If you’re a traveler to Japan, having an eSIM-enabled device could make your life easier, especially if you love using local data by switching between different carriers. With eSIM, you can easily set up various plans and switch between them with just a few clicks. It also eliminates the issues that come with using physical SIM cards, such as losing them, needing to physically insert and remove them when you want to switch plans, and more.
In this article, we will explore some of the leading Japan eSIM providers you should consider if you plan to travel to Japan in the near future. By the end of this article, you will have all the information you need to choose the eSIM provider that suits your needs. Also, you will get an idea and criteria to decide which will be the suitable eSIM Japan plan for you. Let’s jump right in!
Table of Contents
Quick Tip : Finding a suitable eSIM plan for Japan? Have a look at Best eSIM Japan Plans for your trip to Japan!
Summary of the best eSIM providers in Japan
| Provider | Notable Features | Data Offered | Pricing range (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| ESIM JAPAN | Diverse and affordable plans, rapid activation, reliable coverage, and 24/7 support | 3GB – Unlimited | $3.99 – $54.90 |
| Airalo | Categorized eSIMs, global reach | 1GB – 20GB | $4.50 – $26.00 |
| Holafly | Unlimited plans, reliable coverage | Unlimited | $19.00 – $99.00 |
| Nomad | Unlimited and regular plans, 4G/LTE | 1GB – 15GB | $5.00 – $36.00 |
| AIS | Plans for Japan travelers, 4G/LTE | 1GB – 15GB | $3.39 – $45.45 |
The Best eSIM Japan for travelers
1. ESIM JAPAN
ESIMJAPAN.com is one of the leading eSIM providers in Japan and primarily focuses on providing data-only eSIM plans for visitors to Japan. It provides a diverse array of plans to accommodate the varying needs of travelers. Their offerings include Japan Unlimited plans, Fixed Plans, eSIM plans tailored for regions such as Asia, Australia, and the USA, as well as Asia Unlimited plans, Global Unlimited plans, and City-based plans.
One of the unique features that makes ESIMJAPAN.com stand out is the rapid activation process, where customers get to receive a QR code in their inbox within minutes of ordering, without downloading mobile applications or signing up. Also customers don’t need to provide their passport or sign a contract to purchase it. This QR code serves as the key to instant activation; as soon as it’s scanned and installed on your device, your eSIM plan becomes active and ready to use.
Moreover, ESIM JAPAN’s plans ensure comprehensive coverage throughout Japan with a network through Softbank or KDDI, making them suitable for travelers exploring various parts of the country, including popular cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. These City eSIM Plans allow travelers to be connected better at specific regions. So if you are planning to stay in a specific region, getting a City eSIM Plan from ESIMJAPAN.com will be very helpful. With an extensive range of packages offering different data allowances, durations, and price points, eSIM Japan caters to the diverse requirements of travelers, making it one of the best providers for staying connected while in Japan.
Another factor that has made ESIMJAPAN.com a popular choice for travelers is its reliable 24/7 support despite which time zone you are in. If you run into issues while using their site to configure your eSIM, you can reach out to them and you will be assured of getting prompt feedback from Japan eSIM experts. You can also contact their support if you’re not sure which plan suits your traveling needs or how to activate eSIM. They will answer you from the very basic questions whenever you want.
ESIM JAPAN Pricing
When it comes to prices, ESIM JAPAN offers some of the most competitive data plans. It offers a diverse range of pricing options to cater to various travel needs. They also provide city-based plans with similar pricing structures for added flexibility. Below is a summary of all plans offered by ESIMJAPAN.com. (You can click the data plan’s name to go to see details!)
| Data Plan | Data Amount | Validity | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| eSIM Japan Unlimited Lite | Unlimited | 3 to 12 days | From $3.99 |
| eSIM Japan Unlimited Basic | Unlimited | 3 to 12 days | From $5.99 |
| eSIM Japan Unlimited Pro | Unlimited | 3 to 12 days | From $8.99 |
| eSIM Japan Fixed 3GB for 7 days | 3GB | 7 days | $7.99 |
| eSIM Japan Fixed 5GB for 15 days | 5GB | 15 days | $11.99 |
| eSIM Japan Fixed 7GB for 15 days | 7GB | 15 days | $14.99 |
| eSIM Japan Fixed 10GB for 20 days | 10GB | 20 days | $18.99 |
| eSIM Japan Fixed 15GB for 30 days | 15GB | 30 days | $20.99 |
| eSIM Japan Fixed 30GB for 15 days | 30GB | 30 days | $39.99 |
| eSIM Asia & Australia & USA | 6GB | 6 days | $15 |
| eSIM Asia Unlimited Lite, Basic, Pro | Unlimited | 8 to 30 days | From $16.99 |
| eSIM Global Lite, Basic, Pro | Unlimited | 1 to 30 days | From $3.99 |
| eSIM Japan City Lite, Basic, Pro (Fukuoka, Hiroshima, Kyoto, Nagoya, Osaka, Sapporo, Tokyo , Yokohama) | Unlimited | 3 to 12 days | From $3.99 |
Don’t hesitate! Get access to the fastest Japan networks & unlimited 24/7 friendly support with ESIM JAPAN now.
