When traveling to Japan, staying connected is essential for smooth navigation and communication. One of the most efficient ways to ensure uninterrupted mobile data is by using an eSIM—a digital alternative to physical SIM cards that provides hassle-free connectivity. In this article, we’ll explore why eSIMs are a great choice for international travelers, especially those visiting Japan.
We’ll break down the benefits of eSIMs, compare them with traditional SIM cards, and highlight the top eSIM providers to help you make the best choice for your Japan adventure.
What is a Travel eSIM?
A travel eSIM, or electronic SIM card, is a digital SIM that allows you to activate a cellular plan without needing a physical SIM card. It’s particularly useful for international travelers because it eliminates the need to swap physical SIM cards when moving between countries or regions.
There are many benefits to using an eSIM for international travel, such as easy activation, flexible network switching, cheap & flexible data plans, and instant overseas connectivity.
Most travelers get eSIMs for its convenience, flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and reliability.
Tip: Make sure your phone is also unlocked
…Or your eSIM likely won’t work. Some providers, like T-Mobile USA, allow temporary unlocks for 30 days, while iPhones require a permanent unlock via customer service. One common recommendation is to install the eSIM app and set it up before departure, but not too far in advance to avoid any activation window issues.
Overall, travel eSIMs simplify the process of getting and staying connected to the internet while you’re abroad. If you’re planning to visit Japan, purchasing an eSIM will be a breeze.
eSIM vs Physical SIM
When comparing eSIMs and physical SIM cards in Japan, the choice is clear: eSIMs offer unmatched convenience.
Why bother with a physical SIM when you can pre-purchase and activate an eSIM remotely? Instead of navigating language barriers in mobile shops, simply download an eSIM before your trip and activate it upon arrival.
eSIMs allow network switching and are more eco-friendly than physical cards. The eSIM vs. physical SIM debate is over—eSIMs offer travelers an easy, sustainable, and hassle-free experience.
Without further ado, here are our top 10 eSIMs you should consider when planning a trip to Japan.
The Top 8 Best eSIMs in Japan
1. Jetpac
When selecting an eSIM for your Japan trip, prioritize one that offers fast 5G speeds, broad coverage, and affordability. Jetpac, a Singapore-based company, stands out with its travel-friendly data roaming services. They offer various data-only plans tailored for Japan, from 1GB to 40GB, covering durations of 4, 7, or 30 days.
Starting as low as £0.80, Jetpac guarantees high-speed, reliable data throughout Japan, operating on the trusted KDDI 5G network. Additionally, Jetpac eSIMs come with perks like free airport lounge access for delayed flights, making your journey even smoother.
When choosing an eSIM for your Japan trip, Jetpac stands out with its new JetFlex and JetPro plans, offering flexibility and premium perks. With JetFlex, you can top up data anytime and use it across 150+ destinations, ensuring no more bill shocks.
For frequent travelers, JetPro adds benefits like free airport lounge access for delayed flights and 24/7 premium customer support.
Once Jetpac’s eSIM is installed, it works forever, eliminating the need to switch SIM cards. With fast 5G speeds, wide coverage, and affordable pricing, Jetpac ensures you stay connected effortlessly during your trip.
2. Revolut
Revolut, a global neobank and fintech company based in London, UK, is renowned for offering tailored financial services worldwide. Recently, they’ve expanded into eSIM technology, ideal for travelers looking for flexible and affordable connectivity options.
Revolut offers flexible eSIM plans starting at just £1 for 1GB of data, available across more than 100 countries, including Japan. To use this service, you must be a Revolut app user and account holder.
The app makes it easy to select a plan by country from their extensive global list, and you can top up your data whenever needed.
Revolut’s eSIM is compatible with a broad range of devices, offering convenient global connectivity. Users can quickly activate their eSIM by following simple steps within the Revolut app, ensuring they have access to data as soon as they arrive at their destination.
3. Japan Wireless
Established in 2015 by travel company Inbound Platform Corp, Japan Wireless has become well-known for offering multiple connectivity solutions in Japan, including pocket WiFi rentals, prepaid SIM cards, and more recently, eSIMs. Traditionally recognized for their portable WiFi services, Japan Wireless has launched eSIM services to cater to the growing demand for digital connectivity.
