11 Best Unlimited Data eSIM for Your Japan Trip

An unlimited data eSIM is convenient for traveling in Japan

When traveling in Japan, having internet access is essential. In recent years, the number of eSIM users has increased.

During your stay in Japan, you might want to use a lot of data for gaming or work. For those people, an eSIM with unlimited data is recommended. There weren't many options in the past, but now, more companies are beginning to offer unlimited data plans.

This article introduces 11 recommended unlimited data eSIMs that can be used for traveling in Japan.

A Guide to Unlimited Data eSIM in Japan

1. An unlimited data eSIM is convenient for traveling in Japan
2. What is a good estimate for daily data usage? Is unlimited data really necessary?
3. Three particularly popular unlimited data eSIM services
4. Seven other unlimited data eSIM options
5. Experience booking sites where you can purchase unlimited data eSIMs
6. How to use an eSIM
7. Who is suited for eSIM/SIM/pocket WiFi?

What is a good estimate for daily data usage? Is unlimited data necessary?

The first thing to confirm is whether you actually need unlimited data.

For instance, if you plan on gaming, working, or frequently watching videos on YouTube while on the move, an unlimited data plan is recommended.

Additionally, if you need to download large amounts of data during your stay, it would be better to opt for an unlimited data plan.

However, if that's not the case, choosing a plan without unlimited data may be more cost-effective. At MATCHA, we also introduce cheaper services in this article. Be sure to check it out.

For reference, here's what you can do with 1GB.

Estimated data usage in Japan (what you can do with 1 GB):
Sending emails: approximately 2,090 emails (assuming each email is about 500 KB)
Video streaming: Approximately 2 hours for a 480p (medium quality) video, or about 3 hours for a 360p video.
Google Maps: Approximately 1,432 views (assuming each view lasts for 10 minutes)
Reference: Wi-Fi Rental.com

Three Particularly Popular Unlimited Data eSIM Services

First, let us introduce three services that MATCHA especially recommends. These services also allow tethering, making them suitable for connecting to a computer for work.

Service	Unlimited Plan Price	Tethering
World eSIM	From 20.8 USD for 5 days	Available
Holafly	From 6.9 USD for 1 day	Available (limited to 500MB per day)
Ubigi	From 28 USD for 7 days	Available

1. World eSIM - Exceptional Quality in Price and Connection Speed

Picture courtesy of World eSIM

World eSIM is a highly trusted service used by over 21 million people worldwide (as of a survey by Vision in November 2024 regarding users of the entire group’s WiFi rental services). It is available in over 180 countries and regions, including support for traveling in Japan.

The unlimited eSIM plans available for use solely in Japan are offered in four options: 5 days for 20.8 USD, 7 days for 29.8 USD, 10 days for 36.8 USD, and 15 days for 50.8 USD. The longer the duration, the slightly more affordable the daily rate becomes.

The author has used World eSIM several times and found the connectivity to be of the highest level. Downloading videos and manga was also smooth.

While it is not an unlimited option, there are eSIMs that can be used in the Asia region, including Japan, making them suitable for those traveling around Asia.

MATCHA is offering a special discount of 15% off on World eSIM. By visiting this site, the 15% discount will be applied directly, so be sure to take advantage of this great deal on eSIM.

Price: From 20.8 USD for 5 days
Multiple Country Plans: No unlimited plans available for multiple countries including Japan
Tethering: Available

2. Holafly - Choose Your Usage Days by the Day

Picture courtesy of Holafly

Holafly, characterized by its flexible unlimited plans, allows you to choose usage periods from 1 to 90 days on a daily basis, making it ideal for short trips or business stays. The longer your usage period, the more affordable the daily rate becomes; for example, if you use it for 90 days, it costs only 1.55 USD per day.

However, keep in mind that shorter periods can be relatively more expensive, so be cautious.

Another attractive feature is its comprehensive customer support. The chat support is available 24/7, and operators respond immediately to inquiries.

Support is available both before and after purchase. If you’re unsure which product to choose or if you encounter any operational errors after purchase, their response is prompt. I have also contacted them for advice before purchasing, and within a minute, an operator responded with recommendations for products.

Just be aware that tethering is limited to 500MB per day.

Price: From 6.9 USD for 1 day
Multiple Country Plans: Unlimited plans available in 16 countries in Asia, including Japan (mainly Southeast Asia)
Tethering: Available (limited to 500MB per day)

3. Ubigi - Supports Various Payment Methods

Picture courtesy of Ubigi

Ubigi offers eSIM unlimited plans that can only be used in Japan, available in two options: 28 USD for 7 days and 74 USD for 30 days.

