If you’re typing “eSims Japan” into Google because you’re about to land in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, or Sapporo and don’t want to waste time hunting for a SIM at the airport, you’re in the right place.
I’ve visited Japan several times and tested or researched many of the best eSIMs in Japan: international brands and local options. In this guide, I’ll break down which eSIMs Japan plans are actually worth your money, what coverage is like, and how to set everything up before your flight.
Quick Picks: Best eSIMs Japan Options for Every Traveler
If you just need fast recommendations for eSIMs Japan and don’t want to read everything:
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Best overall eSIMs Japan for most travelers:
Ubigi – uses top Japanese networks, great coverage, 4G/5G, and fair prices. -
Best secure & simple app experience:
Saily – from the Nord Security team (behind NordVPN), easy app and privacy-focused. -
Best budget & multi-country option:
Airalo – cheap Japan eSIMs plus regional Asia plans. -
Best unlimited data eSIMs Japan:
Holafly – unlimited-style data for heavy users and content creators. -
Best value 20GB plan:
MobiMatter – often has 20GB / 30-day esim deals at very good prices. -
Best Japan-only local provider:
Sakura Mobile – focused on tourists, reliable Japanese networks and support. -
Best with Japanese phone number:
Mobal – esim option with a real Japanese number, calls, and SMS.
We’ll go into detail on each of these so you can pick the best eSIM in Japan for your type of trip.
Why Choose an eSIMs Japan Plan Instead of Roaming?
Traditional roaming from your home carrier is usually:
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Expensive
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Limited in data
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Confusing with hidden fees
An esim plan is digital, so you don’t need a physical SIM card. You just scan a QR code, install the eSIM, and your phone connects to Japanese networks as soon as you land.
Big advantages of using eSIMs in Japan:
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✅ Instant activation – set everything up before your flight.
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✅ Keep your main number – use your physical SIM for calls/WhatsApp and eSIMs Japan for data.
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✅ Better value – more data for less than typical roaming fees.
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✅ No plastic SIM cards – eco-friendlier and no risk of losing your original SIM.
For me, being able to open Google Maps at Shibuya crossing five minutes after landing is worth every cent.
Is Your Phone Ready for an eSIMs Japan Plan?
Before buying any esim package, check three simple things:
1. eSIM Compatibility
Most newer phones support esim plans, including:
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iPhone XS, XR, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 series and newer
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Recent Google Pixel models
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Modern Samsung Galaxy S, Note, Fold, and Flip series
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Many newer Android flagships
On your phone, go to Settings → Mobile / Cellular → Add eSIM / Add cellular plan.
If you see this option, you can use an esim.
2. Unlocked Device
Your phone must be unlocked to use a Japan eSIM.
If your carrier locked your device, ask them to unlock it before your trip.
3. Wi-Fi for Setup
You’ll install your esim over Wi-Fi at home, at your hotel, or at the airport.
Once installed, you can use it on Japanese 4G/5G networks.
How to Choose the Best eSIM in Japan (eSIMs Japan Buying Guide)
There are many esim options, and they can look similar. Here’s how I choose the right one:
1. Coverage & Network Quality
The three big Japanese networks are:
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NTT Docomo
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SoftBank
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KDDI (au)
Most good esim japan plans use one or more of these networks. If a provider mentions any of them, that’s usually a good sign for coverage in cities and smaller towns.
2. Data Amount & Validity
Ask yourself:
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Short trip (5–8 days):
→ A 3–5 GB esim japan plan is often enough for maps, messaging, and some social media. -
Two weeks to one month:
→ Aim for 10–20 GB, or a generous unlimited-style plan. -
Heavy use (YouTube, TikTok, remote work):
→ Either a 20–50 GB esim japan or an unlimited data plan.
3. Data-Only vs Voice + SMS
Most esim japan packages are data-only. That’s fine for:
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Using WhatsApp, Telegram, LINE, etc. for calls
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Checking email and social media
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Booking trains and hotels online
If you need a Japanese phone number, pick a provider like Mobal that offers voice, SMS, and data.
4. Single-Country vs Regional eSIM
If you’re visiting only Japan, a pure esim japan plan is usually cheapest.
