Step 4
Power & Connectivity (SIM)
This information is as of 2026/08/11.
Connectivity may vary by region and season.
Voltage & Plug Types
Electrical standards and outlet shapes
⚡100V / 50Hz (East) / 60Hz (West)
🔌Type A(Flat 2-pin (ungrounded))
🔄Not needed from US (2-pin only)
💡3-pin grounded plugs need a 2-pin adapter. 100V is unique but most chargers handle it.
Buying a SIM Card
Where to buy, costs, and activation process
📱NTT Docomo, au (KDDI), SoftBank, Rakuten Mobile
🏪Airport vending machines, BIC Camera, carrier counters
📋Passport required for activation
💰Tourist SIM from $15-40 for 7-30 days
💡Airport vending machines offer instant data SIMs; eSIM also widely available.
eSIM & Mobile Wi-Fi
eSIM availability and portable Wi-Fi rental
📶Widely available
🏢Airalo, Holafly, Ubigi, IIJmio eSIM, au eSIM, Rakuten eSIM
💰$5-30 for 1-10GB / 7-30 days
💡IIJmio data eSIM activates instantly online; Ubigi also popular among tourists.
Wi-Fi Availability
Public Wi-Fi coverage and security
📡Excellent — extensive free WiFi network
🏨Fast and free in all hotels and ryokans
☕Free in convenience stores, stations, cafes, and via Japan Wi-Fi auto-connect app
💡Download Japan Wi-Fi auto-connect app for seamless access at 200,000+ spots.
Internet Restrictions & VPN
Blocked services and VPN recommendations
🔒None — unrestricted internet
🚫None — all services freely accessible
🛡️Not needed
💡Japan has completely open internet with excellent speeds everywhere.
Useful Local Apps
Must-have apps for transport, translation, and maps
🚗Suica/PASMO app, Japan Taxi, Uber (limited)
🗺️Google Maps (excellent for transit), Navitime
💬LINE (essential), WhatsApp
💡LINE is how Japanese communicate; Google Maps has real-time transit info.
International Calls
How to make international calls and alternatives
📞+81 (Japan)
🆘110 (Police), 119 (Fire/Ambulance)
📲Dial 010 + country code + number for international calls
💡Emergency calls work from any phone; English support available on 110.