japan tourist e sim

• Tokyo Cheapo (繁體中文)

The Best eSIMs for Visiting Japan — Tested and Compared

eSIMs are perfect for traveling. Worrying about SIM trays or losing tiny SIMs between the sofa cushions is finally a thing of the past! What’s more, the Japan eSIM market has exploded, with a wide range of offerings from both domestic and international players. To help you choose the best eSIM for your trip, we tried out all the eSIMs that we could get our hands on.

You can get an eSIM with a real Japanese phone number, even if you're just visiting. The voice + data eSIM from Mobal starts at [price amount=4620] for 30 days. Bonus -- the bulk of profits go to charity. -->

Japan eSIMs tested and compared

First, here’s a summary of what we found when we tested the eSIMs: If you’re curious, here’s how we tested the Japan eSIMs .

What exactly is an eSIM?

It’s a virtual SIM that you can download and install onto your phone directly, so no more fiddly physical SIM cards. Most phones released since 2019 have the option to use an eSIM, with Apple’s US iPhone 14 and 15 being eSIM only. eSIMs are convenient when you want to change your carrier, such as when abroad, as you can connect to a new provider in seconds without removing your existing physical SIM card.

Japan eSIMs for tourists and short-term visitors

Here’s a quick overview of some of the Japan eSIM options for your trip. This is not an exhaustive list; just an introduction to some of the main players in the market.

eSIM Japan: Affordable, reliable and easy

eSIM Japan offers economical data-only plans for visitors to Japan. Their plans come in two varieties: a general Japan plan, and city-specific plans for Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and more. They are all the same price, and for all intents and purposes are the same as the general plans. However, all plans work throughout Japan.

When we ordered the 2GB/day Japan Unlimited Pro eSIM, a QR code landed in our inbox immediately, so you can even decide to pick one up while waiting to pick up your luggage at the airport. The time from purchase to use took less than 15 minutes.

The plan begins as soon as you scan the code and install the eSIM. Plans have a set time limit (3, 5, 7, 12, 15, or even 90 days) and a data limit (3GB, 5GB, 10GB, or unlimited), so you can choose a plan that works for the length of your trip. Plan prices vary based on length, from US$ 3.99 for a basic 3-day plan, to US$ 26.99 for an unlimited 12-day plan.

eSIM Japan is provided by China Mobile Hong Kong, but roams to Japan’s KDDI au and SoftBank networks (you’ll need to enable roaming to use it). Despite the roaming, it was fairly fast, with a download speed of 38.27Mbps on average. Webpages loaded in a flash, and both video calling and streaming were smooth, with no lags.

Note: If you are in Hong Kong or Taiwan, you’ll need to use real-name registration. Otherwise, no signup is required.

Mobal eSIMs: Best for emergencies and heavy data users

Popular local provider Mobal recently launched a line of eSIMs for Japan. They sell seven different data-only eSIMs, ranging from a basic 1GB, 8-day eSIM for ¥ 1,920 , all the way up to a hefty 100GB, 31-day eSIM for ¥ 8,000 . They also have a voice and data SIM.

Mobal uses the major Japanese network Docomo, which means that you won’t be roaming. It’s 4G LTE and coverage is countrywide. For activation of the data SIMs, it takes about 15 minutes. We received an email with a link to their service website after 5 minutes. This led us to a page where we waited for our eSIM QR code to be ready for another 10 minutes.

In terms of performance, Mobal is about middle of the pack, at an average of 24.76Mbps. Websites loaded quickly, and video calling was fairly smooth. Overall, it’s a solid, reliable eSIM.

Mobal voice + data eSIM for Japan

There is also a voice + data eSIM , which has an initial fee of ¥ 2,970 . When you activate your eSIM, you’ll need to choose a monthly plan, ranging from 1GB/month for ¥ 1,650 , to 30GB/month for ¥ 4,378 . There is no minimum contract period, and there are no cancellation fees, making it a viable choice for both travellers and residents alike. You get a real Japanese phone number with this eSIM. We tested out the 7GB plan.

Note: Due to regulations in Japan, the voice + data eSIM cannot be emailed to customers; your access code will need to be posted to your residence overseas, or otherwise picked up in person in Japan. You need to apply in advance, upload an ID document and wait for a delivery. Once you get your package in the mail, you need to activate your Mobal eSIM on the Mobal website. You’ll enter a 32-digit EID, then wait for Mobal to activate your eSIM and provision your new Japanese phone number. Technical support is available via email and a web form, though most questions can usually be solved by having a peek at Mobal’s FAQs page.

Airalo: Good performance from a trusted brand

Special offer: Order through our link and get 10% off. The discount is automatically applied at checkout.

If you’re in the market for speed, Airalo isn’t going to play games with you. Airalo eSIMs roam on SoftBank, one of Japan’s major carriers, offering dependable data on the go. Their Moshi Moshi eSIM line of eSIMs has 7, 15, and 30-day packages. The 7-day package is the bare minimum, with only 1GB of data for US$ 4.50 . The 15-day plan offers 2GB, and at the upper end, the 30-day plans come in 3, 5, 10, and 20GB increments. For those of you who burn through your data, that 20GB package will set you back US$ 26.00 .

Getting the Airalo eSIM took no time at all. We signed up for the 2GB/15-day Moshi Moshi eSIM, and after paying, we were immediately taken to a page with our eSIM QR code waiting. We were 100% good to go within 15 minutes. Note that sign-up is required for this eSIM.

When it came to our speed test, this eSIM left all of its competitors in the dust. Our testing had a lightning fast average download speed of 141.61Mbps. Websites loaded almost instantly, and YouTube videos didn’t stop to buffer once. Even our awkward video calls didn’t make this eSIM break a sweat. If you’re the sort of person who really works your data to the bone, Airalo is a good choice.

Ubigi: Solid performance with easy order and setup process

Ubigi is a global eSIM provider currently offering eSIMs for over 200 destinations. A relatively new name in the Japanese eSIM market, they nonetheless have plans to cover most needs. From economical single day 500MB plans for ¥ 390 to beefy month-long plans with 50GB of data for ¥ 9,700 , there’s something for all travelers.

Ordering from Ubigi is a snap. Once we paid, we had a QR code emailed to us in seconds. One quick scan, and we were ready to go. Like most others on this list, Ubigi works with NTT Docomo for reliable coverage across Japan. The company behind Ubigi is Transatel, which is actually owned by NTT.

We tried the 3GB Ubigi eSIM. In our testing, we experienced average speeds of 73.72Mbps, and webpages loaded in a flash. YouTube playback was smooth with no buffering, and our video calls were lag-free. Overall, at this price point, Ubigi offers excellent quality and speed that make them a strong contender.

World eSIM: Good speed from a trusted Japanese provider

World eSIM is brought to you by Vision Inc. — the folks behind travel wifi name Ninja Wifi . They have nine Japan eSIMs, with various combinations of data and validity periods. We ordered the 3GB/5-day plan for US$ 8.50 , but you can also get 5GB/10-day, 10GB/15-day, and 15GB/20-day eSIMs. If you prefer to get a daily amount of data, there are 500MB/day x 3 days ( US$ 4.50 ), 1GB/day and 2GB/day options.

Getting our eSIM was straightforward. After signing up on the World eSIM website, we paid and had a QR code sent to our email instantly. A quick scan, and we were ready to go. Download speeds averaged 99.15Mbps, and our streaming was smooth. We found that this was one of the best eSIMs for video calling, during our test. It’s a solid choice, overall.

Sakura Mobile: Trusted local Japan provider

An established SIM and wifi provider that’s popular with people staying in Japan both short and long term, Sakura Mobile also has a line of eSIMs. Prices scale depending on how long you’ll be staying (up to a maximum of 90 days), and how much data you want. Their cheapest option — a 3-day, 1GB data-only travel eSIM, costs ¥ 2,100 .

We tested the 3-day, 3GB data-only eSIM, which cost ¥ 2,750 . There was no option to install it directly through the Sakura Mobile website; the QR code and instructions were emailed to us. The user interface was a little clunky, but we managed to get the eSIM set up in under 15 minutes. We didn’t need to activate roaming to use it.

In terms of performance, Sakura Mobile’s download speeds averaged 84.46Mbps, although they varied significantly across test platforms. Video playback as well as calling was smooth, though, and we were satisfied with the overall performance.

Jetpac: Good price and performance

Singapore-based eSIM player Jetpac have a range of plans for Japan, starting from 3GB for ¥ 1,500 and going up to 25GB for ¥ 3,765 . When we did our test, there was also a promotional 1GB plan for ¥ 150 . We opted for the 3GB eSIM, however. Once we had paid, the Jetpac eSIM was provisioned instantly.

When it comes to speed, the Jetpac eSIM was one of the top performers during our tests. Download speeds averaged an impressive 122.7Mbps, and streaming as well as video calling was super smooth.

You need to enable roaming to use the SIM, though once up and running it will roam on the local SoftBank and KDDI networks. Jetpac pushes customers towards their app, but it’s not actually necessary to download it. A nice little perk is that the Jetpac eSIM gives you access to 1,100 airport lounges around the world; you can use them in the event of a flight delay or cancellation.

Which is better for your Japan trip: An eSIM, or a physical SIM card?

Even with more providers arriving on the scene, the options with physical SIMs are still superior to what you can get with eSIMs. For example, only one of the eSIMs listed here includes a Japanese phone number with calling ability (that’s Mobal ). So if you’d like something more inconvenient but with better options, check out our guide to prepaid SIM cards for travel to Japan .

Also, keep in mind that you might need a second device to install an eSIM, as the second will display the QR code for your first device to scan. If you don’t have a second device, you’ll need some help to install the code — perhaps by asking someone to take a photo of your QR code and then scanning it from their phone.

How did we test the Japan eSIMs?

First of all, a disclaimer: Testing the performance of eSIMs is inherently difficult, due to transient network conditions. You can test the same connection, on the same phone, in the same place, twice in a five-minute interval and get two completely different results for speed and latency.

For our most recent test, we rented six identical Google Pixel 7a handsets, and took them to a studio in Tokyo to test out the eSIMs mentioned in this article. While our video producer recorded the tests, our CEO installed the eSIMs and went through the following:

• Five speed tests, all using the Ookla app and different test servers, assessing the download and upload speeds (we did four tests for upload speeds), as well as latency
• Watched videos on YouTube to assess streaming capabilities
• Made short video calls to look for lag

Our CEO then retested some of the eSIMs the following day, at a different location in Tokyo, to compare results. Due to both Mobal and Sakura Mobile experiencing severe throttling on the initial test day, we have used the data from the second day for their eSIMs.

Some of the eSIMs had to be run on the same device, meaning that not all tests were simultaneous. We know that our testing method isn’t perfect, but it gave us a good idea of the performance of the different eSIMs. We excluded some eSIMs from the article where we had concerns about the ordering process, performance or pricing.

A word on speed tests: We strongly recommend that you don’t run speed tests with your eSIM, as they BURN through data. A single test could use 300MB or more!

While we do our best to ensure everything is correct, information is subject to change. Prices are approximate. This post was first published in October, 2020 and was last updated by Carey Finn on April 1st, 2024.

閱讀中文版本: 去日本旅行的最佳eSIM卡推介

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No.1 Japan eSIM Store

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Best eSIM Japan Plans

Select your perfect data plans to enjoy 4g lte.

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4.99 999+ sold, valid for 3-12 days, daily 3gb data, 4.82 935 sold, valid for 5-90 days, 4.75 899 sold, valid for 20 days, for city travelers, city plans connect to the best local network.

For world travelers

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Asia-Australia-USA

From $15.99.

Asia Unlimited

From $16.99.

Global Unlimited

Our local network provides coverage 99% of time in japan, esimjapan.com offers reliable service on the kddi’s network. you’ll enjoy 4g lte speed data almost everywhere you travel in japan..

Why ESIMJAPAN.COM

Our 24/7 specialists are here to help you.

Start your journey with confidence. Our dedicated customer support team is available to help you from anywhere in the world. Reach out to us via email.

Customers love eSIM Japan

ESIMJAPAN.COM provides the ultimate eSIM service for travelers in Japan. eSIM lets travelers access local data plans using virtual SIM. We provide the easiest way to get connected in Japan at a reasonable price. Have an amazing time with eSIM data plans in Japan.

Join us at esimjapan.com for an unforgettable experience in japan. stay connected, whether you’re at the top of tokyo tower, climbing mount fuji, or exploring the lush arashiyama bamboo grove. capture and share these moments on your favorite social media platforms to make your journey even more memorable., leave your worries behind; our 24/7 customer support is here for you throughout your trip. we guarantee an extraordinary trip with our reliable and fast esim. start planning your unforgettable adventure in japan today., are you new to esim.

Count on us for your stress-free eSIM experience.

What is esim, esim, short for embedded sim, provides a hassle-free solution for travelers seeking mobile data access abroad without the need to swap out physical sim cards. our user-friendly esim data plans are swiftly delivered to your email within 5 to 15 minutes of payment. say goodbye to the hassle of queuing up for a physical sim card while traveling. with esim, you can keep your original physical sim for receiving sms and calls from your home country. unlock the advantages of esim with a quick qr code scan and kickstart your remarkable journey with our exceptional esim data plans., is my device compatible, please verify your device’s compatibility with our advanced esim technology to ensure a seamless connectivity solution. while most gsm-compatible devices can work with our esim, compatibility may vary based on your location and carrier. for ios devices, models released after the iphone xr generally support our esim; however, devices manufactured in hong kong or china may not offer esim functionality. on the android side, the latest samsung galaxy and google pixel phone models typically offer compatibility with our esim, though it may depend on the specific model, manufacturing location, and carrier. to ensure compatibility, please refer to our comprehensive list of supported devices., apple iphone.

Compatible Device

iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max, iPhone SE3 (2022), iPhone 13, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max, 13 Mini, iPhone 12, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max, 12 Mini, iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max, iPhone SE2 (2020), iPhone XR, iPhone XS, XS Max (Recommended iOS version: iOS 13.3 or later)

Incompatible Device

iPhone purchased from mainland China iPhone purchased from Hong Kong and Macao (except for iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone SE 2020, and iPhone XS)

Samsung Galaxy

Galaxy S24 5G, S24 Ultra 5G, S24+ 5G, Galaxy S23 5G, S23 Ultra 5G, S23+ 5G, Galaxy S22 5G, S22 Ultra 5G, S22+ 5G, Galaxy S21 5G, S21 Ultra 5G, S21+ 5G, Galaxy S20, S20+, S20 Ultra 5G, Galaxy Note 20, Note 20 Ultra, Note 20 Ultra 5G Galaxy Note 20+, Note 20 FE, Note 20 FE 5G, Galaxy Fold, Z Fold 2, Z Fold 3, Z Fold 4 5G, Galaxy Z Flip, Z Flip 3 5G, Z Flip 4 5G

All Samsung S20 FE/S21 FE models S20/S21 and Galaxy Z Flip 5G from USA Note 20 Ultra and Galaxy Z Fold 2 from USA and Hong Kong

Google Pixel

Pixel 8, 8Pro, Pixel 7, 7Pro, Pixel 6, 6a, 6Pro, Pixel 5, 5a, Pixel 4, 4a, 4XL, Pixel 3, 3XL, Pixel 3a, 3aXL

Pixel 3 models manufactured from Australia, Taiwan, and Japan Pixel 3 models bought from US or Canadian carriers other than Sprint and Google Fi Pixel 3a models bought in South East Asia and with Verizon service

Why choose eSIM over other options?

  affordable choice make a smart consumer choice with a cost-effective alternative to traditional international roaming plans., time-saving convenience say goodbye to long waits for physical sim cards or pocket wi-fi. your esim will be promptly delivered to your email inbox., environmentally responsible play your part in environmental preservation by choosing a plastic-free esim, actively reducing waste and co2 emissions., how it works.

Get eSIM at your fingertips, Get ready for your trip!

Pick a plan

Choose the plan that suits your travel needs and place an order.

Scan the QR code

Receive the QR code via email and instantly scan it to activate.

Ready to go!

Have a light and enjoyable trip without any data concerns.

If you still wonder?

Can i get esim in japan.

Absolutely, you can get an eSIM anytime, anywhere, provided you have a compatible and unlocked device. For the complete list of supported device models, please visit our website by clicking here . To determine whether your device is locked or unlocked, please refer to the brand-specific instructions for your phone:

For Apple Devices:

01. Access [Settings] – [General] – [About] and scroll down 02. If you see “Network Provider Lock – No SIM restrictions” and “Digital SIM – IMEI (number will appear),” your phone supports eSIM. 03. If you encounter “SIM restrictions,” your phone does not have eSIM support.

For Samsung & Google Devices:

01. Access [Settings] – [Connections] – [Mobile networks]. 02. Choose [Networks operators] 03. If you see multiple available networks, your phone is likely unlocked and eSIM-compatible. 04. If only one result is visible, or the option to search for networks is unavailable, your phone may be carrier-locked. In such a scenario, you’ll need to contact your domestic carrier to unlock your phone before using an eSIM.

Which eSIM is best for Japan?

We take pride in offering the best eSIM for tourists in Japan. We provide cost-effective, high-speed eSIM data plans that cover various regions in Japan. Our plans offer global coverage and city-specific options, each with varying durations of validity.

Complete your eSIM purchase in just three easy steps:

First, select the data plan that aligns with your travel requirements. Second, securely process your payment through the trusted PayPal gateway. Lastly, receive your QR code via email within a mere 15 minutes.

How do I set up eSIM in Japan?

We will send you a confirmation email with a QR code after your purchase is completed. There are two ways to add an eSIM to your device, and please note that these steps may vary depending on your device and language. To activate the plan, ensure you are connected to a strong Wi-Fi signal and not in Airplane Mode.

Activating by scanning the QR code 01. Go to [Settings] and tap [Cellular/Mobile Data] 02. Tap [Add Cellular Plan] or [Add eSIM] 03. Select [Scan QR Code] and scan the QR code received via email 04. Follow the activation instructions when your device prompts you to complete the installation

Activating by entering manual information 01. Go to [Settings] – [Cellular/Mobile Data] – [Add Cellular Plan/eSIM] – [Scan QR code] – [Enter Details Manually] 02. Enter the ‘SM-DP+ Address’ and ‘Activation Code’ information provided in the email 03. Follow the activation instructions when your device prompts you to complete the installation

For Samsung devices

Activating by scanning the QR code 01. Go to [Settings] – [Connections] – [SIM Card Manager] – [Add a Mobile Plan] 02. Choose [Scan Carrier QR code] 03. Scan the QR Code received via email 04. Follow the activation instructions when your device prompts you to complete the installation

Activating by entering manual information 01. Go to [Settings] – [Connections] – [SIM Card Manager] – [Add a Mobile Plan] 02. Choose [Scan Carrier QR code] and tap [Enter Activation code] 03. Type the ‘Activation Code’ provided in the email 04. Follow the activation instructions when your device prompts you to complete the installation

Activating by scanning the QR code 01. Go to [Settings] – [Network & Internet] – Tap the + icon next to Mobile Network 02. Select [Download a SIM instead] – [Next] 03. Scan the QR Code received via email 04. Follow the activation instructions when your device prompts you to complete the installation

Activating by entering manual information 01. Go to [Settings] – [Network & Internet] – Tap the + icon next to Mobile Network 02. Select [Download a SIM instead] – [Next] – [Need help?] 03. Tap on [Enter Data Manually] and type the ‘Activation Code’ provided in the email 04. Follow the activation instructions when your device prompts you to complete the installation

Which is the ideal eSIM package for Japan?

When it comes to choosing the right eSIM package for your journey in Japan, it’s crucial to take into account factors like your data requirements, coverage, and the length of your stay. Here are several options to consider:

| eSIM Japan Unlimited Plans: These plans offer unlimited data, with reduced speeds (384 kbps) after exhausting your high-speed 4G LTE data. Validities range from 3 to 12 days.

| eSIM Japan Fixed Plans: These plans ensure consistent 4G LTE connectivity with data allowances spanning from 3GB to 30GB. You can select validities ranging from 7 to 30 days.

| eSIM Asia Unlimited: Perfect for travelers venturing beyond Japan, providing coverage in 13 European countries.

Before making your choice, we strongly recommend thoroughly reviewing the details and terms of each eSIM plan. If you need personalized assistance in selecting the perfect plan, don’t hesitate to contact the eSIM World team at [email protected]

Does the eSIM plan support voice calls and SMS?

Regrettably, eSIM Japan exclusively provides data-only plans, and local phone numbers are not included in these packages. As a result, these eSIM plans do not support the ability to make voice calls or send SMS. If you need voice call and SMS functionality, we recommend using VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services such as Skype or other messaging applications that rely on data connectivity to facilitate calls and messaging.

How long does it take to receive an email with the QR code?

Upon completing your payment, our eSIM QR code is automatically dispatched to the provided email address within 15 minutes. If you haven’t received it within this timeframe, please follow these steps:

1. Check Spam or Promotion Folder Examine your spam or promotion folder, as your email might have been filtered there.

2. Contact Us for Assistance If there’s a typo in your email address, kindly reach out to us at [email protected] for a prompt resend.

3. Payment Processing Delay If you used iDEAL or another non-PayPal payment method, there may be delays during the transfer to PayPal. In such cases, please contact the respective payment gateway for assistance.

4. PayPal Security Measures Occasionally, PayPal may subject your payment to security checks, which could take up to 72 hours. This is part of PayPal’s security protocol. For guidance, please reach out to PayPal’s customer service.

Please be aware that even for credit or debit card payments, processing is routed through PayPal, potentially undergoing PayPal’s security checks and pending status. For further assistance, we recommend reaching out to PayPal’s customer service.

How do I get assistance from eSIM World Team?

If you need assistance or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected] . Our dedicated customer support team is available around the clock. Feel free to reach out, and we’ll be delighted to help with any concerns or inquiries regarding your eSIM plan or usage.

See Infrequently Asked Questions

How can i confirm my esim activation.

To ensure your eSIM is activated, watch for the following two signs:

1. eSIM Profiles Go to your device’s eSIM settings, where you’ll find a list of available profiles or plans. A successfully activated eSIM will display an active profile without a phone number listed among the options.

