First eSIM vending machine installed at Tokyo Station

An image of a vending machine superimposed on Tokyo Station

A dedicated vending machine offering eSIMs has been installed at Tokyo Station.

SKY Corporation, a provider of mobile communication services for international travelers, has set up a terminal style vending machine for its “WorldWide eSIM” brand at the JR Expressway Bus ticket counter at the Yaesu exit of Tokyo Station.

A Worldwide eSIM vending terminal — WorldWide eSIM offers a range of eSIMs for use in Japan and South Korea

eSIM technology offers several advantages for travelers, including the elimination of physical SIM cards and the ability to switch between multiple mobile plans.

The automated vending terminals provide a convenient and efficient means of obtaining eSIMs, particularly for travelers arriving at major transportation hubs.

The Tokyo Station vending terminal was installed on March 1st and allows travelers to conveniently purchase eSIMs that be be used both in Japan and South Korea.

The JR Expressway Bus entrance at Tokyo Station — The eSIM vending terminal has been setup near the JR Expressway Bus ticket counter

Since 2009 SKY Corporation have operated “J WiFi & Mobile” a brand offering Wi-Fi rentals and physical SIM card sales.

As of 2025, the company has eight “J WiFi & Mobile” counters at Narita, Haneda and Naha airports catering to the communication needs of visitors arriving in Japan.

Building upon its existing services, SKY Corporation began installing dedicated “WorldWide eSIM” vending terminals in 2024, starting with a terminal at its Narita Airport Terminal 1 counter.

Prior to this most visitors seeking to use an eSIM in Japan typically had to purchase a “roaming” eSIM from a retailer outside of Japan that works similar to a normal SIM card using data roaming or order a Japanese eSIM and activate it via WiFi once in the country.

The positive reception of this service at their airport locations has prompted the company to expand its deployment to Tokyo Station.

The newly installed terminal at the Tokyo Station Yaesu exit JR Expressway Bus ticket counter offers eSIMs for both Japan and South Korea.

A close-up photograph of the Worldwide eSIM vending machine at Tokyo Station — The vending terminal was installed on March 1st

The terminal’s location adjacent to the ticket booth entrance provides convenient access for travelers utilizing the expressway bus services.

The eSIM purchase process involves the following steps:

Plan Selection: Users select a suitable plan based on their travel duration and data requirements.
Payment: The terminal accepts cashless payment methods, including credit cards, transportation IC cards, and various QR code payment systems.
Email Entry: Users enter their email address to receive the eSIM QR code and setup instructions.
QR Code Print: The terminal generates a printed QR code containing the eSIM profile.
Activation: Users scan the QR code with their smartphones and complete the setup to activate the eSIM.

The terminal offers a diverse range of plans from multiple carriers, exceeding the options available with physical SIM cards.

eSIMs can be purchased and activated within approximately five minutes and the entire purchase and activation process is automated.

As the terminal is aimed at international travelers it also supports Japanese, English, and Korean languages.

A mid-distance photograph of the Worldwide eSIM vending machine at Tokyo Station — The new vending terminal is located just inside the station entrance

SKY Corporation plans to expand the deployment of “WorldWide eSIM” vending terminals throughout Japan starting from March 2025.

The company is currently pursuing partnerships with potential installation locations and distributors aims to install 100 units within the current year.

Source: PR Times