Japan Travel with eSIM: Netflix Streaming, Data Usage, and Shinkansen Wi-Fi Tips
Updated : 2025-03-15 08:35:54
For those planning a trip to Japan, many may want to enjoy Netflix during travel or while relaxing at the hotel. However, mobile data plans in Japan often come with usage limits, and excessive data consumption can lead to speed restrictions or additional charges. Therefore, this article will explain in detail the data consumption when watching Netflix and how to save mobile data. Let's go over the best practices to enjoy Netflix safely during your trip.
Data Usage Required for Watching Netflix
The amount of data used on Netflix varies significantly depending on the video quality settings.
Data Consumption When Watching Netflix on a Web Browser
| Setting | Maximum Data Usage per Hour |
|---|---|
| Low (Basic Quality) | Up to 0.3 GB |
| Medium (Standard Quality) | Up to 0.7 GB |
| High (HD Quality) | Up to 3 GB |
| Ultra HD (UHD 4K) | Up to 7 GB |
| Auto | Automatically adjusts quality based on network conditions |
For example, if you have only 10GB of mobile data, you can watch approximately 33 hours in low quality (0.3GB/hour), 14 hours in standard quality (0.7GB/hour), or only 3 hours in HD quality (3GB/hour).
The length of stay in Japan varies from person to person, but on average, it is about 14 days. A 10GB data plan might not be enough for those who frequently watch videos during their stay.
If you plan to watch Netflix for extended periods, lowering the video quality can help reduce data consumption.
Data Usage on Mobile Devices (Smartphones & Tablets)
The Netflix app (Android/iPhone) offers four data-saving settings to help manage consumption.
Netflix App Data Usage Settings
| Setting | Features & Viewing Time |
|---|---|
| Auto | Automatically balances data and quality (Approx. 4 hours per 1GB) |
| Wi-Fi Only | Allows streaming only on Wi-Fi (saves mobile data) |
| Low Data Usage | Allows about 6 hours of viewing per 1GB (lower quality) |
| High Data Usage | Highest quality (may consume over 1GB in 20 minutes) |
How to Save Data on Smartphones & Tablets
You can change the data usage settings in the Netflix app by following these steps:
- Open the Netflix app
- Tap "My Netflix" at the bottom right
- Open the "Menu" at the top right
- Select "App Settings" → "Mobile Data Usage"
- Choose "Wi-Fi Only" or "Low Data Usage"
For those concerned about data usage, it is recommended to set it to "Wi-Fi Only" or "Low Data Usage."
Data Consumption When Using Netflix in Japan
The most common duration for a stay in Japan is around two weeks. If you watch Netflix for two hours daily, the required mobile data usage is calculated as follows:
| Video Quality | Daily Data Usage | 14-Day Data Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Low Quality (0.3GB/hour) | 0.6GB | 8.4GB |
| Standard Quality (0.7GB/hour) | 1.4GB | 19.6GB |
| HD Quality (3GB/hour) | 6GB | 84GB |
For 14 days, low quality requires about 8.4GB, while standard quality needs 19.6GB. However, watching in HD consumes a massive 84GB. If Wi-Fi is unavailable, selecting an appropriate data plan is essential.
Large eSIM Data Plans in Japan and Netflix Viewing Time
Many travelers use eSIM for their internet access in Japan. Travel Mobile offers large-capacity eSIM plans with 30GB and 50GB options. The estimated Netflix viewing hours for these plans are as follows:
| eSIM Plan | Data Capacity | Low Quality (0.3GB/hour) | Standard Quality (0.7GB/hour) | HD Quality (3GB/hour) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30GB / 8 days | 30GB | Approx. 100 hours | Approx. 42 hours | Approx. 10 hours |
| 50GB / 16 days | 50GB | Approx. 166 hours | Approx. 71 hours | Approx. 16 hours |
How to Reduce Netflix Data Consumption
Change Video Quality Settings
Lowering Netflix video quality to Low or Medium can reduce data consumption to 0.3–0.7GB per hour.
Use Wi-Fi Networks
Utilize free Wi-Fi at hotels and airports to save mobile data. Set Netflix to "Wi-Fi Only" mode in the app.
Download Content for Offline Viewing
Downloading movies and TV shows via Wi-Fi allows offline viewing, saving mobile data.
Can You Stream Netflix on Shinkansen Wi-Fi?
Many travelers use the Shinkansen in Japan. While free Wi-Fi is available, the speed is unstable due to tunnels and mountainous terrain. Mobile networks, Pocket Wi-Fi, and eSIM may also be unreliable in such areas. Thus, downloading Netflix content before boarding the Shinkansen is highly recommended.