2. Signal and Connectivity Once your eSIM is activated and connected to a cellular network, you should observe signal bars or connectivity indicators in your device’s status bar. Additionally, you might see the carrier name associated with the eSIM, confirming both its activation and network connection.

Is it necessary to deactivate my original SIM?

We highly recommend deactivating your original SIM to avoid incurring data roaming charges from your domestic carrier while using the eSIM. By disabling your original SIM, you ensure that your device solely relies on the eSIM for data connectivity during your travels. However, if you still wish to receive calls and SMS on your home number while using the eSIM, you can keep your original SIM active. In this scenario, we suggest deactivating the “Automatic Cellular Data Switching” feature on your device. This precaution prevents unintentional data usage, ensuring that data traffic is routed through the eSIM plan rather than the original SIM.

Do I need to enable data roaming for eSIM?

It’s essential to activate data roaming for the secondary line, which is your added eSIM plan. To enable data roaming, follow these steps:

01. Access [Settings] – [Cellular] 02. Choose the [Secondary] (the eSIM plan you’ve added) 03. Ensure that [Data Roaming] is switched to the ON position

In addition, to prevent any unexpected charges, it’s vital to  disable the automatic switching of lines. Here’s how you can complete this on Apple Devices:

01. Access [Settings] – [Cellular] 02. Tap [Cellular Data] 03. Verify that [Allow Cellular Data Switching] is turned OFF

We also recommend contacting your domestic carrier to inquire about “Blocked charged international roaming” services. This will help ensure you have the most suitable data options when using the eSIM plan.

How can I check my data balance?

You can easily estimate your data usage by accessing your device’s Settings. For precise data consumption details, please contact us at [email protected] . The procedure differs based on your device’s manufacturer:

For Apple devices

01. Open [Settings] 02. Go to [Cellular/Mobile Data] 03. Find your data usage under “Current Period Roaming.” 04. Alternatively, you can find more detailed instructions on the Apple website here . You can also dial 1019# to check your data usage via a call

01. Go to [Settings] – [Connections] 02. Choose [Data usage] 03. Your mobile data consumption will be displayed 04. You can also dial 1019# and make a call to check your data usage

For Google devices

01. Open [Settings] – [Network & Internet] – [Internet] 02. Tap [Settings] next to your operator 03. At the top, you’ll see the total data you have used

What happens if I use up my data or exceed the validity period?

Once you’ve depleted your data or the validity period has ended, internet access will be suspended. If you want to extend the validity or acquire additional data, topping up is a simple process. You’ll find the “Make a Top-up” button in the email containing the QR code.

How can I delete the eSIM once I am done?

To remove your eSIM from your device, please follow these steps:

01. Access [Settings] – [Cellular/Mobile Data] 02. Tap on the eSIM plan you would like to remove from the list 02. Choose [Remove Cellular Plan](The name of the button can be something similar depending on the device)

For Samsung

01. Access [Settings] – [Connections] – [SIM card manager] 02. Choose the eSIM plan you want to remove 03. Toggle the switch to disable the eSIM 04.Tap [Remove]

01. Access [Settings] 02. Tap [Network & internet] – [Mobile network] 03. Choose the eSIM you want to delete 04. Tap [Delete SIM]

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SIM Cards in Japan: Top 7 Services for Travelers in 2024

Stay connected in Japan by using a SIM card! We introduce 7 Japanese SIM cards ideal for short stays along with information on eSIM and the pros and cons of using a SIM card compared to portable Wi-Fi routers.

Mitoyo, Kagawa, Japan

Stay Connected in Japan

Photo by Pixta

There are several ways to access the Internet in Japan. The most inexpensive method would be to use free Wi-Fi, although its availability is limited and can expose users to vulnerabilities.

A SIM card for travelers or portable Wi-Fi router comes in handy in these situations. While the latter can handle a large amount of data, carrying the device around may require some effort.

Alternatively, a SIM card may only handle a little data and is more complicated to set up than a portable Wi-Fi. But it is far easier to carry and cheaper than a router.

This article features seven SIM cards that will support your short-term trip to Japan. We've also included information on eSIM services and inexpensive portable Wi-Fi routers that are an alternative to SIM cards.

Those planning a long-term stay in Japan should check out this MATCHA article .

Book the mobal SIM Card: No Postage Needed!

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Top 7 SIM Cards in Japan

While there are many types of SIM cards to use when traveling in Japan, the following is a list of five recommended providers and two places to purchase them.

1. mobal SIM Cards

Picture courtesy of mobal

mobal , a long-established company headquartered in the UK, handles SIM cards for travelers to Japan.

They offer various SIM card plans, the cheapest with unlimited data costing 4,730 yen for 8 days. Please note that data speed may be reduced after exceeding 3GB per day.

Mobal cards can handle about the same amount of data as pocket Wi-Fi routers. Moreover, there is no shipping fee for worldwide customers , so overseas visitors can receive the card in their home country before arriving in Japan.

The company also handles Voice SIM , which comes with a Japanese telephone number . The duration is 30 days for 7GB costing 7,920 yen and up. Also, the trending eSIM is available for 8 days for 1GB starting at 1,920 yen.

Mobal: Wi-Fi & SIM with English Support and Easy Application

2. Sakura Mobile SIM Card

Picture courtesy of Sakura Mobile

Sakura Mobile is a popular service for English-speaking people who are traveling or staying in Japan for long periods.

Their SIM cards offer unlimited data (data speed may be reduced after exceeding 2GB per day) and cost 4,950 yen for 8 days. Although it may seem expensive compared to mobal, Sakura Mobile is known for its top-notch customer support.

The company will answer questions in advance and offer consultations during the trip if you have any problems. If this is your first trip to Japan or first time using a SIM card, we recommend choosing Sakura Mobile!

They also offer an eSIM service. While prices vary depending on the period of use, a 10-day package with 5GB data costs 3,350 yen as of August 2023.

Book the Sakura Mobile SIM Card: Excellent Customer Support!

Connect in Japan With Sakura Mobile! How to Get Cell Service and Wi-Fi

3. Nippon SIM for Japan

Picture courtesy of Nippon SIM for Japan

Nippon SIM for Japan is provided by DHA Corporation and is available on Amazon.

A 30-day plan with 3GB data costs 1,980 yen. There are other plans with a wide variety of duration and data.

Since the capacity is small, this card is suitable for those who don't use much data and looking to buy a cheap SIM card.

4. IIJmio Travel SIM

Picture courtesy of IIJmio Travel SIM

Those planning to purchase a SIM card during their trip should look for IIJmio Travel SIM . It is sold at major electronics stores in most large cities, such as Bic Camera, Yodobashi Camera, and Kojima .

This is an open-priced item with costs varying by store. As of August 2023, a 30-day card with 3GB data is sold for 2,480 yen at Bic Camera.

IIJmio is a low-cost SIM service provider that is well-known in Japan.

5. B Mobile Visitor SIM Card

Picture courtesy of B Mobile Visitor SIM

B Mobile Visitor SIM can also be purchased on Amazon . It is also available on the company's official website. The price is 1,980 yen for a 10-day card with 5GB of data.

Please note that B Mobile Visitor SIM has an additional postage charge. 370 yen will be added to cards sent to Japanese airports and 520 yen for cards sent to hotels.

6. SIM Cards Offered by Klook

Residents of southeastern or eastern Asian countries should check Klook , an experience booking site.

Klook also sells various SIM cards that are suitable for a trip to Japan. Most of them can be sent to various Asian countries, so please take a look!

Book a Klook SIM Card or Portable Wi-Fi Router

7. SIM Cards at Airports

If you forget to purchase a SIM card in your home country, don't worry! In recent years, major Japanese airports are provided with SIM card vending machines.

For example, a 6-day SIM card with 1GB of data is sold for about 2,000 yen at vending machines in Narita Airport. Please check the official website for additional details.

eSIM: An Alternative to Physical SIM Cards

One of the concerns about using a SIM card is the risk of losing the SIM card when replacing it. After all, SIM cards are very small, measuring only 1 to 3 millimeters in size.

Recently, eSIM has been trending because it can be used without replacing the physical SIM card. In the U.S., the iPhone 14 series designed for eSIM use was released in 2022, and other carriers are expected to follow.

Companies in Japan are also offering this service.

As mentioned above, mobal provides this service for 1,920 yen and up (8 days with 1GB data). The price at Sakura Mobile is 3,350 yen for 10 days with 5GB of data. Nippon SIM for Japan also offers eSIM.

If you're using a smartphone that supports eSIM, please check out these other companies as well.

Book the mobal eSIM

Book the Sakura Mobile eSIM

Book the World eSIM

Low-Cost Portable Wi-Fi Routers

In most cases, a portable Wi-Fi router handling a large quantity of data will be more expensive than a SIM card. However, this is not always the case.

For instance, Ninja WiFi router costs 770 yen/day with 3 GB/day. Furthermore, there is a 20％ discount via MATCHA and costs 3,080 yen for 5 days , which is a similar fee to SIM cards.

While it may be burdensome to carry a router, it allows multiple devices to access the Internet with no need to change SIM cards.

Please consider these facts when considering a portable Wi-Fi router.

Book you Ninja WiFi at a 20％ Discount

Japan's Best 14 Pocket Wi-Fi Services in 2024: Compared by Price and Data

20% Off! NINJA Wi-Fi Rental: Usage Guide, Pros and Cons, and a Discount

FAQs about SIM Cards in Japan

Q1. is a voice sim or data-only sim a better choice.

Voice SIM comes with a Japanese telephone number while data-only SIM does not.

With WhatsApp, Messenger, and LINE becoming popular messaging apps, some may wonder why you need a Japanese phone number if you're not a resident.

But a phone number has its advantages. Firstly, users can phone the police or fire department when trouble occurs. Emergency calls can be made in other languages besides Japanese, so this is a major feature.

To apply for various services in Japan, such as the popular electronic payment app Pay Pay, users must register a phone number.

Those who are interested should check mobal, which handles Voice SIM cards suitable for short-term trips.

Q2. What does "unlimited data" mean?

In regards to data traffic, some SIM cards offer "unlimited" data usage.

Most of these types will easily handle 2 to 3 GB per day. However, exceeding this capacity will cause the speed to be reduced. While Internet accessibility remains, the flow of data will be considerably slower.

Q3. Can I change the SIM card of my smartphone?

If your smartphone is SIM-locked, the answer is no. While there are SIM-free phones in most Asian countries, some Japanese and American phones are locked.

There is a way to open these types of phones. Ask your carrier for information on how to unlock your smartphone.

Additionally, please note that some SIM cards may not be compatible with certain smartphone models. There is a compatibility list on the official websites of SIM card providers, so be sure to take a look!

Q4. How should I handle my original SIM card?

If you are going to change the SIM card in your home country, store the original in a dust-free place.

Those who plan to replace the card in Japan should bring a SIM card case. It can be purchased on Amazon and other retailers.

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6 Best eSIMs in Japan for Travelers

Which are the Best eSIM service providers in Japan?

Getting an internet connection when traveling abroad is one of the first things you will worry about when making travel plans. Nowadays, there are various ways you can get an internet connection. Some options are free but not so convenient while other options may be really convenient while also being expensive.

One of the most recent ways of getting a good internet connection is to use an eSIM service. In this article, I will introduce to you our picks for the 6 best eSIMs for travelers in Japan. Hopefully, this will help you to consider getting one of these on your next trip to Japan.

*Please note that this article contains affiliate links.

What is eSIM?

Before going right into the list of the best eSIM services, some of you might be thinking “what is eSIM?” and that would be a fair thing to ask since this is a relatively new thing that’s becoming more talked about.

The word eSIM stands for “Embedded SIM”. This has been a thing since 2016 and most mobile phones nowadays will have this feature. The eSIM replaces the need for a physical SIM card. Compared to the traditional SIM card, it is cheaper since it doesn’t require a physical card and is easier to install; you only need to scan a QR code or install an app on your mobile phone.

Although this technology has been available for a few years, it didn’t catch that much attention until Apple announced that iPhone 14 will go completely eSIM. This means if there are companies that haven’t supported eSIM, they are also going to start supporting it. eSIM is going to replace the regular SIM. Although for the foreseeable future, providers will still provide physical SIM cards, the eSIM will definitely become the standard.

Ok, now that we know what eSIM is, let me introduce to you 5 of the best eSIM services in Japan.

*Note: As I previously mentioned, most mobile phones nowadays will be compatible with eSIM. But still, be sure to check first before making any purchases.

The following chart shows some of the long-term plans that each service offers. As you can see, all the plans for each service are slightly different because all services offer different plans (what’s comparable on this chart is pretty much only the price per GB).

(*Rate calculations: $1 = 130 yen)

1. Japan Wireless

The first eSIM service on our list is Japan Wireless . The good thing about This service is not only that they provide the most affordable prices when it comes to $ per GB, but also the wide variety of package options that they offer. First, you can choose between 2GB/day, 1GB/day, or 500MB/day. After that, you can choose the number of days that you want (ranging from 1 day up to 30 days).

Purchase and installation are simple and easy to understand; just check out the official page for more details. The following are just some of the options from which you can choose for your reference.

Japan Wireless’ lineup:

▶︎Click here for more details about Japan Wireless eSIM data plans!

Next on our list, we have Ubigi . Ubigi offers eSIM data plans for more than 190 destinations. There are 8 different plans for Japan alone for both short-term and long-term travelers. All plans are prepaid and setup is done easily by downloading an app.

Ubigi’s lineup:

▶︎Click here for more details about Ubigi eSIM data plans!

3. SimOptions

SimOptions is another website that offers SIM cards and eSIM data services for over 200 countries. They offer 24/7 customer service as well as claiming to have the best eSIM prices. In the case of eSIM for Japan, they offer 6 different plans. The plans are from different providers, so the prices might be not constant. You can check the details at their website.

SimOptions lineup:

▶︎Click here for more details about SimOptions eSIM data plans!

4. Maya Mobile

Maya Mobile is another good option for you to get eSIM plans for your trip to Japan. installation is simple; you just need to read a QR code to activate your plan. They offer 5 plans for Japan as well as one plan for 14 countries that include Japan.

Maya Mobile lineup:

▶︎Click here for more details about Maya Mobile eSIM data plans!

Nomad is the fourth eSIM data-providing website on this list. They have seven different plans from which you can choose when going to Japan. They also have regional plans for those who are planning on traveling to various countries in a span of a month. The plans shown are from different providers, so the prices might be not constant. You can check the details at their website.

Nomad lineup:

▶︎Click here for more details about Nomad eSIM data plans!

6. DHA Mobile

Lastly, we have DHA Mobile which also offers eSIM data services for various needs. They offer plans that are for more days compared to the other services as well as unlimited data plans.

DHA Mobile lineup:

▶︎Click here for more details about DHA Mobile eSIM 180-day plans!

▶︎Click here for more details about DHA Mobile eSIM Unlimited data plans!

SIM vs eSIM

If you’re traveling abroad and need internet connectivity, a regular SIM is a physical card you insert into your device. It’s tied to a specific carrier and phone number. In contrast, an eSIM is a digital version that’s already built into some devices. With an eSIM, you can switch carriers remotely without changing physical cards, making it more convenient when traveling as you can easily switch to a local carrier in the country you’re visiting without the hassle of finding and inserting a new SIM card.

For more information about the difference between these two, check out the following article!

As you can see, although there are many services that offer eSIM data plans, many of these offer different types of plans that will suit different types of needs. I hope you were able to find a service that will suit your needs.

▽eSIM Guide for Other Popular Destinations▽

For more information about the internet in Japan or other traveling tips, be sure to check our other articles down below.

▽Related Articles▽

▼ Editor’s Picks ▼

Born and raised in Costa Rica, I started living in Tokyo from college. I love traveling within Japan & around the world. Since I wasn’t born in Japan, I know the cultural impact that you can get when visiting Japan for the first time and what you might be worried about before your trip. And I’ve lived long enough to somewhat understand the nuances of the Japanese culture that make this country such an attractive place to visit. Hopefully I can provide to you both the information you’re looking for and the information you didn’t know you needed to know.

Best E-Sim Cards for Traveling to Japan in 2024

Are you planning your trip to Japan and looking for the best e-sim card to stay connected and avoid high roaming charges? This is a complete guide with everything you need to know about using an e-sim card when traveling to Japan and a comparison of the best Japan e-sim cards in 2024.

Don’t waste money on high roaming charges, read my recommendations below and order an e-sim card for Japan on the internet and get connected in just a couple minutes. Below you will find a Japan e-sim comparison, up to date prices as per April 2024, all specifications and my recommendations.

This guide will also show you where and when to order an e-sim card for Japan, answer all your FAQ’s about using e-sim cards, a comparison with local prepaid sim cards for Japan and of course links to directly order your e-sim card for traveling to Japan online.

Since 2012 I am already traveling the world full time and throughout the years I turned my passion for traveling into a lifestyle and became a full time nomadic travel blogger . That is why I constantly get to a different country and pretty much every week I need to look for a new sim card to stay connected.

In 2023 I visited for example 34 different countries so imagine how many different prepaid and e-sim cards I used throughout the year.

In the past I used to buy a local prepaid sim card on arrival in every country, but nowadays I mostly use e-sim cards to stay connected when traveling abroad. On my latest trip to Japan I tested the below recommended Japan e-sim cards for tourists.

Helping other travelers to save money while traveling the world is one of the reasons I started this travel blog. Providing essential travel tips is what made me start writing sim card guides from every country I visited and now on Traveltomtom you can already find more than 200 sim card guides from all over the world.

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Traveltomtom also wrote e-sim card guides for: Switzerland , Morocco ,  Mexico ,  Vietnam ,  Singapore ,  Philippines ,  Malaysia , New Zealand , Australia , Hong Kong , China , Indonesia , Thailand , Asia , Turkey , Egypt , Dubai , Brazil ,  Europe , United Kingdom , Italy , USA , international e-sim cards and many more.

So next time you are planning your adventure abroad come check out Traveltomtom for the latest prepaid sim card and e-sim card advice for your holiday destination. Bookmark Traveltomtom and let me help you save money!

Let me start with giving you my e-sim card recommendation for Japan in 2024. These are my favorite e-sim cards for traveling to Japan in 2024.

My recommendation

Traveltomtom recommends the following two e-sim cards for traveling to Japan:

1. SimOptions eSIM for Japan for $29.90 USD

• 30 GB data-only e-sim
• Valid in Japan only
• Valid for 25 days
• $0.99 USD per Gigabyte

2. Airalo e-sim card for $26 USD

• 20 GB data-only e-sim
• Operates on the KDDI and Softbank network
• Valid for 30 days
• $1.3 USD per Gigabyte

The simple reason why Traveltomtom recommends the SimOptions e-sim card for Japan is that it is the best value e-sim with the lowest cost per Gigabyte. You can order this e-sim card for Japan via SimOptions .

The rate of only $0.99 USD per Gigabyte is the cheapest available for Japan e-sims.

This SimOptions e-sim card plan for Japan only supports 4G/LTE. These are data-only e-sims and do not come with a phone number. Which means incoming and outgoing calls and sms are not supported.

SimOptions has more e-sim card plans for Japan. Some are even 5G ready and their plans start from $4.90 USD. More about it in my comparison below.

The other recommendation is an Airalo e-sim card for Japan . Traveltomtom has been using Airalo e-sim cards for nearly 5 years now and never had an issue. Airalo has e-sim cards for Japan that start from just $4.5 USD.

The Airalo e-sim cards for Japan only support 4G/LTE, are data-only and do not come with a phone number. Incoming and outgoing calls and sms are not supported with Airalo e-sims for Japan.

Is Japan one of your stops on a trip around the world then you can also look into getting an e-sim card for world travelers . There are a bunch of e-sim cards that cover multiple countries and some are great for traveling to Europe, Asia and America.

There are 2 very important things to check before ordering an e-sim card for Japan or in general before using an e-sim card.

Unlocked phones only

Make sure your phone is unlocked. E-sim cards for tourists only work in unlocked phones. If you are not sure if your phone is unlocked then contact your mobile internet provider in your home country.

In general phones from Europe, Asia and the Middle East tend to be unlocked. Phones from North America are often locked.

If your smartphone is locked that means it does not allow another prepaid sim card or e-sim card to operate in the device. You can easily unlock your phone, but depending on your mobile internet provider you will be charged a fee for unlocking your phone.

E-sim compatible phones only

Second, and equally important: e-sim cards only work if your smartphone supports e-sim cards, also called e-sim compatible. All newer smartphones support e-sim cards. If you are not sure if your phone is e-sim compatible then simply go to Google and type in your mobile phone model in the search bar and ask if it is e-sim compatible. You will get the answer instantly. 

If your phone is NOT e-sim compatible then there is no other solution and you can NOT use an e-sim card for traveling to Japan.

However, you can still order a sim card for Japan on the internet before your trip. Find out everything you need to know about international sim cards for traveling abroad in 2024 .

Comparison of the best e-sim cards for Japan

Buying an e-sim card on arrival in Japan is still not possible. None of the mobile internet providers in Japan offer e-sim cards for tourists, only physical prepaid sim cards for tourists.

At Haneda and Narita Airport in Tokyo as well as the airports in Sapporo, Fukuoka, Okinawa and Osaka there are NO sim card shops but only sim card vending machines and convenience stores to get a local sim card. None of the vending machines, convenience stores and sim card shops in Japan offer e-sim cards for tourists.

The only way to get an e-sim card for Japan is ordering one on the internet!

Luckily there are multiple e-sim providers that sell Japan e-sim cards for tourists. Traveltomtom recommends ordering an e-sim card for traveling in Japan from one of the well-known e-sim card providers that have proven to be reliable operators. 

Traveltomtom has tested and reviewed multiple e-sim providers. Here are Traveltomtom's trusted favorites that have proven to be reliable:

Nowadays, you can buy an e-sim card for pretty much every country around the world. Order directly from one of the above e-sim card providers and instantly receive your e-sim card in your email. But before you buy an e-sim card first read all my tips below.

