eSIM in Japan: Full Breakdown of the 15 Best Services

The Best eSIM for Japan Trips

eSIMs have become a new viable method for staying connecting to the internet while in Japan.

Competing with free wifi, physical SIM cards and pocket Wi-Fi routers - eSIMs provide a distinct advantage of an entirely online set up.

With the number of services available in Japan, it might be hard to decide which company to use. This article compares the services of 12 companies, along with recommendations from MATCHA.

A video guide to staying connected to the internet in Japan:

Trying to decide between a Pocket WiFi, physical or eSIM card? Well MATCHA has you covered with this handy video that you should watch first! When you realise that an eSIM is right for you, this guide below should help make your choice easier.

Top eSIM Services in Japan

An introduction to eSIMs
Comparison of 15 eSIM Companies
1. Most reliable eSIM for travellers
2. eSIMs that provide a Japanese phone number
3. Cost effective eSIMs with a light data plan
4. eSIM with flexible day-to-day plans
5. eSIM with tethering service
6. Klook and Amazon
7. eSIMs that can be purchased at airport
Using a Portable Wi-Fi Router and eSIM

The eSIMs in this article are for short-term and mid-term travelers in Japan. Those who are planning an extended stay(more than 1 year) should take a look at the articles listed below.

An introduction to eSIMs

SIM cards (physical SIM) have to be inserted by hand./Photo by Pixta

eSIM is short for embedded SIM.

eSIMs allow users to avoid the hassle of losing or damaging a physical SIM while swapping them out.

eSIMs are simply swapped from the data settings inside your phone already.

Setting up eSIM Japan./Picture courtesy of eSIM Japan.

To set up your eSIM:

1. Apply online.
2. Scan the QR code on the return e-mail.
3. Set up the device.

An eSIM setup on an Android smartphone. Users will be able to choose various types of SIMs.

The APN setting has to be adjusted to activate an eSIM. APN settings differ between phone manufacturers so make sure to find the one that's right for you.

Most companies will send a manual after the purchase, so don't forget to check it.

Comparison of eSIM Companies

Many companies offer eSIM services in Japan. We've curated a list of the services that are particularly reliable.
・Best reliable eSIM for travellers
・eSIM with phone number
・Cheap eSIM with light data plan
・eSIM with day-to-day flexible plans
・eSIM with tethering service

We go into more depth on these in later sections.

・Klook and Amazon
・eSIM that can be purchased at airport

If you're looking for the most convenient way to purchase an eSIM without the hassle of starting the process abroad we'll talk about those options as well.

Most Reliable eSIM for Travelers

As eSIMs are relatively new we've made sure to find and introduce a few we feel can be counted on for their reliability when traveling around Japan.

1. World eSIM

Picture courtesy of World eSIM

World eSIM is an eSIM provided by Global WiFi, a world-famous provider of portable Wi-Fi routers. The reliability and stability of a company that has been in the Internet business for many years is attractive.

I used it in Japan and during a trip to South Korea, and the connection was really smooth, with no interruptions even when watching You Tube.

In addition to its reliability,  World eSIM lets you choose the data you need from three patterns: Fixed Data Plan, Daily Data Plan, and Unlimited Data Plan.

Boasting a reasonable price as well as flexible options for any traveler, World eSIM is a reliable established option you should consider.

World eSIM
Period/Data	5 to 30 days, 500MB per day to unlimited
Cheapest Plan	5 days and 1GB per day for 8.95 U.S. dollars (about 1,370 yen)
Tethering	Hotspot capable
Voice SIM	Not available
Line Provider	Softbank
Usage Outside Japan	Offers a regional eSIM that can be used in 141 countries, including Japan.

The same Global Wifi family as World eSIM also sells Ninja eSIM. This is sold as a set with the popular "Ninja WiFi" brand, and its charm is that it is highly reliable.

There are six types (5, 7, 10, 15, 21, and 31 days), varying from 5 to 30GB. The plan is different from World eSIM, so be sure to check it out as well.

