Do I need an eSIM in Japan? · Before you land
before-you-land.tiiny.site
Dated Japan eSIM notes. Affiliate disclosure. Checked 29 Aug 2026.

Suica tap is FeliCa. It works offline at the gate. It does not give you Maps.

Welcome Suica Mobile (JR East, as of March 2026): 180 days, no refund, listed for iOS / watchOS. That is Wallet, not cellular.

eSIM is the other chip. Check *#06# for an EID. Install on home Wi-Fi the night before Narita. WhatsApp/Maps/Translate ride the eSIM. They do not need a Japanese phone number.

Dated note: https://before-you-land.tiiny.site/japan/need-esim/

Airalo checkout on that page is affiliate. Holafly and Ubigi stay official.