Best eSIM for Japan travel in 2024

Nowadays, traveling comfortably without internet access is barely possible. You can use an eSIM to get a reliable internet connection abroad instead of searching for a compatible SIM card in local shops or using risky public hotspots. eSIMs are virtual cards embedded into a smartphone, so you don’t have to hassle switching them manually.

The best eSIM for Japan solves numerous issues that plague mobile carriers, such as expensive roaming charges, slow connection speeds, and limited coverage. However, choosing one can be challenging because there are numerous eSIM service providers with different pricing plans and data caps.

Being an avid traveler, I have tested over 10 eSIM providers to find what works best. Without further ado, here’s my list of the best Japan eSIM services.

Best Japan eSIMs: shortlist

1. Saily

   Overall best eSIM for Japan in 2024
   9.6
2. Airalo

   Reliable Japan eSIM with global and regional plans
   9.3
3. Jetpac

   Japan eSIM with various data options
   9.2
4. aloSIM

   ESIM with international calls
   8.8
5. Nomad

   Japan eSIM with phone number
   8.4

What to consider when choosing an eSIM card for Japan in 2024

Multiple eSIM Japan services compete for your attention, so there's a lot to choose from. However, you don't want to get stuck with a service that doesn't offer tethering or phone calls when you need them. Here's what you should consider before purchasing:

• Destination. Do you need an eSIM card for Japan only, or are you going to visit neighboring countries? For example, you can get 5GB of data in Japan from Saily for $9.99. Meanwhile, Jetpac offers an Asia-Pacific plan, which costs $15 for the same bandwidth.
• Data usage. Consider how much data you’ll need in Japan. I usually need just 1-3GB for sightseeing, but if I make video calls or want to stream, I'll need at least 5GB.
• Communication needs. Only a few eSIM providers support phone calls, so you'll most often have to rely on VoIP apps like Skype or WhatsApp. On the other hand, aloSIM offers a Canadian or US number to make international calls.
• Travel duration. Japan eSIM prices depend on travel duration. Pick one that fits within your voyage limits to reduce unnecessary costs.
• Tethering. A mobile hotspot comes in handy if you're traveling in a group or want to share internet access to your other devices from a smartphone.

Best eSIM for Japan travel: detailed list

1. Saily – reliable eSIM card for Japan
2. Airalo – eSIM with Asian regional plans
3. Jetpac - multi-functional Japan eSIM
4. aloSIM – simple to use eSIM for Japan travel
5. Nomad – Japan eSIM with data saving

ESIMs significantly differ in regional coverage, plan pricing, app design and setup process, connection speed, and additional features like tethering. After testing 10 eSIM Japan providers for these criteria, I narrowed the list down to 5 that find the middle ground between quality and affordability.

Here are the five top eSIMs for travel to Japan.

1. Saily – overall best eSIM for Japan

Saily is the best eSIM for Japan in 2024, which offers speedy internet access over 3G, 4G, 5G, 10GB, and 20GB cellular networks. It's also one of the most affordable eSIM services I've tested. For example, 1GB of data in Japan costs only $3.99 and even goes down to $2.99 per gigabyte in Thailand, so it's an excellent choice for travel in the far East Asia region. Additionally, you can save on eSIM for Japan by using Saily coupon codes!

Saily covers 150+ countries but does not offer regional plans. Simultaneously, it does not support phone calls and text messages, so you should look at other options if you require a Japan eSIM with a phone number. However, it offers tethering and a user-friendly app to get internet access the moment you arrive in Japan.

I particularly liked the straightforward Saily setup. You can get it from the Google Play Store or Apple's App Store and pay via Visa, MasterCard, AMEX, and Discover. Saily issues helpful in-app activation instructions, which make setting it up effortless even if you've never used an eSIM before. It also offers 24/7 live chat, email support, and an online help center.

2. Airalo – eSIM card for Japan and whole the Asia region

You can stop at Airalo if you’re looking for an eSIM for Japan, Korea, and the rest of Asia. I concluded that its regional and global eSIM plans are second to none. You can get Airalo's Asialink plan, which covers 18 countries with 1GB of data starting at $5.00. Simultaneously, its Discover+ plan covers 200 countries worldwide, starting at $9.00 for 1GB. To make your purchase even more affordable, check for Airalo discount codes.

What I liked most is that Airalo eSIM allows phone calls and text messages. However, it is only available on the Discover+ plan and adds some extra charge to it. The plans range from 1GB to 20GB from 7 days to 365 days to guarantee uninterrupted internet access while away from home.

Airalo supports 3G, 4G, 5G, and LTE cellular networks and allows the use of eSIMs for hotspots. However, there's no pay-as-you-go option, so be mindful about data consumption before it runs out. Airalo lets you top up the plan to get more data, but only on its rechargeable eSIMs. You have to go to the app's additional information to verify whether it's available.

Lastly, it does not require eKYC for activation and offers a simple app—perfect for tourists who have never used an eSIM in Japan.

