How to use the internet immediately upon arrival in Japan | eSIM preparations to make before your trip

When you arrive in Japan for travel or business, the first thing you will need is the internet. There are many situations where you will use your smartphone right after arriving in Japan, such as searching for routes from the airport to your hotel, checking transfer information, using translation apps, contacting family, and confirming hotel reservations.

However, if you do not prepare a means of communication, you may not be able to use the internet for a while even after arriving in Japan.

In this article, we will clearly explain how to use the internet immediately after arriving in Japan and the Japan eSIM that you should prepare before your trip.

Situations Where You Need the Internet Immediately After Arriving in Japan

There are many situations where you will need your smartphone right after arriving at a Japanese airport.

• Searching for routes from the airport to the hotel
• Checking transfer information for trains and buses
• Contacting family or friends to inform them of your arrival
• Using translation apps
• Checking reservation information for hotels and flights
• Using ride-hailing apps or map apps

Especially for those visiting Japan for the first time, it is important to prepare an environment where you can connect to the internet immediately after arrival.

Main Ways to Use the Internet After Arriving in Japan

The main communication methods available for your trip to Japan are as follows.

Each method has its own features, but if you want to use the internet immediately after arriving in Japan, the eSIM that can be purchased and set up before travel is convenient.

If you want to compare the differences in communication methods in detail, please refer to Summary of How to Connect to the Internet While Traveling in Japan.

Is It Okay to Rely Only on the Airport's Free Wi-Fi?

Major airports in Japan may offer free Wi-Fi. It is convenient for sending messages or checking reservation information right after arrival.

However, there are some points to be aware of regarding free Wi-Fi.

• Available locations are limited
• You may lose connection when moving away from the airport
• Connection may become unstable during busy times
• Authentication may be required each time you connect

If you want to use maps or transfer information from the airport to your hotel, relying solely on free Wi-Fi may not be sufficient. If you want to use the internet while moving, it is advisable to prepare a communication method such as an eSIM.

If You Want to Use the Internet Immediately After Arriving in Japan, eSIM is Recommended

eSIM is a communication method that utilizes the SIM functionality built into the smartphone itself. You can add a communication plan to your smartphone without exchanging a physical SIM card.

If you purchase it online before your trip and complete the necessary setup, you can switch to the line and connect to the internet after arriving in Japan.

No Need to Look for a SIM Card at the Airport

Since eSIM can be purchased online, there is no need to look for a SIM card at the airport after arriving in Japan. Once you finish the immigration process, you can start moving right away.

No Need to Pick Up or Return a Wi-Fi Router

Unlike rental Wi-Fi, there is no need to pick up or return a dedicated device. You can communicate using just your smartphone, so your luggage won't increase.

No Need to Exchange SIM Cards

Since you do not remove your regularly used SIM card, you can reduce the risk of losing it. You also do not need to manage small SIM cards or SIM pins.

Choose a Plan According to Your Travel Days

You can choose a plan based on the number of days you will use and the data capacity, whether for short trips, temporary returns, business trips, or long stays. You can check the plans for Japan on the Japan eSIM product page.

Steps to Prepare Japan eSIM Before Your Trip

To use the internet immediately after arriving in Japan, it is important to purchase and set it up before departure.

1. Check if your smartphone is compatible with eSIM
2. Purchase a plan that matches your travel days and data capacity
3. Check the QR code and setup information sent to your email
4. Add the eSIM to your smartphone following the instructions
5. Switch to the line you will use after arriving in Japan

For detailed setup instructions, please check the eSIM Setup Guide.

Things to Check Before Purchasing eSIM

Check if Your Device is eSIM Compatible

eSIM is not available on all smartphones. Before purchasing, check if the device you will use is compatible with eSIM.

You can check the compatible models on the List of eSIM Compatible Devices.

Check the SIM Lock Status

If your smartphone has a SIM lock set, you may not be able to use the purchased eSIM. Please check with your current carrier or in the device settings before departure.

Prepare an Environment to Display the QR Code

During the eSIM setup, you may need to scan a QR code with your smartphone. It is easier to set up if you display the QR code on another smartphone or computer, or print it out.

Check the Timing for Starting Use

The start date and conditions for the validity period may vary depending on the eSIM. Please check the instructions you receive after purchase and follow the specified steps for setup.

Steps to Connect to eSIM After Arriving in Japan

If you have added the eSIM before departure, you will switch the line according to the instructions after arriving in Japan.

1. Open the mobile data settings on your smartphone
2. Turn on the eSIM for your trip to Japan
3. Select the Japan eSIM for mobile data
4. Turn on data roaming if necessary
5. Check the connection using a browser or map app

The names of the settings screens may differ depending on whether you are using an iPhone, Android, or the specific device model. If you cannot connect, try toggling airplane mode on and off or restarting your smartphone to check.

How Much Data Capacity Do You Need for Your Trip to Japan?

The required data capacity varies depending on the apps you will use and how you will use them during your trip.

If your usage mainly involves maps and messaging, you can keep data usage low, but if you plan to watch videos or use tethering, it is safer to choose a plan with ample capacity.

If You Cannot Connect to the Internet After Arriving in Japan

If you have set up the eSIM but cannot connect, please check the following items.

• Is the eSIM for your trip to Japan turned on?
• Is the correct eSIM selected for mobile data?
• Is data roaming turned on if necessary?
• Is airplane mode off?
• Have you restarted your smartphone?
• Are there any issues with the usage area or validity period?

If you have any questions about the setup, please also check the Frequently Asked Questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I purchase eSIM after arriving in Japan?

If you have an internet connection, you can purchase it even after arriving in Japan. However, there may be cases where you cannot connect to the airport's free Wi-Fi or where setting it up takes time after purchase. If you want to use it immediately after arrival, it is recommended to purchase it before your trip.

Can I use eSIM immediately after arriving in Japan?

If you have added it to a compatible device and completed the necessary setup, you can switch to the line after arriving in Japan. Please check the actual setup method and usage conditions in the instructions you receive after purchase.

Is Wi-Fi necessary for eSIM setup?

A stable internet connection may be required for downloading or adding the eSIM. It is recommended to prepare in a stable Wi-Fi environment, such as at home or in a hotel, before your trip.

Do I need to remove my current SIM card?

Typically, you do not need to remove your current physical SIM card to use eSIM. However, to avoid unnecessary international roaming charges, please ensure you select the correct line for mobile data.

Can I use phone calls and SMS with eSIM?

Data-only eSIMs may not support voice calls or SMS using a regular phone number. However, you can use internet-based calling apps like LINE or WhatsApp.

Conclusion

If you want to use the internet immediately after arriving in Japan, it is important to prepare a means of communication before your trip.

There are several methods, including free Wi-Fi at the airport, SIM cards, rental Wi-Fi, and international roaming, but with eSIM, you can purchase it online without needing to exchange SIM cards or pick up and return a Wi-Fi router.

To ensure you can use maps, transfer information, translation apps, and more immediately after arriving in Japan, check the compatible devices and setup methods before departure, and prepare a plan that suits your travel days and usage.