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2. Mobal

Picture courtesy of Mobal

Mobal is managed by Mobell Communications Limited, a UK company established in 1989.

The company offers plans such as eight days/10GB for 2,750 yen, eight days/30GB for 3,200 yen, and 16 days/50GB for 3,900 yen. These plans are ideal for travelers staying one to two weeks and using 1 to 2GB a day.

In addition to offering strong customer support in English, the company uses much of its profits towards charity work fighting poverty in Africa.

Mobal
Period/Data	8 to 90 days,3 to 100GB
Cheapest Plan	3GB and 8 days for 2340yen
Tethering	Hotspot capable
Voice SIM	Available
Line Provider	NTT
Usage Outside Japan	Not available

Mobal eSIM

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eSIMs with phone number

In Japan, in recent years, eSIM services that include a phone number have appeared in eSIM. In recent years. Although messaging apps have made it easier to place calls without the need for a phone number, there are still services in Japan that require a number. 

Restaurant bookings, stays at onsens or traditional ryokan inns often ask for a phone number to be given as part of a reservation. So having an eSIM with a Japanese phone number is a highly convenient feature.

Also, for Japanese people living overseas, an eSIM with a phone number is very convenient when you temporarily return to your home country and contact friends or work.

3. Sakura Mobile

How to use Sakura Mobile's eSIM

Sakura Mobile is a brand well known to visitors from Western nations. The company also handles portable Wi-Fi routers and sets up residential internet lines.

Sakura Mobile's eSIM basically has unlimited data. The price varies depending on the number of days used, but as of October 2024, it is 4,620 yen for 7 days.

Sakura Mobile and Mobal are among the few companies offering Voice eSIM. It cost 3278 yen for a month and 5GB. The advantages of the Voice eSIM offering are explained further in the article.

The company, known for its customer support, will answer questions about eSIM before the purchase. Sakura Mobile bring great peace of mind for travelers who may not have much experience using an eSIM on their trips.

Sakura Mobile
Period/Data	8 to 90 days,Unlimited
Cheapest Plan	7 days and unlimited data for 4,620 yen
Tethering	Hotspot capable
Voice SIM	Available
Line Provider	NTT
Usage Outside Japan	Not available

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4. Mobal

Mobal, also provides an eSIM with a Japanese phone number through its  Voice eSIM. It offers a eSIM of 30 Days and 7 GB for 7,920 yen, and eSIM of 90 Days and 7 GB per month for 17,820 yen.

Mobal eSIM

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Cost effective eSIMs With a Light Data Plan

As of 2024, many companies are engaged in price competition regarding eSIM. Therefore, to be honest, there is not much difference in price between the services.

However, the services introduced here have plans that provide a small amount of data at a really affordable price point.

5.Gig Sky

Picture courtesy of Gig Sky
Gig Sky is a US-based company that operates in a range of areas such as providing eSIM services around the world and providing roaming services linked to VISA cards.

Gig Sky has a unique plan. That is the "100MB FREE Plan". You can try out 100MB for free for 7 days.
If you enter MATCHA's coupon code "MATCHA10" from the link below, you will receive a 10% OFF discount.

GigSky
Period/Data	7days to 30 days, 100MB to unlimited
Cheapest Plan	100MB and 7 days for free
Tethering	-
Voice SIM	Not available
Line Provider	The fastest network available
Usage Outside Japan	Not available

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6. Saily

Picture courtesy of Saily official website

Saily, a USA-based firm, was founded by Nord Security, a well-known VPN provider that you've probably heard many YouTubers singing the praises of.
They now offer eSIMs in more than 150 countries. Users can chat with customer support staff 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

There are two types of eSIMs for Japan: 7 days/1GB for 3.99 U.S. dollars (about 610 yen) and 30 days/3GB for 6.99 U.S. dollars (about 1,070 yen). They are inexpensive and suited for those who do not need much data.

