The Best eSIMs for Visiting Japan — Tested and Compared

The eSIM market has exploded in recent years. With so many options out there it can be hard to pick the best one for your trip to Japan. Fear not! We’ve done the legwork for you. From short stays to long and everything in between, here’s some of our picks for Japan eSIM packages, tested and compared.

Japan eSIMs tested and compared

First, here’s a summary of what we found when we tested the eSIMs (updated September 2024):

Provider	Avg Speed ▼ /▲ Mbps	Packages	Highlight	Where to buy
	24.7 ▼  12.8 ▲	8-31 days 3-100GB	Best value for heavy data usage: 50GB / 16 days only ¥3,900	Visit website
	72.3 ▼ 12.2 ▲	1-annual 500MB-Unlimited	10GB / 30 days US$17.00. Easy top up. 10% discount code – TOKYOCHEAPO	Visit website
	63.7 ▼  13.1 ▲	7-30 days 1-20GB	Good value plan: 20GB / 30 days US$22.99 5% discount coupon – TOKYOCHEAPO5	Visit website
	57.8 ▼  9.5 ▲	3-30 days 1GB-Unlimited	3 days with 2GB per day for US$8.99 Unlimited 5G data no speed cap – US$45.99for 15 days	Visit website
	67.1 ▼  11.3 ▲	3-30 days 0.5GB-Unlimited	Plans from just US$3.56 with 10% Tokyo Cheapo discount.	Visit website
	34.4 ▼  14.5 ▲	1-90 days 1GB-Unlimited	Huge variety of plans and easy top-ups. See options	Visit website
	84.9 ▼  16.5 ▲	7-30 days 1-20GB	20GB / 30 days US$26.00. 10% discount for our readers. Fastest download speed.	Visit website

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 can 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.

Best eSIMs for short trips

These are the providers with a big range of shorter plans:

eSIM Japan: Flexibility from short stays to unlimited data

eSIM Japan has among the most extensive plans for travelers to Japan. Their plans are broken into three basic types: Unlimited data 3–30 days, 5G Unlimited Max 3–15 days, and fixed-data 7–30 day plans. The unlimited data 3–30 day plans have 1GB per day and 2GB per day options, and you can select from nine different trip lengths. All of their plans score fairly highly in terms of affordability and speed.

Installation

When we ordered the 2GB/day Japan Unlimited Pro eSIM, a QR code arrived in our inbox immediately. From purchase to use, it took less than 15 minutes.

The plan begins when you scan the code and install the eSIM. Plans have a set time limit and a data limit (3GB, 5GB, 10GB, or unlimited), so you can choose a plan that works for the length of your trip.

Performance

eSIM Japan is provided by China Mobile Hong Kong but roams to Japan’s KDDI au network (you’ll need to enable roaming to use it). Despite roaming, it was fairly fast, with an average download speed of 38.27Mbps. Websites loaded in a flash, and 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.

World eSIM: Reliable speeds and connectivity

World eSIM is brought to you by Vision Inc. — the folks behind well-known travel Wi-Fi name Ninja Wifi. World eSIM provides three different types of packages – unlimited, fixed, and daily data plans. Unlimited plans range from 5–30 days, daily data plans are 3–15 days, and fixed data plans include 5, 10, and 20GB options. Their eSIMs ranked reasonably high in our speed tests, and their plans are affordable per gigabyte.

Installation

Getting our eSIM was straightforward. After signing up on the World eSIM website, we paid and received a QR code instantly in our email. A quick scan, and we were ready to go.

Performance

Download speeds averaged 99.15Mbps, and streaming was smooth. During our test, we found that this was one of the best eSIMs for video calling. Overall, it’s a solid choice.

