When you land in Tokyo you quickly need internet: for maps, timetables, translators and your hotel booking. There are four ways: an eSIM that you set up at home, a prepaid SIM at the airport, a rented pocket Wi-Fi, or the airport’s Wi-Fi. This guide compares them with prices, counters and the information from Narita and Haneda airports. As of 25 October 2026.
Key takeaways
- Most comfortable: an eSIM that you set up before your trip. From €3.49 with Saily (advertising) (1 GB, 7 days), from €3.50 with Yesim (advertising) (1 day), from €4.00 with Airalo* (advertising) (1 GB, 3 days).
- Haneda: the free Wi-Fi HANEDA-FREE-WIFI is available in all three terminals, but not in shops (except lounges), and according to the airport the connection does not work everywhere.
- Narita: the airport lists free loan devices for internet access (one per person) as well as Wi-Fi and power outlet areas. It names no free Wi-Fi network.
- SIM cards and pocket Wi-Fi are available at both airports, in Narita mostly from 7:00 to 21:00.
- For an eSIM you need an eSIM-capable phone, so check the provider’s compatibility list before you buy.
The most comfortable option: set up an eSIM in advance
An eSIM is not always the cheapest solution, but it is the most comfortable: you set it up at home and do not have to look for counters or machines after landing. According to Airalo, mobile data is ready as soon as you land. Three providers to compare (prices as shown on the providers’ pages, as of 25 Oct 2026):
| Provider | Smallest Japan plan | Larger plans (examples) |
|---|---|---|
| Saily* (advertising) | 1 GB, 7 days: €3.49 | 10 GB, 30 days: €15.99; unlimited, 15 days: €43.49 |
| Airalo* (advertising) | 1 GB, 3 days: €4.00 | 10 GB, 30 days: €17.00; unlimited, 3 days: €11.00 |
| Yesim* (advertising) | 1 day: €3.50 | more plans with the provider, 10% off from 2 eSIMs according to the provider’s page |
Compare data allowance, validity and price directly with the providers. When to install and activate the eSIM is explained in each provider’s instructions. The provider’s compatibility list shows whether your phone supports eSIM.
Which way suits me?
| Option | Where | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| eSIM | set up at home | from €3.49 (Saily* (advertising), 1 GB, 7 days) | only with an eSIM-capable phone |
| Prepaid SIM | machines and counters at the airport (see below) | per offer at the machine, not checked by us | physical SIM needed, your phone must support it |
| Rent pocket Wi-Fi | counters at both airports | per provider, not checked by us | one device for several phones |
| Airport Wi-Fi | Haneda: HANEDA-FREE-WIFI | free | only in the airport, not in shops |
What is the Wi-Fi like at Haneda and Narita?
At Haneda the free network is called HANEDA-FREE-WIFI and is available in all three terminals. You select the network on your phone or laptop, open the browser and follow the on-screen instructions. According to the airport it does not work in shops (except lounges, and in Terminal 3 only in certain shops) and can be hard to connect to in some areas. The airport page names no time limit.
At Narita the airport lists Wi-Fi and power outlet areas in all three terminals as well as free loan devices for internet access: one per person, the number is limited, and the devices are for browsing only. The page names no free Wi-Fi network.
Where do I get a SIM card or pocket Wi-Fi at the airport?
At Narita, according to the airport, GPA SIM vending machines are in Terminal 1 (South Wing 1F, Central Building 1F), Terminal 2 (1F and 2F, before customs) and Terminal 3 (1F). Counters for phones, Wi-Fi routers and SIM cards are run by J WiFi & Mobile, XCom Global, Telecomsquare, SoftBank Global Rental, AnyFone JAPAN and JAL ABC, among others, mostly from 7:00 to 21:00. In Terminal 1 Central Building there is also a Rakuten Mobile counter (4F, 8:00 to 20:00).
At Haneda, Terminal 1 sells prepaid SIM cards from vending machines according to the airport (AnyFone JAPAN, 5:00 to 24:00). Rental counters exist in all terminals: WiFiBOX (Terminal 1, 2F departure lobby, 5:00 to 24:00), Mobile Center (Terminal 2, 3F departure lobby, 7:00 to 22:00, and Terminal 3), AnyFone JAPAN (Terminal 3, arrival lobby 2F, 6:00 to 23:00 for rental and prepaid SIM), J WiFi & Mobile and GLOBAL WiFi (Terminal 2, arrival lobby 2F) and others. In front of the Mobile Center in Terminal 3 (arrival lobby 2F) there is also an unmanned rental station around the clock. The airport pages name no prices, they are with the providers.
Do I need internet for entry?
Registration with Visit Japan Web is done in advance in your browser, and you need an email address for it. How it works and what you do with the QR code at the airport is explained in our guide Entering Japan. How to get on from the airport by train is in our IC card guide.