TL;DR – Quick Answer
Sakura Mobile is our top pick for the best eSIM Tokyo – it runs on docomo/au backbones for wide city + subway coverage, offers instant QR delivery (email), and has full English support. The most popular plan: 7-day 5G Unlimited – 5,000 JPY.
Activate on arrival at Narita/Haneda and test Google Maps before leaving the terminal.
Get Your Tokyo eSIM – Instant QR code
Table of Contents
- Why You Need an eSIM in Tokyo
- Quick Performance Snapshot – Key Tokyo Areas
- Major Carrier Snapshot – Why Network Choice Matters
- Top eSIM Picks for Tokyo
- How to Activate Your Tokyo eSIM (4 Easy Steps)
- Why Use Sakura Mobile – Real Traveler Proof
- FAQ
- Travel Tokyo Stress-Free
Why You Need an eSIM Tokyo
Tokyo is incredible—but landing without data is stressful. Airport kiosks, roaming fees, and login-heavy WiFi can waste time and money.
An eSIM solves this quickly:
- Scan a QR code and connect in seconds.
- Book the Narita Express, navigate the Metro, and order taxis right from the terminal.
- Use translation apps and cashless payments (Suica, etc.) without interruptions.
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Quick Performance Snapshot—Key Tokyo Areas
| Area | What to Expect | Pro Tip |
| Airports | Strong 4G LTE/5G – connect before leaving terminal | Teset Google Maps for long tunnels |
| Subways (JR + Metro) | docomo = most reliable; au = fastest overall | Pre-download offfline Google Maps for long tunnels. |
| Shibuya & Shinjuku | Dense coverage, brief slowdowns at peak. | Use eSIM for ride-hailing & last-mile directions. |
| Asakusa | Mostly open-air – strong 4G LTE/5G. | Check temple hours and crowd maps on the go. |
| Disneyland / DisneySea | Weak at gates, normal once inside. | Download tickets & official app before arrival. |
| Hotels & Cafes | WiFi often long-gated/slow. | Use eSIM for work calls & navigation. |
| Day Trips (Nikko, Mt. Takao, Mt. Fuji) | docomo best-performing in rural/mountain areas. | Download maps & tell someone before hiking. |
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Major Carrier Snapshot—Why Network Choice Matters
- NTT docomo — Best for reliability (subways + rural).
- au (KDDI) — Best for raw speed in the city.
- SoftBank — Strong in central tourist areas (Ginza, Tokyo, Disneyland).
- Rakuten — Improving, but still patchy underground.
Takeaway: The docomo/au backbone (what Sakura Mobile uses) gives the fewest dead zones and fastest urban performance.
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Top eSIM Picks for Tokyo
🥇Sakura Mobile — Best Overall
✔️docomo/au networks
✔️Unlimited 4G LTE/5G (no throttling on 5G plan)
✔️Full English support (chat, email, phone, in person at office)
✔️400,000+ customers — ★4.7
Plan (example)
- 4G LTE Unlimited (3GB/day FUP) — 4,200 JPY (7 days)
- 5G Unlimited (most popular) — 5,000 JPY (7 days)
- 5G Unlimited — 7,500 JPY (15 days)
- 5G Unlimited — 13,500 JPY(30 days)
Have questions? See FAQs or click chat for English support.
Other options: Airalo (budget-friendly, SoftBank/au), Holafly (unlimited data, but capped after heavy use).
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How to Activate Your Tokyo eSIM (4 Easy Steps)
1. Check Compatibility
Ensure your device is unlocked and eSIM-compatible (recent iPhones, Google Pixels, Samsung Galaxy). Verify on Sakura Mobile’s Compatibility Page.
2. Purchase Your Plan
Select trip length (1-90 days) and data needs (1-200 GB, Unlimited 4G LTE/5G). Buy online before arrival for instant activation.
3. Receive & Install QR Code
Receive a QR code via email.
- 5G Unlimited: Activates upon arrival.
- 4G LTE Unlimited: Activates immediately after installation.
- One-time setup. Cannot reinstall if deleted.
4. Connect in Japan
Disable other eSIMs, connect to WiFi, scan QR code, turn on mobile data.
No airport lines, no complicated steps. Instant connectivity.
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Why Use Sakura Mobile—Real Traveler Proof
Choosing the right eSIM isn’t just about price—it’s about your peace of mind. Here’s why travelers love Sakura Mobile:
✅Backed by Japan’s top carriers (docomo/au).
✅Unlimited high-speed 5G plans with no throttling.
✅Instant activation via email QR code.
✅100% English support from our Japan-based team.
✅All prices include tax.
✅Over 400,000 happy customers.
✅4.5+ stars on Google and Trustpilot.
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FAQ
Q: How long does the QR delivery take?
A: Almost Instantly—usually within minutes. Ensure you have stable internet to receive the email.
Q: When should I buy & activate?
A: Buy 1-2 weeks before traveling for peace of mind. Activate after landing – that day counts as day 1 for most plans.
Q: Will I still be able to receive SMS/calls to my home number?
A: Yes—keep your home eSIM/SIM and set it as your call/SMS line. (Roaming fees may apply—check your home carrier.)
Q: Can I hotspot/tether?
A: Yes—Sakura Mobile supports tethering. Speeds may dip in crowded spots; limit connected devices for best performance.
Q: Can I use the eSIM outside of Japan?
A: No—Sakura Mobile Travel eSIMs are Japan-only. Buy a separate international eSIM for other countries.
Q: What if my eSIM doesn’t connect?
A: Most connection issues are quick fixes. Here’s what to try:
- Activate after arrival: The eSIM data is only valid when you are in Japan.
- Restart your phone: Power off/on or toggle Airplane Mode to refresh the connection.
- Check APN settings: Most devices auto-configure, but Android users may need to enter APN manually (see your confirmation email for step-by-step).
- Force network search: Manually select a network (prefer docomo/au) if signal is weak.
- Limit to one SIM: Turn off other eSIMs/SIMs if there’s conflict (common on iPhones with multiple profiles).
- Still stuck? Contact Sakura Mobile’s English support with screenshots of your signal, APN settings and device model—we’ll help you get online quickly.
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Travel Tokyo Stress-Free
Airports, subways, and crowds don’t have to be stressful.
Skip the roaming fees. Avoid vending machines. Land in Tokyo fully connected with Sakura Mobile.