Internet in Japan: Complete 2026 Guide for Travelers & Nomads

Japan is a paradox for the connected traveler. The country that invented the bullet train and pioneered mobile internet has world-class 4G/5G infrastructure with average speeds of 50-100 Mbps — yet free WiFi can be surprisingly frustrating, and traditional SIM card options for tourists have historically been limited and overpriced. The good news: eSIMs have changed the game entirely. In 2026, getting online in Japan is easier and cheaper than ever before, whether you’re navigating the neon-lit streets of Shinjuku or working from a quiet cafe in Kyoto.

We spent three months living and working across Japan — from Tokyo and Osaka to Kyoto, Fukuoka, and Okinawa — testing eSIMs, pocket WiFi, coworking connections, and cafe networks. This guide distills everything we learned about staying connected in Japan, with real speed test data and current pricing.

Japan Internet at a Glance

Detail	Info
Average Mobile Speed	50-100 Mbps (4G), 200-400 Mbps (5G)
5G Available	Yes — Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka, Sapporo
Main Carriers	NTT Docomo, au (KDDI), SoftBank, Rakuten Mobile
eSIM Supported	Yes (all major carriers)
WiFi Quality	Good at stations/konbini, inconsistent in cafes
VPN Needed	No (but useful for streaming home content)
Nomad Score	8/10
Monthly Cost (Data)	$15-45 USD

Japan ranks among the top 10 countries globally for mobile network quality. NTT Docomo and au (KDDI) lead in nationwide coverage, including impressively reliable service across rural areas and even inside Tokyo’s subway system. SoftBank and Rakuten Mobile round out the Big Four, with Rakuten aggressively expanding its 5G footprint through 2026.

Best eSIM Options for Japan

An eSIM is the fastest, most convenient way to get online in Japan. Install it before your flight, and you’ll have a working data connection the moment you clear immigration at Narita, Haneda, or Kansai International. No hunting for a SIM counter, no language barrier at a shop, no device to return.

Here’s how the top eSIM providers compare for Japan coverage:

Airalo — Best Overall for Japan

Airalo is our top recommendation for Japan. Their Japan-specific eSIM plans start at $4.50 for 1GB over 7 days, scaling up to $50 for 20GB over 30 days. For most travelers, the 5GB/30-day plan at $16 hits the sweet spot — plenty for Google Maps navigation, translation apps, messaging, and social media.

Airalo connects through NTT Docomo and SoftBank in Japan — the two networks with the strongest urban and rural coverage. During our testing, we consistently measured 55-85 Mbps download speeds in Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, with service holding steady even inside department stores and subway stations. The in-app top-up feature is a lifesaver if you burn through data faster than expected.

For our full breakdown of coverage, speed tests, and pricing details, read our Airalo review.

Get Airalo Japan eSIM

Holafly — Best for Unlimited Data

If you’re a heavy data user — streaming Google Maps navigation all day, uploading reels from every temple and ramen shop, or working remotely with video calls — Holafly eliminates the anxiety of watching your data balance. Their Japan unlimited plan starts at approximately $22 for 5 days, $32 for 10 days, or $57 for 30 days. No caps, no throttling surprises.

Holafly uses the SoftBank network in Japan, which provides excellent coverage in all major cities. Our average speeds were 35-60 Mbps — slightly below Airalo’s peak but more than sufficient for any travel use case. The main trade-off: no hotspot or tethering support on most plans, meaning you cannot share the connection with a laptop. If that matters, pair it with coworking WiFi for laptop work.

Get Holafly Japan Unlimited eSIM

Saily — Best Budget Option

Saily (by Nord Security, the company behind NordVPN) offers Japan plans starting at just $4.49 for 1GB. Their 10GB/30-day plan at $16.99 is competitive, and the app is refreshingly simple. Saily routes through the NTT Docomo network — Japan’s largest carrier with the best nationwide coverage, including rural areas. A solid choice for budget-conscious travelers who don’t need unlimited data.

Get Saily Japan eSIM

Ubigi — Best for Flexible Plans

Ubigi stands out with its wider range of plan sizes, offering up to 50GB for Japan. If you’re on a longer trip or need heavier data usage without going unlimited, Ubigi fills a niche the others don’t. They use SoftBank and KDDI networks, providing strong dual-network coverage. The app is functional if slightly less polished than Airalo’s.

Get Ubigi Japan eSIM

Which eSIM Should You Choose?

