Does T-mobile work in Japan? Roaming Plans, Set-up and Alternatives

This article was reviewed on 03 December 2025. Information may have changed since publication. Please verify with the relevant provider.

Securing mobile data in Japan is a must. Free WiFi locations may be limited, especially in the countryside.There are many options to choose from—T-Mobile roaming plans, local SIMs, global eSIMs, and rental WiFi plans, and more.

The article will cover T-Mobile plans and guides to set up your data roaming. Discover alternative mobile data options you can use in Japan. Wise is also introduced as a seamless payment option for your travels.

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Table of contents
Does T-Mobile work in Japan? Roaming with T-Mobile: Options and Cost Setting up your T-Mobile International Pass: Step-by-step guide Alternatives to Data Roaming Travel easily around Japan with Wise

Does T-Mobile work in Japan?

T-Mobile works in Japan. In fact, T-Mobile covers 215+ destinations. The list below is a short comparison of T-Mobile Japan plans you can choose from. Depending on your length of stay, the plans recommended differ.¹

Quick Comparison²

Length of Stay	Recommended Plans	Total Price & Data allowance
7 days	International Pass 10 Days	$35 for 5GB
10 days	International Pass 10 Days	$35 for 5GB
14 days	International Pass 30 Days	$50 for 15GB
30 days	International Pass 30 Days	$50 for 15GB

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Roaming with T-Mobile: Options and Cost

There are three options when it comes to roaming with T-Mobile. Monthly plan, International pass, and Pay-as-you-go roaming. Here are the lists for each below.

Monthly plan with inclusive roaming:

Plan¹	Data	Calling
Experience Beyond & Go5G Next plans	Unlimited texting, Up to 15GB high-speed data then unlimited up to 256Kbps	$0.25 / min
Experience More, Go5G Plus, MAX & One Plus plans	Unlimited texting, Up to 5GB high-speed data then unlimited up to 256Kbps	$0.25 / min
Go5G, Magenta & One plans	Unlimited texting, Unlimited data up to 256Kbps	$0.25 / min

Based on information found on 03 December 2025.

Price Table:

Plan	Price³
Experience Beyond & Go5G Next plans	$105 / month
Experience More, Go5G Plus, MAX & One Plus plans	$90 / month
Go5G, Magenta & One plans	$60 / month

Based on information found on 03 December 2025.

Adding an international pass to your account:

Plan⁴	Data	Calling
1 Day International Pass (512MB)	High-speed international data up to 512MB & Mobile hotspot	Unlimited up to 24 hours
10 Day International Pass (5GB)	High-speed international data up to 5GB & Mobile hotspot	Unlimited up to 10 days
30 Day International Pass (15GB)	High-speed international data up to 15GB & Mobile hotspot	Unlimited up to 30 days

Based on information found on 03 December 2025.

Price Table:

Plan⁴	Price
1 Day International Pass (512MB)	$5 / 1 day
10 Day International Pass (5GB)	$35 / 10 days
30 Day International Pass (15GB)	$50 / 30 days

Based on information found on 03 December 2025.

Pay-As-You-Go roaming:

If you choose not to go with T-Mobile roaming plan or International Pass, their Pay-as-you-go rates will apply. This option is for those who only use minimum data and do not use streaming apps as it can result in an expensive bill.

Calls: $0.25 / min
Data: $0.01 / MB

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Setting up your T-Mobile International Pass: Step-by-step guide

Setting up your roaming is a simple process. Below are the steps.

Step 1: Check Your Phone’s Compatibility

Check if your phone is compatible with Japan’s frequency bands. Bands supported in Japan:

2G (MHz): none
3G (MHz):

• Band 1 (2100)
• Band 19 (850)

4G (MHz):

• Band 1 (2100)
• Band 3 (1800)
• Band 19 (850)
• Band 21 (1500)
• Band 28 (700)

5G: Available

Modern smartphones with GSM and LTE compatibility will generally work in Japan.

But if you’re worried, here is a checklist you can go through to check the compatibility.

• Is your phone new?
• Is your phone SIM locked? (Your carrier might block you from using other SIMs)
• Did you check the list of Japan’s supported bands?

*For the latest information, please check with your provider to ensure that your Japan trip will be a smooth one. *

Step 2: Adding the roaming plan to the T-Mobile app

Step-by-step guide of how to add T-Mobile roaming on the app:

1. Install the T-Life app
2. Select “Manage” and tap “See Plans”
3. Select “Manage Add-Ons”
4. Add the “One-time Data Pass” you like and tap “Continue”
5. Tap “Change date” to add the starting date*

*If you do not select a date, your pass will activate immediately.

Step 3: Turn on Roaming on your phone

Here is a step-by-step guide of how to turn on roaming for iPhones and android.

iPhone:

1. Go to “Settings”
2. Find “Mobile Services”
3. Turn on “Mobile Data”
4. Select “Mobile Data Options”
5. Turn on “Data Roaming”

Android:

1. Go to “Settings”
2. Tap “Connections” or “Network & Internet”
3. Select “Mobile Networks”
4. Turn on the “Data Roaming”

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Alternatives to Data Roaming

eSIM

There are many eSIM options in Japan with an average cost of $4~5 per GB. In Japan, eSIMs might be slow during busy times like at train stations or tourist spots. Therefore, prepare to pay some extra charges in case you need speed upgrades.

Here are some popular eSIM options that work in Japan.