In addition to unlimited plans, there are options such as 4 USD for 1GB for 30 days, and a variety of monthly and annual plans are available.

A significant advantage is the wide selection of payment methods. In addition to various credit cards, it supports multiple payment options, including Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal.

Note that while there are no unlimited plans available for multiple countries in Asia, there are options starting from 3 USD for 500MB for 1 day, which may come in handy during transit.

Price: Starting from 28 USD for 7 days
Multiple Country Plans: No unlimited plans available for multiple countries including Japan
Tethering: Available

Other 7 Options for Unlimited Data eSIMs

Next, let's introduce some other distinctive services.

Japan Wireless

Picture courtesy of Japan Wireless

The unlimited plans offered by Japan Wireless can be broadly divided into two types, depending on whether you choose to use a 5G or 4G network. For example, the 4G unlimited plan starts at 5 USD for 1 day, while the 5G unlimited plan starts at 19 USD for 3 days.

Additionally, one notable feature of the 4G unlimited plan is that it can come with insurance. If the eSIM activation does not go smoothly, you can receive a refund of the payment (minus a 20% fee) as long as you request it within 30 days and before activation.

Keep in mind that adding insurance will slightly increase the cost, so be sure to check before purchasing.

Price: Starting from 5 USD for 1 day
Multiple Country Plans: None
Tethering: Available

Sakura Mobile

How to use Sakura Mobile's eSIM

Popular among visitors to Japan and international students alike is Sakura Mobile.

Their unlimited plans allow you to choose a duration from 1 to 90 days on a daily basis, making it flexible for your needs. The longer the duration, the more economical the daily rate becomes.

For example, a 90-day plan costs 26,400 yen (approximately 177 USD), which breaks down to a reasonable price of 293 yen (about 1.87 USD) per day.

Additionally, the ability to inquire in English is one of its appealing features. You can contact them via email, and their trouble response ratings are very high, earning support from many foreign users.

Price: Starting from 1,650 yen (approximately 11 USD) for 1 day
Multiple Country Plans: None
Tethering: Available

NAVITIME eSIM

Picture courtesy of NAVITIME eSIM

NAVITIME eSIM offers unlimited plans that utilize 5G networks.

Available plans range from 3 days to 6 days, with the option to choose up to a maximum of 30 days. According to a survey by NAVITIME eSIM, 95.8 percent of users indicated they would "like to repeat" their experience, indicating a high level of customer satisfaction.

One important note is that there are limits on tethering capacity. For example, in a 3-day plan, the maximum tethering capacity is 3GB, while for a 6-day plan, it is 6GB, varying by plan.

If you are considering using it for work, it is recommended to verify whether the tethering capacity is adequate beforehand.

Price: Starting from 1,890 yen (approximately 12.65 USD) for 3 days
Multiple Country Plans: None
Tethering: Available (with varying restrictions depending on the plan; maximum 3GB for the 3-day plan)

Gigsky

Picture courtesy of Gig Sky

Gigsky is based in the United States and provides services in over 190 countries.

For use in Japan, unlimited eSIM plans are available in two options: 22.94 USD for 7 days and 41.64 USD for 15 days. It's important to note that if your daily data usage exceeds 2.5GB, your connection speed will be limited. However, this restriction will be lifted after 24 hours, and you will return to high-speed data.

Another distinctive feature is the year-round, 24/7 customer service. You can receive support whenever you need it via phone or live chat, providing peace of mind.

If you enter MATCHA's coupon code "MATCHA10" using the link below, you will receive a 10% OFF discount.

Price: Starting from 22.94 USD for 7 days
Multiple Country Plans: No unlimited plans available for multiple countries including Japan
Tethering: Available

Nomad

Picture courtesy of Nomad

Nomad offers a unique unlimited plan that includes limited high-speed data; once you exceed that capacity, you can use unlimited data at a speed of 512kbps.

Another feature is the flexibility to choose the number of days and the capacity of high-speed data. You can select from 1 to 7 days, and for high-speed usage, you can choose from 500MB, 1GB, 2GB, or 3GB per day.

For example, with the 2.5 USD plan for 1 day, you can use high-speed data up to 500MB for that day, and after that, you can continue using data at 512kbps.

While 512kbps is considered slow, it is sufficient for sending and receiving messages on WhatsApp or LINE and for light image transfers. This plan is great for those who want to use data unlimitedly but do not require high-speed internet.

Price: Starting from 2.5 USD for 1 day (high-speed data up to 500MB)
Multiple Country Plans: None
Tethering: Available

eSIM Japan

Picture courtesy of eSIM Japan

eSIM Japan offers two types of unlimited plans: one that utilizes both 5G and 4G LTE, and another that uses only 4G LTE.