2. Airalo
Airalo is a Singaporean-based company that provides eSIM services to travelers in over 200 countries, including Japan, the USA, the EU, the UK, and various African countries. It has a dedicated mobile app available on both iOS and Android platforms. This app streamlines the process of discovering and configuring eSIMs, which ultimately simplifies the journey for travelers seeking seamless connectivity.
Furthermore, Airalo’s approach to categorizing eSIMs into distinct groups, including local, regional, and global, is a thoughtful choice that empowers travelers to swiftly identify and select a plan tailored precisely to their requirements.
Airalo eSIM Japan Pricing
Airalo offers a range of data packages with varying data allowances and durations. Here is a summary of the pricing for all their products.
| Data Amount | Validity | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 1GB | 7 days | $4.5 |
| 2GB | 15 days | $6.5 |
| 3GB | 30 days | $8.5 |
| 5GB | 30 days | $11.5 |
| 10GB | 30 days | $18 |
| 20GB | 30 days | $26 |
3. Holafly
Holafly is a prominent eSIM provider trusted by over 1 million travelers, making it a top choice for those visiting various destinations, including Japan, the USA, the UK, and the EU. Known for its reliability and comprehensive coverage, Holafly simplifies the eSIM set up process through its user-friendly mobile app, compatible with both iOS and Android devices. This app not only streamlines the process of acquiring and activating eSIMs but also offers a seamless selection of eSIMs tailored to meet travelers’ specific data needs.
Holafly eSIM Japan Pricing
Holafly specializes in unlimited data plans, providing options for various durations to cater to different traveler needs. Here’s a summary of Holafly’s unlimited data plans:
| Data Amount | Validity | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Unlimited | 5 days | $19.00 |
| Unlimited | 7 days | $27.00 |
| Unlimited | 10 days | $34.00 |
| Unlimited | 15 days | $47.00 |
| Unlimited | 20 days | $54.00 |
| Unlimited | 30 days | $64.00 |
| Unlimited | 60 days | $84.00 |
| Unlimited | 90 days | $99.00 |
As you might have noticed, Holafly specializes in unlimited data plans, designed to accommodate travelers with varying durations of stay. These plans are particularly good for those with substantial data requirements during their trips, offering a range of pricing options to match. However, they may not be the most cost-effective choice for travelers with lighter data usage.
4. Nomad
Just as its name, Nomad is an eSIM provider dedicated to globetrotting travelers (nomads), offering eSIM plans in up to 165 countries, including Japan. With a user-friendly mobile app available on both iOS and Android platforms, Nomad streamlines the process of finding and subscribing to eSIM data plans, providing a hassle-free solution for travelers seeking seamless data connectivity throughout their journeys.
Nomad eSIM Japan Pricing
Nomad offers two distinct pricing categories: Unlimited plans and regular plans, all equipped with 4G/LTE data speeds. The unlimited plans cater to short-term travelers or those with specific data needs, featuring options for various durations. On the other hand, the regular plans provide greater flexibility, allowing you to choose a plan that suits your usage behavior. Here is a summary of their pricing plans;
| Data Amount | Validity | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Unlimited | 1, 3, 5, 7, 10 days | From $9.00 |
| 3GB / 10GB / 10GB / 15GB | 30 days | From $9.00 |
| 1GB | 7 days | $5.00 |
5. AIS
AIS (Advanced Info Service Public Company Limited) is Thailand’s mobile operator, renowned for its extensive network coverage, cutting-edge technological solutions, and commitment to delivering high-quality telecommunications services. However, AIS also operates in several other countries, including Japan.