SimOptions is the only e-sim provider that also offers international prepaid sim cards for Japan . These are pre-activated physical prepaid sim cards that will be delivered to your door step before your trip and it is plug and play when you arrive in Japan.

Airalo and Nomad only sell e-sim cards for Japan.

SimOptions is a reputable e-sim card provider that is very much recommended by Traveltomtom. Ordering your tourist e-sim card for Japan through SimOptions is done fast and easy.

Traveltomtom has used SimOptions uncountable times for staying connected when traveling abroad. Very reliable, never an issue and often some of the cheapest e-sim card deals.

SimOptions is specialized in international e-sim cards valid in multiple countries however, for Japan they only have e-sim cards that are valid in Japan only.

These are the SimOptions e-sim card plans for Japan:

• 1 GB data (5G ready) for 7 days = $4.9 USD
• 3 GB data for 5 days = $6.90 USD
• 5 GB data for 7 days = $7.90 USD
• 10 GB data for 15 days = $9.90 USD
• 15 GB data for 20 days = $21.90 USD
• 20 GB data for 25 days = $24.90 USD
• 30 GB data for 25 days = $29.90 USD

These SimOptions e-sim cards for Japan are only valid in Japan and are data-only. Incoming and outgoing calls/sms are not supported and these e-sim cards do not come with a phone number.

Click here to order an SimOptions e-sim cards for traveling in Japan .

The best value Japan e-sim card from SimOptions gives you 30 GB data for $29.90 USD, which comes down to $0.99 USD per Gigabyte. This rate makes SimOptions the best value e-sim card for traveling to South Korea in 2024.

Apart from the 1 GB data plan e-sim all the SimOptions e-sim cards for Japan only support 4G/LTE. The only plan that supports 5G is only valid for 7 days and gives you only 1 GB data.

Unfortunately SimOptions doesn’t specify exactly which mobile network these e-sim cards use in Japan.

The validity of these e-sim cards is 1 year and the credit validity starts instantly after installing the e-sim card, even if you are not in Japan. For more info check the SimOptions website .

Airalo is a very reliable e-sim card provider and Traveltomtom has used Airalo uncountable times in more than 50 countries around the world. I can totally recommend using Airalo for ordering an e-sim card for Japan.

Why using Airalo? Airalo is one of the most recommended e-sim providers and very reliable. Airalo has e-sim cards for pretty much every country in the world. However, the Airalo e-sim cards are slightly more expensive per Gigabyte compared to the SimOptions e-sims I showed you above.

Here are the Airalo e-sim card plans for Japan for 2024: 

• 1 GB data for 7 days = $4.5 USD
• 2 GB data for 15 days = $6.5 USD
• 3 GB data for 30 days = $8.5 USD
• 5 GB data for 30 days = $11.5 USD
• 10 GB data for 30 days = $18 USD
• 20 GB data for 30 days = $26 USD

Click here to order an e-sim card for Japan from Airalo .

The best value Japan e-sim card from Airalo gives you 20 GB data for $26 USD, which comes down to $1.3 USD per Gigabyte. Not a bad rate at all but higher than the e-sims from SimOptions.

The Airalo e-sim cards for Japan are from Moshi Moshi and they operate on the 4G/LTE network of KDDI and Softbank (Y!Mobile). The Airalo e-sim cards for Japan are not 5G ready, they only support 4G/LTE network.

All the Airalo e-sim cards are data-only sim cards without a phone number, so any phone/sms service is NOT supported. An Airalo e-sim card has to be installed within 1 month and after activation the credit validity starts when it connects the first time to a supported network. For more info check out the Airalo website .

Lately Traveltomtom started recommending Nomad e-sim cards as they sometimes have cheap tourist e-sims for a lot of countries.

Although they have some good e-sim card plans for Japan, I must add that Traveltomtom had some issues with the performance as well as the installing of Nomad e-sim cards, so it is not Traveltomtom's first recommended e-sim for traveling to Japan in 2024.

Nomad has two different kind of e-sims for Japan regular plans and daily plans.

Daily plans ('unlimited' data plans)

Let me first explain the daily plans and why I do not recommend these daily plans.

Technically these daily plans are e-sim cards for Japan with unlimited, but in reality it can be a nightmare.

You can select the number of days of your trip to Japan and how many GB of high-speed data you wish per day. You can choose between:

• 1 GB data per day = $4 USD
• 2 GB data per day = $6 USD
• 3 GB data per day = $9 USD

After you used your daily data plan, your speed is reduced to 512 Kbps, which means this Nomad e-sim card for Japan is technically unlimited. But have you ever tried to use your phone with a speed of 512 Kbps? That means only WhatsApp will work and you might be able to send an email.

It is completely useless and therefore Traveltomtom does not recommend this Nomad e-sim card for Japan with unlimited data.

On top of that it does not make any sense, because let me show you the prices for the regular Japan e-sims from Nomad.

Regular plans

Here are the Nomad e-sim card plans for Japan for 2024:

• 1 GB data for 7 days = $5 USD
• 3 GB data for 30 days = $9 USD
• 5 GB data for 30 days = $13 USD
• 10 GB data for 30 days = $17 USD
• 20 GB data for 30 days = $28 USD
• 30 GB data for 30 days = $80 USD
• 40 GB data for 30 days = $110 USD
• 50 GB data for 30 days = $125 USD

Click here to order an e-sim card for Japan from Nomad .

The Nomad website is a little less user friendly for finding the best e-sim card for your trip to Japan. Depending on your device you can't see all e-sim card plans in one overview, you have to click a little here and there depending on the size of your screen.

The best value e-sim card for Japan from Nomad is the one with 20 GB data for $28 USD,  which comes down to $1.4 USD per Gigabyte.

This makes Nomad e-sim cards for Japan more expensive than Airalo and SimOptions.

The Nomad e-sim cards are either from SingTel or Joytel and they are data-only. Incoming and outgoing calls and sms are NOT supported.

The SingTel e-sim cards from Nomad operate on the LTE/4G network of KDDI in Japan and are not 5G ready.

The Joytel e-sim cards from Nomad are 5G ready and they operate on the KDDI and Softbank (Y!Mobile) network.

The Nomad Japan e-sim cards have to be installed on your phone within 60 days and after installation its validity starts when it connects for the first time to a supported network in Japan or automatically after 60 days. Basically when the plane lands you are online. For more info check the Nomad website .

What is the cheapest e-sim card for Japan?

The cheapest e-sim card for Japan is an  Airalo e-sim card for $4.5 USD . This e-sim gives you 1 GB data for 7 days, is only valid in Japan and does not support calling and texting.

Why ordering an e-sim card for traveling in Japan

E-sim cards are the easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Japan in 2024 and you can arrange everything online in just a couple clicks. No more visiting a sim card shop and swapping physical sim cards. Order online, scan the QR code, follow the steps and you are connected in less than 2 minutes. 

The most important reason to get an e-sim card is because we would like to stay connected on our trip to Japan without wasting money on high roaming costs. Our smartphones are pretty useless without a working data connection. Think about ordering a taxi through an app, finding nearby friends, restaurants and bars. Get directions from Google Maps or simply staying in touch with family back home, check your social media apps on long bus rides or your banking apps when paying contactless. 

One of the best things about arriving in Japan with an activated e-sim card is that you are online as soon as the plane lands. More about when to instal your e-sim card later.

There are so many reasons to stay connected when traveling to Japan, but the most important reason is that it makes your trip to Japan so much more convenient and fun!

At the same time we don’t want to waste money on high roaming charges. Many mobile internet operators still charge $3 USD per MB for data roaming, that means just opening the Instagram app will already cost you 20 MB * $3 USD = $60 USD! Not kidding… it still is very common in 2024.

E-sim cards are the easiest way to avoid high roaming charges!

Overseas data roaming plans

So what about overseas data roaming plans? Well, not recommended! Why? Did you read the small letters at what data speed you can use data roaming? Pretty much all mobile internet operators limit the data speed for overseas data roaming plans, which means you end up with 3G data speed. Do you have the patience to handle 3G? It is frustrating when all around you in pretty much all of the amazing tourist destinations in Japan there is 4G/LTE available.

And price-wise it should be a no brainer since you have seen how affordable the e-sim cards for Japan are. Why would you pay $5 to $10 USD per day on an overseas data roaming plan that limits your data speed.

Uncountable times travel friends have asked me: “Tom, can I use your hotspot? My data roaming plan is so slow, it is barely working!” Trust me, invest a couple dollars in an e-sim card or an international prepaid sim card for traveling to Japan  if you want a physical prepaid sim card.

Stay connected all the time instead of begging for WiFi or a hotspot from friends. 

Where to buy an e-sim card for Japan? 

You can only buy an e-sim card for Japan through an e-sim card provider on the internet. There are multiple e-sim card providers for Japan. Traveltomtom compared around 7 different e-sim card providers and concluded that the above mentioned ones ( SimOptions ,  Nomad  and  Airalo ) are the best and most reliable e-sim card providers in 2024.

When buying an e-sim card for Japan through one of the above recommended e-sim providers you only need your email address and the e-sim card is instantly ready to use after installation. There is no ID registration needed.

On arrival in Japan

There are 4 main mobile internet providers in Japan: AU by KDDI, Y! Mobile by Softbank, Rakuten Mobile and DoCoMo. Unfortunately as per April 2024 none of the mobile internet operators in Japan offer e-sim cards for tourists. 

For many years tourists could not even buy a physical prepaid sim card in Japan due to regulations, luckily this is something from the past. However, buying a local prepaid sim card for tourists is still pretty complicated in Japan.

Tourist sim cards in Japan are mostly sold in convenience stores, at the stores of the mobile internet providers you can often not get a prepaid sim card. Sounds complicated, trust me it is complicated! E-sim cards for traveling to Japan are the solution.

If you are able to get a tourist sim card then only a physical prepaid sim card is available, a chip that you put in your phone. On airports in Japan there are sim card vending machines. Zero service, not worth your time and effort.

Traveltomtom researched the best Japan prepaid sim cards for tourists and also compared all the 4G/5G data networks of the mobile internet operators in Japan, more about it later.

When to order/activate an e-sim card for Japan?

You can order an e-sim card for Japan pretty much any time you want. Most e-sim cards have to be installed on a phone within 1 or 2 months after purchasing, some even within 1 year, so you have time.

More important therefore is when do you instal/activate the e-sim card. The validity of some e-sims start straight after the installation, other e-sim cards only start their validity when they connect the first time to a supported network.

Traveltomtom advices to instal your e-sim card on the day of departure to Japan or a day before. You will need a stable internet connection to instal your e-sim card. Pretty much all the international airports in Japan have free public WiFi which works ok most of the time, so you could use that to install your e-sim card on arrival.

Very important is to make sure you have a stable internet connection or you might run into issues with your e-sim. Therefore just to make sure Traveltomtom advices you to install/activate your e-sim card in your home country.

My personal advice is to instal your tourist e-sim card for Japan before you get into the plane, because then as soon as the plane lands in Japan you will be connected to the internet and you can enjoy data on your phone instantly.

How do I know all this info about e-sims? Traveltomtom uses on average more than 30 e-sim cards per year because of my nomadic lifestyle of constantly traveling the world, 365 days a year, since 2012.

How to activate an e-sim card

Installing and activating an e-sim card is made as simple as possible. Everyone can activate an e-sim card and the instructions on how to are very detailed and will be send to you instantly by email after you ordered your e-sim.

But wait, forget about the instructions, it gets even easier. Just scan the QR code!

When you order an e-sim card plan for Japan you instantly receive a summary of your order including a QR-code after the payment is processed.

You will see a summary of your e-sim card order including a QR code on your screen and at the same time you will also receive an email with the same QR code. The email contains instructions on how to instal and activate your Japan e-sim card. Regardless where you order your e-sim card, all e-sim providers send you detailed instructions.

But installing an activating an e-sim card is as easy as scanning the QR code with the same phone where you want to activate the e-sim card on. The QR code contains all the information about your Japan e-sim card. 

Once you scan the QR code you will be guided through a couple simple steps and within less than 1 minute your e-sim card is successfully installed.

Very important is that you are connected to the internet when installing your e-sim card otherwise you will get an error and issues can occur.

Tip: if you order an e-sim card with the same phone where you want to instal the e-sim card on then ask a friend or someone nearby to take a photo of the QR code and then you scan the QR code from his/her phone and start the installation.

Things to know before ordering an e-sim card for Japan 

Here are some general tips and FAQ’s for using e-sim cards when traveling abroad. These tips do not only apply for Japan e-sim cards, but are things you have to know before buying an e-sim card in general.

Make sure your phone is unlocked

To make sure you didn’t miss this, let me say this again: e-sim cards only work in UNLOCKED phones. If your phone is unlocked then you can use any e-sim card without any problems.

If your phone is locked then ask your mobile internet provider from your home country to unlock your phone before your trip to Japan. It is likely that your mobile internet provider will charge you a fee for unlocking your smartphone.

If you are unable to unlock your phone you can look into getting a portable WiFi for staying connected when traveling to Japan or better… bring a second unlocked phone on your trip to Japan and use it as a portable WiFi device.

Which smartphones support e-sim cards?

Another very important thing you have to check before buying an e-sim card is if your smartphone supports e-sim cards. If you have any of the latest smartphones then there is no need to worry, all new smartphones of the well known brands support e-sim cards.

The fastest way to find out if your phone is e-sim compatible is by asking Google the question: is my (your phone model) e-sim compatible? Simple as that!

Can I trust these e-sim card providers?

All the e-sim card providers for Japan recommended above ( SimOptions , Nomad  and  Airalo ) are reputable e-sim card providers reviewed and tested by Traveltomtom. All of them are licensed third party companies and resellers that partner or work directly with the mobile internet providers in Japan.

Traveltomtom has successfully used prepaid and e-sim cards from SimOptions and Airalo or more than 5 years. Nomad is fairly new to Traveltomtom, but Nomad has so far proven to be a reliable e-sim card provider as well.

That said, Traveltomtom has faced some issues with installing Nomad e-sim card which was a bit disappointing and therefore it is recommended to follow all steps exactly as described and make sure you are connected to a stable internet connection.

All e-sim card providers have their own Helpdesk which you can contact may you encounter any problems with your purchased e-sim or in case you want to claim a refund.

Traveltomtom does NOT sell Japan e-sim cards, I only RECOMMEND you to use e-sim cards for your next trip to Japan instead of buying a local prepaid sim card.

Can I keep my phone number from home with a Japan e-sim card?

Yes, you can and this is for many people a reason to order an e-sim card to stay connected when traveling to Japan. An e-sim card can be used next to your physical or e-sim card from your home country at the same time. You do not need a dual-sim phone for using an e-sim card.

So you can have multiple e-sim cards installed on your phone? Yes, no problem at all!

For example: you can turn off the mobile data from your sim card from home but still use it for texting and calling. Your new Japan e-sim card you can be used at the same time just for data to ensure you are not wasting money on high roaming costs.

This is also the trick to keep receiving sms for example for OTP (one time password) sms to login to applications.

Switching between physical and e-sim cards is a matter of turning them on/off in the settings. Just always make sure your sim card from home is switched off for data roaming.

Can I make phone calls with a Japan e-sim card?

No, unfortunately all the tourist e-sim cards for Japan available on the internet do NOT include calling and texting. The e-sim cards from SimOptions , Nomad ,  Airalo are data-only e-sim cards and any outgoing calls/sms are not supported. 

Even if you buy a local prepaid sim card for tourists on arrival in Japan it is really complicated to find a tourist sim card including calling/texting. Due to regulations pretty much all the prepaid sim cards in Japan are data-only and calling/texting is not supported.

Pretty much all hotels, restaurants, guides and tour companies in Japan have WhatsApp services, so you can easily give them a call through WhatsApp. There is no direct need for local calling minutes.

Does a Japan e-sim card come with a phone number?

No, none of the Japan e-sim cards you can buy on the internet come with a phone number, which also means you can not receive any phone calls or sms.

Local prepaid sim cards you buy on arrival in Japan also do NOT support incoming and outgoing calling and texting.

In the above Japan e-sim card comparison you can find all the specifications per e-sim card.

Can I use 5G on an Japan e-sim card?

None of the  Airalo  e-sim cards for Japan are 5G ready as of April 2024.  SimOptions  also only has one Japan e-sim card plan that is 5G ready and that is their smallest e-sim with just 1 GB data for 7 days.

If you want a 5G e-sim card for Japan then check out the Joytel e-sim card for Japan that you can order via Nomad. These e-sim cards operate on the KDDI and Softbank 5G network if available in your area.

Here are the data e-sim cards for Japan from Nomad that are 5G ready:

Click here to order a 5G e-sim card for Japan from Nomad .

All the best places to visit in Japan offer an excellent 4G/LTE signal and the data speed is very good even on 4G/LTE. Later more about the best mobile data network in Japan.

Are there e-sim cards for Japan with unlimited data?

None of the by Traveltomtom recommended Japan e-sim cards for tourists include unlimited data.

However, technically the Nomad daily plans are unlimited data e-sims for Japan, but not at high speed. After you used up your daily plan of high-speed data your data speed will be reduced to 512kbps. High-speed data will reset every 24 hours from the time you activate the data.

E-sim cards with unlimited data are USELESS!

So even if you would come across e-sim card providers that offer e-sim cards for Japan with unlimited data then make sure the unlimited data is on max data speed. Pretty much all unlimited data e-sims reduce the data speed after you used X amount of Gigabytes per day.

Holafly is an e-sim card provider that sells e-sim cards with unlimited data, but does NOT specify what is the exact so-called Fair Use Policy (FUP). 

Traveltomtom does NOT recommend Japan e-sim cards with unlimited data plans. There are always restrictions! And on Holafly sim cards I experienced a reduce in data speed after using more than 2 GB per day. When I contacted support they explained me that I had to wait for 24 hours until my data speed was restored to normal.

Those 24 hours were a nightmare as my data speed was barely enough to use WhatsApp. Social media apps were not loading! 

Again, Traveltomtom does NOT recommend e-sim cards for Japan with unlimited data. But if you think you will never use more than 2 GB per day, then this might be your favorite e-sim card.

However, you should ask yourself then: what is then the point of an e-sim with unlimited data!?

The SimOptions e-sim card for Japan with 30 GB data  is for most travelers more than enough for their trip to Japan. If this is not enough you can also order 2 e-sim cards and after one is done, you instal the second one.

There are a lot of different specifications per e-sim card. Another reason why I advice you to take a close look at my comparison of the best e-sim cards for traveling to Japan in 2024 before choosing your favorite.

Are e-sim cards the best way to stay connected when traveling to Japan?

E-sim cards are the easiest and fastest way to get data on your phone when traveling to Japan, but what is the best way?

There are 3 ways to stay connected when traveling to Japan:

Local prepaid sim cards

International prepaid sim cards, e-sim cards.

Let’s compare e-sim cards, local prepaid sim cards and international prepaid sim cards , for you to find out what is your preferred way of staying connected.  

In general if you use a lot of data then local prepaid sim cards are a cheaper way to stay connected, depending on the length of your trip. However, this does not count for Japan.

The Japan prepaid sim cards for tourists from Rakuten Mobile, AU by KDDI, DoCoMo and Softbank are with unlimited data but they have a fair-use policy of 2 or 3 GB per day, so that is not really unlimited. These physical prepaid sim cards cost around $22 USD exclusive of the registration fee.

When buying a local prepaid sim card in Japan you get a physical sim card and you need to swap this one with your existing sim card from home.

You can only buy these local prepaid sim cards for tourists on arrival in Japan in a convenience store. At airports in Japan there are no sim card shops, only sim card vending machines.

Local prepaid sim cards in Japan do not come with calling minutes, pretty much all the local prepaid sim cards in Japan are data-only. That means incoming and outgoing calls/sms are not supported.

If your smartphone is not e-sim compatible you can order an international prepaid sim card for traveling to Japan. These are physical prepaid sim cards you order on the internet and will be delivered to your home address.

Some of these are great for visiting Japan and they are valid in up to 141 countries around the world and you can easily order them online.

If after visiting Japan you are traveling onwards in America, Asia or in Europe then check Traveltomtom’s list of the best sim cards for traveling internationally in 2024 .

As I mentioned before SimOptions is the only sim card provider that also sells physical prepaid sim cards for traveling internationally.

A pre-activated physical sim card will be delivered to your door step before your trip to Japan. You put this physical sim card in your phone and as soon as the plane touches the ground in Japan and the sim card connects to a supported network you are online. Plug and play!

If you look at the international prepaid sim card above you see that the physical sim card version of the Orange Holiday World is also a good option for traveling to Japan.

A physical prepaid sim card with 10 GB data only costs $49.90 USD, which is $4.99 USD per Gigabyte.

Click here to order a physical prepaid sim card for Japan via SimOptions .

As explained throughout the article there are two different e-sim cards for traveling in Japan:

• E-sim cards that you buy on the internet through a third party
• E-sim cards that you buy in Japan in a mobile internet provider store

However, as of April 2024 the mobile internet providers in Japan do NOT offer e-sim cards for tourists. They only provide physical prepaid sim cards for tourists.

E-sim cards vs. local prepaid sim cards

Getting an e-sim card on the internet is the easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Japan, no doubt! You arrange everything online within just a couple clicks. Right here, right now and you are all set for your trip to Japan.

You arrive prepared and there is no need to visit a sim card shop on arrival in Japan. As soon as the plane lands, you are online!

But what is cheaper? An e-sim card or a local prepaid sim card for tourists?

When we compare the prices for Japan e-sim cards with the prices for local prepaid sim cards in Japan Traveltomtom comes to the conclusion that there is not much difference in price. E-sim cards for Japan are very affordable and there are some amazing e-sim card deals for Japan available on the internet.

Remember that some of the e-sim cards for Japan also go down to only $0.99 USD per Gigabyte. The SimOptions e-sim card plan for Japan  gives you 30 GB data for $29.90 USD and is the best buy e-sim card for Japan in 2024.

Local physical prepaid sim cards cost about the same price when you include the registration fee but they will give you unlimited data. Keep in mind that this is in reality only 2 GB data per day, because if you use more than 2 GB data per day then your data speed will be reduced.

