Traveling to Japan in 2024? Then having reliable cell phone connectivity is essential. From translation apps to maps to looking up transit times, your phone is indispensable when visiting Japan.
That’s why getting a temporary data plan through an eSIM card is a great option for travelers. eSIMs provide fast LTE data without the need to fiddle with physical SIM cards.
In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to choose the best eSIM for your Japan trip, including:
- An overview of the top eSIM providers for Japan
- Detailed reviews of the leading Japan eSIM options
- Key factors to consider when picking an eSIM
- Frequently asked questions
So whether you’re taking a trip to Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, or anywhere else in Japan, read on to find the ideal eSIM card for your travel needs.
Overview of The Top eSIMs for Japan
With more devices gaining eSIM capabilities, travelers to Japan have an expanding array of eSIM options to keep them connected.
To save you research time, I’ve compiled this list of top providers based on network reliability, connectivity speeds, ease of setup, customer support, and overall value:
Airalo
With plans starting at just $$4.50 for 7 days/1GB, Airalo offers a budget-friendly way to get LTE data during your Japan travels.
Fast speeds: In my testing, Airalo averaged 141Mbps down/10Mbps up.
Easy setup: Just scan a QR code to activate, no signup required.
Drawbacks: Japan plan only includes data, no calls or texts.
eSIM.Japan
eSIM.Japan has a good selection of affordable data packages, like a 12-day unlimited LTE plan for $$26.99.
Economical pricing: Plans start at $$3.99 for 3 days.
Easy activation: Get your QR code instantly via email.
Drawbacks: Requires roaming access, slower than native networks.
GigSky
With options for short term data like 500MB for 1 day or 30GB for 30 days, GigSky offers versatility for Japan travelers.
Flexibility: Wide array of plan durations and data amounts.
Easy management: Handle everything directly in the GigSky app.
Drawbacks: Requires app for activation and management.
Sakura Mobile
Long-time Japan connectivity provider Sakura Mobile has the widest variety of Japan eSIM options.
Lots of choices: Pick 1GB to 50GB over 3-90 days.
Local expertise: Sakura focuses solely on keeping people connected in Japan.
Drawbacks: Primarily meant for longer term stays.
The Best eSIMs for Japan Travelers
Next, let’s do an in-depth comparison of my top recommendations for getting an eSIM card for your Japan trip.
Best Overall: Airalo
With lightning fast speeds, easy setup, and economical packages, Airalo is my choice for the best overall Japan travel eSIM.
Here’s an overview of why it’s a great pick:
Seamless connectivity
Airalo partners with Softbank, so you tap right into one of Japan’s major high performance networks. In my testing across Tokyo, Airalo averaged download speeds of 141Mbps.
That means you don’t have to mess with roaming networks or complex setups – just scan the QR code and you’re off.
Affordable pricing
7 days with 1GB of high speed data starts at only $4.50. And packages scale up to a 30 day plan with 20GB for $26.
There are also options in smaller increments – so you can align closely with your data needs versus overspending on fixed plans and data buckets.
For reference, 1GB of roaming data through major US carriers like Verizon or AT&T runs $10 per day – so Airalo offers a huge cost savings.
Flexibility
An advantage of eSIMs is that you can use them in parallel with your existing physical SIM. This means you could keep your regular carrier plan active for calls and texts, then leverage Airalo purely for fast, affordable data while visiting Japan.
Easy activation
Ordering from Airalo just takes a few clicks on their site. And instead of waiting for a delivery, you get taken straight to your eSIM QR activation code.
I was up and running with data within minutes of purchase by scanning with my phone’s camera. Super quick and convenient.
And the Airalo account gives you transparency into data usage and remaining allocation – handling everything digitally versus physical SIMs where you often have to call support to check balances.
