Staying connected while traveling in Japan is essential, and eSIMs offer an extremely convenient solution by allowing you to access mobile data networks without the need to look for and change physical SIM cards. How do you know which is the best eSIM for Japan when there are so many available? Here we take an in-depth look at the top 5 eSIM providers you will want to consider for your next Japan trip.
Top eSIM Options for Travelers to Japan in 2025
First of all, for those who may be unfamiliar, what exactly is an eSIM? The easiest explanation is that an eSIM is a digital SIM card that uses software already built inside your phone. Once you download the eSIM app onto your phone and paid for your data plan, it allows you to connect to a network provider in another country with just a few changes in your phone settings. So whether you love posting content on Instagram, or you’re a business traveler who needs to keep up to date with Slack or emails, Japan has an eSIM that’s right for you.
Now, let’s explore the choices for the best eSIM for Japan in 2025. There are many options in the market, where well-known global brands are using local provider networks. Each eSIM has different data plans and coverage, and this variety can help travelers pick the eSIM that fits their data needs, budget, and how long they will stay in Japan.
1. Airalo: Best eSIM for Japan for First Timers
Airalo is a globally-known eSIM provider which offers low rates in Japan while still providing strong 4G coverage. Their Moshi Moshi eSIMs line allow travellers to use both the Softbank and KDDI networks, so if you have issues with one network you can switch to the other to stay connected. With affordable data plans for short and long trips, Airalo gives great value for money, starting at £4 for 1GB, £9.50 for 5GB, and £21 for 20GBm and all their plans over 3G are valid for 30 days.
Getting an Airalo eSIM is quick and we’d recommend using their app which makes buying an eSIM straightforward. The app features a friendly interface that helps you browse plans, check data usage, and add more data if needed with just a few taps.
We’ve personally been using Airalo during our Japan trips as well as our US and European trips, and have always had great experiences so for us it has been our best eSIM for Japan up until now.
Airalo are also currently offering a free welcome eSIM that comes with 500MB for new customers so you can try out their eSIM for yourself.
2. Ubigi: Best eSIM for Japan for Speed
Ubigi is a great choice for travelers who want fast internet speeds and reliable coverage. Their eSIM use both the KDDI and NTT networks, and offer 3G, 4G, and even 5G coverage, making their eSIM one of the fastest available in Japan.
They also offer a range of flexible data plans, from 1GB for $4, $14 for 10GB, and an unlimited 7-day data plan for $26. For those heading to the 2025 Osaka Expo, one plan you may want to check out is their 5GB eSIM for $12 which is valid for 15 days.
Ubigi makes activating your eSIM easy. After you buy a plan from their website, you get two options to activate your eSIM – either use a QR code to activate your data plan and install the Ubigi eSIM, or you can download the Ubigi app, buy your plan, and activate your eSIM.
With fast internet speeds, an easy to use eSIM, and an unlimited data plan, Ubigi is a top option for travelers in Japan in 2025. Also, if you’re a new user, we’d recommend to take advantage of their promo code “WELCOME10” to get a 10% discount on your first Ubigi eSIM data plan.
3. Airhub App: Best eSIM for Japan for Unlimited Data
Airhub offers speedy 4G plans on the KDDI network with a wide range of plans providing convenience for travellers who don’t want to worry about plans running out after a certain length of time. Their top selling plan is a 15GB plan which lasts 30 days and costs $14.65. For data heavy travellers, Airhub offer an unlimited plan for $28.40 that is valid for 15 days.
One of the unique plans Airhub offers is the 90 day plan for $45 that comes with 25GB of data. This could be a good option if you have wifi at your accommodation and are quite light with your data usage. A similar light data user but long plan is available with the 30 day 4GB plan for $5 which uses the KDDI network.
Apart from making sure your internet needs are met during your trip, Airhub has a support team that is ready to help you via chat 24/7. We tested out their live chat respond time and heard back from customer support in under 8 minutes. This is another reason why Airhub App made our list for the best eSIM for Japan.
Airhub is an affordable option for travelers looking for unlimited data plans or considering staying for longer periods of time in Japan. Along with their reasonable plans they also have a 5% family plan discount currently available if you buy 2 eSIMs worth $20 or more, which will come in handy if you’re travelling as a family or group.
4. ESIM JAPAN: Flexible Daily and Fixed Plans
ESIM JAPAN provides daily, fixed and unlimited data plan options for travelers to Japan. With the Unlimited plans, you’ll be connected with 4G LTE speeds on the KDDI network for $8.99 for 7 days, or 5G for $27.99 for 7 days. When it comes to the ESIM JAPAN fixed data plans, you can opt for 15 days at 7GB for $12.99, or $19.99 for 15GB which lasts for 30 days.
Separate to the above plans, ESIM JAPAN have a Japan Daily Data plan offered on the Softbank network but only to iPhone and Galaxy smartphones. This plan provides a 3GB daily limit at 4G LTE speeds, and even after you use up your 3GB daily limit, you still have unlimited data service at a lower speed of 128 kps.
What makes ESIM JAPAN special in our minds is how easy the website is to navigate. You choose the plan you’d like to review or buy, and then simply select the number of days you want the plan to last for from the dropdown.
