Data-only SIM, eSIM, or a rental pocket wifi? A quick decision guide.
You will want data from the moment you land — maps, translation, train times.
The options
eSIM (easiest if your phone supports it). Buy before you fly, activate on landing. Providers like Ubigi, Airalo and Sakura Mobile sell 10–50 GB plans for ¥1,500–¥4,000. No physical card, nothing to return.
Physical data SIM. Sold at airport counters and electronics shops (Bic Camera, Yodobashi). Similar prices. Good if your phone has no eSIM.
Pocket wifi rental. A small hotspot device, ~¥600–¥900/day, unlimited-ish data, connects several devices. Worth it for families or groups — one device covers everyone. You collect it at the airport and post it back in a prepaid envelope.
Recommendation
- Solo or a couple → eSIM, 20 GB, done in five minutes.
- Family / group / heavy laptop use → pocket wifi.
- Either way, keep Google Maps offline areas downloaded as a backup.