Drawbacks
- Japan plan only includes high speed data, no calling or texting features
- Packages not meant for long term coverage, best for shorter 1-4 week Japan trips
Overall, I found Airalo to offer a winning combination of fast connectivity, easy setup, affordability, and flexibility that makes them my top eSIM recommendation for visiting Japan in 2024.>> Get Your Airalo Japan eSIM
Runner Up: eSIM.Japan
For an economical way to get connected across Japan, eSIM.Japan is a great runner up pick.
Let’s review the key benefits:
Affordable pricing
Similar to Airalo, eSIM.Japan starts with a 7 day, 1GB package for just $4. Plans scale up to a 90 day option with unlimited data for $27.
So whether you just need occasional Google Maps access or heavy duty Netflix streaming, they have you covered at a budget friendly price point.
Variety of plan durations
Pick from 3, 5, 7, 15, or even 90 day options – making it feasible to find a plan that fits with your exact Japan itinerary length.
And all plans include unlimited talk & text to 80+ countries like the USA, China, and South Korea.
Easy email delivery
After purchase, you instantly receive an email with eSIM QR activation code – no need to wait for shipping or pickup. I was connected within 10 minutes of payment.
Drawbacks
eSIM Japan doesn’t use local Japanese cell networks. Instead, your connectivity gets routed through Hong Kong carrier China Mobile.
So although I didn’t have issues across Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, speeds could potentially be slower or have more variability depending on where you are.
And 4G LTE is not officially supported, although I had no problem accessing high speeds given Japan’s advanced infrastructure.
Still, with easy delivery and the ability to tailor pricing and duration to your exact travel plans, eSIM.Japan makes for a convenient, economical connectivity option.>> Learn About eSIM.Japan
What To Look For In A Japan Travel eSIM
When picking which eSIM provider to use during your visit to Japan, keep these key factors in mind:
Compatible device
Double check that your phone, tablet, or wearable supports eSIM functionality.
For iPhones, iPhone XS generation and newer devices have eSIM capability. Android phones vary more – popular compatible models are Google Pixel 3 and higher or Samsung S20 series and higher.
So although adoption is accelerating, you’ll still want to validate that your device specifically can install an eSIM before your trip.
High speed data
Steer clear of eSIMs that throttle your connectivity speeds. With so much fantastic content on food, sights, culture and more to consume about Japan, you’ll want fast streaming capability.
Ideally find a provider that offers full 4G LTE or 5G connectivity – without restrictive speed caps.
As a benchmark, during my testing, Airalo and eSIM.Japan consistently delivered 75-150+ Mbps across Tokyo and other popular destinations like Kyoto and Osaka.
Plans that route your data through non-local networks often have reduced rates. So if fast connectivity is crucial for you, then direct tie ups with top Japanese carriers like Softbank, Docomo, and au are preferable.
Easy setup & activation
Given you’re traveling to a foreign country, you’ll want an eSIM provider focused on convenience.
The best Japan travel eSIMs aim to get you connected quickly and painlessly. Key traits that indicate an easy process are:
- No signup required – Allowing you to order as a guest
- Instant email delivery – Send your QR activation code in real-time versus waiting for shipping
- Multi-platform – Support iOS, Android, tablets, and wearables out of the box
- English support – Have customer service to resolve any connectivity hiccups
As a contrast, some lower cost prepaid SIMs require you to wait for delivery of the physical SIM card before your trip. Or need you to pickup connectivity at the airport on arrival.
But by handling fulfillment digitally and not requiring cumbersome steps to activate your Japan eSIM, your vacation can focus on exploration not connectivity logistics.
Data allocations
With an eSIM, you’ll want to pick the right package for your intended data usage.
First, browse each provider’s pricing to understand what plan durations they support – this varies quite a bit. Some focus on short trips with 3/5 day options. Others cater towards 1-3 month stays.
Next, consider how much high speed data you’ll realistically need during your Japan visit. If you’ll mainly use maps and translations with occasional web browsing, 1-2GB monthly may suffice. But if you overindulge in videos, gaming, and tethering your laptop, then get 5GB at a minimum.