If you’re considering purchasing from ESIM JAPAN, they currently offer a 10% Spring discount on all their plans using the Promo Code: SAKURA10, and you’ll also get a voucher to get a free Mochi Ice Cream from Lawson convenience stores (worth 184 yen) when you arrive in Japan!
5. Orange Travel: Best for Understanding Compatibility
Last but not least, Orange Travel are an established provider covering many countries and along with eSIM cards for Japan, they offer a Global eSIM which is great for travelers who want to visit multiple places in one trip. This Global eSIM comes with 10GB of data at 4G/LTE speed, valid for 14 days, and currently on offer for $38.99.
When it comes to their Japan eSIMs, Orange Travel offer a range of fixed data eSIMs that range from 2GB to 50GB with all eSIMs valid for 30 days with the expection of the 10GB plan which lasts 14 days. Each of these eSIMS have fast data speeds of 4G/LTE and able to run on the KDDI, NTT Docomo, Softbank, and Rakuten networks.
A great thing about the Orange Travel website is that it allows you to check the compatibility of your phone and their eSIMs within 10 seconds. All you need to do is click on the compatibility link, select your smartphone brand from the dropdown and then you’ll see a list of all the compatible models.
Orange Travel also provides great customer service. Their support team is always ready to help with any questions or problems via chat 24/7. The combination of the Global eSIM and the long validity of eSIMS makes Orange Travel the preferred choice for travelers who want a reliable connection when traveling in Japan.
Best eSIM for Coverage Across Japan
When you travel in Japan, you need a reliable internet connection for finding your accommodation or nearest train station, talking with friends and family, and sharing your experiences. The good news is that the eSIM providers introduced in this article all run on the major Japanese telecom companies – KDDI, NTT Docomo, and Softbank. Each of these networks provide signal in 99% of Japan, giving you a smooth and steady online experience during your trip in Japan.
However what you need to keep in mind is that while you will have no trouble in the cities, when you head into the countryside such as in Hakone you will find places without any signal. This is where picking an eSIM provider who works with several big carriers will benefit you, as this way you can switch between networks, and you’ll be more likely to stay connected even in remote areas. When considering the best eSIM for Japan in this way, you’ll see that both Airalo and Ubigi work with 2 networks.
Best eSIM for Japan for Data Packages
Choosing the right eSIM for your trip starts with figuring out how much data you’ll need. Once you have an idea of how many GBs you’ll be using per day or during your trip, you’ll be able to select a plan that best fits your needs and budget.
For data heavy users, you may want to consider either a fixed plan, which each of the best eSIM for Japan providers we introduce in this article offer. Ubigi, Airbhub App, and ESIM JAPAN also have unlimited plans which will be worth it if you know your daily data usage will go over 2GB. However if you want to keep costs down for your eSIM, and you only need data for quick messages and browsing maps or transport routes, you might want to try a low data fixed plan or even a daily data plan.
Remember before you purchase an unlimited data plan, you’ll want to look closely at how long the plan lasts, and the speed of the data plan as some plans such as ESIM JAPAN’s Basic Unlimited Plan has a daily limit of 1GB per day with 4G LTE speed and then have 384 kbps after.
Best eSIM for Japan for User Experience
So what should you be looking for here? Well a smooth and easy experience should include simple steps for eSIM purchases such as a clear and easy to navigate website or app. Activation should also be straightforward with clear instructions, illustrations with ideally screenshots or a how to activate video. Then there should be online help should you need it.
Rather than choose one best eSIM for Japan for this section, we would recommend that you review the 5 providers we introduce, and see if you prefer having an app for your eSIM or whether you’d rather use a QR code. A benefit of going with an app is that it will show you how much data you have remaining, which is handy as you don’t want to be left without data when an eSIM runs out!
Best eSIM for Japan for Customer Support
While eSIMs are generally easy to install, activate, and top up, sometimes you might face unexpected problems. Before travelling to Japan or making a purchase, you may want to test the live chat or customer support of the best eSIM for Japan providers we’ve introduced in this article.
Airalo, Airhub App, and Orange Travel are providers with live chats where you can get in touch with an agent within 10 minutes. Then ESIM JAPAN offers 24/7 personalised email support with a 10 minute response time which is helpful if you have any issues trying to get connected or setting up your eSIM. Ubigi however may not be the best eSIM for Japan when it comes to customer support, as we noticed there is no live chat and it took over 24 hours for them respond to our initial query.
We hope you found this article helpful and you have a better idea of which is the best eSIM for Japan to use on your upcoming trip. If you’re thinking of visiting Japan, but wondering about flight times, check out our article, How long is a flight to Japan? Curious about Japanese cuisine? Browse our food section for our pick of Japanese restaurants reviews and recipes. If you’re after visual inspiration, head over to our Instagram account for posts of Japanese food, festivals, and travel experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the advantages of using an eSIM over a physical SIM?
As you have seen in this article on the best eSIM for Japan there are many benefits such as convenience and flexibility. You can quickly activate an eSIM without needing to go to a physical store at the airport or travelling, and you don’t need to worry about high data roaming fees from your home country network.
What happens if I run out of data prematurely?
Running out of data is common, but you can fix it quickly by getting a top-up. The best eSIM for Japan providers listed in this article all let you add to your data plan through their website or app. After you buy the top-up, your extra data goes right into your current plan. This lets you get back online and do what you need.