For a deeper investigation of Airalo, read our Airalo review.

3. Jetpac – Japan eSIM with flexible plans

Jetpac is a budget-friendly and flexible eSIM option for Japan travelers. With coverage in over 100 countries, it provides data plans that start as low as $1 for 1GB (valid for 4 days) and range up to 50GB for Japan-specific use. Jetpac’s global plan even offers up to 40GB for 30 days, suitable for multi-country trips across the world with the Global plan, and has an Asia-Pacific plan that covers 17 countries.

Unfortunately, Jetpac doesn’t offer phone calls or traditional SMS messaging, but you can always add more data if needed. When I traveled through Japan, I bought a month-long 5 GB plan, but it didn’t quite cover my needs, so I easily topped it up. The connection stayed consistently strong with 4G/LTE/5G coverage, making browsing, streaming, and staying connected throughout my trip convenient.

Setting up Jetpac is easy, and you can purchase it directly from the Google Play or Apple App Store. Additionally, with 24/7 customer support, you’ll have help whenever needed. As a bonus, Jetpac also offers complimentary airport lounge access (Smartdelay) if your flight is delayed. You simply need to register your flight details in the app and receive a confirmation email. Plus, the lounge is even accessible to up to five travel companions, so everyone can relax together while waiting for their flight.

4. aloSIM – Japan eSIM with phone number

aloSIM is among the recommended eSIMs for Japan for travelers who need a phone number for calls. I tested this feature, which required a few extra steps, but the results were excellent. aloSIM doesn't support phone calls on its app but offers an additional app called Hushed. It provides Canadian or US numbers for international calls.

aloSIM is among the best eSIMs for traveling to Japan and neighboring countries because it offers a variety of regional plans. 1GB of data in Japan costs $4.50, but you can also get the Asia Five Pack, which covers 5 countries, or the Asia plan, which covers 13 countries, both starting from $5. The latter gets more expensive as you need more data, and there is no global plan.

I found the aloSIM app effortless to navigate. Similar to Saily, it also provides in-app guides on setting it up. Tethering is another similarity, as both providers allow eSIM to be a hotspot.

aloSIM offers six Japan eSIM plans from 1GB to 20GB for up to 30 days. You can safely buy this eSIM for Japan because it provides 24/7 live chat support if you run into trouble.

For a deeper investigation of aloSIM, read our aloSIM review.

5. Nomad – Japan eSIM with flexible plans

Nomad is an eSIM card for Japan with flexible data plans that you can customize to meet your precise requirements. I tried the cheapest 500 MB plan, which worked well because Nomad supports a 5G cellular network for speedy internet access. However, given how content-rich contemporary websites are, 500MB can run out within an hour.

Even if you run out of available data, Nomad offers a way out I haven’t seen elsewhere. It switches you to a throttled, yet unlimited, 512kbps connection you can use. It’s sufficient for text-only browsing or email checking but not much more. Although Nomad eSIM does not allow phone calls, it lets you write text messages, which combines perfectly with unlimited internet access.

This Japan eSIM utilizes the local KDDI telecommunications operator, which covers all of Japan in 4G and uses speedy 5G in most urban areas. Nomad offers daily or regular plans up to 50GB for 30 days, costing up to $125. However, a 1 GB plan costs $4, and a 7-day plan runs up to $21, above the market average.

For a deeper investigation of Nomad, read our Nomad review.

Comparison of Japan eSIM providers

How to activate an eSIM for Japan?

Most eSIMs for Japan have a similar setup process with just slight differences. I will use Saily as an example to walk you through:

1. Go to the Google Play Store or Apple App Store and download the Saily app.
2. Launch it and register with an Apple ID or Google account.
3. Select Japan from the destination list.
4. Choose a suitable data plan.
5. Pick a payment method and finalize the purchase.
6. Go to Saily’s Activate eSIM or Install eSIM sections, depending on your smartphone.
7. Click the installation button and allow the activation of the new eSIM.
8. Follow the prompts. At this point, your smartphone will ask several questions, like which card to use for iMessage.
9. Afterward, return to Saily’s app Activation section, activate it, and you’re done!

Get Saily for Japan

Does my phone support Japan eSIM card

Although eSIMs are becoming more popular, they are a recent technology incompatible with older devices. That's why verifying whether your smartphone supports eSIMs before purchasing is essential. As an unwritten rule, smartphones developed before 2018 don't support eSIMs; however, those after are compatible. I've compiled a list of the most popular smartphone brands and models you can safely use with Japan eSIMs.

Carrier lock is another issue that might prevent you from using an eSIM for Japan. Some smartphones are locked to a specific mobile carrier that doesn't allow any other mobile network service. In this case, contacting your mobile service provider to remove the lock is best, although that might come at an additional cost.

eSIM card for Japan benefits

Regarding speedy and reliable internet access, eSIMs usually outperform standard physical SIM cards. From my experience, avoiding expensive roaming charges is most beneficial. For example, Verizon offers a TravelPass that lets you use its mobile services outside the US, costing $10/day in Japan. Alternatively, you can get 5GB for 30 days in Japan from Saily, so the difference is noticeable.

