Internet in Japan: eSIM or Pocket WiFi? How to stay connected without overspending
Free Wi-Fi exists in Japan, but it is often slow and asks you to register every time you connect. For maps, trains, translation and payments you need a connection of your own.
Here you will find the options compared, how much your carrier's roaming costs, how to set everything up and which one to choose depending on how you travel.
- Updated October 2026
- eSIM or Pocket WiFi
- Comparison with roaming
What you really need the internet for in Japan
Maps and trains
Google Maps, train timetable apps and station directions work best with mobile data on. In a metropolis like Tokyo, without internet you lose a lot of time.
Translator and menus
Camera translation to read menus, labels and signs is the feature you will use most. It needs a stable connection.
Payments, tickets and Visit Japan Web
Suica on your phone, e-tickets, restaurant bookings and the Visit Japan Web QR code for entry and tax-free shopping all require a reliable network.
eSIM or Pocket WiFi: it depends on how you travel
Choose the eSIM if…
you travel alone or as a couple, each with your own compatible, unlocked phone. It is activated with a QR code sent by email, with nothing to pick up and no shipping.
Choose the Pocket WiFi if…
you travel with family or a group and want a single connection for several devices (smartphone, tablet, laptop). You receive it before departure, at home or at a pick-up point.
Is your phone not eSIM-compatible?
If your smartphone does not support eSIM or is locked by your carrier, the Pocket WiFi is the simplest solution: it works with any device that has Wi-Fi.
Do you often travel with the same people?
With the Pocket WiFi the cost is shared among everyone. With eSIMs, instead, everyone has their own line and their own GB.
The two options side by side
| eSIM | Pocket WiFi | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | People traveling alone or as a couple | Families, groups, anyone with several devices |
| How it is activated | QR code received by email, to install on your phone | You switch it on and it creates a Wi-Fi network to connect to |
| Phone | Must support eSIM and be unlocked | Any device with Wi-Fi |
| Data | Your choice: from 5 GB to unlimited data | Unlimited: 10 GB a day at full speed, then 256 kbps |
| Devices | Your phone (others can connect via hotspot) | Several devices at once: smartphone, tablet, laptop |
| What you receive | QR code and instructions by email, right after the order | Pocket WiFi, charging cable and plug, hard case and prepaid return label |
| Delivery | No shipping | Shipped 7 days before departure, to your home or a pick-up point (delivery in Italy) |
| Support | In Italian, 24/7 on WhatsApp | In Italian, 24/7 on WhatsApp |
Roaming costs much more
In Japan, European roaming at domestic rates does not apply. The packages from the main Italian carriers cost far more than an eSIM or a Pocket WiFi.
| Carrier | 1 GB for 7 days |
|---|---|
| TIM | about €35 |
| Vodafone | about €25 |
| WindTre | about €23 |
Prices are indicative, based on a comparison published in September 2026: always check the rates on your carrier's website. Without an active package, pay-as-you-go charges can be much higher.
How the eSIM works, step by step
Check that your phone is compatible
iPhone: models XS, XS Max, XR and later are compatible (Settings › General › About, look for “Digital SIM”). Android: dial *#06# and check that an EID code appears. The phone must be unlocked, meaning not tied to a carrier.
Choose duration and GB
As a rule of thumb: 3-5 GB for 3-7 days, 10-15 GB for about two weeks, 20-30 GB or unlimited data for longer stays or if you use your phone a lot.
Receive the QR code by email
Right after your order you receive the QR code and the installation instructions. You have 60 days from purchase to install and activate the eSIM.
Install it on departure day or on arrival
Note: if you install it while you are in Europe, the eSIM activates immediately and the days of validity start counting down. Install it on the day you leave or once you have arrived in Japan, where it connects to the first available network.
Your eSIM for Japan
Choose the duration and the GB you need: from light plans to unlimited data.
