The technology has advanced rapidly in the last few decades. In this day and age, a physical SIM card isn’t required to connect your cell phone to the local telecommunication networks (if the phone is one of the newer models). This makes traveling abroad much easier because you don’t need to switch physical SIM cards to stay connected to the internet. So, get an eSIM for your next Japan travel trip. It is the most affordable way to stay connected while in Japan, and it can cost as little as USD 1!
But before you rush off and order your eSIM for Japan, let us go through what you need to know about a Japan eSIM. As you read on, you will also find information about the best Japan eSIM providers for both short and long-term stays.
Table of Contents
- What Is an eSIM?
- Should I Get an eSIM for My Next Japan Trip?
- Japan eSIM vs Pocket WiFi/Physical Japan SIM
- Japan eSIM With Unlimited Data
- How to Use and Activate an eSIM
- How Can I Scan the QR Code Sent to My Smartphone?
- When Should I Activate my Japan eSIM?
- What Is Required to Activate My Japan eSIM?
- Within the eSIM’s Valid Period, Can I Delete and Reinstall the eSIM I Purchased from My Phone?
- How Much Data Do I Need in Japan?
- Our Recommended Japan eSIM Providers
- The Best eSIM for Japan for You
- Which Japan eSIM Is the Best?
Tip: Mobal eSIM can come with a Japanese phone number. It is called Mobal Japan Voice, SMS, and Data eSIM.
A Quick Summary of Japan eSIM Recommendations
Refer to the information below if you are looking for a quick tip on which Japan eSIM provider to choose.
- Jetpac
- Jecpac eSIM is the cheapest and the best eSIM for Japan that we know of.
- Convenient for multi-country travel.
- Uses KDDI/au’s network. The internet speed is good and consistent.
- Offers complimentary travel perks!
- Sakura Mobile
- Provides the best customer service.
- The company that we recommend if this is your first Japan trip.
- Japan Wireless
What Is an eSIM?
An eSIM is short for embedded SIM. It is an industry-standard digital SIM that allows you to activate a mobile data plan from your service provider without using a physical SIM. You can install eight or more eSIMs on an iPhone or other compatible devices and use two phone numbers at the same time!
The best thing about an eSIM is that your SIM Card won’t get lost in the mail, and you don’t need to wait for it to be delivered. If you run out of data, you can simply purchase another eSIM in Japan!
Should I Get an eSIM for My Next Japan Trip?
Like a physical SIM card, your device must be unlocked for the eSIM card to work on your phone. If you are unsure whether your telecom supplier locks your phone, enquire beforehand. Even if your phone is currently locked, the company may be able to unlock it! If your device cannot be unlocked by the time you depart for Japan, pre-book a pocket WiFi.
Compared to a Japan pocket WiFi or a physical SIM card, a Japan eSIM is definitely a better option in most cases. But there are reasons why an eSIM card won’t be the best option for your next Japan trip.
If your situation fits into one of the categories below, consider getting a physical SIM card or a pocket WiFi for Japan instead.
- You have an older model cell phone that don’t support eSIM cards.
- You can refer to HERE to check if your phone is compatible with/supported by an eSIM. Please note that eSIM compatibility varies slightly among suppliers.
- You will travel with a group of people and are on a budget. In this case, a pocket WiFi may be cheaper.
- You have a locked cell phone.
- Rent a Japan pocket WiFi in this case.
- You need a Japanese phone number.
- Get a Japan physical SIM card, or opt for a Mobal Japan eSIM.
Japan eSIM vs Pocket WiFi/Physical Japan SIM
- A Japan eSIM is a cheaper way to be connected to the internet network in Japan.
- By keeping your SIM card from your home country in your phone, you can still pick up phone calls and receive text messages to your usual phone number (international roaming required).
- Using an eSIM means you don’t need to switch SIM cards in your phone.
- The setup process for an eSIM card is a lot easier compared to a physical SIM card. No prior APN configuration is required.
- There is no need to carry an extra charger for the pocket WiFi.
- You don’t need to worry about losing the pocket WiFi or forgetting to return it at the end of your trip.