Local prepaid sim cards can only be bought in Japan on arrival in a convenience store or at the airport in a sim card vending machine. Then you will have to do the registration yourself by scanning your passport. Trust me buying a local prepaid sim card in Japan is complicated.

An e-sim card for Japan can be bought in just 2 minutes on the internet at any time of day without any form of identification.

After a long flight you just want to get to your hotel and it is often a big task to find a place where you can buy a local prepaid sim card. With an e-sim card that you order on the internet you are connected as soon as the plane lands.

Simply because of this convenience Traveltomtom recommends ordering an e-sim cards for Japan from either  SimOptions  or  Airalo .

There are many reasons why a lot of travelers simply get an e-sim card for visiting Japan: faster, easier, less stress and even cheaper depending on how much data you need.

Another difference between a local prepaid sim card and an e-sim card is that e-sim cards are in general through a third party, a so called MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator). These MVNO’s operate on the network of one of the main mobile internet operators and basically buy bandwidth.

This may sound a little bit too technical, but what it means is that e-sim cards through an MVNO are the last ones in line when the line is busy. Especially during peak times, the performance of an e-sim cards could be less compared to a local prepaid sim card from a mobile internet operator you bought in Japan.

Bottomline: the data speed of e-sim cards can be less compared to a local prepaid Japan sim card.

In reality you won't really notice the difference much because yes it may occur that your data speed is a little slower for a couple minutes, but it is still fast enough to roam the internet without any problems.

Best 4G/5G network in Japan

Traveltomtom researched the 4G/5G network of all the mobile internet providers in Japan and compared the mobile internet coverage maps of AU (KDDI), Y!MOBILE (Softbank), Rakuten Mobile and DoCoMo.

Conclusion is that DoCoMo and AU by KDDI have the best 4G/5G mobile data network in Japan in 2024. The Rakuten Mobile 4G/5G network is small smaller and is the weakest 4G/5G mobile data network in Japan in 2024.

For tourist traveling to Sapporo it is not recommended to get a sim card to operates on the Rakuten Mobile network. Their 4G/5G coverage in Sapporo is very poor. Y! Mobile (Softbank) also has a weak 4G/5G network in Sapporo compared to KDDI and DoCoMo.

The  Nomad  and  Airalo  e-sim cards operate on the KDDI and Softbank network.

SimOptions  does unfortunately not specify on which network they operate in Japan.

I am sure some of the above tips for finding the best e-sim card for your trip to Japan were helpful. I hope that after reading through my comparison and all my tips and tricks it was easier to make a decision and order your preferred e-sim card for Japan.

If you still have any questions about e-sim cards then please leave me a comment below and I am more than happy to help you out.

Curious what the life of a full time nomadic traveler looks like? Go check out my 610K Instagram account or 1.2 Million TikTok account both called @traveltomtom. Follow along with daily updates from around the world about the good, the bad and the ugly about traveling.

Traveltomtom is on the road to 197, meaning I would like to travel to every country in the world . As of April 2024 I have visited more than 155 countries, still about 40 to go, but no rush.

Enjoy your trip to Japan!

Some links in this article about the best e-sim cards for Japan are affiliate links. If you buy any product after clicking on an affiliate link I will earn a small commission. Don’t worry this is at absolutely no extra cost to you!

What’s the best tourist SIM card for Japan (2024 guide)

By: Author Kris

Posted on Last updated: January 22, 2024

If you’re headed to Japan and want to stay connected while exploring, we’ve got you covered with the top tourist SIM cards. No need to worry about losing touch with your loved ones or missing out on those Insta-worthy moments.

We’ve spent a lot of time in Japan and traveled all over the country. The first trips we would very often come across a “Handy” phone in our hotel room – a phone we could use throughout our stay. But those days are long gone now.

Nowadays, if you want to stay connected, you better have a local SIM card if you don’t want to rely on public hotspots. And trust me, from experience, we can assure you that a local SIM card is still highly recommended.

There are several spots offering free internet, mainly in the larger cities, and handy apps to connect to WiFi hotspots for free. We share more information on this app in this article. Still, there are still plenty of places that require a data subscription for internet usage.

Whether you prefer the convenience of ordering physical SIMs online and picking them up at the airport or exploring the innovative world of eSIMs, there are numerous ways to ensure you stay connected on your journey.

Keep scrolling for the best options!

This post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission (for which we are deeply grateful) at no extra cost to you.

In a hurry? Our picks for the best Japanese SIM cards

Here are our top picks :

• Mobal Data SIMs : These SIMs are great for data-hungry users. Mobal has unlimited data plans with a very reasonable fair usage policy. You don’t have to worry about data speed and can be online the whole day.
• Mobal Voice + Data SIMs : If you need a Japanese Phone number to make voice calls or to use some specific Japanese apps.
• Sakura Data SIMs : Sakura SIMs, ordered through Klook, are the price-conscious option. They are cheaper than Mobal but have a stricter fair usage policy.
• Simcardgeek Esims : If your phone supports eSIMs this is the best and easiest way to go
• Airalo eSIMs : The cost-conscious option in the eSIM department for those who don’t need huge data packages.

Want more information on eSIMs? Skip to the eSIM section in this article . For a more extensive comparison of eSIMs, we would like to refer you to this article .

Japanese SIM cards

Japan Tourist SIM cards

Will you be in Japan for more than 3 months?

Mobal also has a long-term plan that does not require any paper contracts or other red tape.

Discover great apps for traveling to Japan. 

Japan Tourist SIM cards – The top choices

In this article, we discuss no less than 30 different Japan tourist SIM cards.  All of which have slightly different options.  It’s good to have a choice but with all these different options it is hard to see the forest for the trees.

We discuss all the details of the SIM cards further down in this article but here are our top choices:

For the occasional data user

Most SIM cards offer unlimited data but all providers have implemented a fair usage policy. If you consume more than what is covered by the fair usage policy your data speed will be reduced. Sakura Mobile cannot share the exact details of the fair usage policy, therefor we recommend them for occasional use. Their prices are very competitive but they cannot be used for video streaming or as a hot spot for your laptop.

If you just want to make sure that you can fall back on your data plan if you need it but you already know that you will only have to use it occasionally, these are your best options.

Short stays

At JPY ¥4,000 for 8 days the SIM cards provided by Sakura Mobile are reliable and very cheap. 

The SIM card offers unlimited high-speed data at 4G or 3G speeds.  You will find a very detailed document to check if your mobile is compatible with the local network. Sakura Mobile uses the NTT Docomo network in Japan, generally seen as the best network in the country.

Thanks to the detailed information you can buy this SIM with peace of mind, knowing that it will work once you are there. If you’re still unsure you can pay a supplement for compatibility insurance. With this insurance, you will receive a WiFi device in case the SIM does not work in your phone.

Alternatively, if your phone is incompatible (see our FAQ below) with the NTT Docomo network you can opt for a Mobal SIM that works on both the NTT Docomo and the Softbank network.

Click here for more information and to order your Sakura Mobile SIM card from Klook: Sakura Mobile Tourist SIM

Longer stays

If you are 2 of 3 weeks in japan.

For stays of 2 or 3 weeks , you’re in most cases also best off 16 or 21-day cards of Sakura Mobile that can be found on Klook.  At JPY ¥6,000 and JPY ¥6,500 they are the cheapest options that can be found for these durations.

Both SIMs offer unlimited high-speed data at 4G or 3G speeds.  4G is offered in major cities while the 3G is applicable in more rural areas. You will find a very detailed document to check if your mobile is compatible with the local network. Sakura Mobile uses the NTT Docomo network in Japan, generally seen as the best network in the country. It has a coverage of over 99%.

Once you have read through the detailed information you can buy this SIM with peace of mind, knowing that it will work once you are there.

If you’re still unsure you can pay a supplement for compatibility insurance. With this insurance, you will receive a WiFi device in case the SIM does not work in your phone.

Alternatively, if your phone is incompatible with the NTT Docomo network you can opt for a Mobal SIM that works on both the NTT Docomo and the Softbank network.

If you are longer than 24 days in Japan

If you will be in Japan longer than 24 days the 30-day card of Simcard GEEK that costs JPY ¥4,980 is a good buy.  The card comes with 7GB of high-speed data which should be sufficient to cover your needs.  This SIM card also connects to the NTT Docomo network which is generally recognized as Japan’s best network.

Simcard GEEK has a fair usage policy of 3GB/day.

Click here for more information and to order your SIMcard Geek SIM card: SIMcard Geek 30-day Tourist SIM

For the heavy data user

If you want to be online the whole day,  enjoy streaming music, or watch YouTube videos, you’re better off with the below SIM cards.  This may also be the case for those who will be sharing your data plan with friends or family members, maybe by means of a mobile WiFi device.

These SIMs also have a fair usage policy. In this case, however, you know the details of the policy and can therefore pay attention to it so that you are not faced with surprises.

Mobal offers SIM cards for 8 or 16 days with an unlimited data plan .  The cards have a fair usage policy which limits high-speed data to 3GB per day. 3GB is quite a lot, it will allow you to browse the internet for 36 hours, stream 600 songs, or watch 6 hours of standard definition video. 

Consuming this amount of data in one day would probably mean that not much time is left to see the many stunning sights Japan has to offer.

Click here for more information and to order your Mobal SIM card: Mobal Tourist SIM

Mobal has a SIM with an unlimited data plan for 31 days.   This card has a fair usage policy which limits high-speed data to 3GB per day. 3GB is a lot, in the previous paragraph we gave a small overview of what exactly you can do before you reach this threshold. 

If you go out and discover the city you will probably never consume that much data in one day and if you stay in your hotel you can use the WiFi provided by the hotel.

Japan SIM card for tourists – The details

Mobal is a company with a mission to help international travelers in Japan stay connected.

They’ve got offices in New York and the UK, so if you need any help, you can count on them to provide support in English.

Whether you’re staying for a short while or a long time, they’ve got data and data+voice options to keep you connected.

What we like most about them is that their website has all the info you need and they’re super quick at getting back to you when you reach out. When we once had a question we heard back from them within just two hours!

Size : Multi-size SIM cards.  The SIM can be adapted to fit in any mobile phone.

Network :  NTT Docomo, Softbank (3G & 4G)

Shipping :  Shipping is always free.  Data-only SIMs are shipped worldwide, for data+voice+text SIMs the list of countries is limited .  If shipping is not available to your country you can simply collect your SIM, for free, at one of the many pick-up locations.  There are locations at the airports and in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and other major cities across Japan.

Below are the shipping times.

Japan: 1 – 3 business days USA and UK: 2 – 5 business days (expedited, next business day, shipping to these countries is available for a fee) Other countries: 8 – 15 business days

Shipping of voice+text sims requires that a copy of your ID is to be sent to Mobal at the time of your order.  All details about shipping and pick-up locations are extensively explained on the website .

Activation : No activation is required for these SIM cards. They’re ready to use. You just need to insert the SIM and set the APN.

Topping Up : Data only SIM’s have unlimited data at 4G LTE speed.  Data+voice SIM’s have 7GB of data at 4G speed per calendar month.  This can work in your favor.  If you arrive on 23 October, and stay until 7 November (as an example) you will get 14GB of data. 7GB in October and a new bundle of 7GB as soon as November starts.

If you want more data at high speed you can top-up your account in your online account.

Fair usage policy : If you use more than 3GB in one day your data speed may be reduced to 128 kbps for 24 to 48 hours.

Click here for more information and to order your Mobal SIM card: MOBAL Tourist SIM

Simcard Geek

Simcard Geek is a sister company of Mobal. Despite being powered by Mobal they have a different product range than what you can get from Mobal directly.

Network : NTT Docomo (3G & 4G)

Shipping :  Shipping is always free and is available to your home or your accommodation in Japan.  You can also choose to pick up your SIM at any of the postal offices at the airports in Japan.

SIM cards are sent out a few weeks before your pick-up date.  If you order your SIM long in advance it may not directly be shipped.

Japan: 2 – 5 business days (expedited shipping is available for a fee) USA: 2 – 5 business days   UK: 2 – 5 business days (expedited shipping is available for a fee) Australia: 3 – 7 business days   Other countries: 8 – 15 business days

Pick-up at the airport in the postal office: your SIM will be ready for pick-up after 2 to 5 business days or 2 to 3 business days with expedited shipping.  Make sure to verify that the postal office is open at your arrival time.

Activation :  The Japan SIM card is active upon receipt. To start using your SIM you simply can follow the instructions in the supplied English user guide to enter your APN settings.

Fair usage policy : Unlimited SIM cards have a fair usage policy.  If you use more than 3GB in one day your data speed may be reduced for 24 to 48 hours.

Click here for more information and to order your SIMcard Geek SIM card: Simcard Geek Tourist SIM

Sakura Mobile

Sakura Mobile is a reputable Japanese company that specializes in providing wireless services for visitors to Japan. They offer a range of affordable solutions to keep you connected throughout your stay.

They offer English support. Our support question was answered quickly, correctly, and in clearly understandable English.

One standout feature of Sakura Mobile is its compatibility insurance option. For an additional fee of 500 JPY, you can add this insurance to your purchase if you’re unsure whether their SIM will work with your device. This provides peace of mind and ensures that you’ll be able to stay connected without any hiccups.

In the unlikely event that you do encounter connectivity issues, Sakura Mobile offers a solution to those who took the insurance option – an upgrade to a Pocket Wi-Fi device at no extra cost. Alternatively, if you prefer, they can also provide a refund.

You have multiple options when it comes to ordering Sakura Mobile SIMs. You can either purchase them through Klook or directly on their corporate website . While the widest range of options is available on their own site, it’s worth noting that Klook offers certain exclusives not found on the corporate website.

On the other hand, when ordering directly, you can choose from more pick-up locations or have the SIM shipped to any address within Japan, including hotels.

Size : Multi-size SIM cards. Normal, Nano or Micro sim.

Network :  NTT Docomo (3G & 4G)

Shipping :  When you order through Klook the SIM can be collected at Terminal 3 (the International terminal) of Haneda International Airport or Terminal 1 and 2 of Narita International Airport. There is also a pick-up location in the arrival lobby of the Kansai airport.

If you order direct you can have the SIM delivered to hotels and Airbnb’s or collect it at the airport (Haneda, Narita, Kansai, Chubu, New Chitose) or at the office in Shinjuku.

Activation : No activation is required for these SIM cards. They’re ready to use. You just need to insert the SIM and set the APN.  You can download a document that explains how to do this.

Available direct :

Available through Klook :

Click here for more information and to order your Sakura Mobile SIM card:

Japan SIM cards with pick-up abroad (via Klook)

Here are a few extra options for those who live in Thailand, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Vietnam or India.

The below providers offer SIM cards that are either shipped to your home or that can be collected at your airport of departure.

Personally I would prefer to pick-up my SIM in Japan.  This has the advantage that somebody can assist you with setting it up and in the unlikely event that it doesn’t work, you would be able to look for an alternative or arrange a refund on the spot.

A pick-up abroad might, however, be a convenient option if you don’t want to lose time collecting your SIM upon arrival.

Buying a SIM card in Japan

Don’t worry if you’re already in Japan when you’re reading this. 

It’s also possible to buy a tourist SIM card in BIC Camera and Yodobashi Camera stores as well as at Narita and Haneda airports. 

You can even order one online and pick it up in several locations in downtown Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka as well as other cities.

At the airport

If you want to start using your SIM card immediately you can buy one at the airport.

In the arrivals hall are sales counters from various operators and they will certainly be able to assist you in English. 

The drawback is that your choice will be more limited than in the shops in the city and you will be paying more, as is always the case at airports.

BIC camera also operates one small store in Narita and 2 in Haneda airport terminal 3 (see here and here ).  The sales points from the operators will likely be able to better assist you and give you advice while the stores from BIC camera will likely be cheaper.

In the cities

Another option to buy a SIM card in Japan would be to head to one of the BIC Camera or Yodobashi Camera stores in the cities. 

They sell various prepaid SIM cards for Japan tourists.  Usually, someone will be able to assist you in English but don’t expect the store personnel to speak the same level of English as they would at the airport. 

If you know what you need they will be able to point you to the correct package or confirm that what you picked is what you think it is. But you better speak some Japanese if you want to go into lengthy discussions about what would be the best option for you.

Finding these stores is easy.  Your hotel should be able to tell you the nearest one or you can use Google Maps.

A visit to a BIC Camera or Yodobashi Camera store is something that we absolutely recommend.  It is a fun experience during which you can marvel at all the electronic gadgets that are for sale.

But maybe you prefer to compare the various options from the comfort of your hotel room.  This is possible as well. 

You can order your SIM online with Mobal and pick it up directly at one of the many pick-up locations across Japan.

They have a very informative website and offer English support in case you have any additional questions. 

Japan eSIMs

Good news if you have a modern phone that supports embedded SIMs (eSIMs). You no longer have to worry about fiddling with your phone to replace the SIM card. All you have to do is click a link or scan a QR code.

Your SIM can stay in your device and you can switch between your own cellular plan and the Japanese plan. Super convenient and super easy.

Four providers offer eSIMs :

Simcard GEEK

Airalo esims.

Airalo eSIMs are available for a duration of 7 or 30 days and come with a data package ranging between 1 GB and 10 GB.

These are data-only contracts so voice calls are not supported.

• Size: eSIM card.
• Network: Softbank
• Duration: 7 or 30 days
• Pick-up: You will find all the information in the e-mail or the app.
• Activation: You can activate the eSIM when you want to start using it. You will need a WiFi connection to activate it.
• Topping Up: You can buy a new SIM if you’ve consumed all data of your existing eSIM.

Use our exclusive   WAPITI10OFF promo code to get an additional 10% off your Airalo eSIM.

Check all Airalo eSIM options: Airalo eSIM

The activation link is sent minutes after your purchase so you can still buy this SIM after you’ve arrived in Japan.

Check out this list if you’re not sure if these eSIMs are compatible with your phone.

The eSIMs connect to Japan’s Docomo network and is native to Japan. It connects to the Docomo network directly and is fast & reliable. You don’t need to enable data roaming for it to work.

The SIMs are data only, voice & text is not supported.

These are the various options:

Click here for more information about the Simcard GEEK eSIM options: Simcard GEEK eSIMs

In addition to the regular SIMs that we discussed above , Mobal also offers a selection of eSIMs.

Their eSIMs make use of the Docomo network and are native to Japan. All the options are data only, voice & text is not supported.

The data speed is 4G LTE. If the included data amount is fully used you can continue surfing until the SIM expires but at a slower speed of 200 kbps.

Click here for more information about the Mobal eSIM options: Mobal eSIMs

Frewie offers 2 eSIMS for use in Japan. When ordering a Frewie eSIM through Klook you will get a confirmation mail with a QR code to activate your eSIM. The mail is sent within 24 hours of your purchase.

The Frewie eSIM is a data-roaming SIM that connects to the Docomo network in Japan. It’s not a native Docomo eSIM, you will need to activate data roaming for it to work. Because it uses roaming it can be somewhat slower than the above eSIM options from Simcard GEEK.

One SIM works only in Japan, the other works in Japan & South Korea. Both are data only. The data package varies with the duration of the SIM.

Check prices and more info:

Frewie Japan SIM (5 – 30 days)

Frewie Japan & S-Korea SIM (14 or 30 days)

Japan SIM card for longer stays

For a short stay, you’re best off with a prepaid SIM card but if you’re staying in Japan for several months you could consider an unlimited long-term plan.  

Japanese providers are known to have a lot of red tape.   

A contract with them usually requires a lot of paperwork and a commitment of 2 years. For some, you even need to have a residence visa and/or a Japanese bank account.

Two providers offer long-term SIM plans :

Mobal offers an alternative to the red tape. 

Their long-term plan comes with no minimum duration, no activation, and no termination fee. 

The customer service team speaks English, is super-responsive, and you can easily order the SIM card online.

This is what you will get:

Japanese Phone number : A real Japanese phone number starting with 070, 080 or 090 (Softbank).  A voicemail service is included.

Free calls : All incoming calls and texts are free. Outgoing calls to other Softbank customers (including Mobal customers) are free from 1 AM to 9 PM.

Network : Your Mobal SIM will give you access to both the NTT Docomo network as well as the Softbank network so you’re sure to have the best reception whenever possible. The sim can be used in any unlocked device that supports the 3G or 4G Band 1 (2100MHz) frequency.

Shipping :  Shipping is always free but not available to all countries.  If shipping is not available to your country you can simply collect your sim for free, at one of the many pick-up locations.  There are locations at the airports and in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and other major cities across Japan.

Shipping of voice+text sims requires that a copy of your ID is sent to Mobal at the time of your order. 

If you don’t want to share these details online you can pick up your package in Japan. All details about shipping and pick-up locations are extensively explained on the website .

Activation : To activate your SIM follow the activation instructions provided with your sim.  During business hours the activation should be processed within 2 hours.

Upgrade data plan : The data+voice SIM has 7GB of data at 4G speed per calendar month.  If you want more data at high speed you upgrade your plan in your online account.

Fair usage policy : If you use more than 7GB in one month your data speed will be reduced to 128kpbs for the remainder of the calendar month.

Click here for more information and to order your Mobal SIM card: MOBAL Long-term SIM

Sakura Mobile offers a similar long-term plan specifically aimed at overseas tourists who will spend a considerable time in Japan.

The plan has no minimum duration, it can be canceled at any time. There’s a one-time activation fee for the voice service. (only to be paid if you want to use the voice+text features) 

To order the package you will need to provide a copy of your current passport. A utility bill with your address on it is also required as proof of residence if you want the SIM to be shipped to your home.

Japanese Phone number : A Japanese phone from NTT Docomo.

Calls : All incoming calls and texts are free. With the Sakura Dail app or the special prefix number you can call at special discounted rates. ( check the rates )

Network : NTT Docomo.  There’s a dedicated page to see if your device is compatible.

Shipping :  The SIM card can be shipped to your home address if you provide a proof of residence.  This is not required.  You can also collect it at the airport or in the Sakura Mobile office.

Normally it takes 2 to 5 days for the package to arrive. You will receive a tracking code with which you can track the shipment.

