Updated: 2025-01-27 17:50:48
So, you’ve landed at Haneda Airport at some ungodly hour—midnight, early morning, you name it—and your first thought is, “How the heck do I get online now?” Don’t panic. While most of the usual options for staying connected are closed, there are still a few solid ways to get internet so you’re not left wandering Tokyo like a lost tourist.
Let’s start by scratching off one popular option—the post office at Haneda Airport. If you pre-ordered a Pocket WiFi or SIM card online, it’s probably sitting at the post office in Terminal 1. Picking it up during the day? No problem. But at night or early morning? Nope, they’re closed.
Here’s the deal: the post office runs on weekday hours only, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. They’re off the clock early mornings, late at night, weekends, and on national holidays. So, if your flight lands outside those hours, it’s time to move on to Plan B.
And heads-up—most international flights land at Terminal 3. Between clearing customs, grabbing your luggage, and hopping over to Terminal 1, even landing at 4:00 PM doesn’t guarantee you’ll make it in time. If you want to go with the post office option, make sure your flight lands earlier in the day, or it’s game over.
Okay, what about picking up at the WiFi or SIM card counters at Haneda? There are a bunch of them, but bad news: they’re in the same boat as the post office. Late-night or early-morning arrivals? They’re all shut.
The good news? Some counters have longer hours than the post office. A few might open as early as 7:00 AM and stay open until 11:00 PM. But if you’re banking on picking up your WiFi or SIM card there, double-check their hours beforehand—and make sure you leave yourself enough time to actually get to the counter before they lock up.
Okay, here’s the good stuff: even if the usual suspects (post offices, rental counters) are closed, you can still get online using one of these three methods:
If you haven’t hopped on the eSIM bandwagon yet, now’s the time. An eSIM is like magic: no physical SIM, no vending machine, no waiting.
eSIMs are a game-changer when it comes to travel, but here’s the deal: you’ll want to purchase your eSIM plan before your trip, and then activate it after you land in Japan. Why? eSIMs can only connect to Japan’s networks once you’re physically there, and activating too early could waste valuable validity time.
Haneda Airport does have SIM card vending machines, and the good news? They’re open 24/7. The bad news? There are a few trade-offs:
Another smart move? Pre-order a pocket WiFi or SIM card and have it delivered to your hotel. When you check in, your shiny new device will be waiting for you.
Sure, arriving at Haneda Airport at midnight or early morning isn’t ideal for finding internet, but it’s not impossible. Whether you go with the no-fuss eSIM, gamble on a SIM vending machine, or plan ahead with a hotel delivery, you’ll be covered. If you want the easiest, most stress-free option, I can’t recommend an eSIM enough — get it sorted before you even board the plane, and activate it as soon as you touch down in Japan. You’ll thank yourself later. Safe travels!