Best eSIMs for long trips

When you want a big range of options for 30-day eSIMs and bigger data caps:

Mobal eSIMs: Big data limits and voice + data plans

Mobal’s short-term data-only plans come in 8-, 16-, and 31-day durations, with data limits ranging from 3–100GB. The short-term voice + data sims are also available for 30, 60, and 90 days, although data limits on these plans are capped at 7GB per calendar month. If you’re after a more long-term voice + data option, plans are also available with monthly fees for 1, 5, 10, or 30GB of data per month (see below).

Installation

Activating the data SIMs takes about 15 minutes. After 5 minutes, we received an email with a link to their service website. This led us to a page where we waited for our eSIM QR code to be ready for another 10 minutes.

Performance

In terms of performance, Mobal is about the 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 long-term 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 or cancellation fees, making it a viable choice for travelers 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 must 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.

Ubigi: Fast speeds for short to long stays

Special offer: Use discount code TOKYOCHEAPO for 10% off!

Ubigi is a global eSIM provider currently offering eSIMs for over 200 destinations. Having quickly become a big name in the Japanese eSIM market, they have plans to cover most needs. From economical single-day 500MB plans for ¥390 to beefy month-long plans with unlimited data for US$74.00, there’s something for all travelers.

Installation

Ordering from Ubigi is a snap. Once we paid, a QR code was 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.

Performance

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

Saily: Excellent value for 20GB

Saily offers straightforward eSIM plans in 7- and 30-day options. The 7-day option offers 1GB of data, while the 30-day options range from 3 to 20GB. Price-wise, the 20GB Saily eSIM for Japan can’t really be beaten. Saily comes from the well-established tech company NordVPN, and uses UK network 1GLOBAL, with local roaming via NTT Docomo.

Installation

Our Saily eSIM was ready for download instantly, and activation was foolproof with their dedicated Android/iOS app, which walks you through the set-up process.

Performance

Speed-wise, Saily performed well with a strong 5G signal at most of our testing locations; video streaming and calls were flawless.

Airalo: Lightning speeds 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 to both KDDI au and SoftBank, two 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; 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.

Installation

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.

Performance

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 works your data to the bone, Airalo is a good choice.

Best eSIM for (very) light data use

The best option for low MBs:

GigSky Japan eSIM: Fast speeds and reliable connectivity

GigSky currently offers seven eSIM data plans for Japan. The five fixed data plans range from a free 100MB, 7-day option to 10GB for 30 days. The two unlimited options include 7- and 15-day plans. In addition to the Japan-specific data packages, GigSky offers regional Asia Pacific plans, a World plan, and a range of Cruise + Asia Pacific plans.

Installation

You’ll need to create an account to purchase a GigSky eSIM. Unlike other providers, we found the process relatively quick and easy through the GigSky app. Once you’ve created an account, choose your plan via the app or website. From there, you can quickly install your eSIM by scanning the QR code in your email inbox or doing it automatically through the app. If you’re using the app, you can also monitor data usage and top up your plan if required.

Performance

Whilst the free 100mb was very slow, GigSky’s paid Japan eSIM ranked among the highest in our download speed tests. During our eSIM testing, we automatically connected to NTT Docomo networks. As one of Japan’s most prolific networks, you should receive reliable connectivity in most parts of the country.

Best eSIM for families and groups

For sharing data with your travel squad:

Flexiroam Japan eSIM: Great for groups

Flexiroam (15% discount code: TOKYOCHEAPO15) offers six fixed-data plans and six unlimited data plans across their Japan eSIM range. Fixed data plans include four 30-day eSIMS of various data limits, and two shorter 7-and 15-day options. Flexiroam’s unlimited plans are staggered from 5 days up to 30 days. The Japan eSIMs roam to all of Japan’s major networks, and their fixed-data plans offer the option to distribute data to friends and family, and also roll your data over to additional plans.

Installation

You’ll need to create an account to purchase and install your eSIM. While it’s not a requirement, we found it was easiest to buy through the Flexiroam app. Through the app or the website, you choose your trip destination, usage (fixed or unlimited data), and trip duration, and you’ll be presented with the available options. From there, select the plan you want and enter your payment details.

