The BEST eSIMs for Your Trip To Japan 2024
If you’re planning a trip to Japan and you have a cellphone that was made in the last three years and is one of the major phones such as an iPhone, Samsung Galaxy or Google Pixel then your phone is most likely eSIM capable. Why does this matter? A travel eSim is now the easiest and most efficient way to have internet on your phone while traveling in Japan and many other places around the world.
But, there is no shortage of eSIMS on the market and ever since we made this video a few months back, we’ve been bombarded with companies asking us to review their product. But there are way too many to try them all. Fro this eSIM review, to help you make a decision as a traveller, I test out a few from all over Japan including Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Tokyo, Matsumoto and more. We’ll discuss my favorites as well as the pros and cons of each. I recommend you watch the video then if you need more information read on!
Before we dive into the best eSIM options for your Japan adventure, it’s essential to grasp the fundamental concept of eSIMs and what distinguishes them from traditional physical SIM cards. But feel free to jump ahead to the best eSIMs section.
Understanding eSIMs:
An eSIM, short for embedded SIM, represents a digital SIM card integrated directly into your device’s hardware. Unlike conventional SIM cards that you insert physically, eSIMs are seamlessly integrated, offering a more streamlined and convenient mobile experience.
How do I know if my phone is Compatible with an eSIM?
Not all mobile devices are eSIM-compatible, so it’s crucial to check if your device supports eSIM functionality before relying on it for your trip. Here is a great list of eSIM compatible devices. It seems to be updated regularly but just in case your phone is not on the list, you can always double check with your mobile phone carrier or manufacturer.
Second, be sure that your phone is unlocked. Again, if you are unsure contact your mobile phone carrier.
Main Benefits of using eSIMs for Your Trip to Japan
Flexibility
With an eSIM, you can easily switch between different mobile networks without having to acquire and physically change a traditional SIM card. This flexibility allows you to choose the best network based on coverage, data plans, and pricing. You just need to prepay for your eSIM plan in advance.
Convenience
Since eSIMs are embedded in your device, you don’t need to worry about losing or misplacing physical SIM cards. It eliminates the hassle of carrying extra SIM cards or dealing with the inconvenience of finding a local SIM card in each destination. In the past, I would use a piece of gaffer tape and have all my regular SIMs taped to the inside of my phone case. This way, I always knew where all my SIM cards were and always had access to them. But now with eSIMs I have no physical SIM cards. Okay, I have one for Google FI but I never have to take it out anymore since it is always in my phone. The rest of my SIMS are eSIMS. And if I wanted to, I could swap out the Google FI SIM for a Google Fi eSIM. I currently have several on my iPhone. I can easily switch between them. I no longer need to carry around a pin to eject my physical SIM, this is huge! And think about all the plastic and e-waste caused by SIMS. No more.
I use a GoogleFi phone number from USA, while also using a data eSIM in Japan. The Google Fi number is used solely to receive texts and phone calls from the USA. Mainly, when I need to sign into an account online and it requires authentication via voice or text.
How to Activate your eSIM – Instant Activation:
Activating an eSIM is usually a straightforward process that can be done directly from your device. You can activate an eSIM by scanning a QR code provided by your mobile operator, by entering an activation code. Or by installing an app from the eSIM provider. This eliminates the need to visit a physical store or wait for a SIM card to be shipped to your location.
Cost Savings
While eSIM data plans can vary depending on the mobile operator and the country you’re visiting, in many cases, they can provide cost savings compared to traditional roaming plans or purchasing local SIM cards, including Japan. Additionally, with an eSIM, you have the flexibility to choose different data plans that best suit your needs in each destination. I’ll show you here in a bit that it is common for the eSIM carrier to offer multiple different plans.
eSIM Internet in Japan and Global coverage
Some eSIM companies now offer global coverage. If you are visiting multiple countries during your trip this could save you the hassle of having to purchase individual SIM cards or other data plans.
