City, Japan
Internet in Kyoto: speed, SIM cards and coworking
Is the internet good in Kyoto?
Median fixed broadband in Japan is 234 Mbps and mobile is 66 Mbps (Speedtest Global Index, 2026-08). Cafés are slow-paced and not laptop-friendly; free wifi is limited. Station and department-store lounges and hotel lobbies are alternatives.
Getting online in Kyoto
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Home fibre | Fibre is standard in modern apartments; machiya townhouses often have only pocket wifi. Plan on 4,000–6,000 JPY a month. |
| Cafés and coworking | Cafés are slow-paced and not laptop-friendly; free wifi is limited. Station and department-store lounges and hotel lobbies are alternatives. |
| Tourist SIM | Data-only SIMs and eSIMs sold at airports and Bic Camera or Yodobashi, about ¥2,000–6,000; voice numbers need a residence card. |
| eSIM | Local carriers sell eSIMs to visitors. |
| Carriers | docomo, au, SoftBank, Rakuten Mobile |
| Monthly data plan | ¥3,000–5,000 ($19–32) |
Coworking in Kyoto
There's no dedicated coworking scene here; people work from cafés and accommodation.
Internet speeds in East Asia
National medians, Speedtest Global Index.
| Country | Fixed | Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| Hong Kong | 362 Mbps | 89 Mbps |
| Macau | 322 Mbps | — |
| Taiwan | 298 Mbps | 111 Mbps |
| South Korea | 251 Mbps | 251 Mbps |
| China | 238 Mbps | 176 Mbps |
| Japan | 234 Mbps | 66 Mbps |
| Mongolia | 86 Mbps | — |
Quick answers
Is the internet fast in Kyoto?
Median fixed broadband in Japan is 234 Mbps and mobile is 66 Mbps (Speedtest Global Index, 2026-08). Cafés are slow-paced and not laptop-friendly; free wifi is limited. Station and department-store lounges and hotel lobbies are alternatives.
Which SIM card should I get in Kyoto?
Data-only SIMs and eSIMs sold at airports and Bic Camera or Yodobashi, about ¥2,000–6,000; voice numbers need a residence card.
Can I use an eSIM in Japan?
Yes. Local carriers sell eSIMs to visitors, and travel eSIMs work too.
More about Kyoto
Going to Kyoto solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Kyoto meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
- Speedtest Global Index: Japan
- docomo
- au
- SoftBank
- Rakuten Mobile
- Kyoto City Official Travel Guide
- Kyoto City Transportation Bureau
- Kansai Airport
Speeds are medians from Ookla's Speedtest Global Index, cited for reference. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.