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How Good Is the Internet in Tokyo?
Tokyo has some of the fastest consumer internet in the world. The median speed is around 180 Mbps, and fiber connections in apartments regularly hit 500 Mbps–1 Gbps. For video calls, streaming, and large file transfers, you'll rarely have issues.
The real question for nomads is how to access that speed — especially in your first days.
Option 1: Travel SIM Card
The easiest way to get online immediately. Buy a data-only SIM at the airport or any electronics store. Most work with unlocked phones and activate instantly.
Top picks:
- IIJmio Travel SIM — Reliable, available at airports and Bic Camera. Data-only.
- Mobal — Popular with nomads. Can add a Japanese phone number.
- Ubigi / Airalo (eSIM) — No physical SIM needed if your phone supports eSIM. Activate before landing.
Cost: $15–30 for 2–4 weeks of data (3–20 GB). Unlimited plans start around $30–40/month.
Tip: If you plan to stay more than a month, consider a monthly SIM from Linemo, Povo, or Ahamo — all are carrier-grade with better speeds.
Option 2: Pocket Wifi
A small portable wifi router that connects to Japan's 4G/5G network and broadcasts a local wifi signal. Useful if you have multiple devices or your phone doesn't support Japanese SIM cards.
Cost: $3–8/day for rental. Monthly plans start around $40.
Where to rent: Airport pickup counters (Global Wifi, Japan Wifi Buddy) or online delivery to your accommodation.
Downside: You need to charge it daily, and speeds are limited to 20–50 Mbps.
Option 3: Apartment Wifi
Most monthly apartments and share houses include wifi. Quality varies widely:
- Monthly apartments: Usually decent (50–200 Mbps). Always ask the host for a speed test before committing.
- Share houses: Shared connection can be slower during peak hours. Ask about the number of residents and bandwidth.
- Guest houses/hostels: Typically 10–50 Mbps. Adequate for browsing but may struggle with video calls.
Tip: If the provided wifi isn't fast enough, a pocket wifi as a backup can save your workday.
Option 4: Coworking & Cafe Wifi
- Coworking spaces: 100–200 Mbps is standard. WeWork and Fabbit are at the top.
- Specialty cafes: 20–80 Mbps. Streamer Coffee and Brooklyn Roasting Company are reliable.
- Chain cafes (Starbucks, Doutor, Tully's): Free wifi available, usually 10–30 Mbps. Decent for email and browsing.
- Convenience stores: 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart have free wifi, but it's slow and requires registration.
What Speeds Do You Actually Need?
| Activity | Minimum Speed | |----------|--------------| | Email and browsing | 5 Mbps | | Video calls (Zoom, Meet) | 10–15 Mbps | | HD video streaming | 15–25 Mbps | | Large file uploads | 25+ Mbps | | Multiple devices | 50+ Mbps |
For most nomad work, 25 Mbps is the practical minimum. In Tokyo, you'll usually exceed this easily.
First-Day Checklist
- Before landing: Set up an eSIM (Airalo, Ubigi) if your phone supports it.
- At the airport: Buy a physical SIM or pick up pocket wifi if needed.
- At your accommodation: Test the wifi speed. If under 25 Mbps, have a backup plan.
- Within the first week: If staying 1+ months, consider a monthly SIM (Ahamo, Linemo, Povo) for better value.
For the complete arrival checklist, see Your First Week in Tokyo.