Tethering / Hotspot
Most eSIM companies will allow tethering which means the sharing of your internet connection with other devices. This is great if you are a family or just want to connect multiple devices and stay connected. But do know that once you start tethering, your phone’s battery will drain faster and you’re going to use up your data faster! In fact, your phone may not last the day if tethering a lot So you might want to carry a powerbank. I have a great recommendation in the description below.
Downsides to using eSIM?
All eSIMs that I know of in Japan are data only! This means you can use the internet in Japan to surf the web, use social media, Google maps and the like but you do not get a Japanese phone number and cannot use SMS text messaging. So if you need to make a phone call, you will need to use an internet app like WhatsApp, Skype or Google Voice. I have a separate video on that.
If you need a Japanese phone number, then you will need to get a regular SIM card and there is one company I recommend. Mobal.com
Mobal has been in business for a long time in Japan. They have excellent English speaking support and their service works great throughout Japan. We didn’t have a single issue with our mobal japan SIM this past summer where we tested it for 60 days.
What if your phone doesn’t have a regular SIM slot? It will be hard for you to get a local Japanese number. You most likely will need to visit a major Japanese carrier such as NTT Docomo and it’s not going to be easy. Your best bet will be to use something like WhatsApp or Skype.
Update November 2023 – Mobal Now Offers Japan eSims with Both Data and Voice!
Mobal is now offering the option to have a real Japanese number along with your eSIM, this is huge! In order to get an eSIM with both data and a Japanese phone number you need to sign up for a long-term plan. But a short term tourist can also take advantage of this offer since Mobal does not require any contracts. This mean anyone can sign up for a long-term plan then just need to remember to cancel when they no longer need the service. Otherwise, they will incur monthly fees.
I wrote an articel explaining all the details of the new eSIM with voice here.
Mobal does not charge any cancellation fees and again you can cancel your eSim plan at anytime! Prices for eSIMs with both voice and data are very competitive and includes al the features of their data only eSIMs.
( Affiliate link ❤️ )
The Best eSIMs to use in Japan in 2024 for Tourists and Short-Term Travelers
This is not a scientific study. I have chosen the best eSim for Japan solely based on my experience using these throughout different places in Japan.
Criteria: All do not have contracts, excellent coverage in Japan, ability to tether ( connect multiple devices at once ), competitive price, and ease of use.
Mobal eSIM ( Also Known as SIM Card Geek )
As mentioned earlier, Mobal is a long time player in the game of providing SIMs for Japan and are Japan based. Another cool feature of Mobal is they donate to charities: “Mobal guarantees that the majority of profits go to its charities, so with your Mobal SIM, you don’t just travel the world, you make it a better place!”
Coverage:
The coverage is 99% of Japan and they use the NTT Docomo Network which is considered to have the largest network coverage in all of Japan. I personally did not have any issues with connectivity nor speed during my tests. Every time I checked it was connected to a 4G Network.
Price and data limits:
Mobal offers plans of 8, 16, and 31 days
A 1GB plan for 8 days is 1920 Yen
A 1GB plan for 16 days is 2260 yen
There are no 1GB for 31 days as those start at 10GB.
You will notice that all of the eSim companies offer plans based on days of validity and data. The cheaper prices are usually for shorter time periods. So if you notice that a price looks low, make sure to also check the validity period as that may be short and why the price is low.
But you can also see that Mobal offers a 50GB plan for 31 days validity. For me, this is great as we always visit Japan for at least a month. In fact, of the 3 companies I’ll discuss, this is the best deal if you want a lot of data or don’t want to risk running out of data and stay connected. This is actually the best deal of any decent eSIM provider for Japan for data allotment. And the closest to unlimited data for an eSIM.
Activation:
Of the 3 companies only Mobal doesn’t have an app. This could be good or bad, depending on your preference. A mobal app is not necessary to activate an eSIM. The main reason many companies create an app is to make it easier for you to activate your eSIM but also to be able to upsell you later or allow you to top up if you are running low on data.
I asked Mobal if they had considered creating a mobile app. Their response was that it was under consideration but not necessary since you can easily scan a QR code to activate and that users were tired of having to install apps on their phone that they only need for a short time.
How do you activate an eSIM from Mobal?