Saily
Period/Data	7 to 30 days,1 to 20GB
Cheapest Plan	7 days and 1GB for 3.99 U.S. dollars (about 610 yen)
Tethering	Hotspot capable
Voice SIM	Not available
Line Provider	NTT
Usage Outside Japan	Not available

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Saily also offers VPN services. By connecting through their private network, it can keep you safe from the pitfalls that often happen when connecting to free public WiFi while traveling around Japan.

7. Airalo

Picture courtesy of Airalo official website

Airalo, based in Singapore, is the first company in the world to sell eSIMs. As of October 2024, their users have grown to over 10 million across the globe.

In Japan, they offer plans such as seven days/1GB for 4.5 U.S. dollars (about 690 yen) or 30 days/3GB for 8.5 U.S. dollars (about1300 yen). While there are no unlimited data options, Airalo offers a range of flexible options for visitors who aren't looking to make heavy use of their data.

Airalo is also engaged in corporate social responsibility efforts (CSR), sending funds to developing countries.

Airalo
Period/Data	7 to 30 days, 1 to 20GB
Cheapest Plan	7 days and 1GB for 4.5 U.S. dollars (about 690 yen)
Tethering	Hotspot capable
Voice SIM	Available only on a global eSIM
Line Providers	NTT/Softbank
Usage Outside Japan	The company offers both regional and global plans

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eSIM with flexible day-to-day plans

If you know when and just how much data you'll need ahead of time, an eSIM with day-to-day flexibility might be the best option for you.

8. Japan Wireless

Picture courtesy of Japan Wireless

Japan Wireless is a service provided by Inbound Platform, a company handling rental campers and providing medical information to overseas visitors.

They offer day-to-day plans for eSIMs with unlimited data, starting at 5 U.S. dollars (about 760 yen)/day. While this plan may seem relatively expensive, the longer you stay the cheaper and more cost effective their plans become!

Japan Wireless
Period/Data	Unlimited data plan is available from 1 day Restricted data plan (3 to 50GB) is available from 7 to 30 days
Cheapest Plan	1 day and unlimited data for 5 U.S. dollars (about 760 yen)
Tethering	-
Voice SIM	Not available
Line Provider	NTT
Usage Outside Japan	Not available

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9. Ubigi

Picture courtesy of Ubigi

Ubigi is managed by Transatel, a French-based company. It is now a subsidiary of NTT, a major Japanese telecommunications company, emphasizing its presence in the domestic market.

The company offers a 500MB/day plan for 2.5 U.S. dollars (about 380 yen), perfect for those who prefer day-to-day usage. Please note that as of October 2024, Ubigi does not have any one or two weeks plan.

Ubigi
Period/Data	1 to 30 days,500MB to 50GB
Cheapest Plan	1 day and 500MB for 2.5 U.S. dollars (about 380 yen)
Tethering	Hotspot capable
Voice SIM	Not available
Line Provider	NTT
Usage Outside Japan	The company offers various plans, such as Asia, USA+Japan, and World

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10. Holafly

Picture courtesy of Holafly

Holafly, a Spain-based company founded in 2017, has turned into a worldwide supplier of eSIM services.

The company offers unlimited data plans so users can choose the length of time, such as unlimited data for a day. 

Holafly
Period/Data	1 to 90 days, Unlimited
Cheapest Plan	1 day and unlimited data for 5.9 U.S. dollars (about 900 yen)
Tethering	Hotspot capable (up to 500MB per day)
Voice SIM	Not available
Line Provider	au
Usage Outside Japan	Not available

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eSIM with tethering service

An eSIM with tethering functionality is recommended if you want to use it together with a computer. Most visitors know this as wifi hotspotting and take the ability to use their phone almost like a router for their other devices largely for granted.

Wifi hotspot capability is not a guarantee with eSIM services in Japan and so the eSIMs introduced here are ones we've made sure allow you to use the tethering functionality of your phone.

11.NAVITIME eSIM

Picture courtesy of NAVITIME eSIM

NAVITIME is a company that provides services such as train transfer information and expressway fare searches in Japan.

The "NAVITIME eSIM" released by NAVITIME in September 2024 offers various plans from 3 to 30 days with 5G and unlimited data.