You’ll receive a QR code and instructions via email to set up your eSIM. You can install your eSIM using the QR code or through the app, but we found the QR code easier. Depending on your phone, you may need to update the APN settings for the eSIM to work. As per the website, the eSIM can take around 15 minutes to connect to a local network for the first time after installation.

Performance

Flexiroam’s website says that its eSIMs automatically connect to the strongest signal from the available local operators. While its website doesn’t transparently list its partner networks in Japan, we were able to manually connect to two of Japan’s major network operators (Docomo, NTT, and Softbank) during our tests. In terms of speed, Flexiroam ranked around the middle of the pack during our tests. If you’re travelling with a group and you’d like extra data or connectivity options, you could also consider renting a portable Wi-Fi router to share.

Best eSIM for flexible plans

When you want heaps of options for days, data, and top-ups:

Sakura Mobile: Trusted local Japan provider

An established SIM and Wi-Fi provider popular with both short and long-term visitors to Japan, Sakura Mobile also has a line of eSIMs. A big selling point of Sakura’s Travel eSIMs is their flexibility. Short-term eSIMs are available from 1 all the way up to 90 days with a combination of unlimited and fixed-data options. If you’re after a semi-permanent option, Sakura offers long-term data-only and voice + data eSIMs at 5, 25, and 40GB per month.

Installation

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 clunky, but the eSIM was set up in under 15 minutes. We didn’t need to activate roaming to use it.

Performance

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

eSIMs with unlimited data

From the names mentioned above, eSIM Japan, Ubigi, Sakura, World eSIM, Gigsky and Flexiroam all offer unlimited data plans.

eSIM companies are increasingly offering different types of unlimited plans for heavy data users such as business travelers and remote workers. For a breakdown of some of the unlimited providers out there, see our dedicated comparison of Japan eSIMs with unlimited and nearly unlimited data.

Japan eSIM FAQs

How much data do I need?

Average users in their home country will use around 5GB per week. When you’re at home, though, you’re probably connected to Wi-Fi for most of the day. When traveling, chances are you’re connected to Wi-Fi a lot less. You’re relying on data for things like maps and translation, browsing for things to do and places to go.

500MB – 1GB per day might be enough if you’re just using your data for things like maps and instant messaging while you’re out. But if you’re on your phone during a long Shinkansen trip, using data for work, tethering, or spending a lot of time on social media, you might want to consider the higher end of the spectrum.

If you’re worried about going over your daily data limits, consider downloading offline maps and saving most of your heavy data usage for when you’re on Wi-Fi. Also, consider setting a data warning on your phone. Alternatively, consider plans that offer data top-ups.

Is my phone eSIM compatible?

This is important to check before handing over your money! While most phones made in the last few years or so will have eSIM functionality, not all phones will be unlocked. If you purchased your phone outright, chances are it’s unlocked. If, on the other hand, your phone came under a contract with a network provider, chances are your phone will be locked by that provider.

Checking whether your phone is unlocked is pretty quick and easy. If you discover that your phone is locked, check with your service provider to see if it’s possible to unlock it before buying an eSIM. Alternatively, if you’re traveling with family or a small group, consider renting a pocket Wi-Fi device to share.

What’s the best eSIM for skiing or snowboarding in Japan?

Two things to consider when on a ski trip in Japan are connectivity and the ability to make emergency calls. If you’re heading to Nagano, Hokkaido, or Niseko, then you’re going to want a service that has reliable connectivity in remote areas.

NTT Docomo is often regarded as the best provider in regional areas because of its overall network coverage — so an eSIM that connects to Docomo’s network would be a good choice when heading to the snow. Secondly. if you prefer not to rely on apps like Skype for emergency voice calls, look for a provider that offers a combined voice + data package, like Mobal. If you’re in an emrgency in Japan, the number to dial is 119.

What’s a Fair Usage Policy?

