Best Carriers in Japan: Comparison for Travellers
eSIM from 1,00 USD · 100 MB. Networks: KDDI/au (5G), NTT docomo (4G), NTT docomo (5G), Rakuten Mobile (5G), SoftBank (5G).
Carriers in Japan: comparison
NTT Docomo
Best for: Widest coverage including rural Japan
- Largest network; reliable on shinkansen and mountain routes
- Best choice for travelling outside major cities
SoftBank
Best for: Urban speeds and 5G
- Strong in Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto
- Good on popular tourist routes; weaker in deep countryside
au (KDDI)
Best for: Balance of speed and coverage
- Good nationwide reach and competitive in cities
- Strong in western Japan (Kansai, Kyushu)
With an eSIM you don't choose a carrier directly — the eSIM provider has agreements with one or more local networks. What matters is which network(s) your plan uses and whether it covers the areas you'll visit.
Where any carrier can drop signal
- Deep mountain areas (Nikko and Hakone lake districts)
- Remote islands (Yakushima, Iriomote in Okinawa)
- Some train tunnels on scenic rural lines
- Basement floors of dense Tokyo electronics districts