Types of eSIM	Price (Incl. tax)
Airalo eSIM⁵	1GB: $4.00 for 3 days 3GB: $7.50 for 3 days
ESIMJAPAN⁶	3GB: $9.32 for 7 days
Mobal eSIM⁷	1GB: $10.60 per month*
Sakura Mobile⁸	3GB: $10.60 per day* (200 Kbps after using 3 GB of data per day)

*Calculated based on the conversion rate on 03 December 2025

Local SIM card

How about using local SIM cards while traveling to Japan? On average, they cost around $3.5 per GB and $3-4 per day. If you order online, you can have your SIM cards delivered to your desired locations, such as the airport, hotels, local post offices (best to check their website).

Here are some local SIM cards you can find in Japan.

Types of eSIM	Price (Incl. tax)
Mobal SIM⁷	8 Days (25GB): $30* 16 Days (50GB): $41* 31 Days (50GB): $50*
Sakura Mobile⁸	4 Days: $24* High-speed up to 3GB per day
IIJMio	Depends on the shop you purchase
B-mobile⁹	Docomo: $25* per 30 days for 10GB B-mobile Biz 30GB: $302* per 30 days VISITOR SIM (5GB) for 10 days: $13* VISITOR SIM (7GB) for 21 days: $19*

*Calculated based on the conversion rate on 03 December 2025

WiFi

Japan also has a few popular WiFi options. Depending on the service, WiFi options and items included may vary. On average, it costs around $37 per month.

To pick up rental WiFi, you may be able to select your desired location or visit the shop counter, airport counter etc. You must show your passport at the counter (best to check their website).

WiFi Options	Price
Mobal eSIM (Pocket WiFi)¹⁰	$32* per month Pocket WiFi Stick Price: $45*
Sakura Mobile¹¹	Pocket WiFi: $35* per month Home Internet: $46* per month
Ninja WiFi (Softbank)¹²	Infinite Unlimited Plan: $13* per day Unlimited Plan (10GB): $8* per day Unlimited Plan (5GB): $7* per day Unlimited Plan (3GB): $5* per day Unlimited Plan (1GB): $3* per day 5G Unlimited Plan: $14* per day

*Calculated based on the conversion rate on 03 December 2025

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Travel easily around Japan with Wise

Exchange to JPY at your desired rate before and during your trip

Add money to your Wise account from your bank, or using a card, and exchange to JPY in advance to lock in your exchange rate and fix your budget. Or simply let the card convert for you at the point of payment or withdrawal. In either case you get the mid-market exchange rate and the lowest possible Wise fee.

Withdraw cash from Japan ATMs at no additional fees

Order a Wise card to link to your account, and make some ATM withdrawals every month with the exchange rate you see on Google, low conversion fee, and no ATM fee. You’ll get a fixed free withdrawal allowance every month before the low Wise fees begin, making this a simple and cheap way to get cash when you need it.

Pay seamlessly with virtual and physical Wise cards

Tap and pay in person, make Chip and PIN payments, and add your card to a wallet like Apple Pay for easy spending in Japan and countries around the world. Easy.

Your trip to Japan will be a memorable experience whenever you decide to go. Use this guide to plan, and get Wise today to make your money go even further during your visit to Japan.

Key takeaways

• T-Mobile does work in Japan, but Pay-as-you-go might not be the option if you’re a heavy data user. Better to select the monthly plan or International Pass.
• Crucial to check if your phone is compatible with Japan’s frequency bands.
• Local SIM cards or rental WiFi options are also popular in Japan for those who have a low budget.

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FAQ

Can I use my roaming for my study abroad in Japan?

Yes. You can use your own roaming plans but it is not recommended for medium to long-term stays because it can get extremely expensive.

Also, banks, city offices, delivery apps, and mobile payment services like PayPay often do not send SMS to foreign phone numbers, so if you need to use certain apps like PayPay or LINE, you will need Japanese phone numbers for account verification.

Can I use hotspot/tethering with my roaming plans?

Yes. There is mobile hotspot feature in both T-Mobile roaming plans and International Pass options.

Is data roaming free in Japan?

Data roaming in Japan is not free. In fact, it may lead to high expenses charged from your home career’s service.

Is there free WiFi in Japan?

There is free WiFi in hotels and some cafes, restaurants, or facilities but cannot be certain if they have it on public transportations and train stations. Be prepared to use your data roaming or SIM data whenever you need it.

This article was reviewed on 03 December 2025. Information may have changed since publication. Please verify with the relevant provider.

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Sources:

1. International Roaming Plans for Japan | T-Mobile
2. International Pass: Add Unlimited Calling & International Data | T-Mobile
3. Our Best Unlimited Data Cell Phone Plans: Compare Experience Plans
4. International Pass: Add Unlimited Calling & International Data | T-Mobile
5. eSIM für Japan, ab 4.00 € | Der erste eSIM-Shop der Welt · Airalo
6. eSIMJAPAN.com | Product Category - Japan
7. Japan SIM Card – Data & Phone Number Plans + Free Delivery | Mobal
8. Sakura Mobile | Japan SIM Card
9. Best Pocket WiFi Japan – Fast, Reliable & Affordable | Mobal
10. Japan Monthly Mobile and Internet Plans
11. プリペイドSIM一覧｜b-mobile(bモバイル)
12. Pricing / Plans | NINJA WiFi | Pocket WiFi rental Japan