The unlimited plan that includes 5G/4G LTE allows you to choose from 3 to 15 days on a daily basis, and thereafter, you can select from 20 days or 31 days. The unlimited plan available only for 4G LTE offers limited options of 3 days and 5 days, with a maximum usage of 30 days.

Additionally, for the 4G LTE-only unlimited plan, you must choose between "Unlimited Pro" or "Unlimited Basic." The difference lies in the data capacity for high-speed usage, with Unlimited Pro offering 1GB per day and Unlimited Basic offering 2GB per day.

Once the daily limit is exceeded, the connection speed is restricted to 384kbps.

Price: Starting from 6.99 USD for 3 days
Multiple Country Plans: Plans available for use in 4 Asian countries including Japan
Tethering: Available (though there may be restrictions depending on the plan)

Booking Sites Where You Can Buy Unlimited Data eSIMs

Klook

Picture courtesy of Klook

A popular experience booking site for visitors to Japan is Klook, where it is also recommended to purchase an eSIM. Klook offers a variety of eSIMs, allowing you to choose plans based on your needs.

The eSIM utilizing docomo’s network has an unlimited plan starting at 7.7 USD for 3 days. Additionally, customer support is available 24/7, providing peace of mind while using the service.

Moreover, there are sometimes promotional campaigns offering discounts such as 25% OFF coupons, so be sure to check before making a purchase.

Check the eSIMs at Klook

KKday

Picture courtesy of KKday

KKday offers a wide selection of eSIMs from various companies. Depending on where you purchase, it may be cheaper to buy through KKday than to purchase directly from the provider. This makes it a recommended site for those looking to buy eSIMs at a good price.

For example, the eSIM sold by JetFi features an unlimited plan at a very reasonable price of 81 yen per day. High-speed data is available up to 500MB per day, and once that limit is exceeded, the speed is capped at 128kbps, which is sufficient for sending and receiving messages.

There are also occasions where you can purchase at 50% off the regular price, making it a great deal. User reviews are available, making it easier to compare plans and choose the best option. If you are unsure which company's eSIM to select, it could be helpful to refer to these reviews.

How to Use eSIM

Before using an eSIM, first, check if your smartphone supports eSIM functionality. You can verify this in the settings under "Mobile Data" or "SIM Settings."

Once you've confirmed compatibility, purchase your eSIM and obtain the QR code or activation code.

After purchase, go to your phone's settings, select "Mobile Data," then "Add eSIM," and scan the QR code to complete the installation. If manual input is required, please follow the provided instructions.

Upon arriving in Japan, switch your mobile data to the eSIM and, if necessary, configure the APN (Access Point Name) settings. After that, turn on data roaming, and you should be able to use the internet immediately.

Who Is Suitable for eSIM/SIM/Pocket WiFi?

Finally, let's introduce who is recommended for eSIM, SIM, and Pocket WiFi.

eSIM - Affordable and Convenient

For those who want to use the internet easily, eSIM is recommended. There's no need to swap physical SIM cards; you can connect to the network solely through your smartphone's settings.

It's also suitable for individuals who wish to take advantage of dual SIM functionality, allowing them to keep their home country SIM while adding a local eSIM for use in Japan.

SIM - For Devices That Do Not Support eSIM

SIM cards are often easy to set up by simply inserting them into the device. While the setup process for eSIM is generally straightforward, those who feel uncertain about configuring an eSIM may prefer a traditional SIM.

Additionally, if you are currently using a smartphone that does not support eSIM, you will need to choose a SIM card.

However, eSIM-compatible devices are becoming more common, and given the enhanced convenience that eSIM offers, it would be more user-friendly to choose an eSIM if you have a device that supports it.

Pocket WiFi - Recommended for Heavy Data Users

For those who want to use the internet on multiple devices, such as PCs and tablets in addition to smartphones, Pocket WiFi is very convenient.

It allows for stable communication even with high data usage and can easily be shared among multiple users.

However, it does require you to carry a WiFi router with you at all times, and you need to be mindful of battery life. It is best suited for those who do not find these considerations to be a hassle.

Enjoy Your Trip to Japan with Unlimited Data eSIM

With an unlimited data eSIM, you can use the internet in Japan without worrying about data limits, whether you’re looking up information on tourist attractions or using map apps. You can comfortably search for information even while on the move, allowing you to adjust your travel plans in real time.

Additionally, you can easily upload photos and videos to social media right away, making it possible to share your precious memories in real time.

Make the most of your trip to Japan with an unlimited data eSIM!

Written with Asuka Yoshida