This is probably something you’ll see pop up quite a bit while researching eSIMs, and it’s worth noting, especially if you’re looking at unlimited data options. Many “unlimited data” plans are actually capped at around 2 to 5GB per day, with speeds throttled after you hit the daily limit.

In slightly rarer cases, providers will offer “truly unlimited” plans with no apparent daily data limits. However, remember that these may ultimately be bound by Japan’s nationwide Fair Usage Policy (FUP). Japan’s FUP basically says that to provide equal internet access to all network users, everyone should use the internet reasonably. If a user is deemed to be using excessive data, networks may implement the FUP and throttle their internet speeds. This means that although you might have purchased a truly unlimited data plan, be careful of using much more than 2 or 3GB per day, as there’s a chance that your speeds will slow to a grinding halt until at least the next day.

Which network offers the best coverage in Japan?

In general, NTT Docomo is said to have the most infrastructure nationally. Still, there isn’t a clear objective winner regarding overall quality between the three primary players, Docomo, AU, and Softbank.

A recent study awarded Docomo the best in general availability, but AU and Softbank both lead in 5G coverage. Similarly, although Docomo is said to have the largest network, it also has the biggest user base. This means that it may be slower in crowded areas but may perform stronger in more rural areas.

Which Japan eSIM is the fastest?

Airalo scored the highest in our speed tests by a solid margin at the time of writing, followed by Ubigi and World eSIM. Airalo runs on both Softbank and KDDI AU networks. Ubigi runs on NTT Docomo and World eSIM runs on Softbank.

How easy is it to switch between eSIM plans during a trip?

If you have multiple eSIMs already installed, switching between different SIMs is quick and easy. If you’d prefer to keep things simple, some eSIM providers offer regional SIMs that cover multiple countries, such as Japan, Korea, and Taiwan on one SIM.

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).

If you’d like something a little more inconvenient but with better options, check out our guide to prepaid SIM cards for travel to Japan. We also recommend taking a look at mobile Wi-Fi rental for Japan to compare connectivity options.

What’s the difference between international roaming eSIMs and local eSIMs?

Essentially, there are two types of eSIMs — eSIMs provided by foreign companies that roam to the local network, and eSIMs that are native to the country you’re in. Many companies that offer Japanese eSIMs are the former, essentially foreign eSIMs with agreements with local carriers like Docomo or KDDI that allow them to connect to their networks.

In terms of coverage, there aren’t any significant differences — foreign eSIMs will be roaming to the same networks that local providers use. There are some potential downsides to foreign eSIMs, though, including battery drainage caused by roaming, and slower speeds caused by latency. In most cases, these issues won’t be entirely noticeable, but may be things to consider when choosing your eSIM.

How we tested our eSIMs

We regularly test the providers listed above and report the average speeds over time based on all the tests. To perform the tests, we purchase an eSIM from each provider — the same as any customer would, and use the Ookla speed testing app. This app does a standard test to measure upload, download, and latency.

Speed results can vary based on several factors, so to get fair and realistic test results, we do the following:

• For each round of testing, we do tests from 3-5 different locations around the Tokyo greater area
• At each location, we perform the test twice for each provider and use the same model of smartphone
• We do a round of tests every 2-3 months, and so keep an average of the results from each provider over time
• We also do some random spot testing for general usage, e.g., doom scrolling social media, making short video calls to look for lag, etc.

If there are some anomalous results, we may retest the eSIMs on the following day, at a different location in Tokyo, to compare results. For example, on our very first round of testing, Mobal and Sakura Mobile experienced severe throttling on the initial test day. This was because we’d burnt through the daily allowance when figuring out how to do the tests! We could repeat the tests the next day when the allowance had reset.

Some eSIMs had to be run on the same device, meaning that not all tests were simultaneous. Our testing method isn’t perfect, but it does give us a good idea of the different eSIMs’ performance. 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 not running 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 Patrick Balfe in September 2024.