• Short trip (under 7 days): Airalo or Saily 1-3GB plan — affordable and sufficient for navigation and messaging.
• Medium trip (1-3 weeks): Airalo 5-10GB plan — the best balance of speed, price, and Docomo/SoftBank coverage.
• Heavy data users / remote workers: Holafly unlimited — zero data anxiety, perfect for daily video calls and streaming.
• Long trip (3-4 weeks+): Ubigi 20-50GB — more data at a reasonable per-GB rate.
• Budget travelers: Saily — lowest entry prices with Docomo network quality.

For a complete ranking of all eSIM providers with our testing methodology, check our Best eSIM Providers 2026 guide.

Pocket WiFi Rental

Japan was the country that made pocket WiFi famous, and despite eSIMs reducing demand, pocket WiFi rental remains a great option — especially for groups, families, or travelers with older phones that don’t support eSIM.

How It Works

You reserve a pocket WiFi device online before your trip, pick it up at the airport (Narita, Haneda, Kansai, or delivered to your hotel), and return it at the airport in a prepaid envelope on your last day. Most devices support 5-10 simultaneous connections.

Major Providers

Provider	Daily Rate	Data Limit	Network	Pickup Locations
Japan Wireless	¥500-900 ($3-6)	Unlimited (soft cap)	SoftBank	All major airports
Ninja WiFi	¥600-1,100 ($4-7)	3-10GB/day options	Docomo / SoftBank	Airports + delivery
WiFi Hire Japan	¥550-950 ($4-6)	Unlimited (fair use)	KDDI / SoftBank	Airports + hotels
Global WiFi	¥700-1,200 ($5-8)	300MB-unlimited	Docomo	Airports + convenience stores

Pros and Cons of Pocket WiFi

Why choose pocket WiFi:

• Share one device with a travel group (split the cost, everyone stays connected)
• Works with any phone, tablet, or laptop — no eSIM compatibility required
• Unlimited data plans available without throttling concerns
• Battery life typically lasts 8-12 hours

Why skip pocket WiFi:

• Another device to charge, carry, and worry about losing (replacement fees range ¥20,000-40,000 / $135-270)
• Must pick up and return at specific locations
• Signal range is limited — everyone needs to stay within ~15 meters of the device
• eSIMs are now cheaper for solo travelers

Our take: For solo travelers with an eSIM-compatible phone, an eSIM is unquestionably more convenient and cheaper. For couples or groups of 3-4 people, a pocket WiFi at ¥500/day split between everyone is hard to beat on value.

Local SIM Cards

Buying a physical SIM card in Japan used to be one of the more frustrating connectivity experiences in Asia — limited options, short validity periods, and high prices. It’s gotten better, but local SIMs still aren’t as competitive as what you’d find in Thailand or Vietnam.

Where to Buy

• Airport SIM vending machines: Both Narita and Haneda have automated SIM vending machines from providers like IIJmio and b-mobile. Available 24/7 — useful for late-night arrivals. Look for them near the arrival exits.
• Airport counters: Staffed counters from providers like Mobal, SoftBank, and au are available during business hours. They can help with setup if you’re unfamiliar with APN configuration.
• Convenience stores: 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart sell prepaid data SIM cards. The staff typically can’t help with setup, but QR-code instructions are provided in English.
• Electronics stores: Yodobashi Camera and Bic Camera stock a wide range of tourist SIMs and can assist with installation.

Tourist SIM Comparison

Feature	IIJmio Travel SIM	b-mobile Visitor SIM	Mobal Japan SIM
Price	¥1,500-3,000 ($10-20)	¥2,000-3,500 ($13-24)	¥3,500-4,500 ($24-30)
Data	1-3GB	3-7GB	7-25GB
Validity	7-30 days	14-21 days	30-180 days
Network	Docomo	Docomo / SoftBank	Docomo
Voice Calls	No (data only)	No (data only)	Yes (select plans)
Best For	Short trips	Mid-length stays	Long-term visitors

What you need to buy a SIM: Your passport. Japan requires identity verification for all SIM card activations. At staffed counters, this takes 5-10 minutes. Vending machines use a passport scanner.

Pro tip: If you’re staying in Japan for more than 30 days, Mobal’s Japan SIM is the strongest local SIM option with plans extending up to 180 days and actual voice call support. For shorter stays, an eSIM from Airalo or Saily is almost always the better deal.

Free WiFi in Japan

Japan’s free WiFi situation is better than its reputation suggests — but it does come with quirks that catch visitors off guard.