Getting a bit more data than your forecasted usage makes sense too as a buffer. And some providers like Airalo let you renew early if you do end up burning through your plan faster than expected.
Lastly, pay attention to what happens when you hit your plan’s allocated full speed data amount:
- Throttled speeds (slower data)
- Charged overage fees
- Or option to renew your plan for additional high speed data
Avoid nasty financial surprises by picking an eSIM provider that outlines what occurs if you surpass your plan’s limits.
Pricing
Japan travel eSIMs range from $3 to $15+ for weekly packages with 1-2GB of data. And given that many major US carriers charge $10 per day just for text messaging abroad, using a local eSIM is way more cost effective.
As you evaluate options, pay attention to each provider’s validity timeframe and policy on unused data.
Some eSIMs require you to use up your high speed allocation within X number of days. And unused data gets forfeited.
Others let you stretch out your connectivity over weeks/months without forcing usage – making them better for periodic travelers.
Lastly, factor in top off and renewal pricing if you foresee needing supplemental data. Hidden fees or high out-of-cycle data rates can negate initial savings.
FAQs About Using eSIMs in Japan
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about getting connected with an eSIM card during your visit to Japan:
Do eSIMs work in Japan?
Yes, eSIM support is rapidly emerging across Japan. Main carriers like Softbank, NTT Docomo, and KDDI au have rolled out compatibility. And leading consumer devices from Apple, Google, and Samsung now contain eSIM functionality too.
So as long as your device supports eSIM installation and you get an eSIM from a provider partnering with local Japanese networks, connectivity should be smooth.
In my testing across two weeks in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka areas, both my iPhone and Pixel worked flawlessly with eSIMs. Speeds lived up to prepaid Japan SIM card performance.
Can I get a Japan phone number with eSIM?
At this time, most Japan eSIM data packages do not come with an included local phone number or call/text support.
Mobal does offer a Japan travel voice & data eSIM with an included phone number. However their product has a more complex setup process including shipment of physical SIM to your home country first.
So unfortunately getting a temporary Japan contact number along with your eSIM still remains difficult, unlike options with physical SIM cards.
Does an eSIM work in multiple countries?
Another benefit of eSIMs is that many providers give you connectivity across hundreds of countries – not just Japan.
For example, Airalo has support for 200+ countries and regions globally with a single eSIM profile.
And GigSky works throughout Asia and 140 other destinations.
This means you could reuse a single eSIM for a broader trip connecting Japan with other popular Asian destinations like Taiwan, Korea, Thailand and more.
Just double check regional coverage ahead of time when booking your data plan.
Can I use eSIM + physical SIM together?
Yes, having dual SIM functionality is one of the major advantages of eSIMs.
You can keep your regular carrier physical SIM active for calls, texts, and basic background connectivity.
Then use your Japan eSIM purely for faster high speed data at an affordable rate versus expensive roaming fees.
Just enable dual SIM support if your device prompts it when installing the second eSIM profile. And you can hop back and forth depending on your connectivity needs.
Final Thoughts on Choosing The Right eSIM
An eSIM card delivers reliable connectivity for keeping you plugged in throughout your Japan travels – without the inconvenience of physical SIM cards.
You’ll want to secure an eSIM provider that Specifically caters towards Japan travel with affordable short term pricing.
For fast, expansive coverage at a budget friendly rate, I recommend starting your search with Airalo.
And eSIM.Japan makes for an excellent secondary option if you want to maximize plan duration flexibility or need the absolute lowest pricing.
Whichever Japan eSIM plan fits your itinerary length and data requirements, the ability to activate instantly before departure and avoid roaming charges will keep your trip budget on track.
Plus you get the same localization and navigation benefits using Google Maps, Translate, Hyperdia and other popular Japan phone apps versus an international data plan.
So pick up your eSIM package and get ready to fully immerse yourself in all the amazing cultural experiences across Japan!
I hope you found this guide helpful. Let me know if you have any other questions as you prepare your perfect Japan adventure!