Their eSIM provides nationwide coverage and quick activation, but they still specialize more in physical SIMs and portable WiFi options, which require pickup and return, making them less convenient than eSIMs.
4. Ubigi eSIM
Ubigi is a leading provider in the eSIM market, offering extensive global cellular connectivity across more than 200 destinations, including Japan. The Ubigi eSIM stands out with flexible data plans that cater to various devices, from smartphones to laptops, and even connected cars. With Ubigi, you can get a 1-day 500MB plan for £2, or go for a larger 50GB monthly data plan at £48. Notably, Ubigi offers fast, reliable speeds, averaging 73Mbps, ensuring high-quality connectivity at affordable rates for travelers worldwide.
Ubigi’s eSIM services are ideal for global travelers, especially those heading to Japan. The Ubigi eSIM Japan offers reliable, high-speed data with flexible plans tailored to your travel needs. Whether you’re staying for a day or a month, Ubigi’s eSIM data plans allow you to stay connected at competitive rates.
Their eSIM plans are easy to set up and activate, offering instant service from the moment you land. Travelers can purchase a Ubigi eSIM online, avoiding the need to pick up a physical SIM card.
5. Nomad eSIM
Nomad eSIM offers hassle-free data roaming solutions for travelers, with eSIM plans available in over 170 countries. Their international eSIM options are designed for Nomad travel, providing regional plans for connectivity across multiple destinations. Plans range from 1 to 45 days, with pricing starting at £3 for 500MB per day or £4 for a 7-day 1GB plan.
For travelers to Japan, Nomad offers affordable, high-speed data plans ranging from 1GB for 7 days to 20GB for 30 days, with instant activation via the Nomad app. These tailored eSIMS for travel make staying connected in Japan convenient and flexible.
You can learn more about Nomad eSIM here: Nomad App.
6. eSIM Japan
eSIM Japan is an international roaming service company based in Japan that offers mobile data plans that are not only affordable but reliable. Their data-only plans can be availed for either the entire region of Japan or specific areas like Tokyo, Osaka, and more. eSIM Japan guarantees a fast 4G LTE network with limitless hotspot data.
eSIM Japan’s data plans are purchased in day-packages (3, 5, 7, 2, 15, or 90 days) with a specific data limit (3GB, 5GB, 10GB, or unlimited). This gives travelers the option to choose a plan that works best for their trip, making their purchase worth it. Plan prices vary from £3 for 3-days to £20 for an unlimited GB 12-day plan.
7. Airalo
If high-data speed is what you’re looking for in an eSIM, Airalo offers one of the highest data speeds in Japan. With a fast average download speed of 140 Mbps, users can easily enjoy YouTube videos, video calls, and even streaming video games. Airalo makes sure that what you pay for is worth every penny.
The Airalo eSIM comes in flexible packages, with plans available for 7, 15, and 30 days, starting from 1GB for £3. A 30-day Airalo eSIM offers up to 20GB for just £20, providing a cost-effective solution. Users can easily manage their plan through the Airalo app, which simplifies activation and data management.
Airalo offers a range of eSIM options, including local, regional, and global eSIMs to cater to different travel needs. The local eSIMs provide coverage for specific countries, such as Japan, while regional eSIMs cover multiple countries within a continent or area. For those who travel frequently across different regions, global eSIMs offer connectivity in over 100 countries.
Learn more at Airalo Japan eSIM.
8. Sakura Mobile
Sakura Mobile is a trusted local Japan eSIM provider, offering a variety of eSIM plans tailored for both short and long-term visits. Their eSIM packages start at £10 for a 3-day, 1GB data plan, making it a flexible choice for travelers. Known for serving over 250,000 users, Sakura Mobile provides fast data speeds up to 85Mbps, ensuring seamless browsing, streaming, and video calling across Japan.
While Sakura Mobile Japan is popular for its eSIMs, it’s more recognized for Sakura Mobile Pocket WiFi and physical SIM card services.
9. Holafly eSIM
Holafly is a popular eSIM provider known for its straightforward activation process and global coverage, including options for travelers to Japan. Holafly offers data-only plans, with no need for roaming fees or complex setup.
