Need An Esim For Japan Travel? Find The Best Options

Planning a trip to Japan and want to stay connected without the hassle of physical SIM cards? An eSIM for Japan travel is the perfect solution, and SIXT.VN is here to guide you. Discover the top eSIM options for your Japanese adventure, ensuring seamless connectivity and stress-free travel.

1. What Exactly Is An Esim And Why Use It For Japan Travel?

An eSIM, or embedded SIM, is a digital SIM card that you can download and install directly onto your phone. eSIMs offer an unparalleled convenience, especially for international travel.
According to research from GSMA Intelligence in 2023, eSIM adoption is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, with an estimated 3.5 billion eSIM-enabled devices by 2025.

Most phones released since 2019 support eSIM technology, with newer models like Apple’s US iPhone 14 and 15 being eSIM-only. With an eSIM, changing carriers is easy, allowing you to connect to a new provider in seconds without needing to remove your existing physical SIM card.

2. What Are The Benefits Of Using An Esim For Japan Travel Compared To Physical Sims?

Choosing an eSIM for your Japan travel offers numerous advantages over traditional physical SIM cards:

• Convenience: No need to find a local store to buy a SIM card upon arrival. Activate your eSIM before you even land in Japan.
• Flexibility: Easily switch between different data plans and providers without physically swapping SIM cards.
• Dual SIM Capability: Use your existing phone number for calls and texts while using the eSIM for data, perfect for staying connected with family and friends.
• Space Saving: Eliminates the need to carry multiple physical SIM cards, reducing the risk of loss or damage.

tokyo to kyoto bullet train

3. What Are The Best Esim Options For Short Trips To Japan?

For short trips to Japan, consider these eSIM providers known for their flexibility and reliable service:

• eSIM Japan: Offers extensive plans for travelers with options ranging from unlimited data (1GB or 2GB per day) to fixed-data plans.
• World eSIM: Provides three different types of packages – unlimited, fixed, and daily data plans. Known for reliable speeds and connectivity.

3.1. Esim Japan: Flexibility From Short Stays To Unlimited Data

eSIM Japan offers a variety of plans tailored to different travel needs, making it an excellent choice for short trips. Their plans are divided into three main categories: Unlimited Data, 5G Unlimited Max, and Fixed-Data plans.

• Installation: Quick and easy setup with immediate QR code delivery. The plan activates upon scanning the code, taking less than 15 minutes from purchase to use.
• Performance: Roams on Japan’s KDDI au network, providing fast and reliable connectivity with average download speeds of 38.27Mbps.

3.2. World Esim: Reliable Speeds And Connectivity

World eSIM, brought to you by Vision Inc. (the company behind Ninja WiFi), offers three distinct package types: unlimited, fixed, and daily data plans. With reasonably high-speed test rankings and affordable rates per gigabyte, their eSIMs are a great option.

• Installation: Simple and straightforward, after registering on the World eSIM website, payment grants instant access to a QR code in your email. A scan and you’re ready to go.
• Performance: With download speeds averaging 99.15Mbps, streaming and video calls are smooth and efficient. During our tests, this proved to be one of the best eSIMs for video conferencing. Overall, this is an excellent choice.

4. What Are The Top Esim Choices For Longer Stays In Japan?

For extended stays in Japan, these eSIM providers offer larger data limits and longer durations:

• Mobal eSIMs: Provides big data limits and voice + data plans, ideal for longer trips.
• Ubigi: Offers fast speeds for short to long stays, with various plans to suit different data needs.
• Saily: Excellent value for 20GB, providing a cost-effective option for data-heavy users.

4.1. Mobal Esims: Big Data Limits And Voice + Data Plans

Mobal’s short-term data-only plans are available in durations of 8, 16, and 31 days, with data limits ranging from 3 to 100GB. The short-term voice + data sims are also available for 30, 60, and 90 days, though these plans have data limits capped at 7GB per calendar month. If you want a more long-term voice + data option, plans are also available with monthly fees for 1, 5, 10, or 30GB of data per month.

• Installation: About 15 minutes are needed to activate the data SIMs. After five minutes, an email with a link to their service website was received. This directed us to a page where we waited another ten minutes for our eSIM QR code to be prepared.
• Performance: Mobal is about in the middle of the pack in terms of performance, with an average speed of 24.76 Mbps. Websites loaded rapidly, and video conversations went relatively well. Overall, it is a reliable and solid eSIM.

4.2. Ubigi: Fast Speeds For Short To Long Stays

Ubigi is a global eSIM provider currently offering eSIMs for over 200 destinations. After quickly becoming a major player in the Japanese eSIM market, they intend to meet the majority of demands. There is something for all travelers, from affordable single-day 500MB plans to monthly unlimited data and yearly plans.