Once you purchase your eSIM from Mobal you will receive an email with a link to an activation URL. Once you create your activation code you can copy and paste that into your device settings or use the QR code. This process can be a little tricky for first time users, so make sure you read the instructions thoroughly before you have your activation code issued. since this process can only be done once. I had a question about this process so I contacted technical support via email and their response was quick and clear. If this process scares you then you might be interested in the other eSIM options as their documentation is much more clear than Mobals and they also have video instructions.
Once installed it worked flawlessly.
Downsides:
A possible downside is that there is no app involved with Mobal. So once your data runs out you cannot top up. If you need more data you will need to purchase another eSIM. But, if you do run out of your data allotment the eSIM will continue to use data at a much slower 200 KPS.
( Affiliate link ❤️ )
Ubigi eSIM for Japan
Ubigi is a global player in the eSIM market servicing over 200 destinations including Japan. I’ve been using Ubigi for a while now, not only in Japan but also Thailand and Malaysia and have been very satisfied with their service. I’ve also heard back from multiple people while traveling that it has worked well for them in Japan. Ubigi is also now part of NTT Group which has the subsidiary NTT Docomo. So my guess is NTT will make sure that Ubigi works well in Japan.
Coverage:
Same as Mobal, uses the NTT Docomo Network, not surprised, which is considered to have the largest network coverage in all of Japan. I personally did not have any issues with connectivity nor speed during my tests. Every time I checked it was connected to a 4G Network though 5G is now supposed to be available in some areas.
Price:
They offer 1 Day or 30 Day plans. You can also purchase monthly or yearly plans.
500MB for 1 day = $2.5
1GB for 30 days = $4
10GB 30 days = $17
50GB 30 days = $69
Ubigi also offers Global Plans. These do not include the entire planet so take a look and see if it covers where you will be traveling. For instance, Ubigi has an Asia Plan:
10GB, 30 days = $49
This is pretty good if you will be traveling throughout SE Asia which many people do. And of course it includes Japan and South Korea.
( Affiliate link ❤️ )
Activation – Install the eSIM
You have two options. You can install by QR Code or by installing the Ubigi app. If you are already familiar with the QR code method then this is an easy process for you. But if you want to get started before your trip and get familiar with how the eSIM will work then you might want to install the app. This way you will be familiar with the setup of the eSim profile. I recommend this for first time users.
Then since you installed the app, you’ll never run out of data since you can top up from the app.
The downside of the app is that you need to install another app on your phone. With all the scams out there through mobile apps this is a valid concern. Therefore, if you choose a company that uses a mobile app, make sure you download it directly from either the Apple or Android store.
Airalo eSIM for Japan
The third option is an eSIM reseller that is also very widely popular and now I know why. They are a newer company founded in 2019 but have gained popularity rapidly probably because their service works well and they have a user friendly app. Overall, the entire experience is very similar to Ubigi.
The main difference between Airalo and the other two we reviewed is that Airalo is a mobile reseller whereas Mobal and Ubigi are MVNOs, which stands for mobile virtual network operator.
What’s the difference?
MVNOs are companies that do not own the physical network infrastructure but rather lease network services from major network operators. MVNOs then provide their own branded services to customers. By leasing network services it allows them a lot of control over the types of services they can offer. Whereas a reseller purchases services or products from a provider and resells them without significant changes.
None of these companies own networks that is why when you connect it will be through a provider such as NTT Docomo or Softbank which are real mobile network providers and own their networks.
Coverage:
I didn’t have any issues with Airalo in Japan except for one time and this was probably not Airalo’s fault as I believe we were staying in a dead zone. Meaning that all networks, not just connecting to Airalo but also Google Fi, Sakura Mobile WiFi and even the WiFi in our rental accommodation connected only part of the time. As soon as we went outside a few meters away from the house the internet worked fine with a 4G connection.
Airalo uses two different networks: Softbank and KDDI – Softbank is another huge provider in Japan and I’ve never had issues with their service. I also sometimes connect to KDDI without issues. Having both of these as options in Japan should have you covered unless you are in very remote areas.