- Everything arrives by email, activation in a few minutes
- 4G/5G networks from the best local carriers
- Free app to monitor your usage
- Support in Italian, 24/7 on WhatsApp
- Data only: use WhatsApp or other apps to call
With the code INFINITE5 you get 5% off.
The Pocket WiFi: perfect for groups and families
One network for everyone
The Pocket WiFi is a portable device that creates a Wi-Fi network: you connect smartphones, tablets and laptops to it. In a group, only one person needs to carry it.
The complete kit
In the package you find the Pocket WiFi, the charging cable with plug, a hard case and the return label. You can add accidental damage insurance or rent a power bank.
Easy shipping and return
We ship it 7 days before departure, to your home or a pick-up point. When you are back you return it within 48 working hours with the prepaid label.
Data is unlimited: 10 GB a day at full speed, then the speed drops to 256 kbps, still enough for messages and maps. The limit resets every midnight in Japan.
Your Pocket WiFi for Japan
Choose your dates in the booking calendar and how many devices you need.
- Shipping to your home or a pick-up point before departure
- Unlimited data (10 GB a day at full speed, then 256 kbps)
- Easy return with prepaid label included
- Support in Italian, 24/7 on WhatsApp
With the code INFINITE5 you get 5% off.
Why free Wi-Fi is not enough
Stations, hotels and shopping centers have free Wi-Fi, but it usually requires a registration every time, is slow at peak hours and does not protect your data. To pay, log in to your bank or download a ticket, use a connection of your own.
Four tricks to never be left without a signal
Download offline maps
Before leaving, download the map of the cities you are visiting: you will need it if you have no signal on the metro or in the countryside.
Turn off roaming on your Italian SIM
If you use an eSIM for data, keep your Italian SIM for calls and messages (or use WhatsApp), but turn off data roaming to avoid charges.
Work out your GB based on the days
Photos, videos, maps and streaming use more data: if you expect to use them a lot, choose a bigger plan or unlimited data.
Run a test before heading out
On arrival, check that data works before you leave the airport: if something is wrong, message us right away on WhatsApp.
Not sure which to choose? Write to us
Tell us how you travel (how many of you, for how many days, which phone you have) and we will recommend the most suitable solution. With the code INFINITE5 you get 5% off.
What people ask most often
Is an eSIM or a Pocket WiFi better for Japan?
The eSIM if you travel alone or as a couple with compatible, unlocked phones. The Pocket WiFi if there are several of you or if your phone does not support eSIM.
How do I know if my phone supports eSIM?
On iPhone, models XS, XS Max, XR and later are compatible. On Android, dial *#06# and check that an EID code appears. The phone must also be unlocked, meaning not tied to a carrier.
Can I install the eSIM before leaving?
It is better to do it on departure day or on arrival: if you install it while you are in Europe, it activates immediately and the days of validity start counting down. It must be installed and activated within 60 days of purchase.
How do I receive the Pocket WiFi?
We ship it 7 days before departure, to your home by express courier or to a locker or InPost point. Delivery is currently limited to Italy. When you are back, you return it within 48 working hours with the prepaid label.
Is unlimited data really unlimited?
Yes, with a Fair Usage Policy: you can use up to 10 GB a day at full speed, then the connection drops to 256 kbps until the end of the day. This applies to the Pocket WiFi and to the unlimited eSIM.
Can I use my Italian carrier's roaming?
Yes, but in Japan the European rate does not apply. A package with 1 GB for a week costs about €23-35, much more than an eSIM. Check the current rates with your carrier.
Can I make calls with the eSIM?
Our eSIMs are data only and do not include a number for traditional calls. To call and text, use WhatsApp or other apps, or keep your Italian SIM for calls.
What happens if I damage or lose the Pocket WiFi?
With accidental damage insurance there is no penalty for damage (it does not cover loss). Without insurance, deductibles apply: read them on the product page before booking.
Is public Wi-Fi in Japan safe?
It is not advisable for sensitive operations such as banking or payments. For those, use your mobile data or a Pocket WiFi.