AIS has consistently been one of the most innovative telecom companies in the region, offering a wide range of mobile plans, data services, and connectivity options to meet the diverse needs of its customers. They also have plans that are tailored for travelers in Japan and several other countries in the region. AIS has a mobile available for both iOS and Android that you can use to easily get started with their eSIM packages. Here is a summary of the plans AIS offers for travelers visiting Japan;
AIS eSIM Japan Pricing
| Data Plan | Data Amount | Validity | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Global Travel | 15GB | 30 days | $45.45 |
| Asia & Australia | 6GB | 10 days | $11.33 |
| Global | 6GB | 15 days | $25.59 |
| Asia & Australia (Roaming) | 1GB | 2 days | $3.39 |
| Asia & Australia (Roaming) | 4GB | 8 days | $8.51 |
| Asia & Australia (Roaming) | 6GB | 10 days | $9.92 |
6. Alo SIM
Alo SIM is another popular eSIM provider that operates in over 170 countries, including Japan. One of the reasons Alo has been becoming popular in the region is its 5G NR access in various sought-after Asian destinations. Unfortunately, this is not the case for Japan. However, they offer good 4G speeds, and 5G should be coming to Japan pretty soon.
Alo SIM also partners with top local networks to ensure excellent connectivity, which is crucial for travelers who need to ensure constant communication and use essential services that rely on the internet. Another crucial factor behind Alo’s popularity is its pricing, catering to diverse data needs and traveler preferences.
Ranging from 1 GB to 20 GB data allowances for durations of 7 to 30 days, these eSIMs are not only versatile but also budget-friendly. Below are all the data options that Alo SIM offers for travelers visiting Japan.
Alo SIM eSIM Japan Pricing
| Data Amount | Validity | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 1GB | 7 days | $4.50 |
| 2GB | 15 days | $6.50 |
| 3GB | 30 days | $8.50 |
| 5GB | 30 days | $11.50 |
| 10GB | 30 days | $18.00 |
| 20GB | 30 days | $26.00 |
7. Ubigi
Ubigi is another reliable eSIM provider that has earned its reputation by offering versatile data plans spanning over 200 destinations worldwide, including Japan. One of the factors that set Ubigi apart is its commitment to providing high-quality connectivity experiences, especially in the era of 5G.
Out of these 200 destinations, 33 are equipped with 5G access at no additional cost. In Japan, a strategic partnership with NTT Docomo ensures that Ubigi users can seamlessly access 5G networks across the country, making it an ideal choice for modern travelers seeking top-tier connectivity.
Ubigi eSIM Japan Pricing
Pricing-wise, Ubigi offers a variety of flexible plans tailored to the needs of both short-term tourists and long-term visitors. All plans are prepaid, and setting up one’s eSIM can be done through their user-friendly Ubigi app, available on both iOS and Android platforms.
Pricing plans Ubigi offers for travelers going to Japan;
| Region | Type | Data Amount | Validity | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Japan | One-Off | 1GB / 3GB / 10GB / 50GB | 30 days | From $4 to $69 |
| Japan | Monthly | 5GB/month | Unlimited | $10/month |
| Japan | One-Off | 500MB | 1 day | $2.5 |
| Japan | Monthly | 20GB/month | Unlimited | $29/month |
| Japan | Annual | 24GB | 12 months | $38 |
| Asia | One-Off | 500MB | 1 day | $3 |
| USA+JAPAN | Monthly | 5GB/month | Unlimited | $12/month |
| Asia | One-Off | 1GB | 30 days | $12 |
| Best Asia | One-Off | 3GB | 30 days | $19 |
| USA+JAPAN | One-Off | 10GB | 30 days | $21 |
| Best Asia | Monthly | 5GB/month | Unlimited | $24/month |
| Asia | Monthly | 5GB/month | Unlimited | $29/month |
| Best Asia | One-Off | 10GB | 30 days | $49 |
| Best Asia | Annual | 24GB | 12 months | $78 |
8. Sim Options
Sim Options stands as a reliable choice for those seeking convenient eSIM plans tailored for Japan and beyond. With a presence in over 200 countries, including Japan, SimOptions provides a wide array of options to meet travelers’ diverse connectivity needs. With SIM options, you are assured of getting 24/7 support to address any concerns or inquiries you may have regarding their services and eSIM technology.
Through strategic partnerships with industry giants like Three HK and Orange, SimOptions guarantees you access to top-tier networks and coverage, making it a trusted companion for seamless communication while traveling in Japan and around the world.