Activation : No activation is required for the data plan. A one-time fee of 5,500 JPY is required to activate the voice service.

Data plan : You can choose from 2 plans.  A lite plan with 4GB data/month or a premium plan with 25GB data/month.   Both plans are unlimited which means you can continue browsing at slower speeds if you’ve consumed the included data.  It’s also possible to top-up your data plan online.

Fair usage policy : Unknown

Click here for more information and to order your Sakura Mobile Long-Term SIM card: Sakura Mobile Long-term SIM

FAQ About Tourist SIM Cards for Japan

Will your phone work in japan .

Before you buy a SIM you need to be sure that your phone is compatible with Japan’s telecom network. It needs to be able to operate on one of the bands used by the telecom operators in Japan. 

Check the technical specs of your phone to see what bands are supported and see if there’s a match with the bands that the operators are using. We’ve listed all of them in the following section.

Your phone will also need to be unlocked.

If you don’t want to do this manually you can find pages online ( like this page ) where you can select your phone and the network operator to verify if they’re compatible.

Network providers in Japan

Japan has four mobile phone companies that operate their own network.  The three major players are NTT Docomo, Softbank (formerly Vodafone), and Au by KDDI.

A fourth challenger is Rakuten Mobile. Rakuten Mobile used to be a virtual operator but started building out its own network a few years ago. Today it covers about 94% of the population.

All other operators are virtual and use one of the existing networks. The tourist SIM cards we discussed in this article all work on either the Softbank or NTT Docomo network.

The network of NTT Docomo is recognized to be the best in terms of coverage.  Softbank comes in second although they are not far behind. Both these networks cover 99% of Japan (population-based).

These are the bands used by the Japanese operators:

Rakuten Mobile

Pocket WiFi device vs Tourist SIM card

One big perk of using a pocket WiFi device is that you can stay connected without having to mess with your phone.

No need to worry about changing your settings. Just remember to turn off your data connection to avoid those annoying roaming fees. With your SIM card still in the phone, you can stay connected with friends, family, work buddies, and anyone else who has your number just like you’re back at home.

If you want people to be able to contact you anytime, a pocket WiFi device is a great option.

Another advantage of pocket WiFi devices is that they let you connect multiple users at once (usually up to 10!).

Batteries of pocket WiFi devices usually last no more than a day. This is probably the biggest disadvantage. It is one more device that you need to charge on a daily basis.

Interested in Pocket WiFi devices?

See which ones you can rent in Japan . Or if you are going to use this often, you can buy your own device , just like us.

Which size of SIM card do you need

SIM cards have become increasingly smaller over the years. First, we had the standard SIM, then the Micro SIM and nowadays almost all modern phones use a Nano-SIM

Usually, providers use multi-size (3-in-1) SIM cards that are compatible with all phones.  Others only offer 2-in-1 (Micro and Nano) which means they will still be compatible with most current models. 

The technical specs of your phone will show what SIM you need.

In some cases, you will need to specify the requested SIM size with your order.

Free WiFi in Japan

You can easily find free WiFi at many places in Japan. Coffee shops like Starbucks, metro stations in all major cities, and JR train stations offer this convenient service.

Connecting to public WiFi networks was a pain the first time we were in Japan. Not only did we, have to do it over and over again. We also couldn’t get the connection to work for half of the time.

But now there’s a great app called Japan WiFi Auto-Connect that takes care of all the hassle for you. It automatically connects your phone to selected public WiFi hotspots. Only the trusted ones managed by reliable companies or authorities are used by the app for security reasons.

The app worked perfectly for 90% of the time during our last trips. Whenever we walked into a metro station or train station the phone usually connected to the WiFi in a matter of minutes.

The Japan WiFi Auto-Connect app is available for Android and Apple and makes free WiFi much more reliable for foreigners.

Still, I suggest not depending on free WiFi entirely, just like we don’t. As you move away from the big cities, finding reliable Wi-Fi spots becomes harder.

And even in the major cities, I find it super handy to have internet access all the time so I can look up stuff whenever something pops into my head – not just when I stumble upon a hotspot.

It’s a matter of convenience, but SIM cards are so cheap that I think it’s worth it.

Having a Japanese tourist SIM card turned out to be priceless.  With Google Maps we could easily find our way around the cities, we discovered interesting places to eat and we weren’t restricted to touristic restaurants since we could use our mobile phone to translate the menus.

It really helped us to travel deeper and get a better, less touristy experience of Japan.

There’re many different tourist SIM cards so we wrote this post to help you choose the one that suits your needs.  All information is accurate at the time of writing.

We will regularly update this article but if you notice any changes we would appreciate it if you let us know so we can update our post.

Enjoy Japan!

Customer Reviews

Worst experience of my life. I’ve disabled all background data and automatic updates, and the carrier claims my quota of 10GB expired in 5 days. Support was not helpful and disrespectful. They did not want to share a detailed list with data consumption. I feel robbed.

There are days without data and only have LTE speed not 4G in any case. It's true that its cheap but there are better options that have more quality Show original

Be careful, it doesn't support hotspot mode.

It doesn't support hotspot mode and signal is not good in house.

Used eSIM4Travel for a 2-week stay in Japan. Easy purchase, simple installation, and worked fine with a Hong Kong IP. Good price and decent latency. Connected to SoftBank 5G, not super fast but okay (sufficient). Recommend.

• How to order

GET THE BEST SIM CARD FOR THE SAKURA SEASON NOW!

Sakura Mobile's Japan Tourist SIM is one of the most popular travel sim cards for Japan. This SIM works with your iPhone, Androids, Blackberry.

The best Japan tourist SIM card

Sakura Mobile Japan Tourist SIM has well-selected features for your trip to Japan. Features listed below are very useful for your smooth travel. With our sim card, all you need to do is to have fun with your trip.

Features for travel

No1 Network in Japan.

Sakura Mobile operates under NTT docomo network, Japan's most chosen network since the beginning of cellphone history. Docomo has been developing solid network throughout the country since then. Stay connected in every part of Japan.

ZERO ANXIETY SIM Compatibility Insurance.

Have you ever heard of the compatibility problems of SIM cards in Japan? You may find some discussions on the internet. Unfortunately, SIM cards in Japan are little different from ones in other countries. You need to configure your phones, and we have been seeing people having difficulties with it. Worse, electronic stores will NOT accept any refunds for SIM card.

At Sakura Mobile, we do care that you have a smooth and reliable internet without difficulties. With a little extra cost, we keep our best to cover up such unpredictable situations. One of the benefits is an immediate upgrade to our WiFi router in the case of SIM incompatibility. We have tested the sim card to work with our WiFi router, and we gurantee its connectivity.

Comparison Chart

Here is a quick comparison table to pick the right choice for you. Our SIM cards are very flexible. We do not set daily LTE allowance so you are always connected in 4G/LTE. Even if you finish LTE data, you can still have internet at low speed mode. If you need extra data, online top up makes it easy and instant.

(4,950 JPY, tax incl.)

(7,150 JPY, tax incl.)

(9,900 JPY, tax incl.)

(15,950 JPY, tax incl.)

(17,600 JPY, tax incl.)

(26,400 JPY, tax incl.)

How to Order

Place order at least 3 days prior to your pick up date. Please book earlier as possible so that we can keep your item available. You can change shipping address / date anytime.

2. Shipment

We ship according to your pick up date. Your item will be delivered a night before your pick up place. On a regular schedule, we ship 3 days prior to your start date.

Pick up at your desired place. You can pick it up at various places in Japan including Airports / hotels / local post offices / residential addresses.

4. Enjoy your trip

Enjoy your trip to Japan. After use simply dipose SIM card there is no need to return travel SIM cards.

DELIVERY SCHEDULE

We ship according to your pick up date. Your item will arrive at least a night before your pick up date. Once we ship your item, we will email your tracking code and a link to check your parcel status.

Pick up locations

You can pick up it at various locations including:

Chosen by travelers

We are one of the top wireless service providers for your Japan trip. We consider ourself as a service provider, not a sim card seller. So, our goal is to provide reliable internet during your trip. Let us work in our field, and enjoy your time in Japan.

Reviews from customers.

Book online now or feel free to talk to us for more information.

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Choose How Long You Will Be In Japan

• Long Term (90 days or more)
• Short Term (less than 90 days)

Long Term eSIMs

Our long-term Japan eSIMs are perfect for you if you are living, working or studying in Japan.

Important : Email delivery is not available for this product. Instead, we'll give you a physical eSIM Access Code for your eSIM. Find out why here .

Japan Voice+Data eSIM

Choose a plan from ¥1,650 per month when you activate your eSIM

All prices include tax - no surprises when you check-out!

How It Works

1. Buy your eSIM today for just ¥2,970.

2. Choose between Free Shipping and Free Pick-Up in Japan. If you've chosen Free Delivery, upload your ID to our secure system. (Find out why email delivery isn't available here!)

3. We'll ship your eSIM Access Code right to you, or if you've chosen to pick up, you can show your ID at the Pick-Up Point to collect it right away.

4. Enter your Access Code on our activation portal, then choose a plan from ¥1,650 / month. See our plans here .

5. Install your eSIM and enter APN settings using our easy to follow instructions. That's it!

Will the eSIM work in my device?

You can use Mobal eSIMs in any unlocked device that's compatible with eSIMs and supports the Band 1 (2100MHz) frequency. - how to check if your phone is eSIM compatible . That means that any Android smartphone or Apple iPhone that is compatible with eSIMs can use a Mobal Japan eSIM, including USA iPhone 14s and 15s which are eSIM-only. Can I get a physical SIM card instead? Sure! We have physical SIMs too - get your Japan SIM card here . What does "unlocked" mean? If your device is "unlocked", it means that it can work with a SIM from any network. If your device is "locked", it is restricted to work only on your regular carrier's network. Your device must be "unlocked" to work with a Mobal eSIM. How do you know if your phone is unlocked? If you purchased your device as an "unlocked" or "SIM Free" device from a retailer such as Amazon, then your device is almost certainly already unlocked. This means that it will work with our eSIM. If you purchased your device directly from your carrier (AT&T, T-Mobile, etc.), your device is probably locked and, therefore, it may not work with our eSIM. If you're still not sure whether or not your device is unlocked, simply contact the store where you purchased your device from. My device is locked. What can I do? If your device is locked, it may be possible to get it unlocked - simply ask your provider about this.

Ongoing Plans

When you activate your eSIM, choose from one of our four monthly plans.

Monthly Plans

Superfast data, cost per calendar month, 5gb most popular.

Your superfast data allowance resets on the 1st of each month.

Outgoing calls & texts will incur additional charges. You can find the usage rates here .

All Our Plans Include

Always on data.

Each month you get 1GB, 5GB, 10GB or 30GB of super-fast data. If you use up your entire data allocation, you'll get reduced speeds (around 200 Kbps). However, your data is always on - it never stops. Your monthly allocation is reset on the 1st of every month, and you can change to a different plan at any time in your online account.

Real Docomo Japanese Phone Number

All of our Japan Voice+Data eSIM plans come with a real 070, 080 or 090 Japanese phone number - crucial for living and working in Japan.

Excellent Coverage

Our eSIMs connect to the Docomo network, so you get ultra-reliable service. Docomo cover over 99% of Japan's population.

No Minimum Contract Term

Terminate your service any time - with no termination fees!

Free Incoming Calls & Texts

Incoming calls are free, incoming texts are free too. Outgoing calls are charged by the minute, texts are charged per 160-character message. See the Call Rates section below for details.

English Language Customer Support

We guarantee you'll get easy, friendly English-language support whenever you need it!

Mobile Hotspot

If your device supports tethering/hotspot use then you can easily tether to your other devices. See our FAQs for more information.

No Additional Taxes

We don't add extras to the prices we show - what you see is what you pay.

No Activation Fees or Termination Fees

We don't charge activation fees - our competitors will add large fees onto your first bill (plus tax!). We don't charge termination fees either.

If you've ever tried to get a Japanese eSIM, you'll be well aware that it's really difficult, especially if you need a real Japanese phone number. Until now, you've had the choice of filling out complicated forms in Japanese with a traditional network, or going to an English-speaking company to get a Data Only eSIM which uses an unreliable roaming network. The Mobal eSIM is the best solution for English speakers in Japan!

Real Japanese Phone Number

" I arrived in Japan almost four months ago, and I had no idea how difficult it was going to be to get a mobile-phone service... Knowing that I can now get a SIM card without a termination fee ... is ideal for me " ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Seamus, Ireland

No Hidden Charges

No additional taxes

No activation fees

No termination fees

No minimum contract term

What you see is what you pay. All our prices include all applicable tax - no tax will be added later. No surprises!

" They had the best value plans ... the staff were friendly and fast to respond. I would recommend Mobal to friends and family. " ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ David J

How we compare with Japanese eSIM providers...

With other japanese providers..., with our japan esim..., why our japan esims are the smart choice, always-on fast 4g data.

You get fast 4G data to use in Japan. If you go over your monthly allocation, speeds slow down, but data doesn't stop - there's no need to worry about running out

Money Back Guarantee

We are confident that you'll love our service we offer a full & prompt, no-hassle money back guarantee

Our eSIMs connect to the Docomo network. Docomo covers over 99% of Japan's population, so you get super-reliable service

English Language Support

We guarantee you'll get easy, friendly English-language support whenever you need it from our native-English-speaking team!

Perfect For Long Stays

Our long-term eSIMs are ideal for living, working or studying in Japan

Profits Go To Charity

We guarantee that the majority of our profits go to our charity partners. Your eSIM is making the world a better place!

" The staff were very helpful with great English, and made the experience easy, far better than some of the other SIM services I encountered. Would definitely recommend Mobal, and will be using them next time I visit Japan. " ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Richard, UK

Pick-up & Shipping Options

Due to Japanese law, we're required to verify that you're the person using the eSIM. To do that, we can mail a unique access code to the address listed on your ID, or you can show your ID at a pick-up point in Japan. It may seem counter-intuitive, but it helps us to keep you and your service secure.

FREE Pick-up in Japan

You can collect your eSIM access code in Japan - completely free of charge. All you need is your order confirmation and your passport . Simply show those to the staff at the pick-up point, and they'll hand your eSIM access code right to you.

View our Pick-up locations

Simply choose your preferred collection point and pick-up date in the checkout. Your eSIM Access Code will be available for instant pick-up after placing your order! Just show your order confirmation email and your passport to the agent when you collect your code.

Haneda Airport Terminal 3

Jtb meeting counter.

Open from 10am - 8pm every day

JTB Meeting Counter, Haneda Airport T3, Arrivals (2nd) Floor, International Terminal

Free Shuttle Bus from Terminal 2

Located a short (1 minute) walk from the Arrivals Gate. If nobody is manning the front desk please use the phone on the desk for assistance. A free shuttle bus service is available from Terminal 3. Find more information here .

How to Collect

Step 1 Order your SIM online –choose your preferred collection point and pick-up date at checkout.

Step 2 Visit your collection point, show your order confirmation email and passport.

Narita Airport Terminal 1

Jtb travel center.

Open from 9am - 6pm every day

1st Floor (International Arrival Lobby) Narita Airport T1

The Narita Airport Travel Center managed by JTB is the perfect start point for your trip to Japan. Exchange or purchase your JAPAN RAIL PASS (and collect your SIM) and get expert travel advice on arrival.

Narita Airport Terminal 2

Travelex currency exchange counter.

Open from 7am - 7:30pm every day

〒282-0004 Chiba, Narita City, Furukomi 1-1, Narita Airport Terminal 2 Station SKYLINER & KEISEI INFORMATION

Shibuya - Mark City Building

Play diversity shibuya coin space (4th floor).

Open from 9am - 11pm every day

4th Floor, Shibuya Mark City, 1-12-1, Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0043

This office is located on the 4th floor of Shibuya’s Mark City shopping complex. Play! Diversity Shibuya Coin Space have a tourist office and co-working space with a baggage deposit service, Wi-Fi, water server and device charging. Mark City is located inside the Creation Square Shibuya space. How to get there by train Shibuya Station via the Keio Inokashira Line; the Tokyo Metro Ginza, Hanzomon and Fukutoshin lines; the Tokyu Toyoko and Den-en-toshi lines; and the JR Yamanote and Saikyo lines. Shibuya Mark City is located above the Keio Inokashira Line station.

Shinjuku Station

Travelex keio shinjuku – west ticket gate.

Open from 11am - 3pm & 4pm - 7pm every day

West Ticket Gate, Keio Shinjuku Station, 1-1-4 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0023

There are two Travelex locations at Shinjuku Station. Our SIMs are stocked at the West Ticket Gate location. The other Travelex at the station is permanently closed.

Tokyo Station, Marunouchi

Open from 12pm - 5:30pm every day

Marunouchi North Entrance, Tokyo Station JR East Travel Service Center, Marunouchi North Entrance, Tokyo Station

The Travelex counter is on the ground floor under the famous domed roof of the Marunouchi exit of Tokyo Station (the Imperial Palace is only a 5-minute walk) and offers money exchange/ATM services.

Asakusa Tourist Information Centre Travelex

Open from 9am - 5pm every day

Asakusa Culture Tourism Center 1st Floor, 2-18-9, Kaminarimon, Taito-ku, Tokyo

Hokkaido Area

Hokkaido-sapporo tourist information centre.

Open from 8:30am - 8pm every day

JR Sapporo West Concourse, Kita 6-jo Nishi 4-chome, Kita-ku, Sapporo

Located inside of the “Hokkaido-Sapporo ‘Food and Tourism’ Information Building”. Visitors can access tourist information for all of Hokkaido as well as information on events taking place in Sapporo.

Kyoto Tower

Kyoto tower - jtb tourist information center.

Open from 10am - 5:30pm every day

3rd Floor, Kyoto Tower

Kyoto Tower is located just across from Kyoto Station & is Kyoto’s tallest structure. Collect your SIM from the JTB Tourist Information Center on the 3rd floor, and get some local travel advice at the same time. Travel Tip: If you plan on visiting Kyoto Tower get a discounted entrance ticket at your SIM collection point.

Nagoya Area

Nagoya (chubu) airport.

Open from 9am - 7:30pm every day

International Arrivals lobby

The Nagoya Airport Travel Center managed by JTB is the perfect start point for your trip to Japan. Exchange or purchase your JAPAN RAIL PASS (and collect your SIM) and get expert travel advice on arrival.

Nagoya City

Sakae Money Transfer Plaza, Sakae-Chika (Underground), 3-4-6 Sakae, Naka-ku, Nagoya 460-0008

The Travelex Counter is located underground in "Sakae-Chika" beside the S9 Exit

Okinawa Area

Naha airport, naha airport tourist information office（international）.

Open from 9:00am - 6:00pm every day

1F Naha Airport international terminal, 280 Kagamizu, Naha City

Okinawa Tourist Information Center

2F A Block Kafuna Asahibashi 1-20-6 Izumizaki, Naha City

Kansai Airport Terminal 1

Jtb kansai tourist information centre.

Open from 9am - 7pm every day

Terminal 1 arrivals - central of 1st floor

Kansai Tourist Information Center managed by JTB is welcoming you to collect your SIM in the fast lane for free. They also offer to you travel maps and materials for free. Plus, get expert travel advice on arrival.

Osaka Namba Walk Travelex

Travelex tourist information centre osaka.

Open from 10am - 9pm every day

2nd Avenue South, Namba Walk, 1-3-10 Namba, Chuo-ku,, Osaka-city, Osaka, Tokyo. Postal code: 542-0076

Osaka Station

Mon - Fri 10am - 7pm Sat, Sun and national holidays 10am - 6pm

Nippon Travel Agency, Tis Osaka, JR Osaka Station, 3-1-1, Umeda, Kita-ku, Osaka City, Osaka

Yokohama Area

Yokohama station, keikyu - travelex currency exchange counter (b1f).

Open from 11am-7pm 7 days a week

Basement Level Yokohama Station (Keikyu), 1-1-4 Minami-Saiwai, Nishi-ku, Kanagawa Prefecture 220-0011

FREE Shipping

We ship around the world so you can receive your eSIM Access Code before you travel. Select your delivery country below to view shipping options. (If your country is not listed, please select 'Country not listed' to check out the options available to you).

Shipping To Australia

FREE International Mail (15-30 Business Days)

ID Upload Required

To deliver your eSIM Access Code we require you to upload proof of your shipping address . Don't worry, uploading your ID is quick, simple and secure.

Accepted ID

We accept the following forms of ID for delivery to Australia. Your ID must show your Name, Shipping Address, Photo, Date of Birth and have a valid expiration date. Please note that your Name and Shipping Address must match the information you have entered on your order. Please note that we can only deliver to the address shown on your ID.

Driver’s License

Australian State ID Card

Why do we need this information?

It is a requirement of Japanese law that we must collect ID from users of Japan Voice eSIM Access Codes. In order to prevent fraudulent usage, we can only deliver your SIM to the address shown on your ID. We will ask you to upload your ID after placing your order. Rest assured that your ID is fully encrypted on our secure servers and that your personal information is completely safe and secure. Don't have this form of ID? Don't worry simply choose to pick-up your SIM when you arrive in Japan.

Shipping To Brazil

FREE International Mail (8-15 Business Days)

ID upload required

We accept the following forms of ID for delivery to Brazil. Your ID must show your Name, Shipping Address, Photo, Date of Birth and have a valid expiration date. Please note that your Name and Shipping Address must match the information you have entered on your order. Please note that we can only deliver to the address shown on your ID.

Brazilian Passport

Billing documents from State owned Water or Electricity company (dated within 6 months)

You need to submit both forms of ID for delivery to Brazil

Shipping To Canada

We accept the following forms of ID for delivery to Canada. Your ID must show your Name, Shipping Address, Photo, Date of Birth and have a valid expiration date. Please note that your Name and Shipping Address must match the information you have entered on your order. Please note that we can only deliver to the address shown on your ID.

Canadian Driver’s License

Canadian provincial/territorial photo card, shipping to china.

We accept the following forms of ID for delivery to China. Your ID must show your Name, Shipping Address, Photo, Date of Birth and have a valid expiration date. Please note that your Name and Shipping Address must match the information you have entered on your order. Please note that we can only deliver to the address shown on your ID.