Japan Free Wi-Fi (Government Program)

The “Japan Free Wi-Fi” initiative provides hotspots at major tourist locations, government buildings, and transportation hubs. Look for the standardized sticker. Quality is acceptable for quick searches and messaging (5-15 Mbps) but unreliable for anything bandwidth-intensive. Most spots require email registration through a portal page.

Train Station WiFi

• JR East Free Wi-Fi: Available at all JR East stations in the Tokyo metro area. Connect to “JR-EAST_FREE_Wi-Fi” — requires email registration, sessions last 3 hours and can be renewed. Speeds of 10-30 Mbps.
• Tokyo Metro WiFi: All Tokyo Metro stations offer free WiFi. Connect to “Metro_Free_Wi-Fi” — similar registration process. Decent for checking train transfers and sending messages.
• Osaka Metro WiFi: Available across the Osaka Municipal Subway network.

Convenience Store WiFi

Japan’s konbini (convenience stores) are a lifeline for free internet:

• 7-Eleven WiFi (7SPOT): Free, requires app registration. Available at all 21,000+ 7-Eleven locations in Japan. Sessions of 60 minutes, up to 3 times per day. Speeds of 10-20 Mbps.
• Lawson WiFi: Free, similar registration. Available at 14,000+ locations.
• FamilyMart WiFi: Free, app-based login. 20 minutes per session, 3 times daily.

The reality of free WiFi in Japan: It exists, it works, and it can bail you out in a pinch. But between registration requirements, session limits, and inconsistent speeds, we wouldn’t recommend relying on it as your primary internet source. Treat it as a backup, not a strategy.

Coworking Spaces in Japan

Japan’s coworking scene has expanded rapidly since 2020, driven by the domestic telework boom and returning international visitors. Prices are higher than Southeast Asia but reasonable for a developed country.

Tokyo

Space	Day Pass	Monthly	WiFi Speed	Vibe
WeWork Ginza	¥3,300 ($22)	¥45,000 ($300)	150-300 Mbps	Corporate, polished
CASE Shinjuku	¥1,500 ($10)	¥22,000 ($147)	80-150 Mbps	Startup, community
Fabbit (multiple)	¥1,800 ($12)	¥25,000 ($167)	100-200 Mbps	Modern, quiet
DMM.make Akihabara	¥1,100 ($7)	¥12,000 ($80)	60-120 Mbps	Maker/tech focused
andwork Shibuya	¥1,650 ($11)	¥19,800 ($132)	80-150 Mbps	Trendy, open layout

Tokyo’s coworking is concentrated in Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ginza, and Roppongi — all easily reached via the JR Yamanote Line or Tokyo Metro. If you want to save money, manga cafes (manga kissa) like Manboo and Gran Cyber Cafe offer private booths with power outlets and WiFi for ¥300-500/hour ($2-3) — unorthodox but surprisingly functional as impromptu work pods.

Osaka

Space	Day Pass	Monthly	WiFi Speed	Vibe
The Deck	¥1,500 ($10)	¥20,000 ($133)	80-150 Mbps	Creative, lively
GVH Osaka	¥1,000 ($7)	¥15,000 ($100)	60-120 Mbps	Startup hub
Knowledge Salon	¥2,500 ($17)	¥30,000 ($200)	100-200 Mbps	Premium, Grand Front Osaka
billage Osaka	¥1,200 ($8)	¥16,000 ($107)	70-130 Mbps	Budget-friendly

Osaka offers Tokyo-quality infrastructure at 20-30% lower prices. The Namba and Umeda areas are your best bets for coworking density.

Kyoto

Space	Day Pass	Monthly	WiFi Speed	Vibe
Impact Hub Kyoto	¥2,000 ($13)	¥25,000 ($167)	80-150 Mbps	Community-driven, international
Groving Base	¥1,500 ($10)	¥18,000 ($120)	60-120 Mbps	Traditional machiya setting
co-ba Kyoto	¥1,200 ($8)	¥16,000 ($107)	50-100 Mbps	Compact, quiet

Kyoto’s coworking scene is smaller but special. Groving Base operates out of a renovated machiya (traditional wooden townhouse) — there’s something uniquely inspiring about writing code or designing slides in a 100-year-old building. Impact Hub Kyoto has the strongest international community.