Sim Options eSIM Japan Pricing
When it comes to pricing, Sim Options gives you up to 6 different plan plans to choose from. These plans vary in price depending on the amount of data you need and its validity. Below are the details of the data plans they offer.
| Data Plan | Data Amount | Validity | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japan 1GB | 1GB | 7 days | $9.90 |
| Japan 3GB | 3GB | 15 days | $14.90 |
| Smart Traveller eSIM | 6GB | 10 days | $17.90 |
| 30-Day Pass APAC 8GB | 8GB | 30 days | $34.90 |
| Holiday World | 10GB | 14 days | $39.90 |
| Japan 10GB | 10GB | 30 days | $54.90 |
9. Japan Wireless
Japan Wireless is among the most outstanding eSIM providers, impressively combining affordability and flexibility for travelers. Since getting into the SIM business back in 2012, Japan Wireless has served over 800,000 visitors, making it a reliable choice for travelers. This website is known for offering competitive rates and good data speeds, ensuring their users get the best experience while touring Japan.
Japan Wireless eSIM Japan Pricing
Regarding prices, Japan Wireless offers six plans that you can choose from, depending on your budget and how much data you need. Below is a summary of the different plans you can get.
| Data Amount | Validity | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 2GB/day | 7 days | $20.99 |
| 2GB/day | 30 days | $73.49 |
| 1GB/day | 7 days | $15.13 |
| 1GB/day | 30 days | $56.25 |
| 500MB/day | 7 days | $10.33 |
| 500MB/day | 30 days | $31.63 |
10. Maya Mobile
Maya Mobile is another international eSIM provider that operates in over 194 countries, including Japan. They offer a wide range of data plans to choose from, depending on your internet needs. To get started with any of their eSIM plans, Maya Mobile will send you a QR code that you can scan on your device to activate your eSIM.
Maya Mobile partners with KDDI, one of the leading mobile carriers in Japan, to ensure you have 4G/LTE coverage throughout the country. However, they do not offer 5G plans at this time, which we don’t think is a deal breaker since 4G is good enough for most tasks. You can quickly get started with their eSIM plans by downloading their mobile app, which is available for both iOS and Android.
Maya Mobile eSIM Japan Pricing
Maya Mobile offers five eSIM plans that vary in price depending on the data amount and validity period. Below is a summary of all the plans they offer;
| Data Amount | Validity | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 1GB | 30 days | $10.09 |
| 3GB | 30 days | $23.47 |
| 5GB | 30 days | $31.81 |
| 10GB | 30 days | $50.25 |
| Unlimited | 30 days | $126.23 |
11. Nippon SIM
Nippon SIM is another reliable eSIM provider in Japan, offering a seamless connectivity solution. Their partnership with the NTT Docomo Network guarantees users access to a robust 4G/LTE network no matter where they go in Japan. Ordering your eSIM from their website is a user-friendly process. All you need is to input your device model (to confirm whether your device is compatible) and email. Once ordered, a QR code, essential for eSIM activation, is promptly sent to your email address.
Nippon eSIM Japan Pricing
Regarding pricing, Nippon offers three plans that are all valid for 180 days. These plans include 15GB, 30GB, and 50 GB. Below is a summary of all the plans they offer and their prices.
| Data Amount | Validity | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 15GB | 180 days | $22.29 |
| 30GB | 180 days | $33.84 |
| 50GB | 180 days | $54.23 |
This pricing model can be appealing to travelers who don’t love being overwhelmed by many options. Their prices are also very competitive when compared to other eSIM providers on this list. However, the few plan options may seem a bit limited for users who need more choice.
12. Sakura Mobile
Sakura Mobile is also a reliable option for travelers in Japan thanks to its seamless eSIM ordering and activation experience. This company promises that you can order your eSIM and have it activated on your device within 5 minutes. This includes sending the eSIM QR code to your email and activating it on your device. Sakura Mobile operates under the NTT Docomo network, which is still Japan’s most chosen network.
Sakura Mobile eSIM Japan Pricing
When it comes to pricing, Sakura Mobile offers a wide range of options that you can choose from depending on your budget and the amount of data you need. Below is a summary of their plans;
| Data Amount | Validity | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 1GB | 3 days | $18.53 |
| 3GB | 5 days | $19.40 |
| 5GB | 5, 10 days | From $27.67 |
| 10GB | 3, 10, 30, 60, 90 days | From $41.69 |
| 30GB | 10, 30, 60, 90 days | From $65.87 |
| 50GB | 30, 60, 90 days | From $121.73 |
| 100GB | 90 days | $364.85 |
| 200GB | 90 days | $638.63 |
13. TRAVEL ESIM FOR JAPAN SHOP by CALENDAR
TRAVEL ESIM FOR JAPAN SHOP is operated by CALENDAR is operated by CALENDAR CO., LTD. They have been a local telecom company in Tome City, Japan since 2011. CALENDAR newly opened this online eSIM store for travelers and the website offers 6 different languages, such as Thai, Spanish, Korean, Chinese, English and Japanese. It will be helpful for global travelers to look around the website by the choose language. However, website shows currency as Japanese Yen so it might be a bit confusing for travelers. They also operates eSIM from NTT Docomo network and have 9 options for the eSIM Japan products.