Chinese Residence Card

Shipping to denmark.

We accept the following forms of ID for delivery to Denmark. Your ID must show your Name, Shipping Address, Photo, Date of Birth and have a valid expiration date. Please note that your Name and Shipping Address must match the information you have entered on your order. Please note that we can only deliver to the address shown on your ID.

Photo Page of Danish Passport

Cpr id card.

You need to submit both forms of ID for delivery to Denmark

Shipping To France

We accept the following forms of ID for delivery to France. Your ID must show your Name, Shipping Address, Photo, Date of Birth and have a valid expiration date. Please note that your Name and Shipping Address must match the information you have entered on your order. Please note that we can only deliver to the address shown on your ID.

Photo Page of French Passport

Shipping to germany.

We accept the following forms of ID for delivery to Germany. Your ID must show your Name, Shipping Address, Photo, Date of Birth and have a valid expiration date. Please note that your Name and Shipping Address must match the information you have entered on your order. Please note that we can only deliver to the address shown on your ID.

Personalausweis

Aufenthaltstitel, shipping to greece.

We accept the following forms of ID for delivery to Greece. Your ID must show your Name, Shipping Address, Photo, Date of Birth and have a valid expiration date. Please note that your Name and Shipping Address must match the information you have entered on your order. Please note that we can only deliver to the address shown on your ID.

Greek Passport

Electricity bill (ppc).

You need to submit both forms of ID for delivery to Greece

Shipping To Hong Kong

We accept the following forms of ID for delivery to Hong Kong. Your ID must show your Name, Shipping Address, Photo, Date of Birth and have a valid expiration date. Please note that your Name and Shipping Address must match the information you have entered on your order. Please note that we can only deliver to the address shown on your ID.

Hong Kong Passport

Bill from water supplies department (dated within 6 months).

You need to submit both forms of ID for delivery to Hong Kong

Shipping To India

We accept the following forms of ID for delivery to India. Your ID must show your Name, Shipping Address, Photo, Date of Birth and have a valid expiration date. Please note that your Name and Shipping Address must match the information you have entered on your order. Please note that we can only deliver to the address shown on your ID.

Indian Passport (Photo Page + Address Page)

Shipping to ireland.

We accept the following forms of ID for delivery to Ireland. Your ID must show your Name, Shipping Address, Photo, Date of Birth and have a valid expiration date. Please note that your Name and Shipping Address must match the information you have entered on your order. Please note that we can only deliver to the address shown on your ID.

Irish Driver's License

Shipping to israel.

We accept the following forms of ID for delivery to Israel. Your ID must show your Name, Shipping Address, Photo, Date of Birth and have a valid expiration date. Please note that your Name and Shipping Address must match the information you have entered on your order. Please note that we can only deliver to the address shown on your ID.

Driving License

Israel Passport (Photo Page)

You need to submit both forms of ID for delivery to Israel

Shipping To Japan

FREE International Mail (2-5 Business Days)

We accept the following forms of ID for delivery to Japan. Your ID must show your Name, Shipping Address, Photo, Date of Birth and have a valid expiration date. Please note that your Name and Shipping Address must match the information you have entered on your order. Please note that we can only deliver to the address shown on your ID.

Japan Residence Card (Front & Back)

Japan Special Permanent Resident Certificate

Shipping to macau.

We accept the following forms of ID for delivery to Macau. Your ID must show your Name, Shipping Address, Photo, Date of Birth and have a valid expiration date. Please note that your Name and Shipping Address must match the information you have entered on your order. Please note that we can only deliver to the address shown on your ID.

Macau Passport

Macau water bill or Macau electricity bill (within 6 months)

You need to submit both Passport and State Run Water Bill or Electricity Bill delivery to Macau

Shipping To Malaysia

We accept the following forms of ID for delivery to Malaysia. Your ID must show your Name, Shipping Address, Photo, Date of Birth and have a valid expiration date. Please note that your Name and Shipping Address must match the information you have entered on your order. Please note that we can only deliver to the address shown on your ID.

MyKad (Malaysian Identity Card)

Passport (photo page).

You need to submit both forms of ID for delivery to Malaysia

Shipping To New Zealand

We accept the following forms of ID for delivery to New Zealand. Your ID must show your Name, Shipping Address, Photo, Date of Birth and have a valid expiration date. Please note that your Name and Shipping Address must match the information you have entered on your order. Please note that we can only deliver to the address shown on your ID.

New Zealand Driving License (Front & Back) & Must Contain Your Address

Shipping to the philippines.

We accept the following forms of ID for delivery to The Philippines. Your ID must show your Name, Shipping Address, Photo, Date of Birth and have a valid expiration date. Please note that your Name and Shipping Address must match the information you have entered on your order. Please note that we can only deliver to the address shown on your ID.

PhotoPage of Your Passport

Electricity bill (dated within 6 months).

You need to submit both forms of ID for delivery to The Philippines

Shipping To Singapore

We accept the following forms of ID for delivery to Singapore. Your ID must show your Name, Shipping Address, Photo, Date of Birth and have a valid expiration date. Please note that your Name and Shipping Address must match the information you have entered on your order. Please note that we can only deliver to the address shown on your ID.

Singapore National Registration Identity Card (NRIC)

Shipping to south africa.

We accept the following forms of ID for delivery to South Africa. Your ID must show your Name, Shipping Address, Photo, Date of Birth and have a valid expiration date. Please note that your Name and Shipping Address must match the information you have entered on your order. Please note that we can only deliver to the address shown on your ID.

South African Passport

Billing documents from State owned Electricity Company (dated within 6 months)

You need to submit both forms of ID for delivery to South Africa

Shipping To South Korea

We accept the following forms of ID for delivery to South Korea. Your ID must show your Name, Shipping Address, Photo, Date of Birth and have a valid expiration date. Please note that your Name and Shipping Address must match the information you have entered on your order. Please note that we can only deliver to the address shown on your ID.

Resident Registration Card

Shipping to spain.

We accept the following forms of ID for delivery to Spain. Your ID must show your Name, Shipping Address, Photo, Date of Birth and have a valid expiration date. Please note that your Name and Shipping Address must match the information you have entered on your order. Please note that we can only deliver to the address shown on your ID.

Documento Nacional de Identidad (front & back)

Shipping to taiwan.

We accept the following forms of ID for delivery to Taiwan. Your ID must show your Name, Shipping Address, Photo, Date of Birth and have a valid expiration date. Please note that your Name and Shipping Address must match the information you have entered on your order. Please note that we can only deliver to the address shown on your ID.

Shipping To UK

We accept the following forms of ID for delivery to the UK. Your ID must show your Name, Shipping Address, Photo, Date of Birth and have a valid expiration date. Please note that your Name and Shipping Address must match the information you have entered on your order. Please note that we can only deliver to the address shown on your ID.

UK Photocard Driver's Licence

UK Paper Driver's Licence + Photo Page of Passport

Shipping to usa.

We accept the following forms of ID for delivery to the USA. Your ID must show your Name, Shipping Address, Photo, Date of Birth and have a valid expiration date. Please note that your Name and Shipping Address must match the information you have entered on your order. Please note that we can only deliver to the address shown on your ID.

USA Driver’s License

Usa state id card, shipping unavailable.

Unfortunately, we are unable to ship our Voice, Text & Data eSIM to your delivery country at this time. Don’t worry though, you can collect your eSIM from airports and cities around Japan. To select your pick-up location, simply click the " Pick-up (Free) " button above.

International direct dialling is not available, but you can use the 0063 prefix service to make international calls at lowered rates. This service will become available to you 2 business days after eSIM activation.

We recommend using apps such as Whatsapp or iMessage to call and message for free

For your first month of service, your monthly Plan fees will be pro-rated. For example, if you activate your eSIM/SIM on July 16th, you will be billed half of your regular monthly bill for the period from July 16th until July 31st. On August 1st, you will be billed in advance for the month of August. Going forward, you will be billed on the 1st of every calendar month until you choose to cancel your service. Any chargeable calls and texts will also be billed to you on the 1st of the month. You can view fully itemized statements detailing all of your charges in your online account - so you always know exactly what you are paying for! We accept payments from all major credit/debit cards and Paypal. You can also pay your monthly fees by cash - see below.

Pay By Cash

If you are living and working in Japan, you may find that it's not convenient to pay your bill long-term with your international Debit/Credit Card or PayPal account. Some international providers charge transaction fees - or you may not be keeping money in your international account. We have a solution!

Buy Your eSIM With Cash Using MobalPay

MobalPay is our unique payment solution designed for expats in Japan. You can pay for and top up your MobalPay Mastercard using cash all over Japan. Then, you can buy your Mobal eSIM using your new MobalPay card! Find out more about MobalPay here .

" The Mobal staff were very helpful with great English. The phone service is faultless - very fast with excellent coverage " ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Claire W

Who is Mobal?

If you've never heard of Mobal before, here are some of the facts about us: a) Mobal is one of the world's longest running cell phone providers and was founded in 1989. We have offices in Japan, Europe & North America, so we're well placed to serve during your stay in Japan, before and after your trip! b) You're in good company! Since 1989, Mobal has served over 250,000 international travelers and has earned great reviews from the likes of Frommer's, Budget Travel and TIME Magazine. We specialize in providing English-language service to travelers and most importantly, we're dedicated to keeping things simple (which we know isn't always the case with traditional Japanese providers!). c) Mobal guarantees that the majority of profits go to charity. So, with a Mobal SIM, you don't just travel the world, you make it a better place! As you can see, we're a well-established company with a proven reputation. We are dedicated to providing a great service, and we would love you to join our community of international travelers!

When will I receive my Japanese phone number?

If you've ordered a Japan Voice+Data eSIM, your phone number will be assigned once your eSIM has been activated. Once assigned we will send you an email containing your phone number as well as displaying it in your online Mobal MyAccount.

I already have a Japanese Phone Number. Can I keep it?

Unfortunately it's not possible to port in an existing phone number to a Japan Voice+Data eSIM. However, you can port your existing number to a Japan Voice+Data SIM Card .

Do I get itemized statements?

All usage charges are fully itemized in your online account, so you always know exactly what you are paying for. Your log-in information will be emailed to you when you activate your service.

What currency am I billed in?

All of your charges are billed in Japanese Yen (JPY).

Will the eSIM work in my phone?

What data speeds can i expect.

Data is fast, free and and unlimited, you'll get 1GB, 5GB, 10GB or 30GB of fast 4G data per month. If you use up your entire monthly plan allowance, your data speed will be reduced to a maximum of 200 Kbps. These reduced speeds may not be sufficient for streaming music or video, but they will still allow activities such as web browsing, emailing, posting to social media, Whatsapp messaging, etc.

When is the allowance reset?

Your high speed data allowance will be reset on the 1st of each month.

Is there a voicemail service?

Your voicemail service will be automatically set-up for you when you activate your service. Voicemail is easy to use! Simple instructions are included in your package.

Can I send SMS text messages?

Yes, the Japan Voice + Data eSIM service supports SMS text messages. Note, as with all SMS services, your messages can be delayed, corrupted or on occasion, fail to send. If your message is urgent, we would always recommend that you place a phone call rather than sending a text message.

Can I pick up my eSIM access code?

Yes! You can collect your eSIM access code from our convenient collection points at airports and cities around Japan - completely free of charge. Simply choose your pick-up point when you add your product to the shopping cart.

Can I use the eSIM in any other countries?

Our Mobal Voice+Data eSIMs cards only work in Japan. They will not work in any other countries.

Can I use tethering/use my phone as a hotspot?

Some of our services support tethering/hotspot use, however, we cannot guarantee that this feature will work with all devices/operating systems. To find out more about tethering please visit our support page Creating a Hotspot / Tethering - Mobal Japan Voice+Data Support .

Can I use VoIP services, such as Skype, Viber, Whatsapp, Facetime, etc?

Yes! Using VoIP services for calling and instant messaging can be a great way to keep in touch rather than paying extra for traditional voice calls & texts.

Do I need any ID?

It is a requirement of Japanese law that we must collect ID from users of Japan Voice eSIMs to prevent fraudulent usage. If you are picking up your eSIM Access Code in Japan, you can simply show your passport when you collect. You must present your full valid current passport, not a copy or scan. If you choose delivery, you must upload your ID before shipping. Check out our Shipping & Pick-up Options to find the right choice for you. Be assured that we are committed to protecting your security for the lifetime of your service with us. Your ID information is fully encrypted and stored in a secure environment.

Discover our Short Term Japan eSIMs , perfect for business travel or short trips. We have both Data Only eSIMs and Voice+Data eSIMs available, so choose your perfect eSIM below! eSIMs are downloadable embedded SIM cards, eliminating the need for physical cards and providing seamless connectivity. If your device doesn't support eSIMs, check out our physical Japan SIM cards here!

Data Only eSIMs

8 day data only esims.

16 Day Data Only eSIMs

31 Day Data Only eSIMs

Voice+Data eSIMs

Short term voice+data esims.

Our network covers over 99% of Japan's population, so you can be confident that you'll get a highly reliable service with ultra-fast data speeds and excellent coverage.

" I was very glad to have located mobal. Nowadays, we are so hooked up on the internet for news, facebook, instagram and whatsapp etc. I would recommend anyone to Mobal if you can't live without internet :) " Ngo, Singapore

English Speaking Customer Support

We understand that the last thing you want to worry about while you are finding your feet in Japan is your phone service. We provide the best possible products and services with clear, simple instructions so that your service should just work! But, if you do have a question or a problem, we're here for you! Our online support pages give you quick, simple instructions and downloadable user guides for quick access. You get access to your own online secure account where you can check your charges, view your itemized usage and update your personal details. Plus, we've also got real, live humans available by email, social and live chat, so we're here for you if you need a helping hand! Our staff are native English speakers , so we guarantee you'll get easy, friendly English-language support whenever you need it!

" The staff were very helpful with great English, and made the experience easy, far better than some of the other SIM services I encountered. Would definitely recommend Mobal, and will be using them next time I visit Japan. " Richard, UK

With a Mobal eSIM, you don't just travel the world, you make it a better place!

It all started with one man's desire to make calls while traveling... Mobal was the brainchild of Chairman Tony Smith. As a lifelong international traveler, he was constantly frustrated when trying to keep in touch with family, friends & business contacts on his many trips overseas. On the back of the success of the international cell phone service he has established a number of charities with a desire to change the world. In February 2016, Tony set up Seibo, a registered Japanese non-profit organisation with a simple aim: to feed every hungry child in the world a hot meal in school! . School feeding carries many benefits - education, nutrition and health, gender equality, food security, poverty alleviation - in one single meal. The world would be changed if every hungry child in it were to receive a meal at school. Mobal guarantees that the majority of profits go to its charities, so with your Mobal eSIM, you don't just travel the world, you make it a better place!

Unfortunately it's not possible to port in an existing phone number to a Japan Voice+Data eSIM. However, you can port your existing number to a Japan Voice+Data SIM Card.

Can I get a physical SIM card instead?

Sure! Our Japan SIM cards are available too - get your Japan SIM card here .

Data is superfast, free and always on - you'll get 1GB, 3GB, 10GB, 30GB or 50GB of fast 4G data depending on which eSIM you choose. If you use up your entire allowance, your data speed will be reduced to a maximum of 200 Kbps. These reduced speeds may not be sufficient for streaming music or video, but they will still allow activities such as web browsing, emailing, posting to social media, Whatsapp messaging, etc.

Yes, our service supports tethering/hotspot use, however, we cannot guarantee that this feature will work with all devices/operating systems.

Japan Tourist eSIM

Introducing the Japan Tourist eSIM - your gateway to an incredible experience in Japan! With 1GB of 4G LTE data, you'll have the power to explore the country for up to 8 days. Powered by Japan's renowned Docomo network, enjoy excellent nationwide coverage that keeps you connected wherever you go. That means effortlessly navigating Japan with maps, transport info, translation apps, and travel tips. And let's not forget staying in touch with loved ones through social media, sharing just how amazing Japan truly is! Here's the important stuff : - You get 1GB of data at blazing 4G LTE speeds for 8 days with this eSIM. - The eSIM is data-only (no Voice or SMS) - It uses the Docomo network, ensuring fantastic coverage across Japan. - Quick and hassle-free setup - you'll get an activation link via email within minutes. - Make sure your device is unlocked and eSIM compatible. If you need a physical SIM card instead, check out our Tourist SIM card range here ! Coverage Our Japan eSIM connects you to over 99% of the population, thanks to our partnership with Docomo, one of the country's top network providers. Data limits After you've used the 1GB, don't worry! Your eSIM will still work but at a slower speed of 200 kbps. This will continue until the 8-day duration is over. Activation and setup A breeze! After purchasing, we'll promptly send an activation link and clear instructions to your email. You're in control of when your data allowance begins. It's all explained in the email containing your activation link! No Additional Taxes Our prices include all taxes, so there are no extra charges when you come to checkout. What you see is what you pay. Payment We've made payment secure and convenient for you. Simply provide your Debit / Credit Card or PayPal details at checkout. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to enhance your Japan adventure with seamless connectivity. Get your Japan eSIM now and embark on an unforgettable journey!

Introducing the Mobal Tourist eSIM - your gateway to an incredible experience in Japan! With 3GB of 4G LTE data, you'll have the power to explore the country for up to 8 days. Powered by Japan's renowned Docomo network, enjoy excellent nationwide coverage that keeps you connected wherever you go. That means effortlessly navigating Japan with maps, transport info, translation apps, and travel tips. And let's not forget staying in touch with loved ones through social media, sharing just how amazing Japan truly is! Here's the important stuff : - You get 3GB of data at blazing 4G LTE speeds for 8 days with this eSIM. - The eSIM is data-only (no Voice or SMS) - It uses the Docomo network, ensuring fantastic coverage across Japan. - Quick and hassle-free setup - you'll get an activation link via email within minutes. - Make sure your device is unlocked and eSIM compatible. If you need a physical SIM card instead, check out our Tourist SIM card range here ! Coverage Our Japan eSIM connects you to over 99% of the population, thanks to our partnership with Docomo, one of the country's top network providers. Data limits After you've used the 3GB, don't worry! Your eSIM will still work but at a slower speed of 200 kbps. This will continue until the 8-day duration is over. Activation and setup A breeze! After purchasing, we'll promptly send an activation link and clear instructions to your email. You're in control of when your data allowance begins. It's all explained in the email containing your activation link! No Additional Taxes Our prices include all taxes, so there are no extra charges when you come to checkout. What you see is what you pay. Payment We've made payment secure and convenient for you. Simply provide your Debit / Credit Card or PayPal details at checkout. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to enhance your Japan adventure with seamless connectivity. Get your Japan eSIM now and embark on an unforgettable journey!

Introducing the Mobal Tourist eSIM - your gateway to an incredible experience in Japan! With 10GB of 4G LTE data, you'll have the power to explore the country for up to 8 days. Powered by Japan's renowned Docomo network, enjoy excellent nationwide coverage that keeps you connected wherever you go. That means effortlessly navigating Japan with maps, transport info, translation apps, and travel tips. And let's not forget staying in touch with loved ones through social media, sharing just how amazing Japan truly is! Here's the important stuff : - You get 10GB of data at blazing 4G LTE speeds for 8 days with this eSIM. - The eSIM is data-only (no Voice or SMS) - It uses the Docomo network, ensuring fantastic coverage across Japan. - Quick and hassle-free setup - you'll get an activation link via email within minutes. - Make sure your device is unlocked and eSIM compatible. If you need a physical SIM card instead, check out our Tourist SIM card range here ! Coverage Our Japan eSIM connects you to over 99% of the population, thanks to our partnership with Docomo, one of the country's top network providers. Data limits After you've used the 10GB, don't worry! Your eSIM will still work but at a slower speed of 200 kbps. This will continue until the 8-day duration is over. Activation and setup A breeze! After purchasing, we'll promptly send an activation link and clear instructions to your email. You're in control of when your data allowance begins. It's all explained in the email containing your activation link! No Additional Taxes Our prices include all taxes, so there are no extra charges when you come to checkout. What you see is what you pay. Payment We've made payment secure and convenient for you. Simply provide your Debit / Credit Card or PayPal details at checkout. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to enhance your Japan adventure with seamless connectivity. Get your Japan eSIM now and embark on an unforgettable journey!

Introducing the Mobal Tourist eSIM - your gateway to an incredible experience in Japan! With 30GB of 4G LTE data, you'll have the power to explore the country for up to 8 days. Powered by Japan's renowned Docomo network, enjoy excellent nationwide coverage that keeps you connected wherever you go. That means effortlessly navigating Japan with maps, transport info, translation apps, and travel tips. And let's not forget staying in touch with loved ones through social media, sharing just how amazing Japan truly is! Here's the important stuff : - You get 30GB of data at blazing 4G LTE speeds for 8 days with this eSIM. - The eSIM is data-only (no Voice or SMS) - It uses the Docomo network, ensuring fantastic coverage across Japan. - Quick and hassle-free setup - you'll get an activation link via email within minutes. - Make sure your device is unlocked and eSIM compatible. If you need a physical SIM card instead, check out our Tourist SIM card range here ! Coverage Our Japan eSIM connects you to over 99% of the population, thanks to our partnership with Docomo, one of the country's top network providers. Data limits After you've used the 30GB, don't worry! Your eSIM will still work but at a slower speed of 200 kbps. This will continue until the 8-day duration is over. Activation and setup A breeze! After purchasing, we'll promptly send an activation link and clear instructions to your email. You're in control of when your data allowance begins. It's all explained in the email containing your activation link! No Additional Taxes Our prices include all taxes, so there are no extra charges when you come to checkout. What you see is what you pay. Payment We've made payment secure and convenient for you. Simply provide your Debit / Credit Card or PayPal details at checkout. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to enhance your Japan adventure with seamless connectivity. Get your Japan eSIM now and embark on an unforgettable journey!