A feature of "NAVITIME eSIM" is that it specifies the amount of data that can be tethered. This is very convenient when used by multiple people or when tethered to a computer.

NAVITIME eSIM
Period/Data	3 to 30 days, unlimited data
Cheapest Plan	3 days and unlimited data for 1890 yen
Tethering	Hotspot capable
Voice SIM	Not available
Line Providers	KDDI
Usage Outside Japan	Not available

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Klook and Amazon

You can also purchase eSIM from ticket booking and eCommerce sites.

12. Klook eSIM

Picture courtesy of Klook

Klook is a booking site for various experiences and sells various types of eSIMs. Among them, Klook Travel's eSIM is available for a minimum of 1GB for 7 days for $1.50 (approximately 230 yen), making it an easy-to-use service for people who are okay with a small amount of data.

MATCHA readers will be familiar with the convenience of Klook and buying your eSIM from them means you can take care of a whole host of travel plans in one go!

Klook (Softbank)
Period/Data	3 to 30 days/500MB per day to unlimited
Cheapest Plan	7 days and 1GB for 230 yen
Tethering	-
Voice SIM	-
Line Provider	NTT Docomo
Usage Outside Japan	Not available

Check the eSIMs at Klook

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13. Amazon eSIM

Picture courtesy of Amazon

Amazon also sells various eSIMs. Nippon SIM is especially popular. We sell eSIMs with various plans, including a 15-day 10GB service for $18.95.

However, Amazon may have less variety in plans compared to the services we have introduced so far. If you look at the site and don't find anything that suits you, you can choose from other services.

Amazon (Nippon SIM)
Period/Data	5 to 180 days/10GB to unlimited
Cheapest Plan	15 days and 10GB for 18.95U.S. dollars (about 2910 yen)
Tethering	ー
Voice SIM	Not available
Line Provider	-
Usage Outside Japan	Not available

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eSIM that can be purchased at airport

eSIMs have recently become available for purchase at Japanese airports. This allows visitors who would prefer to ask questions or speak to a sales rep to feel more assured about making the right choice for their trip.

14. GTN Prepaid eSIM

GTN offers various services to foreign nationals residing in Japan. They only have 30-day eSIMs with five types ranging from 3 to 30GB (*).

GTN Prepaid eSIM can be purchased at physical stores in Haneda Airport or Namba, Osaka.

For details, please read the article listed below. A purchase at Haneda or online comes with a 10% discount.

*: Haneda is the only physical store handling 20 and 30GB eSIMs.

GTN Prepaid eSIM
Period/Data	30 days, 3 to 30GB
Cheapest Plan	30 days and 3GB for 3,000 yen
Tethering	Depends on the smartphone model
Voice SIM	Not available
Line Providers	au/Softbank
Usage Outside Japan	Not available

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15.Vending machines at airport

Photo by Pixta

Vending machines selling SIM cards and eSIMs are installed at major airports in Japan.

When you purchase this, a QR code for eSIM registration is written on the paper. Although it tends to be a little more expensive than other services, it is perfect for people who don't want to go through the online application process every time.

Using a Portable Wi-Fi Router and eSIM

Photo by Pixta

For those traveling alone or in a small group, an eSIM presents a convenient way to keep connected online.

If you’re traveling in a large group and need many devices on a stable connection, a pocket wifi is likely the better option. But having a data-light eSIM plan as a backup or for solo outings might also help.

Since the smartphone battery will run out of power quickly in case of wifi hotspotting, a portable wifi can be an ideal backup.

A router can handle a large amount of data to assist multiple PCs and smartphones.

Ninja WiFi is our recommendation. It handles 3GB/day, costing 770 yen/day. There will be a 20% discount by applying via MATCHA. Those using the discount will pay 3,080 yen for five days, which is comparable to a SIM card.

20％ Discount on Ninja WiFi

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Look for the Optimum Plan

Since each company continues to provide unique eSIM plans, use this article as a guide and look for a plan that best suits you.

Main image by Pixta