If your itinerary includes Japan + Korea + Taiwan + Southeast Asia, a regional Asia eSIM (like some Airalo and Saily options) can be simpler and sometimes cheaper overall.
5. App Experience & Support
A great esim japan provider offers:
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A clean, easy-to-use app
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Simple top-up options
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Quickly accessible customer support (chat or email)
When you’re jet-lagged and standing in a busy Japanese station, you really don’t want a complicated setup.
Best eSIMs in Japan (Detailed esim japan Reviews)
1. Ubigi – Best Overall esim japan for Most Travelers
Why I recommend Ubigi:
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Strong coverage via leading Japanese networks
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4G/5G speeds where available
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Competitive prices on small and large data packs
Typical Ubigi esim japan features:
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Plans from 1GB up to long-term and sometimes unlimited-style packages
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Easy app to buy, install, and top-up
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Reusable eSIM profile – great if you come back to Japan later
Best for:
Travelers who want a reliable, no-drama esim japan that works in big cities and smaller towns, without overthinking it.
2. Saily – Secure & Simple esim japan from Nord Security
Saily is the travel eSIM brand created by the team behind NordVPN.
What makes Saily interesting for esim japan:
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Clean, modern app
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Focus on privacy and security (ad blocking, safer browsing)
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Japan-specific plans plus regional Asia options
A typical Saily esim japan plan gives you:
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Data-only connection on strong Japanese networks
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The ability to keep your home SIM active for calls/WhatsApp
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Clear usage tracking inside the app
Best for:
Travelers who want a simple esim japan with built-in security features and already trust Nord products.
3. Airalo – Budget-Friendly & Multi-Country esim japan Option
Airalo is one of the most popular eSIM marketplaces worldwide.
Why it’s great for esim japan:
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Multiple Japan-only eSIMs (1GB, 3GB, 5GB, 10GB, 20GB, etc.)
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Often some of the cheapest esim japan prices for lighter data users
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“Asialink” style regional eSIMs if you’re visiting several countries
Pros:
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Beginner-friendly app for buying and installing your esim
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Good if you just want to test eSIMs with a small, low-risk pack
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Easy to add more data if you run out midway
Best for:
Backpackers, students, and anyone needing a budget esim plan or multi-country Asia trip.
4. Holafly – Unlimited Data esim japan for Heavy Users
If you never want to think about gigabytes, Holafly is your friend.
Holafly’s esim japan highlights:
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Unlimited data-style plans from a few days up to longer stays
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Great for streaming, TikTok, Instagram, and remote work
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Simple QR code install before you fly
Remember:
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“Unlimited” usually includes a fair-use policy (they may slow speeds if you use extreme amounts).
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It’s usually more expensive than limited data esim japan plans, but far less stressful for heavy users.
Best for:
Content creators, digital nomads, and anyone who knows they’ll burn through data daily.
5. MobiMatter – Amazing Value 20GB esim japan Deals
MobiMatter is a marketplace that often surfaces very good-value eSIM deals.
Why I love it for esim japan:
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Frequently offers 20GB / 30-day esim japan plans at very attractive prices
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Uses major Japanese networks for solid coverage
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Many plans allow hotspot/tethering (always check the details)
20GB is a sweet spot for 2–3 weeks in Japan if you:
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Use maps, social media, and some streaming
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Work online occasionally
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Share your connection with a laptop or tablet sometimes
Best for:
Most tourists looking for a value-focused esim japan with enough data to relax.
6. Sakura Mobile – Japan-Only Provider for Tourists
Sakura Mobile is a Japanese provider specializing in foreign visitors.
Their esim japan and SIM options are designed for tourists and short-term residents.
Why Sakura Mobile stands out:
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Japan-focused support with English-language website
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Good coverage via major networks
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Plans often structured for unlimited or high daily usage
A typical Sakura Mobile esim japan package may offer:
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Fast 4G/5G speeds
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High-speed data with soft daily caps
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Easy setup instructions specifically for visitors
Best for:
Travelers who want a Japan-first esim japan provider with local expertise and responsive support.
7. Mobal – esim japan With a Real Japanese Phone Number
Most esim japan plans are data-only, but Mobal offers something extra:
Japanese numbers, voice minutes, and SMS.