TRAVEL ESIM FOR JAPAN SHOP by CALENDAR eSIM Japan Pricing
TRAVEL ESIM FOR JAPAN SHOP offers a various Japanese eSIM options as below. You can select either Japanese of English to get the service.
| Data Amount | Validity | Price (JPY) |
|---|---|---|
| 5GB | 7 days | ¥1,680 |
| 5GB | 15 days | ¥1,850 |
| 5GB | 30 days | ¥1,900 |
| 10GB | 7 days | ¥2,200 |
| 10GB | 15 days | ¥2,250 |
| 10GB | 30 days | ¥2,450 |
| 20GB | 7 days | ¥3,180 |
| 20GB | 15 days | ¥3,300 |
| 20GB | 30 days | ¥3,880 |
Frequently Asked Questions about eSIM Japan
Can I get an eSIM for Japan?
Yes, you can get an eSIM for Japan from various eSIM providers that offer connectivity options for travelers.
Which is the best eSIM for Japan?
With all factors considered, ESIM JAPAN is the best alternative for most people, in terms of all of the general aspects like pricing, data speed, option variations, and customer support. However, other providers, including Sakura Mobile, Alo SIM, and Nippon SIM are also great options.
Does the Japanese iPhone have eSIM?
Yes, all the recent iPhone models in Japan, starting from the iPhone XR, XS, and later versions, support eSIM functionality.
How do I set up eSIM in Japan?
To set up eSIM in Japan, you typically need to purchase an eSIM plan from any of the eSIM providers we have shared. The provider will send you a QR code to your email. Upon receiving the code, go to your device’s settings, select Cellular or Mobile Data, then choose the “Add Cellular Plan” or “Add eSIM” option and scan the QR code. This process should take about 5 minutes. You can also set up eSIM manually by entering the SM-DP+ Address code.
When should I activate my eSIM in Japan?
It’s recommended to activate your eSIM before your trip to Japan, preferably a day or two before your departure, to ensure seamless connectivity upon arrival. However, you can also activate it right when you arrive in Japan. Fortunately, you have read this article, and you now know the process for eSIM activation.
How do I use eSIM in Japan on my iPhone?
Unlock your iPhone and go to Settings > Cellular or Mobile Data and then click the “Cellular Plan” or “Add eSIM” option. Scan the QR code provided by your chosen eSIM provider. Once activated, you’ll have access to data services just like a physical SIM card. Most of the time, it will automatically set correctly as you install your eSIM, but if it doesn’t work, you might have to configure APN setting and Data Roaming setting on your phone. (These steps are super easy, so you don’t have be scared.)
Is eSIM widely accepted in Japan?
Yes, eSIM is becoming increasingly accepted in Japan. All the major network carriers in Japan, including NTT Docomo, SoftBank, and KDDI support eSIMs, making it convenient for travelers.
Do eSIMs in Japan support 5G connectivity?
Yes, there are some eSIM plans in Japan that support 5G connectivity, offering high-speed data for compatible devices.
Recommended: Get access to the fastest Japan networks & unlimited 24/7 friendly support with ESIM JAPAN has the most suitable options for traveler with affordable pricing. Don’t require app download & contract.
Conclusion
In this article, we have explored the top eSIM providers you can consider if you’re traveling to Japan. Using local eSIM providers has a major advantage: it helps you avoid the high costs associated with roaming services. Additionally, eSIMs simplify the process of switching between different carriers or numbers, since it doesn’t require you to physically remove or insert a SIM card.
Fortunately, in Japan, the eSIM market offers travelers many options to choose from, making it easy to find one that suits your needs. All the major network carriers in Japan, including AU, NTT Docomo, Rakuten, and SoftBank also support eSIM, allowing you to easily switch from one to another if you wish to. Using local data by connecting these networks is inevitable for a trip to Japan, if you don’t want to miss a chance to share aesthetic pictures instantly on social media.
At this point, you might be wondering which of the 12 providers we’ve mentioned is the best choice. When you take all factors into account, such as pricing and coverage, ESIM JAPAN emerges as the top option for most people. However, other providers like Sakura Mobile, Alo SIM, Airalo, and Holafly are also excellent choices because they partner with reliable carriers.