Use eSIM to save up to 100% on roaming while traveling in Japan, prices start from $2.89/gb. Buy eSIM online and get it instantly by the email. Follow your installation guides
Quick Guide: Best eSIM in Japan
#1. airalo - Saves money while traveling, up to 90% off on roaming.
#2. knowroaming - 5G networks in Japan. High-Speed Internet connection, check our eSIM installation guides
#3. airhubapp - Save roaming data fees using amazing eSIM technology
#4. holafly - Cheap data roaming in Japan. No roaming fees, visit website
#5. ubigi - Operates in over 90 countries (inc. Japan) worldwide with no commitment
#6. keepgo - Validity 7 to 30 days, Immediate Internet access in Japan, Data plan only
eSIMs vs. Prepaid SIM Cards in Japan
In Japan, there are two primary ways to get a SIM card for your phone: a prepaid SIM card or an eSIM. While prepaid SIM cards were the go-to option for tourists in the past, eSIMs have become increasingly popular due to their convenience and flexibility.
eSIMs, or embedded SIMs, are virtual SIM cards built into your device. You can activate an eSIM with an internet connection, and you don't need to physically swap out SIM cards when you travel to a new country.
This is particularly advantageous for travelers who want to avoid the hassle of purchasing a physical SIM card and switching it out when they travel.
The best prepaid SIM cards, on the other hand, require you to purchase a physical SIM card and insert it into your device. You'll also need to purchase a data plan, which can be a bit confusing if you don't speak Japanese.
Prepaid SIM cards have limited data plans, which means you may run out of data before your trip ends, requiring you to purchase additional data or a new SIM card.
Overall, travel eSIMs are much more comfortable and convenient for travelers to Japan. Not only do they eliminate the need for a physical SIM card, but they also offer flexible data plans that can be easily managed from your device.
With an eSIM, you can quickly connect to high-quality internet wherever you go in Japan, making staying connected with friends and family back home or sharing photos of your travels easier.
Some tourist attractions in Land of the Rising Sun where you can take advantage of high-quality internet on your eSIM include
- Tokyo Disneyland
- Mount Fuji, Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures
- Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kyoto
- Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, Hiroshima
- Osaka Castle, Osaka
- Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Kyoto
- Sensoji Temple, Tokyo
- Himeji Castle, Himeji
- The Tokyo Skytree, and
- The Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto.
Whether you want to share photos of your travels or live stream your experiences, an eSIM can provide you with the fast and reliable internet you need to stay connected.
How Much Does It Cost to Buy eSIMs in Japan?
While eSIMs are cheaper than traditional SIM cards, they offer some benefits, such as not needing to swap SIM cards physically and having the ability to switch between multiple carriers or plans without purchasing additional physical SIM cards.
With an eSIM, you can switch between multiple carriers or plans without purchasing additional physical SIM cards. This can allow you to compare prices and plans easily and choose the best option for your needs.
Many eSIMs in Japan offer high-speed internet and 5G coverage, making it easy to stay connected and share photos or videos on social media while exploring the country.
| Provider | Data Plan | Validity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airalo | 10GB | 30 days | €37 |
| KnowRoaming | 5GB | 30 days | €22 |
| AirHubApp | 8GB | 14 days | €25 |
| Holafly | Unlimited | 5 days | €19 |
| KeepGo | 100MB | 365 days | €3 |
However, it's worth noting that prices and plans for both traditional SIM cards and eSIMs can change frequently, so it's best to check with the carrier or store where you plan to purchase your SIM card for the most up-to-date information.
While eSIMs may not be significantly cheaper than traditional SIM cards in Japan, they offer added convenience and flexibility for those who frequently travel or need to switch between carriers or plans.