Introducing the Japan Tourist eSIM - your gateway to an incredible experience in Japan! With 1GB of 4G LTE data, you'll have the power to explore the country for up to 16 days. Powered by Japan's renowned Docomo network, enjoy excellent nationwide coverage that keeps you connected wherever you go. That means effortlessly navigating Japan with maps, transport info, translation apps, and travel tips. And let's not forget staying in touch with loved ones through social media, sharing just how amazing Japan truly is! Here's the important stuff : - You get 1GB of data at blazing 4G LTE speeds for 16 days with this eSIM. - The eSIM is data-only (no Voice or SMS) - It uses the Docomo network, ensuring fantastic coverage across Japan. - Quick and hassle-free setup - you'll get an activation link via email within minutes. - Make sure your device is unlocked and eSIM compatible. If you need a physical SIM card instead, check out our Tourist SIM card range here ! Coverage Our Japan eSIM connects you to over 99% of the population, thanks to our partnership with Docomo, one of the country's top network providers. Data limits After you've used the 1GB, don't worry! Your eSIM will continue to work at a reduced speed of 200 kbps until the 16-day duration concludes. Activation and setup A breeze! After purchasing, we'll promptly send an activation link and clear instructions to your email. You're in control of when your data allowance begins. It's all explained in the email containing your activation link! No Additional Taxes Our prices include all taxes, so there are no extra charges when you come to checkout. What you see is what you pay. Payment We've made payment secure and convenient for you. Simply provide your Debit / Credit Card or PayPal details at checkout. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to enhance your Japan adventure with seamless connectivity. Get your Japan eSIM now and embark on an unforgettable journey!

Introducing the Japan Tourist eSIM - your gateway to an incredible experience in Japan! With 3GB of 4G LTE data, you'll have the power to explore the country for up to 16 days. Powered by Japan's renowned Docomo network, enjoy excellent nationwide coverage that keeps you connected wherever you go. That means effortlessly navigating Japan with maps, transport info, translation apps, and travel tips. And let's not forget staying in touch with loved ones through social media, sharing just how amazing Japan truly is! Here's the important stuff : - You get 3GB of data at blazing 4G LTE speeds for 16 days with this eSIM. - The eSIM is data-only (no Voice or SMS) - It uses the Docomo network, ensuring fantastic coverage across Japan. - Quick and hassle-free setup - you'll get an activation link via email within minutes. - Make sure your device is unlocked and eSIM compatible. If you need a physical SIM card instead, check out our Tourist SIM card range here ! Coverage Our Japan eSIM connects you to over 99% of the population, thanks to our partnership with Docomo, one of the country's top network providers. Data limits After you've used the 3GB, don't worry! Your eSIM will continue to work at a reduced speed of 200 kbps until the 16-day duration concludes. Activation and setup A breeze! After purchasing, we'll promptly send an activation link and clear instructions to your email. You're in control of when your data allowance begins. It's all explained in the email containing your activation link! No Additional Taxes Our prices include all taxes, so there are no extra charges when you come to checkout. What you see is what you pay. Payment We've made payment secure and convenient for you. Simply provide your Debit / Credit Card or PayPal details at checkout. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to enhance your Japan adventure with seamless connectivity. Get your Japan eSIM now and embark on an unforgettable journey!

Introducing the Japan Tourist eSIM - your gateway to an incredible experience in Japan! With 10GB of 4G LTE data, you'll have the power to explore the country for up to 16 days. Powered by Japan's renowned Docomo network, enjoy excellent nationwide coverage that keeps you connected wherever you go. That means effortlessly navigating Japan with maps, transport info, translation apps, and travel tips. And let's not forget staying in touch with loved ones through social media, sharing just how amazing Japan truly is! Here's the important stuff : - You get 10GB of data at blazing 4G LTE speeds for 16 days with this eSIM. - The eSIM is data-only (no Voice or SMS) - It uses the Docomo network, ensuring fantastic coverage across Japan. - Quick and hassle-free setup - you'll get an activation link via email within minutes. - Make sure your device is unlocked and eSIM compatible. If you need a physical SIM card instead, check out our Tourist SIM card range here ! Coverage Our Japan eSIM connects you to over 99% of the population, thanks to our partnership with Docomo, one of the country's top network providers. Data limits After you've used the 10GB, don't worry! Your eSIM will continue to work at a reduced speed of 200 kbps until the 16-day duration concludes. Activation and setup A breeze! After purchasing, we'll promptly send an activation link and clear instructions to your email. You're in control of when your data allowance begins. It's all explained in the email containing your activation link! No Additional Taxes Our prices include all taxes, so there are no extra charges when you come to checkout. What you see is what you pay. Payment We've made payment secure and convenient for you. Simply provide your Debit / Credit Card or PayPal details at checkout. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to enhance your Japan adventure with seamless connectivity. Get your Japan eSIM now and embark on an unforgettable journey!

Introducing the Japan Tourist eSIM - your gateway to an incredible experience in Japan! With 50GB of 4G LTE data, you'll have the power to explore the country for up to 16 days. Powered by Japan's renowned Docomo network, enjoy excellent nationwide coverage that keeps you connected wherever you go. That means effortlessly navigating Japan with maps, transport info, translation apps, and travel tips. And let's not forget staying in touch with loved ones through social media, sharing just how amazing Japan truly is! Here's the important stuff : - You get 50GB of data at blazing 4G LTE speeds for 16 days with this eSIM. - The eSIM is data-only (no Voice or SMS) - It uses the Docomo network, ensuring fantastic coverage across Japan. - Quick and hassle-free setup - you'll get an activation link via email within minutes. - Make sure your device is unlocked and eSIM compatible. If you need a physical SIM card instead, check out our Tourist SIM card range here ! Coverage Our Japan eSIM connects you to over 99% of the population, thanks to our partnership with Docomo, one of the country's top network providers. Data limits After you've used the 50GB, don't worry! Your eSIM will continue to work at a reduced speed of 200 kbps until the 16-day duration concludes. Activation and setup A breeze! After purchasing, we'll promptly send an activation link and clear instructions to your email. You're in control of when your data allowance begins. It's all explained in the email containing your activation link! No Additional Taxes Our prices include all taxes, so there are no extra charges when you come to checkout. What you see is what you pay. Payment We've made payment secure and convenient for you. Simply provide your Debit / Credit Card or PayPal details at checkout. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to enhance your Japan adventure with seamless connectivity. Get your Japan eSIM now and embark on an unforgettable journey!

Introducing the Japan Tourist eSIM - your gateway to an incredible experience in Japan! With 100GB of 4G LTE data, you'll have the power to explore the country for up to 16 days. Powered by Japan's renowned Docomo network, enjoy excellent nationwide coverage that keeps you connected wherever you go. That means effortlessly navigating Japan with maps, transport info, translation apps, and travel tips. And let's not forget staying in touch with loved ones through social media, sharing just how amazing Japan truly is! Here's the important stuff : - You get 100GB of data at blazing 4G LTE speeds for 16 days with this eSIM. - The eSIM is data-only (no Voice or SMS) - It uses the Docomo network, ensuring fantastic coverage across Japan. - Quick and hassle-free setup - you'll get an activation link via email within minutes. - Make sure your device is unlocked and eSIM compatible. If you need a physical SIM card instead, check out our Tourist SIM card range here ! Coverage Our Japan eSIM connects you to over 99% of the population, thanks to our partnership with Docomo, one of the country's top network providers. Data limits After you've used the 100GB, don't worry! Your eSIM will continue to work at a reduced speed of 200 kbps until the 16-day duration concludes. Activation and setup A breeze! After purchasing, we'll promptly send an activation link and clear instructions to your email. You're in control of when your data allowance begins. It's all explained in the email containing your activation link! No Additional Taxes Our prices include all taxes, so there are no extra charges when you come to checkout. What you see is what you pay. Payment We've made payment secure and convenient for you. Simply provide your Debit / Credit Card or PayPal details at checkout. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to enhance your Japan adventure with seamless connectivity. Get your Japan eSIM now and embark on an unforgettable journey!

Introducing the Japan Tourist eSIM - your gateway to an incredible experience in Japan! With 10GB of 4G LTE data, you'll have the power to explore the country for up to 31 days. Powered by Japan's renowned Docomo network, enjoy excellent nationwide coverage that keeps you connected wherever you go. That means effortlessly navigating Japan with maps, transport info, translation apps, and travel tips. And let's not forget staying in touch with loved ones through social media, sharing just how amazing Japan truly is! Here's the important stuff : - You get 10GB of data at blazing 4G LTE speeds for 31 days with this eSIM. - The eSIM is data-only (no Voice or SMS) - It uses the Docomo network, ensuring fantastic coverage across Japan. - Quick and hassle-free setup - you'll get an activation link via email within minutes. - Make sure your device is unlocked and eSIM compatible. If you need a physical SIM card instead, check out our Tourist SIM card range here ! Coverage Our Japan eSIM connects you to over 99% of the population, thanks to our partnership with Docomo, one of the country's top network providers. Data limits After you've used the 10GB, don't worry! Your eSIM will continue to work at a reduced speed of 200 kbps until the 31-day duration concludes. Activation and setup A breeze! After purchasing, we'll promptly send an activation link and clear instructions to your email. You're in control of when your data allowance begins. It's all explained in the email containing your activation link! No Additional Taxes Our prices include all taxes, so there are no extra charges when you come to checkout. What you see is what you pay. Payment We've made payment secure and convenient for you. Simply provide your Debit / Credit Card or PayPal details at checkout. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to enhance your Japan adventure with seamless connectivity. Get your Japan eSIM now and embark on an unforgettable journey!

Introducing the Japan Tourist eSIM - your gateway to an incredible experience in Japan! With 100GB of 4G LTE data, you'll have the power to explore the country for up to 31 days. Powered by Japan's renowned Docomo network, enjoy excellent nationwide coverage that keeps you connected wherever you go. That means effortlessly navigating Japan with maps, transport info, translation apps, and travel tips. And let's not forget staying in touch with loved ones through social media, sharing just how amazing Japan truly is! Here's the important stuff : - You get 100GB of data at blazing 4G LTE speeds for 31 days with this eSIM. - The eSIM is data-only (no Voice or SMS) - It uses the Docomo network, ensuring fantastic coverage across Japan. - Quick and hassle-free setup - you'll get an activation link via email within minutes. - Make sure your device is unlocked and eSIM compatible. If you need a physical SIM card instead, check out our Tourist SIM card range here ! Coverage Our Japan eSIM connects you to over 99% of the population, thanks to our partnership with Docomo, one of the country's top network providers. Data limits After you've used the 100GB, don't worry! Your eSIM will continue to work at a reduced speed of 200 kbps until the 31-day duration concludes. Activation and setup A breeze! After purchasing, we'll promptly send an activation link and clear instructions to your email. You're in control of when your data allowance begins. It's all explained in the email containing your activation link! No Additional Taxes Our prices include all taxes, so there are no extra charges when you come to checkout. What you see is what you pay. Payment We've made payment secure and convenient for you. Simply provide your Debit / Credit Card or PayPal details at checkout. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to enhance your Japan adventure with seamless connectivity. Get your Japan eSIM now and embark on an unforgettable journey!

Introducing the Japan Tourist eSIM - your gateway to an incredible experience in Japan! With 50GB of 4G LTE data, you'll have the power to explore the country for up to 31 days. Powered by Japan's renowned Docomo network, enjoy excellent nationwide coverage that keeps you connected wherever you go. That means effortlessly navigating Japan with maps, transport info, translation apps, and travel tips. And let's not forget staying in touch with loved ones through social media, sharing just how amazing Japan truly is! Here's the important stuff : - You get 50GB of data at blazing 4G LTE speeds for 31 days with this eSIM. - The eSIM is data-only (no Voice or SMS) - It uses the Docomo network, ensuring fantastic coverage across Japan. - Quick and hassle-free setup - you'll get an activation link via email within minutes. - Make sure your device is unlocked and eSIM compatible. If you need a physical SIM card instead, check out our Tourist SIM card range here ! Coverage Our Japan eSIM connects you to over 99% of the population, thanks to our partnership with Docomo, one of the country's top network providers. Data limits After you've used the 50GB, don't worry! Your eSIM will continue to work at a reduced speed of 200 kbps until the 31-day duration concludes. Activation and setup A breeze! After purchasing, we'll promptly send an activation link and clear instructions to your email. You're in control of when your data allowance begins. It's all explained in the email containing your activation link!'' No Additional Taxes Our prices include all taxes, so there are no extra charges when you come to checkout. What you see is what you pay. Payment We've made payment secure and convenient for you. Simply provide your Debit / Credit Card or PayPal details at checkout. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to enhance your Japan adventure with seamless connectivity. Get your Japan eSIM now and embark on an unforgettable journey!

30 Day Voice+Data eSIM

Pay ¥2,970 now

Pay ¥4,950 on activation, 7gb superfast data, per calendar month, quick links, esim details, pick-up & shipping.

4. Enter your Access Code on our activation portal, then choose a plan from 30-90 days in length.

Always-On Data You can use as much as you like. You get 7GB of data at super-fast 4G LTE speeds. After you've used 7GB, speeds are limited to 200 kbps (but you can still use an unlimited amount). The 7GB speed restriction is reset on the 1st day of each month. So, if you are traveling from October 20th until November 19th, you will actually get 14GB of data (7GB in each calendar month!). Real Japanese Phone Number You get a real Japanese phone number with an 070, 080 or 090 prefix. This makes it super easy for friends, family or business contacts to reach you. Our competitors provide 050 numbers, which are unreliable and not accepted by many institutions. Free Calls Incoming calls are free, incoming texts are free too. Outgoing calls are charged by the minute - see the Call Rates section below for details.

Simply pay ¥2,970 to buy your SIM today. Order online and pay by Debit/Credit Card, PayPal or MobalPay.

When you receive your SIM, visit our activation website to choose your Plan and Start Date. Your Debit/Credit Card or PayPal account will be billed ¥4,950 for your 30 day Plan. Any chargeable call and text charges are billed to your Debit/Credit Card or PayPal account as and when we receive the usage information from the network. You can view fully itemized statements detailing all of your charges in your online account - so you always know exactly what you are paying for!

60 Day Voice+Data eSIM

Pay ¥9,900 on activation

90 day voice+data esim.

Pay ¥14,850 on activation

It's easy to check if your phone is eSIM compatible - just by dialing a simple code... 1 ) Open your phone's dialer 2 ) Dial *#06# A screen with info will appear. If your phone is eSIM-compatible, you'll see a 32-digit EID number in the list. It's not obvious on some phones, but the list is scrollable, so if you can't see EID, make sure you scroll all the way down. The 32-digit EID number might also show as 'EID 2'.

Will the SIM work in my phone?

You can use the Japan Voice+Data SIM in any unlocked phone that takes a physical SIM card and supports the 3G Band 1 (2100MHz) or 4G Band 1 (2100MHz) frequency. iPhone 14 & 15 devices purchased in the USA don't accept physical SIM cards; so are incompatible with our service. All other iPhone models will work fine, as well as iPhone 14 & 15 devices that are bought outside the USA. What does "unlocked" mean? If your device is "unlocked", it means that it can work with a SIM card from any network. If your device is "locked", it is restricted to work only on your regular carrier's network. Your device must be "unlocked" to work with the Japan Voice+Data SIM. How do you know if your phone is unlocked? If you purchased your device as an "unlocked" or "SIM Free" device from a retailer such as Amazon, then your device is almost certainly already unlocked. This means that it will work with our eSIM. If you purchased your device directly from your carrier (AT&T, T-Mobile, etc.), your device is probably locked and, therefore, it may not work with our eSIM. If you're still not sure whether or not your device is unlocked, simply contact the store where you purchased your device from. My device is locked. What can I do? If your device is locked, it may be possible to get it unlocked - simply ask your provider about this.

How Prefix 0063 works

To make international calls, you'll need to use a 0063 prefix in front of the number you're calling. Simple instructions are included in the user guide. It takes up to 48 hours from activation to setup your 0063 service. Before this point, you won't be able to make international calls, but we'll send you an email to tell you when the service has started. How it works : To use our Prefix 0063 service, just remove the '+' or '00' from the start of the international number you are calling and replace it with 0063. For example, to call a number in the USA, simply dial (prefix) 0063 (country code) 1 (phone number) 2223334444. The number should look like this 006312223334444 when placing your call. Useful Tip - For the international numbers you call often, make a second entry in your contacts list with the number saved in Prefix 0063 format. You can then use this entry for when you're making calls and the original entry for when you are sending text messages or making WhatsApp, iMessage, etc., calls.

Why can't Mobal email me my eSIM?

We have to check your ID . Japan has strict regulations about voice eSIM services, so we need to make sure you're the real owner of the eSIM. That means we can't just send you the eSIM by email - instead we have to post an eSIM Access Code to you. (Or you can pick it up yourself at one of our pick-up points in Japan - just show your ID when you get there.) It might sound weird, but these are the rules we have to follow.

So why don't other providers do this? You might wonder why some other providers don't ask for your ID. Well, they won't be offering you a service with a real Japanese phone number. These will probably give you a slower and less reliable service. We want to give you the best Japan eSIM service possible, even if it takes a bit more time at the beginning!

What if I don't want to wait? If you're in a hurry and you don't need a voice service, you can get one of our Data Only eSIMs . They can be delivered to you by email in minutes, no ID required!

eSIM Compatible iPhones

iPhone XR iPhone XS iPhone XS Max iPhone 11 iPhone 11 Pro iPhone SE 2 (2020) iPhone 12 iPhone 12 Mini iPhone 12 Pro iPhone 12 Pro Max iPhone 13 iPhone 13 Mini iPhone 13 Pro iPhone 13 Pro Max iPhone SE 3 (2022) iPhone 14 iPhone 14 Plus iPhone 14 Pro iPhone 14 Pro Max iPhone 15 iPhone 15 Plus iPhone 15 Pro iPhone 15 Pro Max Please note that iPhones purchased from mainland China, Hong Kong and Macao don't have eSIM capability .

eSIM Compatible iPads

iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation or later) iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation or later) iPad Air (3rd and 4th generation) iPad (7th and 8th generation) iPad mini (5th generation)

eSIM Compatible Samsung Phones

Samsung Galaxy S20 Samsung Galaxy S20+ Samsung Galaxy S20+ 5G Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra Samsung Galaxy S21 Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Samsung Galaxy S21+ Ultra 5G Samsung Galaxy S22 Samsung Galaxy S22+ Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra Samsung Galaxy S23 Samsung Galaxy S23+ Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G Samsung Galaxy Fold Samsung Galaxy Fold 3 Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G Fold Samsung Galaxy Z Flip Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 Samsung Watch (via the Samsung Wearable app)

eSIM Compatible Google Pixel Phones

Google Pixel 2 (only compatible with phones purchased with a Google Fi plan) Google Pixel 2 XL (only compatible with phones purchased with a Google Fi plan) Google Pixel 3 (Phones bought with service from any US or Canadian operators other than Sprint and Google Fi don't work with eSIM. Phones bought in Australia, Taiwan and Japan also don't work with eSIM.) Google Pixel 3 XL Google Pixel 3a (phones bought with Verizon service or in Japan don't work with eSIM) Google Pixel 3a XL Google Pixel 4 Google Pixel 4a Google Pixel 4 XL Google Pixel 5 Google Pixel 5a Google Pixel 6 Google Pixel 6a Google Pixel 6 Pro Google Pixel 7 Google Pixel 7 Pro Please note, the following Pixel's are not compatible with eSIM . You'll need a physical SIM card instead. Google Pixel 3 from Japan, Taiwan and Australia Google Pixel 3a from South East Asia

eSIM Compatible Motorola Phones

Motorola Razr 2019 Motorola Razr 5G

eSIM Compatible Huawei Phones

Huawei P40 Huawei P40 Pro Huawei Mate 40 Pro Note: Huawei P40 Pro+ and P50 Pro are not compatible with eSIM. You'll need a physical SIM card instead.

Other eSIM Compatible Androids

Fairphone 4 Gemini PDA Honor Magic 4 Pro Nuu Mobile X5 Oppo Find X3 Pro Oppo Reno 5A Oppo Reno6 Pro 5G Oppo Find X5 Oppo Find X5 Pro Oppo A55s Rakuten Mini Rakuten Big-S Rakuten Big Sony Xperia 10 III Lite Sony Xperia 1 IV (excluding the USA model, which is not compatible with eSIM) Surface Pro X

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Check out our guide on how to find out if my device is eSIM compatible or contact us on our online chat

If there have been changes in your plans and you no longer need your Holafly eSIM, we will provide you with a full refund .

If you purchased the eSIM and it turned out to be incompatible with your device, we will provide you with a full refund .

If your eSIM doesn't work due to an issue with Holafly or the network infrastructure of the destination country has problems and is unstable, we can offer you a full or partial refund .

eSIM with Unlimited Data in Japan

€ 8,00 € 6,00 EUR

Based on 36,780 reviews on

Description

Technical Specs

Unlimited data

Fast and reliable internet

No more roaming charges

• Get unlimited data on your trip to Japan.
• Receive your QR code and connect instantly.
• Easy to set up.
• No registration required. Easy to set up.
• Connect to the best network in Japan.
• Customize the duration of your plan to fit your needs

Buy an international eSIM for Japan and never pay for roaming again. Connect to unlimited Internet at 3G/4G/LTE speed in minutes and stay in touch with your family and friends.

It’s easy to start using our services. After your purchase, you will receive a QR code in your email, scan it with your smartphone camera, install and enjoy a fast and stable Internet connection in Japan

• Installation: with a QR code or manually
• Activation: upon arrival to destination turn on your Holafly eSIM’s data roaming
• Compatibility: compatible with all smartphones with eSIM technology enabled. Operation on smartwatches and tablets is not guaranteed. Check compatibility here.
• Days of use: customizable plan duration
• Delivery time: immediate, after purchase
• Plan type: unlimited data
• Calls: No, only through apps (VOIP).
• Speed: 3G/4G/LTE/5G
• Speed reduction: if necessary. Some carriers may reserve the right to apply a Fair Usage Policy
• Hotspot: Not included.
• Coverage: Expect exceptional coverage and high-speed internet in major cities. However, if your travels take you to remote areas, please be aware that the coverage might become unstable in such regions.
• Networks: KDDI / Softbank

Choose when your plan starts! Install the eSIM before your trip and activate the data upon arrival.