- An eSIM is a better option for data-heavy users. The use of a pocket WiFi is subject to a Fair Usage Policy (FUP), typically ranging from 1GB to 3GB. Once you exceed the threshold, your internet speed is reduced.
- Another reason that an eSIM is preferred is if you plan on travelling to multiple countries. International eSIM service providers, such as Jetpac, offer the convenience of staying connected without the need to purchase another eSIM. All you need to do is buy another data plan, and off you go!
Japan eSIM With Unlimited Data
If you want a Japan eSIM card with unlimited data, check out Jetpac or Ubigi.
How to Use and Activate an eSIM
Getting an eSIM and setting it up on your cell phone is easy. Once you have decided which eSIM provider to use, you are only 3 steps away from connecting your phone to the local network!
- Order: Purchase the eSIM plan online when you are ready.
- Scan and Activate: After you have successfully made an eSIM purchase online, a QR code will be sent to you, either via email or through the provider’s phone app (Jetpac, Ubigi, and Airalo). Once you have the QR code, you can activate your eSIM plan anytime you wish.
- You can refer to Sakura Mobile’s website for a visual idea of how to activate your Japan eSIM if the provider you chose sends a QR code to you.
- Change your network selection setting on your phone
How Can I Scan the QR Code Sent to My Smartphone?
If the QR code you receive can’t be processed by your phone without scanning, try the methods below.
- You will either need another device that shows the QR code or print the code out beforehand.
- Phone apps such as Google Lens or LINE can also do the job for you.
When Should I Activate My Japan eSIM?
Please only activate your Japan eSIM after you arrive. Activating your Japan eSIM early means the validity period starts early, resulting in days wasted.
What Is Required to Activate My Japan eSIM?
A stable internet/WiFi connection is required to activate your Japan eSIM. In most cases, the free WiFi in the airport is sufficient to complete this process.
If you purchase a Japan eSIM plan from Sakura Mobile, they have staff at the airport to help you install the eSIM in your phone.
Within the eSIM’s Valid Period, Can I Delete and Reinstall the eSIM I Purchased from My Phone?
Unfortunately, the eSIM QR code you receive can only be used once. Please DO NOT delete/remove your eSIM from your device after it is successfully installed.
Deleting the eSIM profile from your phone means the eSIM becomes invalid, regardless of whether any data remains.
How Much Data Do I Need in Japan?
In general, if you don’t use your data to watch videos, upload photos, and use phone apps that have many video apps included (such as Facebook), 1 to 3 GB is usually enough for a 7-day trip.
However, if you prefer to use social media, YouTube and/or TikTok using your data, you will need at least 1GB per day.
Our Recommended Japan eSIM Card Providers
- Jetpac Japan eSIM
- Jecpac eSIM is the cheapest and the best eSIM for Japan that we know of.
- Reliable customer service and internet connection.
- Offers travel perks such as free lounge access
- Sakura Mobile eSIM
- Provides the best customer service.
- The company has a branch in Shinjuku.
- Japan Wireless eSIM
- Slightly more expensive than Ubiki and Airalo
- Mobal eSIM
- UK-Based company that offers reliable customer service.
- Offers a Japan eSIM with a Japanese phone number.
- The company has branches in Tokyo, including Shinjuku and Shibuya.
- Accept PayPal
- Donate a part of the profit to charity
- Airalo Japan eSIM
- Convenient for multi-country travel.
- The cheapest provider but still one of the top options.
- Ubigi Japan eSIM
- Convenient for multi-country travel.
- Uses DoCoMo’s network. The internet speed is good and consistent.
- Simify Japan eSIM
- Australian-based eSIM card provider.
Sakura Mobile
In addition to Japan pocket WiFi, Sakura Mobile also offers various Japan eSIM cards for purchase. As Sakura Mobile uses NTT DoCoMo’s network, the reception is exceptional. While Sakura Mobile seems expensive compared to other providers, its customer service is top-notch. You will usually receive a response within 10 to 20 minutes, even on a weekend!
