If *#06# has no EID, a Japan eSIM will not install. That is most dumbphones, and some carrier-locked smartphones.

The Narita/HND/KIX counter then sells a pocket Wi-Fi you return. It is a battery. Maps still work if you keep it charged. A group that splits (one person at a shrine, one in a cafe) only covers whoever is next to the brick.

If a second phone in the bag has an EID, an eSIM on that phone is the maps line. Suica is still a FeliCa card for most overseas Android — buy plastic at the machine.

Dated SKUs 2026-08-29:

  • Ubigi 10GB/7d US$14 (Docomo)
  • Airalo 7d 5GB US$10; unlimited 7d US$27
  • Holafly 7d US$27.50 (hotspot 1GB/day)

https://before-you-land.tiiny.site/japan/pocket-wifi/ — Airalo affiliate; others official.