eSIM or roaming: which is better

We compare price and convenience for one-week and four-week trips. In this article we go through what actually matters once you land: getting around, what things cost, and staying online from the very first minute.

Transport comes first. Booking ahead is usually cheaper, and almost everything is handled from your phone these days: tickets, entries and offline maps. That's why landing with data already working beats hunting for airport wifi.

The second tip is to budget calmly. Eating at local markets costs a fraction of tourist areas and is usually better. Save the big spend for one or two experiences you'll remember.

Finally, connectivity. An eSIM is installed before you leave home and activates by itself when you arrive in Japan, so you can book a taxi or message home as soon as you land.