Fukuoka

Space	Day Pass	Monthly	WiFi Speed	Vibe
The Company	¥1,000 ($7)	¥15,000 ($100)	80-130 Mbps	Central, friendly
Salt	¥800 ($5)	¥12,000 ($80)	60-100 Mbps	Budget, community
Fukuoka Growth Next	Free (events)	¥10,000 ($67)	100-180 Mbps	Startup incubator

Fukuoka deserves special attention. The city government actively courts startups and remote workers through its Startup Visa program and subsidized coworking initiatives. It’s also Japan’s most affordable major city, with a compact downtown where the airport is a 5-minute subway ride from the city center. The food scene — particularly ramen, motsunabe, and mentaiko — is reason enough to base yourself here.

5G Coverage in Japan

Japan’s 5G rollout is well underway, led by NTT Docomo and au (KDDI):

• NTT Docomo: The widest 5G footprint, covering major urban areas of Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Sapporo, and Fukuoka. Sub-6GHz dominant, with mmWave hotspots in select train stations and commercial districts.
• au (KDDI): Strong 5G presence in Tokyo’s 23 wards, Osaka city center, and along major Shinkansen routes. Their “5G SA” (standalone) network is expanding rapidly.
• SoftBank: 5G available in Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya metro areas. Slightly behind Docomo and au in suburban coverage.
• Rakuten Mobile: The newest carrier, building 5G from scratch. Coverage is growing but still the most limited of the four. Best value for Japan-based long-term plans.

For travelers using eSIMs: 5G access depends on your eSIM provider and plan. Airalo offers select 5G-capable Japan plans. Even without 5G, Japan’s 4G LTE Advanced network is fast enough at 50-100 Mbps that you’ll rarely feel the limitation.

Our speed tests in central Tokyo on a 5G connection: 220-380 Mbps download, 40-80 Mbps upload. On 4G in the same areas: 55-95 Mbps download. Both are more than adequate for any remote work or travel use.

VPN Recommendations for Japan

Do You Need a VPN in Japan?

Japan has free, uncensored internet. Unlike China, Vietnam, or even Thailand, the Japanese government does not block websites or filter content. You can access any service, social media platform, or news site without restriction.

That said, there are two practical reasons to use a VPN in Japan:

1. Streaming content changes. Netflix Japan has a different content library than Netflix US, UK, or Australia. The same applies to Hulu (Japan-only service), Amazon Prime Video, and other geo-restricted platforms. A VPN lets you access your home library.
2. Public WiFi security. With millions of tourists using free WiFi at train stations, konbini, and hotels, a VPN encrypts your traffic and protects sensitive data like banking credentials and work logins.

Our Top VPN Pick for Japan

NordVPN is our recommendation for Japan travelers. It has 80+ servers in Tokyo and Osaka, meaning fast local connections for both browsing and streaming. Speed impact is minimal at 5-10%, and the Threat Protection feature blocks malware and tracking even when you disconnect the VPN.

We used NordVPN daily during our three months in Japan — for accessing our US Netflix library in the evenings and securing connections at JR station WiFi hotspots. Zero connection issues, no blocks, no throttling.

Get NordVPN for Japan

For a full comparison of VPN options for travelers, read our Best VPN for Travel 2026 guide.

Shinkansen and Travel Connectivity

WiFi on Bullet Trains

Japan’s famous Shinkansen bullet trains offer free WiFi on most routes:

• Tokaido Shinkansen (Tokyo-Osaka): Free WiFi on all Nozomi, Hikari, and Kodama services. Connect to “Shinkansen Free Wi-Fi.” Sessions last 30 minutes and can be renewed. Speeds are modest at 5-20 Mbps — acceptable for email and messaging, but don’t count on stable video calls at 285 km/h.
• Tohoku and Hokuriku Shinkansen: Free WiFi available on most newer rolling stock.
• Sanyo Shinkansen (Osaka-Fukuoka): WiFi available on Nozomi services.

Our honest take on Shinkansen WiFi: It works for light tasks. However, the connection drops intermittently in tunnels (of which there are many on the Tokaido route), and bandwidth is shared across the entire car. For reliable connectivity during a train ride, your eSIM’s mobile data connection via the passing cell towers is actually more consistent. We found 4G service held steady at 20-40 Mbps during most of the Tokyo-Osaka journey, dropping only briefly in long tunnel sections.

