How to Choose the Best eSIM for a 2-Week Trip to Japan (Tokyo & Rural Areas)

I will stay in Tokyo for about two weeks and then travel to rural areas. Will an eSIM work outside of Tokyo as well? How much data do I need for a two-week stay? What are the recommended plans?

These kinds of inquiries have been coming in frequently. There might be many people who have similar concerns, so in this article, we will explain the recommended networks for those staying in both urban and rural areas, as well as how much data is needed for a worry-free experience.

Recommended Networks

Most travelers visiting Japan stay in Tokyo. While some people spend their entire trip in Tokyo, many also travel to rural areas afterward. A common concern is whether they can still have a stable internet connection once they leave Tokyo.

Networks in Urban Areas

If you are visiting high-density areas like Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Fukuoka, or Sapporo, you might wonder which network is the best. In urban areas, all major networks in Japan have good coverage, so you can expect stable connectivity regardless of which provider you choose.

Networks That Work in Rural Areas

In rural areas, some places may have weaker network coverage. However, docomo has the most extensive infrastructure, making it the most reliable network in Japan. If your travel plans include both Tokyo and rural areas, it is recommended to choose a service that uses docomo's network.

Data Usage

How Much Data Do You Need in Japan?

This is a very common question, but the answer varies depending on individual usage. However, if you consider an amount slightly higher than the global average mobile data usage, you should have no trouble. On average, heavy mobile users worldwide consume around 1GB per day. So, for a 14-day stay in Japan, having at least 14GB should be sufficient. If you plan to use tethering, you will need more data, but for most people, an eSIM that provides 1GB per day should be enough. How Much Data Do You Need for a Japan Trip?

What is an eSIM?

eSIM (Embedded SIM) is a digital SIM embedded in your smartphone or tablet, eliminating the need for a physical SIM card.

Differences from Traditional Physical SIM Cards

No Physical SIM Card Needed: No need to swap SIM cards, reducing the risk of loss. Just scan a QR code to complete the setup.
Entirely Online: From purchase to activation, everything can be done online, making it easy to use while traveling.
Various Plans Available: A wide range of plans are offered based on travel duration and data usage.

Benefits of eSIM for Travelers in Japan

Instant Connection Upon Arrival

As long as you have WiFi access at the airport or your hotel, you can connect to the internet immediately after arriving in Japan. This allows you to use navigation and translation apps right away.

No Need to Swap SIM Cards

Unlike physical SIMs, eSIMs are embedded in your smartphone, eliminating the hassle of swapping SIM cards and reducing the risk of losing them.

Flexible Plans Based on Travel Needs

Depending on your stay duration and data needs, you can choose from daily data plans or total data plans that best suit your needs.

Recommended eSIM Services: Comparison

Here are some recommended eSIM services for traveling in Japan. These services provide reliable connectivity not only in Tokyo but also in rural areas and offer ample data capacity. Additionally, since they connect to Japan’s local networks, their connection speeds are more stable and reliable compared to roaming services.

Things to Check Before Buying an eSIM in Japan

Pre-Purchase Checks

Check Device Compatibility

Ensure that your smartphone supports eSIM. Check here for details.

Check SIM Lock Status

Make sure your device is unlocked before purchasing an eSIM.

Important Notes

Once Deleted, eSIMs Cannot Be Reinstalled
Some users delete and try reinstalling an eSIM when they encounter issues. However, once a traveler’s eSIM is installed and then deleted, it generally cannot be reinstalled. It is important to understand that eSIMs should never be deleted.