Planning a trip to Japan? Then, choosing the best eSIM for Japan should be your top priority. After all, staying connected is essential for navigating cities, exploring landmarks, and sharing your adventures.
eSIMs offer a convenient, hassle-free way to access mobile data without swapping physical SIM cards. With so many options available, how do you pick the best one? This guide covers everything you need to know to choose the perfect eSIM for your Japanese journey–ensuring reliable and seamless connectivity.
What You Should Know about eSIMs
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Most of us are probably familiar with SIM cards, but not eSIMs. SIM cards are tiny and removable–you can swap them in and out of your smartphones to get service. Meanwhile, eSIMs are virtual SIMs that you can download and then install directly onto your phone.
FYI, an eSIM is built into modern phones–phones released since 2018 can probably use this digital SIM. The ‘e’ stands for ‘embedded’, which means that an eSIM is embedded in the phone and can’t be removed. But, the eSIM is remotely reprogrammable through software.
It’s just like a physical SIM card, but you don’t have to insert anything into your phone. However, you can only use it on newer phones.
One of the most significant advantages of eSIMs is that they can be activated and deactivated remotely. If your device is ever stolen, you can just disable and suspend the eSIM remotely–providing added security to your phone.
In addition to that, eSIMs are super convenient as they allow you to use different carriers and phone numbers at once. You can say that they are carrier-independent so there is no need to have a contract with a mobile provider.
Also Read: 6 Ways to Kill Time Before Your Flight at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport
10 Best eSIMs for Japan Trip
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1. Mobal
When considering the best eSIM for Japan trips, you can use Mobal. For those only staying less than 90 days in Japan, short-term Mobal eSIMs may be the right choice for you. The short-term data-only plans come in 8, 16, and 31-day durations available in sizes from 3-100 GB. Prices start from ¥2,340-8,000.
They also offer voice+data eSIMS for just ¥2,970. After buying the eSIM, you can choose a plan from ¥1,650-4,378/month with data limits ranging from 1-30 GB. if you use up the entire data allowance, you can continue to access the data at reduced speeds of around 200 Kbps.
As for the usage, the data speeds can clock at around 24.76 Mbps, fast enough for video calling or uploading stories. With access to the NTT Docomo Network, you will enjoy good coverage across Japan, including rural areas. So, you don’t have to worry about losing your internet connection.
2. Ubigi
Ubigi is one of the top choices when you are looking for ‘an eSIM for Japan travel’. Thanks to its fast and flexible data plans, easy installation process, and good coverage, it’s the perfect companion for your trip to Japan.
While the majority of their eSIMs are valid for 30 days, they also offer economical 1, 7, and 15-day data plans. These plans have data limits ranging from 500 MB, 10 GB, to an unlimited option with prices starting from USD 3-28. As for the month-long plans, you can get 1, 3, 10, 25, 50 GB, and unlimited data for USD 4-74.
With the Ubigi eSIM, you might have an average download speed of 73.72 Mbps. Like the previous eSIM, Ubigi also works with NTT Docomo–ensuring you will have reliable coverage in most areas of Japan.
Also read: Top 10 Travel Agencies in Tokyo, Book Your Trip Now!
3. Saily
The next one you can add to your list of the best eSIM for Japan trips is Saily. Created by Nord Security, Saily offers five plans for those traveling to Japan. These plans include 1 GB (7 days) for USD 3.99, 3 GB (30 days) for USD 6.99, 5 GB (30 days) for USD 9.99, 10 GB (30 days) for USD 15.99, and 20 GB (30 days) for USD 22.99.
While Saily’s coverage is slightly more limited compared to other eSIM providers, it performs quite well with a strong 5G signal. Even on an LTE network, the speeds are more than adequate if you stick to the city. All in all, it has solid coverage.
4. simLOCAL
Stay connected in Japan with eSIM plans from simLOCAL. Whether it’s a short trip to Tokyo or a longer stay to dive deeper into Japan’s history, culture, and natural beauty, simLOCAL has everything for every traveler.
They offer unlimited data plans which come in 1, 7, 10, and 15-day durations priced at USD 13-19. In addition to that, you can choose between 1, 3, 5, 10, and 20 GB of data spread across 7-30 days validity. They will cost you around USD 5-27.75.
The more days you purchase, the cheaper it will cost you. Running on KDDI and NTT Docomo networks, simLOCAl makes sure that you have the best possible connectivity throughout your journey in Japan.
Also read: A Guide to Solo Traveling: How to Enjoy Trips Better by Yourself
5. World eSIM
Brought to you by Vision Inc., World eSIM offers three different types of packages including unlimited, fixed, and daily data plans. These are convenient for those planning a short trip to Japan.
