability
SoftBank
Major network
- • Good city coverage
- • 5G in major areas
- • International friendly
- • Solid performance
Rakuten Mobile
Newest network
- • Urban focused
- • Growing 5G coverage
- • Competitive pricing
- • Limited rural coverage
Troubleshooting Guide
eSIM Not Connecting?
- 1. Turn on airplane mode for 30 seconds, then turn off
- 2. Ensure data roaming is ON for your eSIM line
- 3. Select network manually: Settings → Cellular → Network Selection
- 4. Try selecting NTT DOCOMO for best coverage
Slow in Rural Areas?
- • Mountain areas may have 4G only
- • Remote islands have limited coverage
- • Move to populated areas for better signal
- • NTT Docomo typically has best rural coverage
Train Connectivity Issues?
- • Tunnels may interrupt service temporarily
- • Shinkansen has good coverage except tunnels
- • Download content before long journeys
- • Station areas have strongest signal
Emergency Contacts in Japan
Emergency Numbers
- 🚔 Police: 110
- 🚑 Fire/Ambulance: 119
- 🚢 Coast Guard: 118
- 📞 Tourist Hotline: 050-3816-2787 (24/7)
- 🏥 Medical English Help: 03-5285-8181
Useful Contacts
- ✈️ Narita Airport: 0476-34-8000
- ✈️ Haneda Airport: 03-5757-8111
- 🚕 Tokyo Taxi (English): 03-5755-2336
- ℹ️ JR East Infoline: 050-2016-1603
Cultural Guide & Etiquette
Do\'s
- ✅ Bow when greeting
- ✅ Remove shoes indoors
- ✅ Be quiet on trains
- ✅ Queue orderly
- ✅ Say "sumimasen" (excuse me)
Don\'ts
- ❌ Don\'t eat while walking
- ❌ Avoid loud conversations
- ❌ Don\'t tip - it\'s insulting
- ❌ Never stick chopsticks upright
- ❌ Don\'t point with one finger
Cultural Note: Japanese society values harmony, respect, and consideration for others. Punctuality is crucial, and maintaining quiet in public spaces is expected. The concept of "omotenashi" (hospitality) means you\'ll experience exceptional service everywhere.
Essential Japanese Phrases
Basic Greetings
- • Hello: Konnichiwa (こんにちは)
- • Thank you: Arigato gozaimasu (ありがとうございます)
- • Excuse me: Sumimasen (すみません)
- • Sorry: Gomen nasai (ごめんなさい)
- • Yes/No: Hai/Iie (はい/いいえ)
Useful Phrases
- • Where is...?: ...wa doko desu ka? (...はどこですか？)
- • How much?: Ikura desu ka? (いくらですか？)
- • English menu?: Eigo no menyu wa arimasu ka?
- • Help!: Tasukete! (助けて！)
- • I don\'t understand: Wakarimasen (わかりません)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 5G widely available in Japan?
Yes, Japan has extensive 5G coverage in all major cities and many suburban areas. Rural areas and remote islands typically have excellent 4G LTE coverage.
Can I use my Japan eSIM in other Asian countries?
No, Japan-specific eSIM plans only work within Japan. They will not work in Korea, China, or any other country. For multi-country travel, you need an Asia Regional Package or Global plan.
Is eSIM better than pocket WiFi in Japan?
Yes! eSIM requires no device rental, no deposit, no battery charging, and no returns at the airport. It\'s more convenient and often more cost-effective for individual travelers.
Do I need a lot of data in Japan?
Japan has less free WiFi than other Asian countries. You\'ll rely on mobile data for navigation, translation apps, and train schedules. We recommend at least 1GB per day for typical tourist use.
Will my eSIM work on Mount Fuji?
Yes, there\'s coverage up to the 5th station and along major climbing routes. Signal may be weaker at higher elevations and inside mountain huts.
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