For modern travellers, staying connected while abroad has become essential. Whether you’re navigating through busy streets, sharing your experiences on social media, or keeping in touch with loved ones, having access to mobile data is important. In Japan, where public Wi-Fi might be less prevalent in certain areas, purchasing an eSIM can be an ideal solution. But can you buy an eSIM at the airport? In this article, we will explore this question and provide insights into the advantages and disadvantages of buying an eSIM at the airport compared to purchasing one before your trip.

Table of Contents

Can I Buy eSIM at Japan Airport?

Yes, you can buy an eSIM at some major airports in Japan. As more mobile carriers and providers have begun to offer eSIM technology, it has become more accessible for international travelers. Airports like Narita International Airport (NRT), Haneda Airport (HND), and Kansai International Airport (KIX) often have kiosks or mobile providers that offer eSIM plans specifically designed for travellers.

Typically, you can find multiple options for purchasing eSIM, including:

Dedicated Kiosks: Some airports have dedicated kiosks where you can directly purchase eSIM plans by scanning a QR code provided by the service provider.
Mobile Carrier Counters: Major Japanese carriers, such as NTT Docomo, SoftBank, and au, may have counters at the airport that offer eSIM purchases. Their staff can assist you in selecting a plan that suits your needs.

While purchasing an eSIM at the airport is indeed possible, there are varying degrees of availability and service depending on the airport size and carrier presence.

Disadvantages of Buying eSIM at the Airport

While buying an eSIM at the airport offers convenience, there are some downsides to consider:

Higher Prices: Often, purchasing eSIMs at airports can be more expensive than buying them online or from local shops due to the added convenience factor.
Limited Options: The selection of eSIM plans and providers may be limited at the airport compared to what you could find online. You may encounter fewer choices in terms of data allowances and plan durations.
Longer Wait Times: Depending on the number of people at the airport, you may face longer wait times for assistance, especially if you need help setting up your eSIM.
Potential Language Barriers: While many airport staff usually speak English, communication may still be a challenge if you encounter a language barrier with staff at kiosks or counters.
Installation Challenges: If you’re not tech-savvy, understanding how to install the eSIM correctly can be complicated. While staff are available to help, you may not receive the same level of support as with dedicated customer service online.

To overcome these challenges, consider using the public Wi-Fi available at the airport. With access to the internet, you can easily visit TravelKon website to order your eSIM for Japan before / after you arrive.

Connect to Wi-Fi: If you need to activate your eSIM upon arrival, you can still use the airport’s free public Wi-Fi for this process.
Instant Activation: Scan the QR code provided by TravelKon to activate your eSIM. This process usually takes just a few moments and ensures you have reliable mobile data right away.

By utilising the free public Wi-Fi at the airport to purchase an eSIM from TravelKon, you can make your travel experience to Japan more enjoyable and hassle-free, ensuring you stay connected while exploring the beautiful country.

Advantages of Buying eSIM Before Arriving at Your Destination

In contrast, there are several advantages to purchasing an eSIM before arriving at your travel destination:

Cost Savings: eSIM plans purchased online can often be cheaper than those available at the airport. You can compare different providers and choose the best plan that suits your budget.
More Choices: Shopping online allows you to explore a wider range of eSIM plans and providers. You can assess the specific data allowances, coverage areas, and durations before you buy.
Immediate Activation: When you arrive at your destination, you can activate your eSIM right away by simply scanning the QR code. This means you’ll have access to data without any delays, unlike the potential wait times at the airport.
Customer Support: Many online providers offer customer support via email or chat services, allowing you to ask questions or get assistance if needed. This can be more reassuring than relying solely on airport staff.
Time Efficiency: By purchasing your eSIM in advance, you can bypass the airport’s purchasing and activation process entirely, allowing you to focus on your arrival and travel logistics instead.

How to Purchase an eSIM Online Before Your Trip

If you decide to go the route of purchasing your eSIM online before heading to Japan, here’s a quick guide:

Visit the Provider’s Website or App: Start by going to the website of your chosen eSIM provider, such as Airalo or Nomad. Download their app if applicable.
Select Japan as Your Destination: Navigate to the section that allows you to choose your travel destination and select Japan. This will filter plans specifically for that region.
Review Available Plans: Carefully examine the various plans offered, including data limits, duration, and pricing. Take your time to compare options to find one that best suits your travel habits.
Create an Account: Most eSIM providers will require you to create an account to complete your purchase. This often includes entering your email address and creating a password.
Purchase the eSIM: After you’ve found the right plan, proceed to purchase the eSIM. You’ll usually need to provide payment details, so have your credit card or preferred payment method ready.
Receive the QR Code: After completing your purchase, you’ll receive a QR code via email or in the app. This code is crucial for activating your eSIM.
Save the QR Code: Ensure you save the QR code in a safe place or take a screenshot. This will be needed upon your arrival in Japan to activate the eSIM.

Recommendations for Buying eSIM

For travellers wanting to purchase an eSIM before arriving in Japan, TravelKon is an excellent choice. With eSIM offerings designed specifically to meet travel needs, TravelKon provides flexibility and convenience for users who want to stay connected while exploring the country.

Why Choose TravelKon?

Diverse Data Plans: TravelKon offers a variety of data plans that can be selected based on your needs and the duration of your trip. You can choose a plan that aligns with how much data you’ll require for internet access, navigation, and communication.
Easy Purchase Process: The process to buy an eSIM from TravelKon is simple and quick. Just visit their website, select the desired plan, and proceed to payment within a few straightforward steps.
Responsive Customer Support: TravelKon is known for its responsive customer service. If you encounter any difficulties with installing or using your eSIM, their support team is ready to assist.