You will likely receive much better connection speeds using eSIMs for Japan. Because eSIMs cooperate with local mobile carriers, they benefit from a local mobile tower network optimized for that region. Furthermore, you can use a regular SIM and an eSIM and reserve internet traffic to the latter, which is faster and more affordable.

Lastly, you will never lose one because eSIMs are virtual cards embedded into your smartphone by soldering a tiny chip into the phone's motherboard. It's easy to misplace a physical SIM card when you are preoccupied with sightseeing, which can never happen with an eSIM.

Essential information for using an eSIM card in Japan

That's all there is to know about the best Japan eSIM services. Here's a summary of the key points:

• Reliable internet access. Japan eSIMs provide internet access the moment you land in the country. It's best to purchase the plan preparing for the trip and activate it right before you leave.
• Reduce roaming charges. Mobile carriers often charge hefty sums to keep using their services abroad. eSIMs work with local mobile carriers to provide better prices.
• Device compatibility. Not all devices support eSIM cards. As long as your smartphone was released after 2018, you shouldn't have any problems using it. However, check the compatibility of eSIM to see if it was released before.
• Avoid public WiFi. Hotspots in public places are often disappointingly slow. Furthermore, they are a perfect spot for hackers to target unsecured devices. The best eSIM for Japan eliminates these risks.
• Check tethering and phone call support. Not all eSIM services offer a phone number or can be used as a hotspot. Verify your chosen eSIM service supports these features if you need them.

How to make calls with eSIM in Japan

Although some Japanese eSIMs offer a phone number for international calls, you will often have to rely on VoIP apps. Here's how to do it:

1. Subscribe to a reliable eSIM for Japan
2. Choose a VoIP app, like Skype or WhatsApp, and set it up
3. Make sure you have activated the Japan eSIM plan before you leave
4. Turn off your default mobile carrier connection and switch to an eSIM before making the call
5. Launch the chosen VoIP app and now you can make a call from Japan

Conclusion: what is the best Japan eSIM for tourist

A Japan eSIM makes staying connected while traveling simple and affordable. An eSIM helps you avoid high roaming fees and gives you access to Japanese carriers at competitive rates. I find eSIMs particularly convenient for multi-country trips – you can easily switch between data plans tailored to each country’s needs without swapping physical SIM cards.

After testing various options, I recommend Saily as the top eSIM choice for Japan. Among the 10 eSIM providers I’ve reviewed, Saily stands out for its affordability, with plans starting at just $3.99 for 1GB, valid for one week. It's easy to set up, with a user-friendly app that guides you through activation and offers 24/7 support. The only downside is that Saily doesn’t include phone numbers or regional plans. However, it’s the best eSIM for straightforward, reliable data access in Japan.

---

You may also want to read:
Saily Review 2024: eSIM by Nord Security
Best eSIM for Europe
Best eSIM for travel in 2024
Best eSIM for USA travel in 2024
How to get cheaper flights in 2024
How to book hotels cheaper in 2024

---

FAQ

Is eSIM available in Japan?

Yes, eSIMs are available in Japan. Furthermore, Japanese mobile carriers with 4G and 5G cellular networks cover most of the region, so eSIMs offer outstanding internet connection speed. There are multiple services, like Saily, which provides the best prices, and aloSIM, which has international phone numbers.

Which eSIM is best for Japan?

Saily is the best eSIM for Japan because it offers an excellent price-to-value ratio. Its plans start from just $3.99 for 1GB in Japan, a few times lower than national mobile carriers charge for internet access abroad.

What is the best eSIM for Japan with unlimited data?

Nomad is the best eSIM for Japan, and it has unlimited data. It defaults to a much slower 512kbps connection whenever you run out of data. However, this connection doesn't have a data cap, so you can maintain at least some internet access until you can get a new plan.

Where can I find cheap Japan eSIM plans?

Jetpac offers the cheapest Japan eSIM prices with the lowest rate of 1GB for just $1, valid for 4 days—perfect for quick visits. However, Saily is a more suitable choice for longer stays. It has affordable long-term plans starting at just $3.99 for 1GB, but you can also order 20GB for $22.99 for 30 days. It's ideal if you need consistent access over several weeks.

How to use eSIM in Japan?

You can subscribe to a Japan eSIM service to get a virtual eSIM card. I recommend subscribing to the service while preparing for your trip. Then activate it just before you leave to have internet access when you land in the region.

What is the best eSIM for Japan and Korea?

Saily is the best eSIM for Japan and South Korea because it offers fast and reliable internet access in both countries starting at $3.99. With five different plans, you can easily find one that fits your data needs and travel duration, making it a convenient choice for seamless connectivity in both countries.