No eSIM? You’ve still got options
An eSIM is convenient, but it isn’t your only option for getting online in Japan. If your phone doesn’t support eSIMs or you’d prefer something else, there are several alternatives.
Physical SIM card
A prepaid travel SIM works much like an eSIM and is a great choice for older phones. You can buy one online before your trip or at major Japanese airports and electronics stores. The downside is that your phone must be unlocked, and you’ll need to swap out your existing SIM if your phone only has one physical slot. Make sure you don’t lose your original SIM if you do this.
Pocket Wi-Fi
Personally, I relied entirely on pocket Wi-Fi when I first moved to Japan, and it worked well. After using an eSIM too, though, I now prefer the eSIM for day-to-day use. I don’t have to remember to carry another device or worry about its battery every time I leave the house.
That doesn’t make pocket Wi-Fi a bad choice. In fact, I think it makes more sense for families or groups who want to connect several devices to one plan. Just watch out for hidden data limits. Like eSIMs, pocket Wi-Fi plans can advertise “unlimited” data while still throttling your connection after heavy use, and a group can burn through those high-speed allowances much faster than one person.
Your home carrier’s roaming plan
This is usually the simplest option because you don’t need to install or rent anything. The caveat to a roaming plan is that the price can be exorbitant, which often makes it cost more than a travel SIM or eSIM—especially for longer trips.
Public Wi-Fi
As I mentioned previously, public Wi-Fi is common in big cities in Japan, particularly in places such as airports, hotels, cafes, train stations, and convenience stores, but it’s not a guarantee. As you move to smaller towns or into the countryside you should expect public Wi-Fi to be less common.
Ultimately, it’s useful as a backup, but coverage can be inconsistent so I wouldn’t rely on it as your only connection.