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- Secured Payment
- No Additional Charges
- Flexible Data Plans
- Cancel Anytime
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| Data Plan | Validity | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1GB | 7 days | $6 |
| 3GB | 30 days | $14 |
- Regional eSIMs
- cost-effective way to stay online
- Avoid expensive bills
- Clear setup instructions
- Read our Users Reviews
- Best Customer Support
- Mobile Data Sharing
- Worldwide Data Plans
- Local eSIMs
- Review
- Read our Users Reviews
| Data Plan | Validity | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 3GB | 7 days | $11.9 |
| 5GB | 15 days | $13.9 |
| 3GB | 30 days | $20 |
| 10GB | 30 days | $25.9 |
- Scan QR code for activation
- No additional charges
- Galaxy S20, S20+ supported
- Live chat support
- Read our Users Reviews
- Regional eSIMs
- Long Stay Plans
- Traveller Plan
- Instant Connectivity
- Review
| Data Plan | Validity | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 3GB | 30 days | $8 |
| 10GB | 30 days | $16 |
| 2GB / month | 12 month | $38 |
| 5GB / month | Unlimited | $10 / month |
- Local Rates
- International eSIM cards
- Avoid expensive bills
- Instant connectivity
- Review
- Read our Users Reviews
| Data Plan | Validity | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 100MB | 1 year | $3 |
| 5GB | 1 year | $27 |
| 10GB | 1 year | $43 |
| 25GB | 1 year | $93 |
Where To Buy a SIM in Japan
There are several options for buying a SIM card in Japan, including:
- Airports: Most major airports in Japan have kiosks or stores that sell SIM cards, including Narita International Airport, Haneda Airport, and Kansai International Airport.
- Mobile phone carriers: The country has several major mobile phone carriers, including SoftBank, NTT Docomo, and au. You can purchase a SIM card directly from these carriers at their stores or online.
- Electronic stores: Electronic stores like Bic Camera, Yodobashi Camera, and LABI have SIM cards for sale, and some even offer tax-free shopping for tourists.
- Convenience stores: Some convenience stores like 7-Eleven and FamilyMart sell SIM cards, but the options may be limited.
- Online: You can also purchase a SIM card online before your trip and have it delivered to your hotel or a designated pickup location in Japan. Some popular websites for purchasing SIM cards include Japan Wireless and Sakura Mobile.
Before purchasing a SIM card, check if your phone is compatible with the carrier's network and if the SIM card provides the data and voice coverage you need for your trip.
Additionally, if you plan to use your phone to make calls or send texts, ensure the SIM card you purchase includes those features.
While purchasing a SIM card in Land of the Cherry Blossoms is generally a straightforward process, there are some potential problems or issues that you may encounter, including:
- Language barrier: If you do not speak Japanese, communicating with the seller may be challenging. It is recommended to have a translation app or a Japanese-speaking friend to assist you.
- SIM card compatibility: Not all SIM cards will work with all devices. Check the compatibility of the SIM card with your device before making a purchase.
- Network coverage: Some areas may have limited or no coverage for certain carriers. Make sure to check the coverage area of the carrier before purchasing a SIM card.
- Required identification: Some carriers or stores may require specific forms of identification to purchase a SIM card. Foreign nationals may need to provide their passport or other identification documents, which may not be convenient.
- Activation process: Activating a SIM card may involve several steps, including entering a PIN code, setting up the APN, and other settings. This process can be confusing or complicated, especially if you are unfamiliar with the language.
- Limited data plans: Some prepaid SIM cards may have limited data plans, which may not be sufficient for your needs. Make sure to check the data plan of the SIM card before making a purchase.
- Refund policy: Some carriers or stores may have strict refund policies, making it difficult to return a SIM card if it does not work with your device or if there are other issues. Make sure to check the refund policy before making a purchase.
1. airalo
Price Range: $3 - $62
|
Validity (day): 5, 7, 8, 10, 15, 30, 60, 90, 180 |
Mobile App: iOS, Android |
|
Regions: Europe, America, Middle East, Africa, Asia, Oceania |
Coverage: over 190 countries |
Airalo is an e-Sim provider who can offer travellers good value e-sim packages for 190 countries. Worldwide , local, regional data plans. Local rates. Try it now!
