Best eSIM Providers for Japan in 2025
Updated : 2025-08-12 17:38:11
If you're traveling to Japan from overseas, an eSIM is a convenient way to get connected to the internet on your smartphone as soon as you arrive. An eSIM is a digital SIM that's embedded in your device. You can install it on your smartphone just by scanning a QR code, and you can purchase it online anytime, anywhere. If you couldn't buy a SIM card at the airport, or if the SIM card or eSIM prices were too high, an eSIM is a great alternative because you can purchase it even after you arrive in Japan. In this article, we've compared popular eSIM providers for short-term travelers visiting Japan.
How to Choose an eSIM: Expert Selection Criteria
Are you choosing your eSIM based on price, data capacity, or brand recognition? The key factor isn't who sells the eSIM, but the quality of the eSIM itself. A famous provider doesn't necessarily guarantee high quality, and if the conditions are the same, the cheaper option is the better value. This isn't to say that famous providers are bad; however, it's good to know that you can often buy an eSIM of the same quality for a lower price. While what makes a "good" eSIM can be subjective, as a telecommunications expert, I use the following four criteria when evaluating the quality of eSIMs sold in Japan, especially for those who plan to use them here:
- Direct Connection to Japanese Local Carriers (NTT Docomo, KDDI, SoftBank)
Does the eSIM connect directly to Japan's carrier network, or is it a roaming-type eSIM? - 5G is Mainly in Urban Areas; 4G is the Standard in Most Places
Acknowledges the reality that even if an eSIM is "5G compatible," you will mostly be using a 4G connection during your travels. - "Unlimited Plans" Have a Fair Usage Policy (FUP)
Emphasizes accurate information, such as the fact that speed reductions often occur after using 2-3GB per day. - Stable Connection in Rural and Mountainous Areas
For those visiting rural or mountainous regions, it's more important to have a reliable network than a 5G connection. A connection that uses the Docomo network is a must for these travelers.
The eSIMs introduced in this article have been carefully selected because they either meet these criteria or the providers are transparent about points that travelers often misunderstand.
Travel Mobile Japan eSIM Plans
Recommended Providers
These are providers from Japanese companies that sell eSIMs for travelers visiting Japan. You may not have heard of some of the providers on this list, but all of them are Japanese companies that offer eSIMs with a direct connection to Japanese carriers, without using roaming.
Travel Mobile
Travel Mobile uses NTT Docomo's network, which provides stable connections throughout Japan. The prices are very reasonable, such as 30GB for 8 days at 3,200 yen and 50GB for 16 days at 3,800 yen. Since it's a local connection, there is less communication delay and excellent reliability. You can also easily check your data usage.
Network:docomo
Travel MobileSakura Mobile
Sakura Mobile sells two types of eSIMs using both the NTT Docomo and KDDI networks. Their "unlimited" plan allows for more than 2GB of data usage per day. English support and an easy online application process are also convenient. The Docomo plan has the same specifications as Travel Mobile.
Network:docomo
Sakura MobalMobal
For those staying in Japan for several months or more, Mobal offers SIM cards and eSIMs with voice call functionality. It's one of the few services that allows you to purchase a plan with voice calls online.
They also sell eSIMs for travelers.
The traveler eSIM plan has the same specifications as Travel Mobile.
Network:docomo
MobalNinja WiFi
Ninja WiFi is Japan's largest provider for travelers. They have dedicated counters at most major Japanese airports where they offer face-to-face service. At the airport, you can rent a Pocket WiFi or buy a SIM card or eSIM. Ninja WiFi's biggest advantage is this in-person support.
They can also help you with eSIM setup, making it an excellent service for beginners.
Network:docomo
Ninja WiFieConnect Japan
eConnect Japan is a well-established Pocket WiFi rental service in Japan. After a change in management, they started offering SIM cards and eSIMs. They provide simple plans with just 10GB and 20GB, which are the most common data capacities travelers need.
Network:docomo
eConnect JapanCDJapan
CDJapan, a company known for selling Japanese anime and J-pop, also offers Pocket WiFi rentals, SIM cards, and eSIMs for visitors to Japan. Their eSIM plans have the same specifications as Travel Mobile.
Network:docomo
CDJapanJapan Wireless
Japan Wireless is a very popular Pocket WiFi rental service in Japan. They also sell SIM cards and eSIMs. They offer two types of eSIMs using both the KDDI and Docomo networks. The KDDI plan enables 5G SA communication, allowing for 5G connections in major cities like Tokyo.
Network:docomo / KDDI
Japan WirelesseSIM Providers from Other Countries
eSIMs that work in Japan aren't just sold by Japanese companies; providers from various other countries also offer them. Here are some popular and well-known services. When the provider is not a Japanese company, their eSIMs often use roaming.
Even when you're in Japan, a roaming-type eSIM routes your communication through the country where the service provider is based. While the communication speed may not change, you might experience a slight delay in webpage loading because your connection is routed internationally. However, this is generally not a major issue for communication speed. The biggest drawback is that when you make online purchases in Japan, you may be restricted because your access is coming from a country outside of Japan. If you need to work in Japan or buy tickets for concerts or musicals, you may be unable to use services that restrict access from outside the country. While this isn't an issue with eSIMs or SIM cards from Japanese providers, you can avoid these restrictions by using a hotel's Wi-Fi to make purchases.
Ubigi
Ubigi is a major global provider that uses a local NTT Docomo network. A 10GB plan for 30 days costs approximately $17. It comes with a user-friendly app and provides a stable connection speed within Japan.
Network:docomo
UbigiAiralo
Airalo is a roaming-type eSIM that uses the SoftBank and KDDI networks. You can easily purchase it through their app, and it's popular with short-term visitors. The prices are relatively low, but the connection may not be as stable as Docomo's network in rural areas.
Network:KDDI/softbank (Roaming-type)
AiraloHolafly
Holafly's plans are advertised as "unlimited data," but they have a Fair Usage Policy, so speed restrictions will apply. You may experience a speed reduction if you use more than 3GB of data per day. (My personal opinion is that for most people, 3GB of data per day is practically unlimited.)
Network:KDDI/softbank (Roaming-type)
HolaflySaily
Saily uses the Docomo network via roaming. It's very affordable, with 1GB for 7 days at $3.99. It also comes with a security feature.
Network:docomo(Roaming-type)
SailyImportant Points to Know When Choosing an eSIM
- "Unlimited" Plans Have a Fair Usage Policy (FUP): Speeds may be throttled if you exceed a certain amount of data, such as 3GB per day.
- 5G Areas are Mainly in Cities: 4G is the standard in rural areas, so even if you choose a 5G plan, you'll likely be using a 4G connection.
- Local Connections are More Reliable: Roaming connections can cause delays. Choose a local carrier network like Docomo, KDDI, or SoftBank for the best experience.
Compare the providers we've introduced to find the right eSIM for you and enjoy your trip to Japan!