• Installation: Getting an Ubigi is as simple as a snap. Seconds after we paid, a QR code was sent to us through email. After a quick scan, we were ready to leave. Similar to the majority of others on this list, Ubigi partners with NTT Docomo to provide dependable coverage throughout Japan. Transatel, the business behind Ubigi, is really owned by NTT.
• Performance: We tested the 3GB Ubigi eSIM. During our testing, we saw speeds of 73.72 Mbps on average, and web pages loaded quickly. There was no buffering during smooth YouTube playback, and our video calls were clear. Ubigi is a strong contender in this price range because of its superb quality and speed.

4.3. Saily: Excellent Value For 20GB

Saily offers straightforward eSIM plans with durations of 7 and 30 days. The 7-day option includes 1GB of data, while the 30-day options range from 3 to 20GB. In terms of cost, the 20GB Saily eSIM for Japan is unbeatable. Saily originates from the well-known technology business NordVPN and makes use of the UK network 1GLOBAL, with local roaming provided by NTT Docomo.

• Installation: Our Saily eSIM was available for immediate download, and the specialized Android/iOS app made activation simple by walking you through the setup process.
• Performance: Saily performed well in terms of speed, with a strong 5G signal in the majority of our testing locations; video streaming and calls were seamless.

A woman with a backpack looks at an airport departures board

5. How About An Esim For (Very) Light Data Use In Japan?

For travelers who need minimal data, consider:

• GigSky Japan eSIM: Offers a range of fixed data plans, including a free 100MB option, perfect for basic connectivity.

5.1. GigSky Japan Esim: Fast Speeds And Reliable Connectivity

GigSky currently provides seven eSIM data plans for Japan. The five fixed data plans range from a free 100MB, 7-day option to 10GB for 30 days. The two unlimited options include 7- and 15-day plans. GigSky provides regional Asia Pacific plans, a World plan, and a variety of Cruise + Asia Pacific plans in addition to the Japan-specific data packages.

• Installation: Purchasing a GigSky eSIM requires creating an account. Unlike other providers, we thought the procedure was quite quick and simple using the GigSky app. After creating an account, select your plan using the app or website. You may then quickly install your eSIM by scanning the QR code in your email or automatically through the app. You may also track data consumption and top up your plan as needed if you’re using the app.
• Performance: While the free 100mb was extremely slow, GigSky’s premium Japan eSIM was among the fastest in our download speed tests. During our eSIM testing, we instantly connected to NTT Docomo networks. You should have dependable connectivity in most parts of the country because it is one of Japan’s most popular networks.

6. What Is The Best Esim For Families And Groups Traveling In Japan?

Traveling with family or a group requires an eSIM that allows data sharing:

• Flexiroam Japan eSIM: Offers fixed-data plans with the option to distribute data to friends and family, ideal for group travel.

6.1. Flexiroam Japan Esim: Great For Groups

Flexiroam offers six fixed-data plans and six unlimited data plans across their Japan eSIM range. The fixed data plans include four 30-day eSIMs of various data limits, and two shorter 7- and 15-day options. Flexiroam’s unlimited plans are staggered from 5 days up to 30 days.

• Installation: Purchasing and installing your eSIM necessitates creating an account. While it is not required, we found that purchasing using the Flexiroam app was the simplest method. Select your travel destination, usage (fixed or unlimited data), and trip duration using the app or website, and the available options will be presented to you. After that, choose the plan you want and enter your payment information.
• Performance: According to Flexiroam’s website, its eSIMs automatically connect to the strongest signal from the available local operators. While its website does not clearly state its partner networks in Japan, we were able to manually connect to two of Japan’s major network operators (Docomo, NTT, and Softbank) during our tests. Flexiroam was in the middle of the pack in our speed tests.

7. What Are Some Flexible Esim Plans When Traveling In Japan?

For those who prefer flexible plans with various top-up options:

• Sakura Mobile: A trusted local Japan provider with short-term eSIMs available from 1 to 90 days, offering both unlimited and fixed-data options.

7.1. Sakura Mobile: Trusted Local Japan Provider

Sakura Mobile, a well-known SIM and Wi-Fi provider for short- and long-term visitors to Japan, also provides a line of eSIMs. The flexibility of Sakura’s Travel eSIMs is a significant selling point. Short-term eSIMs are available from 1 to 90 days with a combination of unlimited and fixed-data options. Sakura offers long-term data-only and voice + data eSIMs at 5, 25, and 40GB per month if you want a semi-permanent solution.