Price:
Airalo offers plans for 7, 15 and 30 days.
1GB, 7 days = $4.5
2GB, 15 days = $6.50
20GB, 30 days = $26
Global plans. They cover 130 countries. Check to be sure it covers where you will be traveling.
10GB, 180 days = $59
Activation:
You have the option to either install via QR code or through their app. Similar to Ubigi the benefit of using the app is it makes it a little easier to install and you can easily top up your data if you are running low.
( Affiliate link ❤️ )
General Tips Using Japan eSIMs
Turn off Data Switching
Turning off data switching will prevent your phone from using your local phone carrier’s (home countries) data while traveling. If turned on your phone might start using your local carrier if it thinks that has a better connection and you might be hit with roaming fees. So better to leave this off.
Possible issues during setup
It is possible that your setup process may not be seamless and you run into issues. This did happen to me once during the first time installing Mobal eSIM. You may need to enter your activation code and SM-DP+ setting manually. Don’t be afraid these can usually be copied and pasted into the fields and the instructions of all of these companies explains where to input this information.
You may also need to enter your Access Point Name ( APN ). This is easier but finding where to input it on your phone may be the challenging part since every phone is different! Again, don’t let this scare you, you can do this!
What’s Our Favorite Travel eSIM for Japan?
It depends. If you don’t need a ton of data and want the easiest esim setup then you can’t go wrong with either Ubigi or Airalo. They are both very good. Both Ubigi and Airalo have apps that you can install and keep track of your data usage and top up if needed. Their coverage in Japan is excellent. I didn’t have any issues with each except for the one time that was a dead zone. In fact, I have also used both Ubigi and Airalo in Thailand and Malaysia as well with very good success.
One feature of Ubigi not available on Airalo is monthly plans. If you are going to travel to Japan for an extended period of time you may want to check out Ubigi monthly plans as Airalo only offers plans up to one month.
Additionally, both Ubigi and Airalo have global plans whereas Mobal does not. But make sure the countries you will be visiting are covered. Otherwise, you can purchase multiple different eSIMs.
If I had to choose between these two I give the edge to Ubigi since they are now owned by NTT Group and their overall track record has been great.
If you choose Airalo I have a coupon code for use in January. If it isn’t January please check the description anyway as I will update with any available coupons.
JAN15 – Save 15% for first time users
JAN10 – Save 10% for existing customers
For Ubigi they have a 10% off for new customers:
WELCOME10
If you are already a Ubigi customer this coupon may work on your first top up.
If you need a lot of data like us then it’s hard to beat Mobal’s 50GB plan for 31 days at $33 USD. Because of the generous amount of data at this price I personally would choose Mobal since we are always in Japan for more than 30 days at a time.
[ show a chart comparing prices of some of data such as the 50GB above ]
If you need even more data then I recommend that you get a pocket wifi. Yes, they are a little bulky and you have to carry an additional device but you cannot beat the price and the ability to tether multiple devices at a time. We always rent a pocket wifi in additional to our eSIMs.
Sakura Mobile Pocket WiFi
My personal favorite right now is by Sakura Mobile. I just tested them out for 3 months and the service was mostly flawless. I’ll have a review on this soon.
( Affiliate link ❤️ )
If you don’t like any of my choices check out eSim database it has tons of options for you to choose from.
Summary of best eSims for Japan Travel
I hope you now see that eSIMs offer convenient and flexible connectivity for travelers to Japan. With eSIMs, there’s no need to worry about physical SIM cards as they can be activated remotely, allowing for easy switching between different carriers and data plans. It’s really awesome that you can have multiple eSIMs on your phone at once and easily switch between them. eSIMs provide cost-effective, seamless connectivity with reliable network coverage, and easy management through device settings or companion apps. But remember, for your safety, please go directly to the Apple, google app store and download eSim apps from there. Do not scan a QR code or use a link from any website. There are just too many scams out there.
Now is the time to embrace eSIM technology, and be ready for the future while enjoying the convenience and benefits it offers.
If you want a comparison of eSIM vs pocket WiFi, please watch my earlier video.