Is Ubigi or Airalo Best for Japan? What Reddit Doesn't Tell You About Roaming
Updated : 2026-01-14 17:45:54
When planning a trip to Japan, a stable internet connection is indispensable. Whether it's navigating with maps, translating on the fly, or sharing updates on social media, your smartphone is a vital tool for your stay. Recently, more travelers have shifted to using eSIMs, which offer the convenience of not having to swap physical SIM cards. When it comes to finding the best eSIM for Japan, Reddit has become the go-to hub for active information exchange among travelers.
From a telecommunications provider's perspective, we will provide a detailed analysis of the pros and cons of the eSIM services frequently discussed on Reddit. Our goal is to look beyond the advertisements and address the technical aspects of eSIMs, presenting the best options for traveling to Japan as of 2026.
Top Recommended eSIMs for Japan on Reddit
Based on evaluations found within Reddit, the popular choices are summarized below:
Ubigi
Service Type: International Roaming
Ubigi is highly praised by Reddit users for its stability and extensive coverage. Its primary advantage is that it utilizes the docomo network, which has the widest coverage in Japan. Users can expect a relatively stable connection not only in urban areas but also in rural regions and mountainous terrain.
Airalo
Service Type: International Roaming
Airalo has gained popularity for its cost-effectiveness and excellent user interface. Their small-capacity plans are priced very competitively, making them an attractive choice for short-term stays or travelers with low data usage. The app is intuitive and easy to use, and many beginners appreciate how simple it is to set up. There is also a lot of positive feedback regarding their high-quality customer support during troubleshooting.
Nomad
Service Type: International Roaming
Nomad is favored particularly by travelers looking for large-capacity data plans. Their 20GB and 50GB plans are relatively affordable, offering great value for users on long stays or those who frequently stream videos and use tethering. Since Nomad supports multiple networks including KDDI and Softbank, users can expect stable connectivity depending on the region.
Saily
Service Type: International Roaming
Saily has been generating buzz for its simple plans and the security trust associated with the NordVPN family.
The Reality: Most Reddit-Popular eSIMs Use International Roaming
Looking at the overall discussions on Reddit, it is somewhat unfortunate that the eSIM services popular in Japan are rarely mentioned. This is likely because Japanese-based eSIM providers aren't as well-known to the typical Reddit user. It is important to note that the eSIM services mentioned on Reddit primarily use "International Roaming," which inherently leads to certain functional drawbacks.
How International Roaming Works
The eSIM services featured on Reddit connect to Japanese carriers via international roaming. Simply put, even though you are in Japan, your data travels from Japan to the country where the roaming provider is located before coming back to Japan. This long physical distance causes latency (lag). Even if the actual download speed is "fast," the connection may feel sluggish due to this physical distance.
Furthermore, many Japanese online services block access from non-Japanese IP addresses. Consequently, when using international roaming, you may encounter issues where you cannot process payments, purchase products, or access specific local services.
While some Reddit posts mention these issues, it is important to understand that these aren't restrictions imposed by the eSIM provider itself, but rather a result of physical distance and Japan-side security regulations, which cannot be easily resolved.
Japanese Carriers (Local eSIMs)
If you use an eSIM provided by a Japanese company, you connect directly to the local network. This means zero routing latency and no restrictions on local Japanese services. If you prioritize connection stability or plan to do online shopping within Japan, we recommend choosing a service that provides direct access to the local network.
That said, if you only intend to use your smartphone for basic web browsing and social media, an international roaming-based service will still work perfectly fine for your needs.
Which eSIM is Right for You?
The best eSIM depends on your travel goals and style. If you prioritize stability and plan to visit rural areas, the wide coverage of the docomo network is your best bet. If you plan to use large amounts of data for video streaming or tethering, we recommend a plan offering 30GB or more per week.
Local docomo Network eSIMs Provided by Japanese Services
These are large-capacity eSIMs on the docomo network, which offers the most extensive coverage across Japan. Since these are provided by Japanese companies, they do not use international roaming. You won't have to worry about latency or restrictions on domestic Japanese services.
Hotspot / Tethering:
The docomo plans are highly recommended because there are no additional restrictions when using your smartphone as a hotspot (tethering), provided you stay within your data limit.
| Provider | Data | Period | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Travel Mobile | 30 GB | 8 days | ¥3,200 |
| 50 GB | 16 days | ¥3,800 | |
| 50 GB | 30 days | ¥4,900 | |
| Japan Wireless | 3GB/day | 8 days | ¥5,220 |
| 3GB/day | 16 days | ¥8,874 | |
| 3GB/day | 30 days | ¥12,528 | |
| Sakura mobile | 3GB/day | 7 days | ¥4,950 |
| 3GB/day | 10 days | ¥5,720 | |
| 3GB/day | 15 days | ¥7,150 | |
| 3GB/day | 31 days | ¥9,900 |
*Note: While some websites market "3GB/day" plans as "Unlimited," they are subject to a Fair Usage Policy (FUP). We have clearly stated the daily limits here for transparency.
Tips from Reddit Users for a Smooth eSIM Experience
Reddit threads contain valuable information regarding preparation for using an eSIM in Japan. Here is a summary of tips from experienced travelers to help you avoid common pitfalls.
Check for SIM Lock
Always ensure your smartphone is "SIM Unlocked." You cannot use an eSIM on a device that is carrier-locked. Many travelers have shared stories of purchasing an eSIM only to find it unusable because their phone was still locked.
Prepare Before Departure
Completing the installation and activation of your eSIM before you arrive in Japan allows you to connect to the internet the moment you land. While Japanese airports offer free Wi-Fi, it's much smoother to have your data ready to go. Many users recommend setting up the eSIM while waiting for their flight at the departure airport.
Set Credit Card 3D Secure Authentication to Email
When purchasing an eSIM or making online payments in Japan, you will likely use a credit card. Ensure your bank's 3D Secure (two-factor authentication) is set to **email** rather than SMS. Travel eSIMs often do not support SMS, meaning you won't be able to receive verification codes via text while in Japan.
There are many eSIM options for traveling to Japan, each with different strengths. The eSIMs popular on Reddit generally rely on international roaming; while they offer wide coverage, they may suffer from latency and service restrictions. Most reviews only focus on whether they "connected" or not. However, for the most reliable and secure experience, we want to emphasize that choosing an eSIM provided by a Japanese company is the safest way to avoid technical risks and ensure full compatibility with the local infrastructure.
References
- Best E-Sim 2025? : r/JapanTravelTips - Reddit
- Airalo Vs Ubigi In Japan: Best eSIM Option 2025 - Where and Wander
- I can't recommend Saily eSIM : r/JapanTravelTips - Reddit
- Japan eSIM, from US$ 4 | Prepaid Travel eSIM | Nomad - Nomad
- Japan eSIM data plans from US$3.99 - Saily
- Travel eSIM for Japan | Journey Japan eSIM - JJ eSIM