Network coverage in Japan: map and covered areas
Wondering whether you'll have mobile signal in Japan? Short answer: yes, almost everywhere. Your PlanJapan eSIM runs on NTT docomo, Japan's number one network, with 99% data coverage — from Hokkaidō to Okinawa, Shinkansen included. Here's the map, and the detail area by area.
The most reliable network in Japan
Rest easy: the PlanJapan eSIM gives you 99% data coverage nationwide thanks to Japan's fastest and most reliable network, NTT docomo. From Hokkaidō to Okinawa, in the city and on the Shinkansen at 320 km/h, you stay connected.
Where your eSIM works in Japan
A map is one thing; knowing what it means for your trip is another. City, countryside, basements, islands: here's what our travellers actually experience in each type of area. The Shinkansen and ski resorts get their own section just after.
Big cities: Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto…
In the big cities — Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, but also Nagoya, Fukuoka and Sapporo — you get continuous 4G/5G: on the street, in shopping centres, right down to basement izakayas. Instagram stories, WhatsApp video calls, Google Maps directions: everything works, just like at home, with no VPN and nothing blocked. TikTok, WhatsApp and your banking apps are all reachable without restriction — handy for approving a payment from a konbini.
The Tokyo metro and basements
The Tokyo metro lives underground — and the network follows you down there. On the platforms and in most carriages, you keep your connection to follow your route station by station. In the rare very deep tunnels, the connection comes back on its own at the next station: nothing to do, no restart.
Countryside, temples and valleys
Kamakura, Nikkō, a ryokan at the end of a valley: the Japanese countryside is far better covered than you'd imagine. As Marie, a PlanJapan customer, puts it: "the network works as well in the countryside as in the city". For the most remote hikes, download your map offline as a precaution — that's our only piece of advice.
The islands: Hokkaidō and Okinawa
From the north to the south of the archipelago, the PlanJapan eSIM gives you 99% data coverage. Sapporo, the beaches of Okinawa, Naha: you stay connected from one end of Japan to the other, even in the more out-of-the-way corners, on the NTT docomo network.
Internet on the Shinkansen: yes, it works
You get on in Tokyo, you get off in Kyoto a little over two hours later — and in between you've answered your messages, posted your photos and picked out somewhere for dinner. That's the typical experience for our travellers: coverage follows the line, even on the Shinkansen at 320 km/h. No temperamental train Wi-Fi to set up, no login portal: your eSIM works away on its own while Mount Fuji slides past the window.
- Stable connection at cruising speed — Google Maps, messaging apps and social media stay with you for the whole journey.
- Mountain tunnels — brief micro-dropouts can happen; it reconnects automatically a few seconds later, with nothing to touch.
- Tethering included with no limit — connect the kids' tablet or your laptop during the journey. How to turn on the hotspot →
Internet while skiing in Japan: Hakuba, Niseko & co
Off to find the powder? In resorts like Hakuba or Niseko, coverage is there in the villages, the accommodation and the resorts' living areas: you can share your days on the slopes, book restaurants and stay in touch with your group.
At high altitude and off-piste, stay careful: as anywhere in the mountains, speeds can drop in areas where network coverage is limited, and some isolated sectors fall out of range. Never rely on your phone alone off-piste — that's as true in Japan as in the Alps. Back at the chalet in the evening, tethering included with no limit turns your eSIM into Wi-Fi for the whole group.
The mountain habit: download the resort map offline before you head up, agree a meeting point with your group, and keep your phone warm — the cold drains the battery faster than 5G does.
NTT docomo, explained simply
Mobile networks in Japan rest on three big carriers: NTT docomo, SoftBank and KDDI au. Your PlanJapan eSIM connects to NTT docomo — and there's nothing for you to set up.
Japan's number one network
NTT docomo is Japan's number one carrier. It's the network your eSIM uses the moment you land, with 99% data coverage nationwide — the same one the Japanese people around you are on.
4G/5G, at full speed
You browse at full speed (5G/4G/LTE), which can drop in areas where network coverage is limited — typically deep in the mountains. In the city, your videos and video calls just work.
Zero setup
No APN to type in, no network to pick: the eSIM activates automatically in Japan and reconnects on its own from one region to the next. See the step-by-step install →
While other eSIMs spread themselves across 190 countries, ours does one thing only: Japan — Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, the slopes of Hokkaidō, the beaches of Okinawa, and even the Shinkansen at 320 km/h. That's also what explains the difference in price and reliability: see our Japan eSIM comparison →
Japan's real network, in 5G.
Our eSIMs connect to NTT docomo — rated Japan's most reliable network. Here's what it looks like on the ground.
Typical speeds observed in urban areas on 5G. Speed varies by location, device and network load.
4 habits to stay connected
Coverage does the heavy lifting. These four habits do the rest — from take-off to your return, stress-free and with no nasty surprise on the bill.
Install before you leave
Your QR code arrives by email 2 minutes after purchase. Install the eSIM at your leisure on your home Wi-Fi: you have 180 days to activate it. Installation guide →
On the plane: airplane mode
As usual, airplane mode during the flight — nothing else to do. Your eSIM waits patiently for landing; it uses nothing at all until you're in Japan.
On arrival: it's automatic
The eSIM activates automatically in Japan. Just check that "data roaming" is switched on for the PlanJapan line. Not sure? Our troubleshooting guide →
While you're there: let it work
Reconnection from one region to the next is automatic: train, ferry, cable car, it keeps up. Keep an eye on your remaining data. Track your usage →
Your network questions, our answers
Yes. NTT docomo coverage follows the Shinkansen lines, even at 320 km/h. Brief micro-dropouts can happen in some tunnels: reconnection is automatic within seconds, with nothing for you to do.
In the resorts and villages, you're covered: you can share your days on the slopes and stay in touch with your group. At high altitude and off-piste, coverage becomes variable: download your maps offline before heading up and never rely on your phone alone off-piste.
Yes, on the platforms and in most carriages: you can follow your route even underground. In the rare very deep tunnels, the connection comes back on its own at the next station, with no restart.
The PlanJapan eSIM gives you 99% data coverage on the NTT docomo network, from Hokkaidō to Okinawa. Big cities, beaches, countryside: you stay connected from one end of the archipelago to the other.
Turn on airplane mode for 10 seconds then turn it off: your eSIM reconnects to the network automatically. Also check that "data roaming" is switched on for the PlanJapan line. If the problem persists, follow our step-by-step guide → or contact support, 7 days a week.
Network: sorted. Japan is waiting.
NTT docomo 4G/5G network, 99% data coverage, QR code by email in 2 minutes, free guide + Google Maps map and support 7 days a week.
Choose my plan →Satisfaction guaranteed · −5% from 2 eSIMs, −10% from 3