How to Buy eSIM from TravelKon:

Visit the Website: Go to the TravelKon website to explore the various eSIM options available for Japan, along with detailed information about data packages and pricing.
Choose the Right Plan: Compare the available packages and select the one that best suits your needs. Be sure to consider how much data you’ll require and how long you’ll be in Japan.
Create an Account: To finalise your purchase, you may need to create an account on the TravelKon website. This process is typically quick and straightforward.
Complete the Payment: After selecting your plan, proceed to checkout. TravelKon usually accepts multiple payment methods for your convenience.
Receive Your QR Code: Once your purchase is complete, you will receive a QR code necessary for activating your eSIM. Be sure to keep this code handy for easy access.

By using TravelKon, you can ensure that obtaining an eSIM before arriving in Japan is a quick and efficient process, helping you to stay connected and enjoy your travel experience.

Supporting Your eSIM Experience While Traveling

After purchasing and activating your eSIM, it’s important to ensure an optimal experience throughout your travels in Japan:

Regularly Monitor Data Usage: Track your data consumption by using the app provided by your eSIM provider. This will help you stay within the limits of your plan and avoid unexpected charges.
Utilise Wi-Fi When Available: While having mobile data is essential, utilising public Wi-Fi networks in cafes, restaurants, and hotels can help you conserve your data for imperative tasks like navigation or messaging.
Explore Local Emergency Numbers: Familiarise yourself with local emergency numbers in Japan. While eSIM technology provides reliable connectivity, being aware of local resources is crucial.
Engage with Local Networks: Once activated, explore local apps and services available through your eSIM connection. Engaging with local networks can enhance your travel experience, offering insights about nearby attractions, dining options, and cultural events.

As a modern traveller, having uninterrupted connectivity is essential for navigating new environments and keeping in touch with loved ones. The convenience of eSIM technology allows you to maintain connectivity seamlessly while travelling, with less hassle than dealing with physical SIM cards.

Whether you choose to purchase an eSIM at the airport or opt for a plan before arrival, understanding the options available will enhance your travel experience significantly. By following this guide, you can confidently manage your eSIM activation and stay connected throughout your journey in Japan.

Embrace the ease of eSIM technology, and enjoy your time discovering the wonders of Japan without worrying about connectivity issues! Safe travels!

eSIM Japan for Tourist

a structure in the water, best place in japan

Japan 5G eSIM | 3 – 50GB | Data-Only | 30 Days
- This eSIM offers up to 50GB of data at 4G/5G speeds and is valid for 30 days, making it perfect for staying connected in Japan. It’s specifically for data only, so make sure to activate it within 90 days of purchase. With a rating of 4.59 out of 5 from customer reviews, you can trust its quality and reliability.

Japan (Docomo IIJ) eSIM | 3 – 50GB | Data-Only | 30 Days
- This provides up to 50GB of data at 4G/LTE speeds and is valid for 30 days, making it ideal for your travels in Japan. It’s specifically for data only, so be sure to activate it within 90 days of purchase. With an impressive rating of 4.71 out of 5 based on 35 customer reviews, you can trust its quality and reliability.

Japan eSIM Unlimited Max | Unlimited Data* | Data-Only | 1 – 30 Days
- This offers 1GB of daily high-speed data along with unlimited data at 10Mbps, making it a great choice for staying connected in Japan. Valid for up to 30 days (24 hours per day), it’s designed for data only, so make sure to activate it within 90 days of purchase. It also has received positive feedback with 7 customer reviews, reflecting user satisfaction.

Japan 5G eSIM | 1GB / Day | Data-Only | 7 – 15 Days
- This plan provides 1GB of data per day at 4G/LTE speeds, ensuring fast connectivity for your travels in Japan. It is valid for up to 15 days and is designed for data only, so remember to activate it within 90 days of purchase. The plan has garnered positive feedback, with 16 customer reviews highlighting user satisfaction.

Japan (Docomo IIJ) eSIM | 1GB / Day | Data-Only | 7 – 14 Days
- This 1GB of data per day at 4G/LTE speeds, making it a reliable choice for staying connected during your travels in Japan. Valid for up to 14 days, it is specifically for data only, so be sure to activate it within 90 days of purchase. Although it has received 3 customer reviews, it provides a solid option for those looking to maintain mobile connectivity while exploring the country.

Japan 5G eSIM | 1GB | Data-Only | 7 Days
- This plan offers 1GB of data with 4G/5G speeds, providing reliable connectivity for your time in Japan. Valid for 7 days and designed for data only, it’s important to activate it within 90 days of purchase. Although it has received 2 customer reviews, it serves as a convenient option for travellers looking to stay connected while exploring the country.

Japan (Docomo IIJ) eSIM | 30GB | Data-Only | 60 Days
- This plan offers 30GB of data at 4G/LTE speeds for 60 days, designed for data only. Remember to activate it within 90 days of purchase for seamless connectivity during your travels in Japan.

Asia Explorer 5G eSIM 10 Countries | 3 – 50GB | Japan Included | 30 Days
- This plan offers up to 50GB of data at 4G/5G speeds for 30 days and is designed for data only. It can be used in 10 countries and has received 22 customer reviews, highlighting its reliability.

Asia Explorer eSIM 14 Countries | 1GB Daily Data | 3 – 30 Days
- This plan provides 1GB of data per day at 4G/LTE speeds for up to 30 days and is designed for data only. It can be used in 14 countries and should be activated within 90 days of purchase. It has received 34 customer reviews, indicating strong user satisfaction.

World Explorer eSIM | 13GB* | Data-Only | 365 Days
- This plan offers a total of 13GB, comprising 8GB of data and 5GB for social media, valid for 365 days. It should be activated within 180 days of purchase and can be used in 74 countries. Please note that it is incompatible with Pixel devices and has received 2 customer reviews.

Can I Buy eSIM at Japan Airport? Discover Now!