Rural and Mountain Coverage

Japan’s mobile carriers — particularly NTT Docomo — offer remarkably good coverage even in rural areas. We maintained usable 4G signals in:

• Rice farming villages in Niigata prefecture
• Mountain trails around Hakone and the Fuji Five Lakes area
• Coastal towns on the Izu Peninsula and Shikoku island
• Most of Hokkaido’s main road network

Where coverage gets spotty: Deep mountain valleys (parts of the Japanese Alps), remote onsen towns far from main highways (especially in Tohoku), very small islands in the Seto Inland Sea, and dense forest areas in Yakushima. If you’re heading truly off-grid, download offline maps via Google Maps or Maps.me before leaving cell coverage.

City-by-City Internet Guide

Tokyo — 9.5/10

Tokyo is a connectivity fortress. 5G blankets the 23 special wards, fiber broadband is standard in apartments, and the density of WiFi hotspots is staggering. Average mobile speeds exceed 75 Mbps on 4G, with 5G pushing well above 200 Mbps in Shibuya, Shinjuku, Akihabara, and Ginza.

Best neighborhoods for nomads: Shibuya (energetic, coworking dense, excellent transit), Shimokitazawa (creative, affordable cafes, quieter), Koenji/Nakano (budget-friendly, local vibe, still fast internet), Roppongi (international, 24-hour options).

Unique to Tokyo: Manga cafes (manga kissa) are an underrated work option. Chains like Manboo and Gran Cyber Cafe offer private booths with reclining chairs, power outlets, free drinks, and WiFi — all for ¥300-500/hour. Open 24/7. We used these as emergency work pods several times when cafes closed early.

Osaka — 9/10

Osaka matches Tokyo on infrastructure quality at noticeably lower living costs. 5G coverage is strong across the city center, particularly in Namba, Umeda, and Tennoji. Mobile speeds average 60-90 Mbps. The city has a growing coworking scene and a no-nonsense, warm culture that many nomads prefer over Tokyo’s intensity.

Best neighborhoods for nomads: Namba/Shinsaibashi (central, lively, endless food), Umeda/Kita (business district, more coworking options), Tenmabashi (quieter, riverside, good value apartments), Shinsekai (budget, eclectic, character-rich).

Osaka advantage: Food costs are lower than Tokyo. When your lunch of takoyaki costs ¥500 ($3.30) and you’re getting 80 Mbps on your eSIM, the value proposition is hard to argue with.

Kyoto — 8.5/10

Kyoto offers reliable connectivity wrapped in an atmosphere that no other Japanese city can match. 4G coverage is excellent throughout the city, with 5G available in the station area and central districts. Internet infrastructure is modern despite the traditional aesthetic.

Best neighborhoods for nomads: Kawaramachi/Gion (central, temple-adjacent, tourist-heavy), Nishijin (residential, quiet, traditional), Fushimi (south Kyoto, less crowded, cheaper rent), near Kyoto Station (transit hub, most coworking options).

Kyoto reality check: The city is beautiful but can feel small after a few weeks. The cafe culture, while refined, is less “laptop-friendly” than Bangkok or Chiang Mai — many kissaten (traditional coffee houses) frown on prolonged laptop use. Stick to coworking spaces or modern chain cafes for extended work sessions.

Fukuoka — 8.5/10

Fukuoka is Japan’s most underrated city for digital nomads. The local government runs a Startup Visa program, the airport is absurdly convenient (5-minute subway ride to downtown), the ramen is legendary, and rent is 40-50% cheaper than Tokyo.

Best neighborhoods for nomads: Tenjin (downtown, commercial, walkable), Hakata (near station and airport, food paradise), Daimyo (trendy, cafes, bars), Ohori Park area (quiet, green, residential).

Fukuoka advantage: This is where ambitious nomads go when they want Japanese infrastructure at a fraction of Tokyo prices. A private apartment near Tenjin runs ¥50,000-70,000/month ($335-470), coworking is ¥10,000-15,000/month ($67-100), and a world-class yatai ramen dinner costs ¥800 ($5.30).

Okinawa — 7.5/10

Okinawa offers something no other Japanese destination can: subtropical beaches combined with Japanese infrastructure and reliability. Naha has strong 4G/5G coverage averaging 50-70 Mbps. The American Village area in Chatan and the resort coast along Route 58 are well-connected. Move farther north toward Nago and the Yanbaru forest, and coverage becomes less consistent.

Best areas for nomads: Naha (capital, best infrastructure, walkable), Chatan/American Village (beachside, expat community, coworking emerging), Nago (quieter, slower pace, decent coverage).