• Installation: We put the 3-day, 3GB data-only eSIM to the test, which cost ¥2,750. There was no way to install it directly using the Sakura Mobile website; instead, the QR code and instructions were emailed to us. Although the user interface was cumbersome, the eSIM was configured in under 15 minutes. To use it, we didn’t need to enable roaming.
• Performance: In terms of performance, Sakura Mobile’s download speeds averaged 84.46 Mbps, though they varied greatly across test platforms. Video playback and calling were seamless, however, and we were pleased with the overall performance.

8. Which Esim Providers Offer Unlimited Data In Japan?

If you need unlimited data for your Japan trip, consider these providers:

• eSIM Japan
• Ubigi
• Sakura Mobile
• World eSIM
• Sim Local
• Flexiroam

These providers offer different types of unlimited plans, catering to heavy data users such as business travelers and remote workers.

9. What Are Some Common Japan Esim Faqs?

Here are some frequently asked questions about using eSIMs for Japan travel:

9.1. How Much Data Do I Need For My Japan Trip?

Data usage varies depending on your activities. If you’re primarily using data for maps and messaging, 500MB to 1GB per day may suffice. However, if you plan on streaming videos, working remotely, or spending a lot of time on social media, consider higher data limits.

9.2. Is My Phone Esim Compatible?

Most phones released since 2019 are eSIM compatible. Check your phone’s specifications or contact your service provider to confirm if your device supports eSIM functionality.

9.3. What Is The Best Esim For Skiing Or Snowboarding In Japan?

For skiing and snowboarding trips, ensure your eSIM provides reliable connectivity in remote areas. NTT Docomo is often recommended for its extensive network coverage. Consider providers like Mobal for voice + data packages.

9.4. What Is A Fair Usage Policy (Fup) And How Does It Affect Unlimited Data Plans?

Many unlimited data plans have daily data caps (e.g., 2-5GB), with throttled speeds after exceeding the limit. Japan’s nationwide FUP ensures equal internet access, so avoid excessive data usage to prevent speed throttling.

9.5. Which Network Offers The Best Coverage In Japan?

NTT Docomo generally offers the most extensive network coverage nationally. However, AU and Softbank lead in 5G coverage. Consider your travel destinations and data needs when choosing a network.

9.6. Which Japan Esim Is The Fastest?

Based on speed tests, eSIM Japan offers the highest average speeds, followed by Mobal and Sakura. These providers utilize the local KDDI AU and NTT Docomo networks.

9.7. Is 5G Available In Japan?

Yes, 5G is available in Japan, but not all eSIM plans offer 5G connectivity. 5G provides significantly faster download and upload speeds in major metropolitan areas.

9.8. How Easy Is It To Switch Between Esim Plans During A Trip?

Switching between eSIM plans is quick and easy if you have multiple eSIMs installed. Some providers offer regional SIMs covering multiple countries, simplifying the process.

9.9. Which Is Better For Your Japan Trip: An Esim Or A Physical Sim Card?

Physical SIM cards may offer more options, such as a Japanese phone number with calling ability (e.g., Mobal). However, eSIMs provide greater convenience and flexibility.

9.10. What’s The Difference Between International Roaming Esims And Local Esims?

International roaming eSIMs are provided by foreign companies and roam on local networks. Local eSIMs are native to the country. Coverage is generally similar, but international eSIMs may experience battery drainage and slower speeds due to roaming.

10. How Were These Esims Tested?

The eSIMs listed were tested using the Ookla speed testing app in multiple locations around the Tokyo area. Tests measured upload, download, and latency speeds to ensure fair and realistic results.

Testing Japan eSIMS in Tokyo

SIXT.VN: Your Partner For Seamless Japan Travel

Planning a trip to Japan can be overwhelming, but SIXT.VN is here to simplify your travel experience. In addition to helping you choose the best eSIM for Japan travel, we offer a range of services to make your trip smooth and enjoyable:

• Travel Consultation: Personalized travel itineraries tailored to your preferences and schedule.
• Airport Transfer: Safe and convenient airport pickup services.
• Hotel Booking: Assistance with booking hotels that fit your budget and location preferences.
• Sightseeing Tours: Guided tours to popular attractions in Japan.
• Flight Booking: Assistance with booking flights at competitive prices.

Don’t let the complexities of travel planning hold you back. Let SIXT.VN handle the details while you focus on enjoying your Japanese adventure.

Address: 260 Cau Giay, Hanoi, Vietnam
Hotline/Whatsapp: +84 986 244 358
Website: SIXT.VN

Ready to experience the best of Japan with seamless connectivity and stress-free travel planning? Contact SIXT.VN today and let us help you create the perfect Japanese adventure!