So, if this is your first trip to Japan, Sakura Mobile is highly recommended.
Refer to Sakura Mobile’s website HERE for more information and to order your Japan eSIM.
Jetpac
Jetpac is a newcomer to the eSIM market based in Singapore. It offers eSIMs that cover over 100 countries in the world. This means if you plan to travel to more than one country, you don’t need to shift between different eSIM companies. Moreover, Jetpac partners with the top telecommunication company in each country. In Japan, its partner is KDDI, which owns au, one of the country’s three major telecom companies. So, your internet connection in Japan will be stable and cover most places you visit.
What sets Jetpac aside from its competitors is the travel perks that come with your purchase. It offers complimentary airport lounge access if your flight is delayed for more than 60 minutes.
Other reasons for chasing Jetpac eSIM includes:
- More data for less money
- Hotspot to other devices with your eSIM
- You can buy now and use the Jetpac eSIM later, enable you to capture any campaigns the company runs.
Refer to Jetpac’s Website for more details!
Mobal – UK-Based
Mobal is a service provided by Mobell Communications Limited, a British company established in 1989. It is another company that offers an eSIM card, utilising NTT DoCoMo’s network, which provides excellent call quality, ultra-fast internet speeds, and comprehensive coverage. Unlike Sakura Mobile, Mobal accept payments using PayPal in addition to debit/credit card!
The company provides English customer support. They also donate a part of their proceeds to charities supporting people experiencing poverty in Africa.
Refer to Mobal’s website HERE for more information and to order your eSIM card.
Tip: Mobal also offers eSIM cards with a Japanese phone number. It is under the long-term eSIM category, but we have confirmed with the company that short-term travelers can also use it.
Japan Wireless
Japan Wireless also uses NTT DoCoMo’s infrastructure. Their customer service isn’t as good as Sakura Mobile. The customer team’s response speed is slower and the response usually isn’t as detailed and caring. But overall, the product is great, and you rarely need to contact the customer service team anyway!
Refer to Japan Wireless’s website HERE for more information and to purchase your Japan eSIM.
Simify – Australian-Based
Simify is an Australian-based provider for reliable and affordable eSIMs. From top destinations like Japan to multi-country Asia packages, Simify helps you stay connected wherever your travels take you.
The company offers Buy One, Get One 25% Off deal on an ongoing basis, perfect if you are travelling as a couple, with friends, or just want a backup eSIM!
So if you’re planning a trip soon, consider Simify for seamless connectivity at competitive prices!
For more information and to obtain your SIM or eSIM, please visit their official website HERE!
Airalo
Airalo is a popular eSIM provider offering eSIM services across multiple countries. This means you can stay connected with Airalo no matter which country you visit. All you need to do is download Airalo’s app, choose your destination and package, install your Airalo Japan eSIM and activate it!
The company offers flexible usage options to suit your usage pattern and travel period.
Refer to Airalo’s website HERE for more information and to purchase your Japan eSIM!
Ubigi
Ubigi is very similar to Airalo. In fact, from all the forum comments and reviews we read, it seems like the company provides a better service than Airalo. And there is a reason for this.
Ubigi is currently a subsidiary of NTT, a major telecommunications company in Japan, which means it also focuses on providing services in Japan.
So while Airalo is cheaper, use Ubigi if you plan to visit regional Japan. Moreover, if you plan to visit multiple Asian countries, choose their Asia plan!
Refer to Ubigi’s website HERE for more information and to purchase your Ubigi Japan eSIM!
The Best eSIM for Japan for You
The Japan eSIM for you depends on a couple of factors. After answering the questions below, you can refer to our summary in the next section to determine which eSIM provider you should go for.
- How long will you be in Japan?
- Is this your first time traveling to Japan?
- If the answer is yes, we recommend Sakura Mobile. They have the best customer service to help you troubleshoot any issues you might encounter during your trip.
- What is your data usage pattern when you are overseas?
- Do you want to use your data to stream?
- If the answer is yes, we recommend Jetpac Japan eSIM.