The unlimited plans range from 5-30 days priced at USD 19.95-64.99. The fixed data plans include 3, 5, 10, and 20GB options for 7-30 days (starting from USD 6.90-25.95). As for the daily data plans, you can choose between 500MB-2GB options. These come in 3, 5, 10, and 15-day durations for USD 3.56-35.96.
World eSIM functions smoothly in Japan with an average download speed of around 71.9-99.15 Mbps, depending on your location. Overall, you can enjoy the fastest connection possible in touristy regions.
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6. Sakura Mobile
With Sakura Mobile, you can enjoy unlimited to fixed data plans available from 1-90 days priced at ¥1,500-30,500. The fixed data plans are available in sizes from 1-200 GB.
In terms of performance, you can expect an average download speed of 84.46 Mbps, smooth enough for video playback and calling. Of course, it may vary depending on the conditions you are in. As it operates under the NTT Docomo network–the largest network provider in Japan–you will surely enjoy fast and reliable internet connectivity.
Also read: 10 Top-Rated Travel Agencies in Japan
7. Airalo
When it comes to the best eSIM for Japan, Airalo scores the highest. Airalo’s strength lies in its strong partnership with local telecom providers, including KDDI and Softbank. Having both providers at your service should have you covered unless you are in extremely remote locations.
Airalo offers Moshi Moshi eSIMs which have 7, 15, and 30-day packages. The 7-day package–with only 1 GB of data for USD 4.50–is the bare minimum. You can also choose the 15-day plan that offers 2 GB for USD 6.50. The rest are 30-day plans which come in 3 GB (USD 8.50), 5 GB (USD 11.50), 10 GB (USD 18), and 20 GB (USD 26).
Compared to its offering for other countries, these plans are pretty affordable. As for the speed, Airalo eSIMs can have an average download speed of 141.61 Mbps. Overall, it’s a good choice–very fast and convenient.
8. eSIMJapan.com
eSIMJapan.com provides three basic types of plans including 5G Unlimited Max, Unlimited Data, and Fixed Data. Valid for 3-31 days, you can purchase the first one for USD 11.99-79.99.
The unlimited package offers 3-30-day plans priced at USD 4.99-109.99. Meanwhile, the last one offers 7-30 day plans available in sizes from 3-50 GB. It will cost you USD 6.99-59.99.
The coverage should be okay overall as eSIMJapan.com is powered by the KDDI network. With an average of 38.27 Mbps, eSIMJapan.com is fairly fast. It surely deserves a spot on your list of eSIM for Japan travel.
9. Roamic
If you plan a trip to Japan, Roamic eSIM might be your perfect companion. They offer 1 to 30-day data plans priced at USD 1.49-38.05. These plans have data limits ranging from 1, 2, 5, 10, and 20 GB as well as unlimited data options.
Compared to other eSIM providers, Roamic eSIM plans are pretty affordable. Yet, it gives great internet coverage as it runs on Softbank, Rakuten, and KDDI.
10. Holafly
Holafly eSIMs offer unlimited data plans so you can send as many photos and videos to your friends and family without worrying about the data limit. In terms of duration, they have great flexibility. You can purchase plans lasting 1-90 days for USD 6.90-139.90.
Price-wise, Holafly is more expensive than the other eSIM providers, but worth buying. You can expect to have an average download speed of 79.31 Mbps, especially when staying in Tokyo. Operating under KDDI and Softbank, Holafly provides fast and reliable internet throughout Japan. It deserves a spot on your list of the best eSIM for Japan travel.
Airport Transit Made Easy: Stay at Bobopod Airport CBC, Tangerang!
Photo: Bobobox Internal Asset
Bobopod Airport CBC, Tangerang is a great choice for those needing a few hours of sleep before heading to Japan or even having just landed at the airport. Located just minutes from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, this pod-style accommodation offers everything you need for a quick restful stay.
The pod is clean, modern, and surprisingly spacious. Each pod is equipped with a comfortable bed, AC, Wi-Fi, mood lamp, and QR Door Lock System for added security. Bobopod CBC will also provide you with a towel, toothbrush, toothpaste, and even a bottle of water.
What’s more? Bobopod has shared bathrooms with soaps, shampoos, a hairdryer, sinks, and mirrors. Here, you can take a hot shower and freshen up so you will not look too bad for wear.
And the best part is that Bobopod offers free airport transport even for early flights. You will also like the high-tech features, such as check-in and checking-out via the app. Everything is made easy–making the whole experience smooth and hassle-free.
Reserve your spot now through the Bobobox app and make sure to book in advance!
Writer: Aidah
Featured photo: Jacob via Pexels
