The best eSIMs for Japan

For most visitors, a data-only eSIM is the cheapest and easiest way to get online in Japan: install it before you fly and you’re connected the moment you land. The right one depends on how long you’re staying, how much data you use and whether you need a Japanese phone number.

Our picks

Every Japan eSIM we track, compared

Sort by cost per day, cost per GB or total data. Prices are the providers’ own, with the date we last checked each one.

Which network does each eSIM use?

Every travel eSIM in Japan runs on one of the big three networks: docomo, au (KDDI) or SoftBank. In Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto all three are fast and reliable, so for a city trip the network barely matters. It starts to matter if you’re heading into the mountains, onto small islands or along rural train lines, where coverage differs between carriers. Some providers name the network per plan (Sakura Mobile uses docomo for its 3GB/day plans and au for unlimited), and Ubigi lists all three. From Stephen’s experience living here, docomo is the clear pick for rural and mountainous areas, so if your trip includes the Japanese Alps, remote onsen towns or island hopping, favour a docomo plan.

Some eSIMs also send your traffic through a server in another country before it reaches the internet. You won’t notice this when browsing, but it raises ping, which can make video calls and live maps lag. That is why our tests measure ping as well as speed.

Data only, or with a phone number?

Most travel eSIMs are data only. You keep your home number for calls and texts (it will roam, so check your carrier’s charges, or turn roaming off for that line), and you use WhatsApp, LINE, FaceTime and similar apps over the eSIM’s data. That covers most trips.

You might need a Japanese number for some restaurant reservations or services that send a verification SMS. Sakura Mobile sells a voice + data eSIM for visitors that includes one, with an in-person ID check on arrival. More in getting a Japanese phone number.

Will an eSIM work on your phone?

Two things need to be true:

• Your phone is unlocked. A phone locked to your home carrier won’t accept another provider’s eSIM.
• Your phone supports eSIM. Most iPhones from the XS and XR onwards do, as do recent Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy flagships. Many budget Android phones don’t.

If either is a no, a pocket WiFi rental is the easy fix. Full checklist: will my phone work in Japan?

How much data to buy

Around 0.5 to 1GB a day covers maps, messaging and some social media. If you watch video, take video calls or share your connection with a laptop, look at larger or unlimited plans. Our data guide breaks it down by activity, and the cost calculator works out the cheapest option for your trip length.

How we chose

We compare every plan on price per day and per GB, the network it runs on, whether it allows hotspot use and whether it includes a phone number. Where we’ve tested a plan in Osaka, the speed and setup results feed in too. Affiliate commissions don’t affect the order. How we test

Questions people ask

Is it worth getting an eSIM for Japan?

For most visitors, yes. It usually costs less than daily roaming from a home carrier, there’s nothing to collect or return, and you’re online as soon as you land. The exceptions: your phone is locked or has no eSIM, or you’re a group who’d rather share one pocket WiFi.

How do eSIMs work in Japan?

You buy the eSIM online and install it by scanning a QR code or through the provider’s app, ideally before you fly. When you land, switch your phone’s data to the eSIM and turn on data roaming for it. It then connects to a Japanese network like any local SIM. Step by step: eSIM setup guide.

Is Airalo or Ubigi better for Japan?

It depends on the plan you need more than the brand. Compare their current Japan plans in the table above, and see our Airalo and Ubigi reviews.

Can I use my American phone in Japan?

Yes, if it’s unlocked and supports Japan’s 4G bands. Most recent iPhones and flagship Android phones do. Check your phone.

Which SIM is best for tourists in Japan?

If your phone supports eSIM, a data-only eSIM. If not, a physical tourist SIM or a pocket WiFi. See Japan SIM cards for tourists.