Users can simply scan a QR code for instant activation, and the eSIM works across various devices like iPhones and Androids. They provide 24/7 customer support, ensuring a seamless travel experience. Holafly also allows unlimited data plans for certain countries, making it ideal for long stays and heavy data usage.
10. Klook eSIM
Klook offers flexible eSIM options tailored for travelers seeking convenience and reliable data while abroad. With coverage in Japan and many other regions, Klook’s eSIMs are easy to purchase online and activate before travel.
By eliminating the hassle of physical SIM cards, Klook makes it simple for users to switch between data plans via a user-friendly app. Travelers can compare different plans on the Klook platform to find the best eSIM based on their destination and data needs, ensuring they remain connected throughout their trip.
Choosing the Best eSIM for Japan
When selecting the ideal eSIM for your Japan trip, it’s important to assess key factors to ensure it aligns with your travel needs and budget. Here’s a breakdown of what to consider:
Network Coverage
For seamless connectivity, you need to check the network coverage. Most Japan eSIMs provide robust coverage across major cities, but if you’re traveling to rural areas, make sure the provider covers those regions too. Your travel itinerary will determine which provider is most suitable.
Data Plans
The amount of data you need is crucial, especially if you’re navigating with apps or using social media. Most eSIM providers offer a range of 5G/LTE plans, from 3GB for a short 7-day stay to 40GB for longer trips. Be mindful of the average cost to travel to Japan and how much data you’ll need based on your travel duration.
Pricing
How much does it cost to travel to Japan? While this varies depending on your itinerary, data costs are an important part of your travel budget. Each eSIM provider has unique pricing, so compare these options to ensure you’re getting the best deal. Factor in any hidden fees or top-ups, as they can add to your cost to travel to Japan.
Additional Features
Beyond basic connectivity, some eSIM providers offer perks like multi-device support, customer service, and even access to airport lounges. Evaluate these extras when determining which eSIM will provide the best value and enhance your trip.
Jetpac: The Best Japan Travel eSIM
Planning your Japan trip? Look no further than Jetpac, our top pick for the best eSIM. Jetpac offers unbeatable convenience, providing affordable, high-speed mobile data across Japan, with seamless activation and great network coverage. With its user-friendly mobile app, you can easily select the perfect plan—ranging from 3GB to 40GB—depending on your travel needs.
Plus, Jetpac stands out with its unique perks, including complimentary airport lounge access if your flight is delayed and their new Jetflex and Jetpro subscription services. Forget the hassle of physical SIM cards; Jetpac eSIM makes staying connected in Japan simple and stress-free.
Jetpac also gives you flexibility—whether for a short visit or an extended stay in Japan—allowing you to skip the long queues at mobile shops. You can purchase and activate the eSIM before your trip, so you’re ready to go as soon as you land. Its award-winning global service and 30-day free trial of ExpressVPN further enhance the travel experience, making Jetpac the top choice for eSIM technology.
With Jetpac, you’ll experience reliable connectivity from Tokyo to rural Japan, ensuring that your adventure is smooth and well-connected!
Travel Often? JetFlex Lets You Skip Buying New Data Every Time
The JetFlex plan from Jetpac eSIM offers maximum flexibility for travelers who need a more adaptable esim data solution. With JetFlex, users can purchase data packages that work across multiple countries, making it ideal for multi-destination trips.
Travelers can top up data as they go and enjoy seamless connectivity, no matter where their journey takes them. The plan is perfect for those who prioritize freedom and flexibility in their mobile data experience.
Learn more about JetFlex here.
Become a Jetpac eSIM VIP Member with the JetPro Plan
Level Up your travel experience with the JetPro Plan, tailored for frequent travelers seeking more data and exclusive perks.
JetPro members enjoy 7GB of global data per month across 100+ destinations, ensuring premium, reliable coverage. The plan also includes 2 monthly Lounge Access Passes and Fast Track passes, with stackable options that remain valid for up to 9 months.
Choose flexible payment options—monthly or quarterly—and enjoy VIP-level benefits that make every journey smoother and more luxurious.
Find more details about JetPro here.