Why that matters:
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Some services (restaurants, clinics, events, deliveries) prefer or require a Japanese phone number
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Long-stay visitors may need local calls and text verification
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Having Japanese contact details feels more “local” and practical
Mobal’s esim japan plans can include:
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Voice calls + SMS + data
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English-speaking support
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Flexible options for tourists and longer stays
Best for:
Students, working holiday travellers, digital nomads, and anyone staying in Japan for weeks or months who wants more than just data.
Step-by-Step: How to Install Your eSIM Japan Before Your Flight
The exact menu names differ by phone, but the process for activating an esim is pretty similar:
Step 1 – Buy Your Plan Online
Choose your esim provider (Ubigi, Saily, Airalo, Holafly, MobiMatter, Sakura, or Mobal).
Select the data amount and validity that match your trip.
You’ll receive a QR code or an in-app “Add eSIM” button.
Step 2 – Connect to Wi-Fi
Use home Wi-Fi or your hotel Wi-Fi.
You must be connected to the internet to download the esim profile.
Step 3 – Add the eSIM
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iPhone:
Settings → Mobile / Cellular → Add eSIM or Add Cellular Plan → Scan QR or Use Provider App -
Android (Pixel/Samsung/others):
Settings → Network & Internet / Connections → SIMs → Add eSIM → Scan QR / From App
Your esim will now appear alongside your physical SIM.
Step 4 – Set Data SIM
Set the esimas your Data SIM and keep your original SIM for calls/WhatsApp (or disable it if you don’t want roaming at all).
Step 5 – Enable Data Roaming (for the eSIM Only)
Make sure data roaming is ON for the esim profile, not for your home SIM.
This is what allows the eSIM to connect to Japanese networks.
Step 6 – Restart & Test
When you land in Japan:
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Turn off airplane mode.
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Give your phone a minute or two.
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Open a browser or maps app to test your esim connection.
My Personal Tips for Using an eSIMs Japan in Real Life
From my own Japan trips with esim plans:
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Download offline maps anyway.
Tokyo stations can feel like a maze. Offline maps + esim mobile data is the perfect combo. -
Use LINE, WhatsApp, or Telegram.
Many locals use LINE. Data-based messaging works perfectly with your esim. -
Check tethering rules.
If you want to share your esim connection with a laptop or your travel partner’s phone, make sure your plan allows hotspot use. -
Take screenshots of QR codes and instructions.
Save your esim QR code and provider instructions offline in case you lose Wi-Fi for a bit. -
Consider a backup.
If you’re working remotely or have important calls, carrying a small backup esim (cheap 1–3 GB pack from another provider) can be a lifesaver if something goes wrong.
FAQ: esim japan (Common Questions Answered)
1. Is an esim japan plan cheaper than roaming?
In most cases, yes. Even mid-range esim plans usually cost less than your home carrier’s roaming bundles, especially if you stay more than a few days or use lots of data.
2. Can I get a Japanese phone number with an esim japan?
Yes, but not with every provider.
You’ll need a voice + SMS esim package from services like Mobal (and sometimes other local providers). Most travel eSIMs are data-only.
3. Do eSIMs Japan plans support 5G?
Many newer esim options offer 5G where available, as long as your phone supports 5G and you’re in a 5G area. Some plans will mention “4G/5G” clearly in the description.
4. Can I wait and buy my esim after arriving in Japan?
Yes, as long as you have Wi-Fi at the airport or your accommodation.
Personally, I prefer to install the esim before flying so it starts working the second I land.
5. Is using an eSIM in japan safe?
Yes. eSIM technology is widely used and considered secure.
If you’re worried about privacy, providers like Saily offer extra protection features, and you can also combine your esim with a VPN.
6. Which eSIMs Japan should I choose if I’m still unsure?
Here’s my quick decision guide:
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5–10 days, normal data use:
→ Ubigi or MobiMatter 10–20 GB esim plan. -
Heavy data / content creator:
→ Holafly unlimited esim . -
Multi-country Asia trip:
→ Airalo or Saily regional eSIM (with Japan included). -
Long stay + local number:
→ Mobal voice + data esim .