Okinawa reality: Internet works well in developed areas, but this isn’t Bali — the coworking scene is still nascent, and cafe WiFi is hit-or-miss outside Naha. Bring your own data solution and treat any WiFi as a bonus.

Digital Nomad Tips for Japan

Visa Situation

Japan does not currently offer a dedicated digital nomad visa. Most travelers enter on one of these arrangements:

• Visa waiver (90 days): Citizens of 68 countries (including US, UK, Canada, Australia, and most of the EU) can enter Japan visa-free for up to 90 days. Technically for “tourism” — working remotely falls into a grey area that Japan has not explicitly addressed.
• Working Holiday Visa (6-12 months): Available to citizens of select countries (Australia, New Zealand, UK, Canada, France, Germany, and others) aged 18-30 (or 18-25 for some nationalities). Allows employment and self-employment.
• Business Manager Visa: For those establishing a business in Japan. Requires a registered office and investment.

The practical reality: Many remote workers visit Japan on the 90-day visa waiver and work from cafes and coworking spaces. Japan does not enforce rules against remote work for a foreign employer. This is common practice, but be aware it exists in a legal grey zone.

Best Seasons to Visit

• Spring (March-May): Cherry blossom season. Beautiful but crowded and expensive. Book accommodation and pocket WiFi well in advance.
• Autumn (October-November): Fall foliage, pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds than spring. Our recommended season for working visits.
• Summer (June-August): Hot and humid. Rainy season (tsuyu) runs mid-June to mid-July. Air-conditioned coworking spaces become essential.
• Winter (December-February): Cold but clear in most of Honshu. Great for Hokkaido skiing. Fewer tourists, lower prices, comfortable indoor work environments.

Cost of Staying Connected

Expense	Budget	Mid-Range	Premium
Mobile data (eSIM)	$5 (Airalo 1GB)	$18 (Airalo 10GB)	$57 (Holafly 30-day unlimited)
Coworking	¥0 (cafe hopping)	¥22,000 ($147/mo)	¥45,000 ($300/mo, WeWork)
VPN	—	$3 (NordVPN yearly plan)	$3 (NordVPN yearly plan)
Total	~$5/month	~$168/month	~$360/month

Japan’s connectivity costs are moderate for a developed country. The biggest variable is coworking — you can avoid the expense entirely by working from accommodation with good broadband, or splurge on a premium space with meeting rooms and community events.

Practical Tips

1. Get a Suica or PASMO IC card. These contactless transit cards aren’t directly internet-related, but they’re essential infrastructure for navigating Japan efficiently. Load one into your Apple Wallet or Google Pay, and you can ride every train, bus, and subway in Japan. They also work at konbini for quick purchases.

2. Download offline Japanese maps. Google Maps works well in Japan, but download the offline map for your region. If you lose signal in a subway transfer or deep inside a department store, you’ll still have navigation.

3. Install a translation app before arriving. Google Translate’s camera feature (point your phone at Japanese text and see the translation overlaid) is indispensable for menus, signs, and transit maps. This uses data, so factor it into your eSIM plan.

4. Respect quiet car rules. On Shinkansen and many express trains, designated quiet cars prohibit phone calls and loud conversations. If you need to take a call, step to the vestibule area between cars.

5. Bring a portable charger. Japanese cafes often have limited outlet access, and many traditional restaurants have none. A 10,000-20,000 mAh power bank keeps your phone alive through a full day of navigation, translation, and photography.

6. Protect yourself on public WiFi. Even in safe, low-crime Japan, public WiFi networks at stations and konbini are unencrypted. Install NordVPN before you arrive and activate it whenever you connect to a public network.

Japan Internet: Pros and Cons

Our Testing Methodology

The data in this guide is based on real-world testing during our team’s three months in Japan (November 2025 — February 2026). We measured mobile speeds across all four major carriers and three eSIM providers using Speedtest by Ookla, testing in urban, suburban, and rural locations across Honshu, Kyushu, and Okinawa. Coworking speeds were measured during peak hours (10 AM — 3 PM JST). Pricing was verified directly from carrier websites, eSIM provider apps, and physical store visits in February 2026.

All speed figures represent averages across multiple tests at different times of day. Your experience will vary based on location, device, network congestion, and time of day. We update this guide quarterly to reflect the latest pricing and coverage changes.

For our complete eSIM testing approach, see Best eSIM Providers 2026. Browse all our country guides for connectivity information on other destinations.