Try AirAlo now! Validity: 7 to 30 days, starts from $1.66/GB
2. knowroaming
Price Range: $4 - $55.93
|
Validity (day): 1, 3, 7, 15, 30, 90, 180 |
Mobile App: iOS, Android |
|
Regions: Europe, North America, Middle East, Africa, Asia, Oceania |
Coverage: 97 countries |
Knowroaming offers local eSIM for a low price
3. airhubapp
Price Range: $1 - $58
|
Validity (day): 3, 7, 8, 10, 14, 15, 30, 90, 180, 365 |
Mobile App: iOS, Android |
|
Regions: Europe, North America, Middle East, South Africa, Asia Oceania |
Coverage: 98 countries |
AirhubApp eSIM is not extremely cheap, but it is a cheaper alternative than buying a pay-as-you-go SIM in the Japan, or paying roaming fees. Try it now. Starts at $2.60/gig
4. holafly
Price Range: $19 - $99
|
Validity (day): 3, 7, 8, 10, 14, 15, 30, 90, 180, 365 |
Mobile App: iOS, Android |
|
Regions: Europe, North America, South Africa, Asia, Oceania |
Coverage: over 130 counties |
Take advantage of this offer now and save on roaming
5. ubigi
Price Range: $3 - $99
|
Validity (day): 1, 30, 365 |
Mobile App: iOS, Android |
|
Regions: Europe, North America, South Africa, Asia, Oceania |
Coverage: 178 countries |
Ubigi is the best all-around eSIM operator I’ve tested, with incredibly fast speeds and strong security. It has local and regional eSIMs, live chat support 24/7. Save up to 90% on roaming in Japan
6. keepgo
Price Range: $3 - $740. Special offer: 2GB free
|
Validity (day): 365 |
Mobile App: iOS, Android |
|
Regions: Europe, North America, South Africa, Asia, Oceania |
Coverage: 110 counties |
There are 2 options to stay connected while traveling in Japan: to buy a roaming data plan at your home country and pay hundredths of a dollar for that OR you can buy eSIM from Keepgo and use local data plans in Japan. Save up to 90% on data roaming. Instant eSIM delivery
FAQ
- What is the current state of eSIM adoption in Japan?
eSIM adoption in Japan is steadily increasing as more carriers offer eSIM plans and more devices become eSIM compatible. However, traditional SIM cards remain more popular among consumers.
- What are the benefits of using an eSIM in Japan for business travelers?
eSIMs can offer added convenience and flexibility for business travelers who frequently travel to different countries and need reliable and secure cellular connectivity. They can also eliminate the need for physical SIM card swaps and make switching between carriers and plans easier.
- What kind of eSIM plans are available in Japan?
There are a variety of eSIM plans available in Japan, ranging from prepaid plans to postpaid plans with unlimited data. Many carriers also offer short-term plans for travelers.
- How can businesses in Japan benefit from using eSIMs?
Businesses in Japan can benefit from using eSIMs by reducing costs associated with traditional SIM cards, improving security by eliminating the need for physical SIM cards and enabling employees to switch between carriers or plans easily.
- What is the process for activating an eSIM in Japan?
The activation process for eSIMs in Japan may vary depending on the carrier but typically involves scanning a QR code or entering a code manually into your device.
- What are the challenges associated with using eSIMs in Japan?
One challenge with using eSIMs in Japan is that not all devices are eSIM compatible, which can limit options for users. Additionally, eSIM plans can be more expensive than traditional SIM card plans.
- What is the future outlook for eSIMs in Japan?
The future outlook for eSIMs in Japan is positive, as more carriers are expected to offer eSIM plans and more devices become eSIM compatible. However, traditional SIM cards will likely remain popular for the foreseeable future.
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Written by: Eric Costilia
Eric Costilia is an experienced writer, editor and researcher. His writing focuses mostly on tech, gaming. He wrote dozens of eSIM carriers reviews, which makes him an expert of this technology.
Read Comments
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Margie
The esimanywhere.com offers a great variety of options for travel sim cards, making it a convenient one-stop shop for tourists. When I travelled to Japan, I double-checked everything that I read on the website, and when I arrived to Toyohashi city, I had no problems having a connection with the eSIM they recommend.