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This guide is perfect for travelers looking to stay connected without overpaying or getting lost in translation.
Data Roaming in Japan for Travelers: Rates & How to Avoid it
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Japan is a popular travel destination that attracts millions of visitors annually for its rich culture, cities, natural beauty, and cuisine. However, unlike some countries, free public WiFi is limited in Japan. Most travelers rely on mobile data roaming, but charges can be expensive. This article discusses roaming rates, activating data roaming in Japan, using eSIM as an alternative, and tips to avoid high fees so your Japan trip has smooth internet access.
In this article
I. What is Data Roaming in Japan?
Data roaming allows you to use mobile data abroad through agreements between your home carrier and foreign networks. With limited free WiFi in Japan, travelers often rely on roaming, which typically costs around $10/day.
To manage costs:
- Use WiFi when available
- Consider Japan eSIM plans for longer trips
- Disable roaming and use WiFi-only if needed
- Check your carrier’s roaming policies before travel
II. How Does Data Roaming Work in Japan?
Imagine you’re in Japan and need to use your phone’s internet. Roaming lets you connect to a Japanese network instead of your home network, so you can still browse, use apps, and stay connected. Think of it like borrowing a neighbor’s Wi-Fi when yours is down.
How does it work?
- Your phone finds a local network: When you land in Japan, your phone automatically searches for a compatible network operator, like Docomo, SoftBank, or au.
- Connection and charges: Once connected, your phone use is charged according to the agreement between your home operator and the Japanese network. These charges can be much higher than your regular plan, so be careful!
III. Is Roaming Expensive in Japan?
Yes, roaming rates in Japan can be quite expensive compared to using mobile data locally in your home country.
| Operator | Calls (USD) | Texts (USD) | Data (USD) |
| au | $0.40/min | $0.20/text | $0.01/KB |
| ntt docomo | $0.40/min | $0.20/text | $0.01/KB |
| Rakuten Mobile | $0.30/min | $0.10/text | $0.005/KB |
| softbank | $0.40/min | $0.20/text | $0.01/KB |
So all combined, expect to pay 2x to 5x times more per MB used while roaming compared to normal domestic data usage based on your plan. Watch out for any complimentary daily data limits too.
Recommendation: Consider purchasing a local prepaid SIM card/eSIM for longer stays, as it can be more cost-effective than roaming. Look for free Wi-Fi hotspots whenever possible to avoid data roaming charges.
IV. How to Activate Roaming for Japan on Your Phone
If you do want to use roaming service while visiting Japan, here are the basics to get it working on your phone:
- Contact Your Carrier at Home. Call your mobile carrier to ensure your plan allows international roaming in Japan. Ask them to enable it on your account for the dates you’ll be traveling.
- Enable Data Roaming Setting. On your smartphone, go into Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Network > Enable Roaming access and data roaming options.
- Allow Auto Network Selection. Enable your phone to automatically select a roaming partner carrier in Japan once you land and turn on your phone.
- Use Roaming When You Arrive. After landing in Japan and turning on your phone, it will scan and connect to the Japanese carrier with best signal – usually au, Softbank or Docomo. Confirm you’re roaming by checking the carrier name displayed on your phone.
Once connected, you can use data like normal to access maps, translation apps or internet while traveling in Japan! However, excessive usage will result in roaming overage charges. So consider steps to minimize this next.
V. How to Avoid Roaming Charges in Japan
Roaming isn’t the only way to access internet during your Japan trip. More affordable alternatives are available through eSIM, pocket WiFi, and local SIM cards. You can also find free WiFi spots throughout the country. Let’s explore these options to help you choose the best solution for your needs.
Prepaid International Japan SIM Card
International SIM cards offer a practical solution for travelers needing internet access in Japan. Similar to your regular SIM card at home, these travel-specific cards provide cellular data for a set period at lower costs than most alternatives. Their widespread availability makes them a convenient choice, with purchase options available at many locations throughout Japan.
eSIM for Japan
eSIM is a digital alternative to physical SIM cards that connects directly to your phone. It provides local data plans at lower costs than roaming, with flexible package options for your trip duration. This modern solution offers reliable, high-speed internet access throughout Japan without the hassle of changing physical cards.Share
A provider offering Japan eSIM data packages include GIGAGO. Get fast LTE data starting from just $7.5 when you purchase a Japan eSIM package from Gigago. Purchase a Japan eSIM package from Gigago before your trip and be ready to explore on arrival!
Pocket WiFi
Pocket WiFi devices provide portable internet access for international travelers. These compact units are particularly cost-effective for group travel since multiple devices can share one connection. Companies like Japan Experience and Travel WiFi offer rental services, with prices ranging from $70 to $90 for a week. While convenient, consider the relatively high rental costs and potential penalties for loss or damage before choosing this option.
Free WiFi
Japan offers numerous free WiFi spots throughout the country. While not reliable as a primary internet source, these locations can serve as backup during emergencies or when your data runs out.
Apps like Avast Wi-Fi Finder, WinMan, and WiFi Map can help locate free hotspots quickly. Remember to avoid sharing sensitive information when using public networks.
VI. How to Turn Off Data Roaming in Japan
If you rather not pay roaming charges and want to disable data connectivity during your trip, here’s how to turn off roaming in Japan on both Android and iPhones when in Japan:
1. Turn Off International Roaming on Android Phones
On Android devices, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Network:
- Disable Roaming access entirely
- Disable data roaming specifically
This will prevent your phone from connecting to local carriers via roaming when in Japan. Confirm by checking the network name displayed does not change when in Japan.
2. Turn Off International Roaming on iPhones
On iPhones, go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options:
- Disable Data Roaming option
- Alternatively can enable Airplane Mode which disables all connections
Double check that your iPhone does not connect to au, Docomo or Softbank networks and avoids roaming fees.
If you plan to use even a moderate amount of data in Japan, it’s recommended to instead get a local SIM or eSIM plan to avoid roaming instead of disabling it entirely. But the steps above give you full control to turn it off if preferred.
VII. FAQs about Data Roaming in Japan
Are free public WiFi networks widely available in Japan?
No, Japan lags behind other Asian countries in terms of free public WiFi access. Paid WiFi hotspots at cafes, hotels and tourist spots are available but not free municipal WiFi.
Can I use mobile hotspot while roaming in Japan?
Yes, you can enable mobile hotspot on your phone to share your roaming data connection in Japan. But extra charges may apply for this tethering usage depending on your home carrier.
Will 5G roaming be available in Japan?
5G roaming is not widely accessible for foreign travelers in Japan yet. Japan is still building out its 5G network coverage limited to major cities now. Expect 5G roaming to become available over the next 2-3 years.
Can I use roaming on prepaid SIM card from another country?
It depends. Some prepaid SIM providers block roaming capabilities. Others allow roaming in Japan but charge inflated rates. Check with your prepaid provider first regarding Japan roaming.
How can I monitor or limit my roaming usage in Japan?
Most smartphones provide data usage tools in settings to monitor usage when roaming. You can also set up roaming data limits and alerts on many carriers to control overages.
IX. Conclusion
Japan requires mobile data pre-planning as roaming provides connectivity but at inflated $10/day rates. To reduce costs, selectively enable data in airplane mode, use WiFi instead of cellular data, and limit streaming. For longer trips or heavy usage, affordable Japan eSIM plans avoid roaming fees. Disable roaming entirely and rely solely on WiFi if needed. Understanding roaming charges and taking steps to minimize bills ensures a smoothly connected Japan trip without surprises.
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