- Is Japan the only country you will visit during the trip?
- If the answer is no, we recommend Jetpac.
Which Japan eSIM Is the Best?
- Note that the summary below only captures the popular Japan eSIM plans.
| Japan Short-Term SIM Card Provider | Network Used | Cost for a 7/8-Day Plan | Cost for a 30/31-Day Plan | Delivery Method |
| Jetpac (click for more info) | KDDI/au | ☛ 1GB for USD $1 (150 yen) ☛ 3GB for USD $7 (900 yen) exchange rate | ☛ 5GB for USD $10 (1,500 yen) ☛ 10GB for USD $13.99 (2,100 yen) ☛ 30GB for USD $29.99 (4,500 yen) ☛ Unlimited data for USD $24.99 (3,750 yen) *based on 1:150 exchange rate | Instant emailed activation page |
| Sakura Mobile (click for more info) | NTT DoCoMo | ☛ 3GB for 2,700 yen ☛ 5GB for 3,200 yen ☛ 10GB for 4,500 yen ☛ 4G Unlimited data with a FUP for 4,620 yen ☛ 5G Unlimited data with a FUP for 5,500 yen | ☛ 20GB for 6,950 yen ☛ 30GB for 8,500 yen ☛ 50GB for 13,150 yen ☛ 4G Unlimited data with a FUP for 9,900 yen ☛ 5G Unlimited data with a FUP for 14,850 yen | Instant emailed activation page |
| Airalo (click for more info) | KDDI/au and Softbank | ☛ 1GB for USD$4.5 (675 yen) ☛ 2B for 15 Days for USD$6.5 (975 yen) *based on 1:150 exchange rate | ☛ 3GB for USD$8 (1,200 yen) ☛ 5GB for USD$11 (1,650 yen) ☛ 10GB for USD$18 (2,700 yen) *based on 1:150 exchange rate | Straight link through to QR code after ordering |
| Japan Wireless (click for more info) | ☛ High-Speed Plans: All local networks ☛ Basic Plans: CMHK | ☛ 3GB for 1,096 yen ☛ 5GB for 1,466 yen ☛ 30GB for 2,851 yen ☛ 4G Unlimited data with a FUP for 4,144 yen ☛ 5G Unlimited data with a FUP for 4,292 yen | ☛ 3GB for 1,327 yen ☛ 5GB for 1,451 yen ☛ 30GB for 5,432 yen ☛ 50GB for 8,274 yen ☛ 4G Unlimited data with a FUP for 10,656 yen ☛ 5G Unlimited data with a FUP for 11,692 yen | Instant emailed activation page |
| Mobal (click for more info) | NTT DoCoMo | ☛ 3GB for 2,340 yen ☛ 10GB for 2,750 yen ☛ 30GB for 3,200 yen | ☛ 10GB for 3,850 yen ☛ 50GB for 4,900 yen ☛ 100GB for 8,000 yen | Emailed activation page |
| Simify (click for more info) | Softbank | ☛ 5GB for 7 days for 2,500 yen ☛ 4/5G Unlimited data with a FUP for 4,300 yen | ☛ 10GB for 3,800 yen ☛ 30GB for 9,600 yen ☛ 100GB for 23,100 yen (90 days) ☛ 4/5G Unlimited data with a FUP for 10,600 yen | Emailed activation page |
| Ubigi (click for more info) | NTT DoCoMo | ☛ 10GB for 2,300 yen ☛ 4/5G Unlimited data with a FUP for 4,200 yen | ☛ 10GB for 2,800 yen ☛ 50GB for 9,600 yen ☛ 4/5G Unlimited data with a FUP for 11,200 yen | Instant mailed QR code |
Is Pocket WiFi or an eSIM Card a Better Option for Your Next Japan Trip?
If a Japan eSIM card doesn’t sound like the best internet solution for your next Japan trip, consider purchasing a SIM or renting a Pocket WiFi.
Refer to our SIM Card, eSIM, or Pocket WiFi: Which One to Use in Japan article that answers all your questions about how to stay connected to the internet when you are in Japan!
