SIM Card & eSIM at Narita Airport
You need a connection the moment you land. Here's where to get one — by terminal, by opening hours, and whether to buy before you fly or at the airport.
At a Glance
| Option | Best for | Where | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| eSIM (pre-bought online) | Fastest setup, no queue | Any device, activate on landing | Buy anytime |
| SIM vending machine | 24h availability, no staff needed | T1 / T2 / T3 (see below) | 24h |
| SoftBank counter | Advice, physical SIM | T1 Central 1F, T2 Main 1F | 4:30–23:00 |
| JAL ABC counter | Physical SIM, Wi-Fi rental | T1 / T2 multiple floors | 4:30–22:00 approx |
| 7-Eleven / Lawson | 24h, prepaid SIM | T1 / T2 / T3 | 24h |
eSIM — Recommended for Most Travelers
If your phone supports eSIM (most iPhones since XS, most Android flagships since 2020), buy and install an eSIM before boarding. You'll have data the moment the plane lands — no queues, no counters.
Popular Japan eSIM providers: IIJmio, Rakuten Mobile (via app), Holafly, Airalo, and others. Compare plans by data volume and validity before your trip.
Requirement: Your phone must be carrier-unlocked to use a Japan eSIM or SIM.
Physical SIM — What's Available by Terminal
All locations are in the Before Security (landside) area — accessible on arrival before you exit customs.
Terminal 1
| Provider | Floor / Location |
|---|---|
| SoftBank Global Rental | Central Bldg. 1F |
| Rakuten Mobile | Central Bldg. 4F |
| JAL ABC | North Wing 1F & 4F · South Wing 1F & 4F · Central 4F |
| J WiFi & Mobile | North Wing 4F · South Wing 4F · Central 1F |
| AnyFone JAPAN | Central 1F |
| Telecomsquare | South Wing 4F · Central 1F |
| XCom Global | North Wing 4F · Central 1F |
| GPA SIM Vending Machine | South Wing 1F · Central 1F (24h) |
Terminal 2
| Provider | Floor / Location |
|---|---|
| SoftBank Global Rental | Main Bldg. 1F |
| JAL ABC | Main Bldg. 1F · 3F |
| J WiFi & Mobile | Main Bldg. 1F · 3F |
| AnyFone JAPAN | Main Bldg. 1F |
| Telecomsquare | Main Bldg. B1F · 3F |
| XCom Global | Main Bldg. B1F |
| GPA SIM Vending Machine | Main Bldg. 1F (x2) · 2F (x4) (24h) |
Terminal 3
| Provider | Floor / Location |
|---|---|
| J WiFi & Mobile | Main Bldg. 1F |
| GPA SIM Vending Machine | Main Bldg. 1F (24h) |
Selection at T3 is limited. If you want a specific carrier, pick up your SIM at T1 or T2.
Source: Narita Airport official SIM/rental page
24-Hour Options — 7-Eleven & Lawson
Both chains sell prepaid data SIM cards from major Japanese carriers (Docomo, au, SoftBank).
- 7-Eleven: T1, T2, and T3 — open 24h
- Lawson: T1 (outside customs) and T2 (basement area) — open approx. 4:30–22:00
Prices for 7-day SIMs typically start around ¥3,000–¥4,000 (approx. $20–$27). Activate by following the instructions in the package.
What to Have Ready
- Passport — required for physical SIM registration at counters
- Unlocked phone — must be carrier-unlocked for Japan SIMs/eSIMs
- Credit card or cash — most counters accept both; vending machines may require cash or IC card
- Itinerary length — choose a plan that covers your trip (7-day, 15-day, 30-day options available)
FAQ
Can I get connected immediately when I land?
Yes — if you have an eSIM already installed, it activates as soon as you turn off airplane mode. For a physical SIM from a vending machine, you insert it and follow the activation steps on the package (usually 5–10 minutes).
Is eSIM better than a physical SIM?
For most travelers: yes. No queue, no counter, activate on landing. The main exception is if you need a voice SIM (eSIM data-only plans don't include a Japanese phone number for calls).
What's the cheapest option?
Convenience store SIMs (7-Eleven/Lawson) and online eSIMs are generally the most affordable. Airport counter prices are sometimes higher than buying online before your trip.
My phone is locked to my home carrier. What should I do?
Contact your carrier before traveling to unlock it. If it can't be unlocked, consider renting a pocket Wi-Fi router at the airport instead (available at JAL ABC, XCom Global, J WiFi & Mobile counters).
Counter hours and carrier availability are subject to change. Confirm before travel.
Arrival checklist → Arrival Guide
Terminal 3 options → Terminal 3 Guide