Start enjoying unlimited data

- % discount applied to all plans

Advantages of using Holafly eSIM

Change of plans? No problem at all!

Purchase your Holafly eSIM with added peace of mind. You have up to 6 months to request a refund.

Conoce por qué nuestra eSIM de viajes internacionales es tu mejor elección de datos móviles para tener internet en el extranjero y mantenerte conectado en tu próxima aventura.

Customize your plan

Decide how long you need your eSIM and adjust your plan accordingly! Say goodbye to running out of data or overspending on unused days.

Unlimited data plans

No more top-ups or worrying about running out of data. With a prepaid unlimited data in Japan, you can relax knowing we’ve got you covered.

Keep your WhatsApp number

You can call and message all your contacts on WhatsApp, like you’re in the same country. Don’t lose touch with family and friends.

24/7 customer support

The virtual SIM is easy to use, but if you have questions or experience technical issues you can reach us by email or our 24 hour chat support. We’re here to help.

Immediate delivery

If you’re in a rush or you’re already traveling, don’t worry about waiting for delivery. We send the Japan eSIM immediately to your email, so you can connect in seconds.

Keep your original SIM for calls

The eSIM is digital, so your original SIM will work as usual if you need it.

How does the Holafly eSIM work?

Check your phone is compatible with esim.

Check if your smartphone is compatible now

Buy your prepaid eSIM

Chose the plan that suits you best and buy your eSIM card from our online store.

Scan the QR code

It’s easy. Just scan the QR code we send you and turn on data roaming from your settings. Now you can enjoy browsing the web.

Fast and reliable connection

• Clear video calls with no delays
• Share stories in just a few seconds
• Enjoy creating video content and super fast uploading
• Find your way wherever you go!

The best performace in all your apps

Discover the freedom of reliable connectivity with high speed 4G and 5G . Holafly keeps you connected, no matter the adventure!

What you should know about eSIMs

No local phone number.

This prepaid eSIM only includes data. It does not allow you to make cell phone calls or send SMS messages. You can still use WhatsApp or Skype to call your contacts.

Your phone must support eSIM

Make sure your phone is both unlocked and compatible with eSIM technology.

No data sharing

This virtual SIM does not allow you to share data or to enable a hotspot for other devices.

We will send you the eSIM to your e-mail

As soon as you complete your purchase, you’ll receive the instructions to install and activate your international travel eSIM and get unlimited internet on your adventure!

Installation instructions with QR code

Manual installation instructions

Holafly eSIM User Reviews

DON’T stress about your phone service when you travel abroad! I used Holafly to travel home to California this year. The instructions were super easy to follow and I had no problems with the service for the whole 20 days that I used it. It was nice not to worry about how much my phone company was going to charge me for service abroad.

I have used your Sim for my trip to the USA! I recommend it 100%. Thank you very much for your service.

I swear that Holafly has a customer service that is to cry with pleasure ;___; In no time will I buy another unlimited data SIM for Japan because the first time it worked wonderfully

A complicated request was solved urgently within 24 hours of traveling. They are wonderful and I recommend it to everyone. Thank you HolaFly team!

Frequently Asked Questions about the Japan eSIM

When does my data plan begin?

Your plan activates immediately upon connecting your eSIM to any supported network. For example, if you bought a 1-day plan and you activate your plan at 10 AM, it remains active for a full 24 hours, concluding at 10 AM the following day.

Can I make phone calls and send messages with my Holafly eSIM?

The Japan digital SIM only comes with cellular data. It does not include a local phone number for phone calls or text messages. You can still make calls using apps like WhatsApp.

Which devices work with the eSIM card?

You can check if your smartphone is eSIM compatible here.

When will I receive my eSIM?

Once you purchase a digital SIM, you will receive it immediately to your email address. You then just need to scan the QR code to activate the virtual SIM. Note that no refunds can be made once you purchase your eSIM. See our refund policy for more information.

Can I keep my WhatsApp number?

You don’t need to do anything to keep your WhatsApp number. You’ll automatically keep your number, contacts and conversations.

How quick is the Holafly eSIM?

The Holafly virtual SIM offers maximum speed coverage (4GLTE). But bear in mind that in some areas of limited coverage there may be a lower speed connection.

Do I have to activate data roaming on my device?

Yes. To ensure that your eSIM gets the best coverage, you must turn on data roaming on your phone’s settings. This will not incur any additional charges, as long as you have already the Holafly eSIM set up correctly.

What do I do if I delete or lose my eSIM’s QR code?

If you cannot find the code, please contact our 24/7 customer support team at [email protected] or our online chat function. We will resend the code to your email.

What happens if I use up my data or my days of validity?

If you use all your data or run out of days, your eSIM Japan card will no longer work and you will lose internet connection. We recommend you make a top-up or buy another mobile plan to get more data and stay connected.

What eSIM data plan should I choose for Japan?

Whichever is available for your destinations and suits your travel needs better! You can choose plans from 1 to 90 days.

Could the internet speed with my Holafly eSIM be reduced?

This eSIM includes unlimited data for the corresponding valid days. However, please note that the operator may reserve the right to apply a Fair Usage Policy, as it applies to all other network users. In particular, if the operator estimates the usage of more than 90GB of data in a month, they may temporarily reduce the speed to between 256-1024KB to avoid affecting other users. This limitation is intended to prevent network saturation and will be removed within 24 hours. If you think the local carrier has limited your speed, please get in touch with us by chat, and we will check if there is any incidence and how to restore your rate to the maximum speed permitted by the network.

What is an eSIM?

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card that can be installed directly into your smartphone or other mobile devices. It is an alternative to the physical SIM card you’re used to.

Can I renew or extend the data on my eSIM?

Yes, you can do so by logging into your customer panel on the Holafly Center. You will find the data plans you can purchase there. Once you’ve made your purchase, it will be activated immediately on the eSIM you have linked.

Can I share data with other devices?

No, the virtual SIM for Japan does not allow you to share data.

How do I set up the eSIM on my device?

After your purchase, we will send a QR code and manual instructions to your email. Either print the QR code or open it on your computer. On your cellphone, go to Settings > Mobile Data > Add Data Plan and scan the QR code. You can rename the data plan on your phone. Then, you’ll be able to switch between your Holafly data plan and the original plan from your provider. The Holafly data plan will only be operational once you arrive at your destination. Once you land, turn on data roaming on your cellphone’s settings and activate the Holafly data plan. Check your phone’s user manual for more details on adding a data plan. All eSIM products come with comprehensive set-up instructions.

When should I set up my eSIM?

Set up your eSIM before your departure. Once you reach your destination, just activate the data plan, and turn on data roaming. We recommend you print the QR code and take it with you on your vacation just in case. Remember that you need a prior internet connection to activate the eSIM. Set up is quick and you will be able to enjoy your data plan right away.

How can I check my data balance?

You can manage your eSIMs and access all purchased data plans by logging into your Holafly Center through the Holafly website.

How many times can I use my eSIM card?

If needed or when changing phones during your trip, you can transfer your eSIM. However, note that you can only transfer the eSIM to two devices—the original one and a new one. Once you’ve installed it on a different device than the original, you won’t be able to reinstall it on the original device and you must deliver the eSIM from the original device to install it in the second device.

Can I delete the Holafly eSIM once I’ve used my data?

Yes! But keep in mind that you don’t need to do so. As soon as your plan expires your eSIM will no longer work.

Can I use my physical SIM card and Holafly eSIM at the same time?

If you are using a dual SIM phone or an Apple device, you can use your physical SIM card and your eSIM in the same device. Choose the SIM card for phone calls and SMS, and Holafly eSIM for data from your device. Please remember that if you leave your SIM card activated, your mobile data network provider may apply data roaming charges to receive or make phone calls as well as SMS.

How do I get a refund?

The eSIM is a digital product. Holafly cannot check if you have used the data plan associated with the prepaid eSIM card. Therefore, once your digital SIM is delivered, we cannot offer a refund. Please see our eSIM Refund Policy for more information.

To which mobile network will I connect at my destination?

Your eSIM will connect to all the local phone networks that Holafly partners up with. You can review them in the Technical Specs tab.

Is Holafly my best option?

It is! Of course if you ask us which eSIM card is the best, we will naturally answer it’s ours! Why? Because of our unlimited data, the flexibility to select a custom number of days, and many more special features

1 day unlimited data

Check that your device is compatible with eSIM

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What's The Best eSIM For Japan? We've Ranked the Top Providers in 2024

Jan Watermann

As a digital nomad, Jan is an expert in cross-border money transfers and internationalization. At Monito, he shares his knowledge by writing content geared primarily towards a German-speaking audience.

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Known for its unique flavour of Far Eastern culture, exquisite nature, and delicious food, Japan isn't popular with tourists without reason. If you're planning to visit the country soon, it should come as no surprise that you won't be able to call, SMS, or access the web on the go with your smartphone as you usually would at home, and if you do manage to get connected via roaming, it can result in hefty additional charges.

However, none of this means you should leave your smartphone at home. If your device is a newish model (i.e., from 2019 or later), there's a good chance it'll support an eSIM. These nifty digital SIM cards can be downloaded and installed before you travel, promising blazing-fast internet in Japan at a very low cost compared to roaming and great convenience compared to physical SIMs. In this guide, we explore everything you have to know about eSIMs in Japan and what the best deals might be for you.

Dodge sky-high roaming costs, unexpected data charges, or spotty service on your trip to Japan by using an eSIM from Airalo to connect directly to local network providers like KDDI and Softbank.

✨ If you're a new customer, use code MONITO15 to get 15% off your first Airalo eSIM, and if you're a returning customer, use MONITO10 to get 10% off today! Go to Airalo now to get started.

As we'll explore in more depth in this guide, when choosing an eSIM, you have two options. The first option is for you to go through a digital eSIM provider, and the second option is to purchase an eSIM directly from your network provider or carrier. We strongly recommend the first option. After all, with reputable online providers, you can always be sure you'll get good support, excellent rates, and quality instructions that normally exceed those of the big carriers.

According to our review and comparison of the best options on the market, here are the three best eSIM providers for Japan and other countries worldwide:

What's The Best eSIM for Japan?

• 01. Airalo: Best eSIM for Japan in general scroll down
• 02. Holafly: Best eSIM for Japan for unlimited data scroll down
• 03. Yesim: A great alternative all around scroll down
• 04. Why using an eSIM is a great idea for Japan scroll down
• 05. What are the pros and cons of using an eSIM? scroll down
• 06. How to call from Japan scroll down
• 07. Recapping the best eSIMs for Japan scroll down
• 08. FAQ about the best eSIM for Japan scroll down

Best Overall: Airalo

Airalo  is an excellent eSIM provider for Japan . Its online platform offers global access to eSIMs through collaboration with big local telecom providers. In Japan, for example, Airalo works directly with KDDI and Softbank to provide you with high-speed coverage directly from their networks, wherever you are in the country.

Once-off prices for eSIMs for Japan range from $4.50 to $26 and include between 1 GB and 20 GB of data. Most travellers should be able to get by with these amounts without any problems. Setting up and activating your eSIM happens entirely on your smartphone and it's very quick – in our test, it took us just two minutes (watch our how-to video on YouTube to see how it's done). What's more, if you start running low on data during your trip, you can easily top this up via the Airalo app. This lets you save time and hassle compared to buying a physical SIM, where you'd usually need to stand in line at the counter to buy or top up your card or package.

We recommend Airalo in general, especially if you travel often. The service provides an excellent connectivity companion while you're abroad. To find out more about this excellent eSIM provider, take a look at our in-depth Airalo review .

Considering Airalo? Take advantage of the following special offers until the 31st of December 2024:

• New customer? Use the code   MONITO15   to claim a 15% discount on all Airalo eSIMs.  Ts & Cs  apply.
• Returning customer? Use the code  MONITO10  to claim a 10% discount on all Airalo eSIMs.

Go to Airalo now to get started! ✨

Best For Unlimited Data: Holafly

Holafly  is another trusted eSIM service which only provides packages with unlimited data to dozens of countries worldwide. Although these packages cost quite a bit more than the smaller Airalo packages, in return, they offer the certainty that you'll never use up all your data.

For trips to Japan, Holafly's data packages cost between $21 and $139 once off and are valid from five to 90 days. Like Airalo, Holafly also works with domestic carriers, so you'll get coverage like a local no matter where you travel in the country (although in remote regions, coverage can become spotty).

Although Holafly offers unlimited data in most countries, including Japan, if you're a globetrotter, it's worth keeping in mind that Holafly offers limited data plans to some other destinations. Be sure to check their website or app before traveling to a new country to confirm whether Holafly's unlimited packages apply.

Although Holafly's packages are generally great if you'd like uncapped access to the web, it's worth remembering that most travellers don't usually need such a large sum of data and that normally, 5 GB to 10 GB, at most, should be enough for everyday travel needs in Japan like navigating, browsing, and using social media. Moreover, your speeds might be temporarily throttled if you use a very extensive amount of data (e.g., for non-stop HD streaming or downloading large files). During our test in the UK, this happened to us at around 4.5 GB of usage. Sadly, Holafly's fair use policies don't clearly outline when networks throttle speeds since it comes down to the individual network or carrier and the country you're browsing in.

If you're curious, we tested Holafly extensively to see if its data plans really live up to their 'unlimited' promise. The short answer? Yes, but there are a few things you should know. Take a look at our Holafly review to find out what they are.

Considering Holafly? Use the code  MONITO  at checkout to claim a 5% discount on all Holafly eSIMs. Go to Holafly now to get started! ✨

Another Reliable Alternative: Yesim

A smaller and newer company than Airalo and Holafly, Yesim  is a Swiss-based eSIM provider offering highly-rated eSIMs for countries around the globe. Their website and app are simple, straightforward, and easy to use, and over 300,000 customers have chosen their eSIMs so far.

Like its larger competitors, Yesim gives you a SIM card connecting to local carriers while you're abroad. It can be installed quickly and effortlessly right from the app or via a QR code sent to your email after purchase. Interestingly, alongside its eSIM service, Yesim also offers a virtual number service that allows you to get an online-only US (+1), Canadian (+1), or Israeli (+972) mobile phone number to use for apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram, OpenAI, Binance, Tinder, or TikTok. These virtual numbers can be used for a flat fee of $2.75 per month.

Going back to eSIMs, Yesim's packages typically cost between $7 and $28 for 3 GB to 20 GB, but only the 10 GB and 20 GB data plans last longer than 30 days (some plans up to 60 days are possible to purchase). In our opinion, this makes Yesim's offers slightly less attractive than Airalo's for travel in general.

However, it's worth remembering that Yesim's prices are often fractionally lower per gigabyte, so if you're looking for the best deal, make sure you visit Yesim's website and compare their prices to Airalo's,

How Do They Compare?

In the chart below, we've compared Airalo, Holafly, and Yesim based on a few factors you might find important on your trip to Japan or anywhere else in the world. As you'll see, the three are very competitive, with differences normally being slight. If you'd like to compare Holafly and Airalo directly, take a look at our side-by-side review of the two too.

Correct as of 8 March, 2024

Do I Need a SIM Card in Japan?

No, you don't need a SIM card as a tourist in Japan, but having one will enable you to make phone calls and SMSes and not to rely solely on public or hotel WiFi to access the web.

A good place to start would be to review your contract from your mobile network provider before you travel to Japan. Most contracts are limited to use just within your home country (or within the European Union if you live in an EU country). For all other countries, so-called 'roaming charges' typically apply. However, there is one exception: specific contracts sometimes allow you to use your data worldwide. If you have a global internet contract, you can also use it in Japan without unexpected roaming charges.

Otherwise, although precise roaming charges differ according to your network provider, the fees for using mobile internet in Japan are typically around $2 or $3 per 6 MB (six megabytes) of data used, though they could be higher still. For example, if you wanted to download an average-sized app from the Google Play Store onto your Android smartphone, you'd use around 24 MB and pay $8 to $10 in roaming charges. It should, therefore, be clear that roaming with your regular SIM card in Japan is generally not worthwhile and can lead to enormous costs. As we'll see in a moment, it's significantly cheaper to purchase a local Japanese SIM card once you arrive or, better yet, an eSIM before you travel.

💳 Planning to use your credit or debit card on your Japanese trip? You'll probably pay much more than you think in hidden exchange rate fees every time you tap your card or withdraw cash. Get a free global account and debit card with Revolut to avoid these fees and save money. Check out our ranking of the best prepaid travel debit cards to find out more about how you can save.

What Are eSIMs, Anyway?

Simply put, eSIMs are regular SIM cards that don't require inserting an actual microchip into your device while providing the same benefits. Newer smartphones (but also smartwatches, tablets, and other devices) can be equipped with eSIMs, and since you don't need an actual SIM card to install an eSIM, you can also get one before your trip to Japan. To do this, all you have to do is visit an online eSIM service, purchase the eSIM you want, and follow the instructions to download and install it onto your device.

Like regular SIM cards, prepaid eSIMs come bundled with a certain fixed amount of data, SMSes, or telephone minutes, which you can use at your leisure while travelling. You get to choose the package you want, and you can generally also extend your eSIM's validity easily right from an app.

Pros of Using an eSIM

In general, eSIMs have numerous advantages and are often a better alternative to using a regular SIM card for most tourists. In our opinion, the most significant advantages include:

• internet immediately upon arrival in Japan,
• no negotiating with SIM card sellers at the airport,
• transparent and fair pricing,
• online extension is often possible,
• credit card payment is possible,
• local telecom provider networks are used.

In our opinion, there are only a few reasons against using an eSIM when travelling to Japan (which we'll discuss below), and in most instances, we're sure that it's a far better deal than using your normal SIM card from your home country on Japanese networks.

Cons of Using an eSIM

As we've already seen, eSIMs have very few drawbacks and are an excellent option for accessing mobile internet on your Japanese vacation.

However, one disadvantage is the slightly higher upfront cost than physical SIM cards. That said, eSIMs are still comparatively cheap, especially for use in Japan from abroad. In our opinion, the significantly higher level of comfort and the possibility of having access to the internet immediately upon arrival are worth the extra pennies. Another disadvantage is related to installation, where the process may be unfamiliar to you if you've never installed an eSIM before. However, if you follow the instructions carefully, you'll be fine.

Finally, there's the issue of compatibility: not all devices support eSIMs . If your device was released before late 2019, we recommend double-checking on the internet or contacting a representative from an eSIM service to confirm whether your device is compatible before you purchase an eSIM. In general, the following devices will support eSIMs though:

• iPhone 11 or later
• iPhone XS, iPhone XR, or iPhone SE
• iPad 7th generation or later ,
• Galaxy S20 or later
• Google Pixel 3 or later
• and many other devices (see our full list of compatible devices )

Can I Call From Japan With an eSIM?

Yes, you can call abroad from Japan with an eSIM , but once again, using your regular network provider and SIM card could result in surprisingly high calling charges at the end of the month (we've personally encountered as high as $4 per minute!). Fortunately, you can call abroad without the high costs, and there are three ways of doing this. We go through each below:

1. Voice-Over-IP (VoIP) With Data

In most cases, eSIM packages are loaded with mobile data, not with minutes or airtime. However, using your data, you can use web-based apps like WhatsApp, Google Meet, Skype, Telegram, Facebook Messenger, FaceTime and others to stay in touch with family and friends abroad while in Japan.

2. eSIMs With Airtime

Some eSIM services offer talk and text packages alongside normal data packages. These allow you to make direct phone calls or SMSes via local networks in Japan to your home country for only a slightly higher fee than regular data packages. Not all eSIM services offer this service though, but some, like Wraptel , do.

3. International Calling Apps

If you plan to make calls from Japan (or anywhere else abroad) fairly regularly, then your most reliable and affordable option will be to use a third-party app. In our opinion, Rebtel is by far the best service out there , offering low rates and providing you with local Japanese phone numbers with which you can make calls abroad as though they were completely domestic.

Although it's popular, we typically don't recommend using Google Fi for this purpose unless you plan to go back and forth from the United States regularly (since Google Fi is only available to Americans and will not work if you spend over 90 days abroad per year). In general, Rebtel's rates are more affordable than Google Fi's too. To learn more about our first-hand experience with Google Fi, look at our in-depth review .

Recap: All About eSIMs in Japan

Are you planning a trip in Japan, and do you have a modern smartphone? Then, you should certainly at least consider getting an eSIM. In our opinion, they offer almost nothing but advantages and are generally far superior to using your regular SIM card.

To find the right provider for eSIMs in Japan, you should compare the available options. As we've seen, we recommend looking primarily at the network provider and the price. Depending on how long you want to stay in Japan, Airalo, Holafly or possibly Yesim are the best choices. To recap, here are what each can offer you:

• Airalo : Best eSIM for Japan overall.
• Holafly : Best eSIM for unlimited data.
• Yesim : Good alternative to Airalo.
• Wraptel : Best eSIM for airtime and SMSes.
• Rebtel : Best calling service for international calls.

FAQ About The Best eSIM For Japan

Yes, eSIMs are safe to use in Japan. That's because commercial eSIM technology adheres to international security and encryption standards to store and securely access your mobile network information.

Generally, yes, but it depends on your individual needs. While eSIMs offer the advantage of remotely purchasing a SIM before you travel, making them convenient for frequent travellers, physical SIMs might still be preferable for you if you have an older smartphone model, for example.

No, eSIMs generally aren't free, with the cost in Japan varying based on mobile service providers and their pricing plans. However, you can generally expect to pay upwards of $4.50 to purchase an eSIM with a minimal data package for Japan.

Yes, you can use an eSIM on a locked phone, provided your phone is compatible with eSIM technology.

Yes, an eSIM can generally be used for calling from Japan, especially when paired with voice-over-IP services that connect to the internet, like WhatsApp, FaceTime, and Google Messenger. If you'd like to call or SMS, consider finding an eSIM deal that includes airtime or minutes or use a service like Rebtel , which, for a tiny fee, provides you with a local number in place of your overseas contact's foreign number, making calling abroad significantly cheaper.

See These Other eSIM Guides

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