Holafly Japan eSIM Review 2026: Is It Really Unlimited?
Updated : 2026-01-26 17:25:23
When planning a trip to Japan, staying connected is one of the most important preparations you'll make. Easy-to-use eSIMs are becoming an increasingly popular way to get online in Japan. Among them, you’ve likely come across a service called "Holafly." It is a massive provider known for its highly popular eSIM plans. You might be wondering: is the pricing for Holafly's Japan eSIM fair? And how does it really stack up against other options?
In this article, I will review the actual performance, pros, and cons of the Holafly Japan eSIM from the perspective of a telecommunications professional to help you find the best choice for your travel style.
What is Holafly eSIM Japan?
Founded in Spain in 2017, Holafly is an international travel eSIM service. Today, it is one of the leading providers in the industry, covering over 200 countries with more than a million users. It has seen rapid growth as a go-to eSIM service for travelers.
Holafly Japan eSIM Specifications
- Plan Type: Unlimited data plans by the day (1 to 90 days)
- Network: KDDI (au), SoftBank
- Speeds: 4G/5G supported (5G available in urban areas)
- Hotspot/Tethering: Supported up to 500MB per day
- Phone Number/SMS: None (Data only)
- Customer Support: 24/7 (Multilingual)
Source: Holafly Official Website
Is Holafly’s Japan eSIM Pricing a Good Deal?
I’ve summarized the pricing for Holafly's Japan eSIM for easy comparison. While Holafly's plans are marketed as "unlimited," there are actually certain data limits in place.
Price List as of January 2026 (Est. Incl. Tax)
| Duration | Total Price (Approx.) | Price Per Day | Data Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Day | ¥1,050 | ¥1,050 / Day | Unlimited* |
| 7 Days | ¥4,550 | ¥650 / Day | Unlimited* |
| 15 Days | ¥7,900 | ¥527 / Day | Unlimited* |
| 30 Days | ¥11,400 | ¥380 / Day | Unlimited* |
Price Comparison with Competitors
Compared to other unlimited eSIM providers, Holafly sits in the mid-to-high price range. For example, Voye offers a similar unlimited plan for 30 days at about ¥5,900 (approx. ¥197/day), which is nearly 50% cheaper than Holafly.
On the other hand, if you look at fixed-data plans, you have options like:
- MobiMatter: 20GB for 30 days at ¥2,100 (¥105/GB)
- TravelMobile: 50GB for 16 days at ¥3,800 (approx. ¥76/GB)
Source: Finding Alexx Japan eSIM Comparison
Price Verdict
Holafly is certainly not the "cheapest" option. However, even though the data isn't truly unlimited, it is more than sufficient for standard usage like browsing websites and using social media on your smartphone.
[Important] Holafly Connection: Expect Latency Due to Roaming
This is a critical point to understand. While Holafly uses KDDI and SoftBank networks in Japan, it utilizes a connection method called "home-routed roaming."
What is Home-Routed Roaming?
According to Holafly’s official FAQ, your data follows this path:
Source: Holafly Official FAQ - Traffic Routing
Actual Impact of Home-Routed Roaming
1. Increased Latency (Lag)
Because the data physically travels long distances, response times are slower. You may notice slow loading times on Google Maps, delays during video calls, or lag in online apps.
2. Incompatibility with Some Japanese Services
Since your IP address will appear as if you are overseas (Hong Kong, Singapore, Europe, etc.), you may encounter issues with the following services:
- Payment Apps: Apps like LINE Pay or PayPay may be rejected as "access from abroad."
- Booking Sites: The Tokyo Disney Resort app or local restaurant reservation sites might be blocked.
- Streaming Services: Content restricted to Japan may be unavailable.
- Banking Apps: Logins may be restricted for security reasons.
Holafly officially acknowledges that "platforms may be displayed in a different language, show different local content, display ads from another country, or show prices in a foreign currency."
Local Japanese eSIMs Have No Latency or Restrictions
In contrast, local Japanese eSIMs (such as TravelMobile ) connect directly to Japanese carriers.
The latency is low (20–30ms) and you are assigned a Japanese IP address. This means all Japan-only services work perfectly. If you are using your connection for work, a local Japanese eSIM is the better choice.
Real-World Speeds and Data Caps for Holafly eSIM
Connection Speed
In urban areas, Holafly generally provides practical speeds equivalent to 4G or 5G. Below is a summary of real-world measurements taken in Tokyo.
| Time of Day | Download Speed | Usage Capability |
|---|---|---|
| Early Morning (5:35 AM) | Approx. 2.9 Mbps | Maps, LINE, Web Browsing |
| Morning (10:45 AM) | Approx. 4–5 Mbps | Social Media, Photo Uploads |
| Evening (8:04 PM) | Approx. 6 Mbps | YouTube (720p–1080p) |
| Late Night (11:08 PM) | Approx. 6.9 Mbps | Video Streaming, Social Media |
The average download speed across these four tests was approximately 4.75 Mbps.
While these speeds might seem slower than expected, it's important to remember that measurements in crowded areas of Tokyo are often impacted by high network traffic. Once you move away from the densest crowds, speeds typically improve. You should treat these figures as a "minimum expected speed."
Reference: JapanConnect eSIM "Holafly eSIM Japan Review"
By the way, these speeds are enough to stream YouTube at 720p to 1080p.
Some blog posts report that in less crowded regional cities, Holafly's average download speed can reach around 25 Mbps.
Reference: PhoneTravelWiz "Holafly eSIM Japan Review"
The Truth About Holafly’s "Unlimited" Data: Fair Use Policy (FUP)
In reality, a Fair Use Policy (FUP) does exist:
- If you use more than 90GB in a month, speeds may be throttled to 256Kbps–1Mbps.
- Some users have reported speed drops after using 1.5GB to 3GB in a single day.
Essentially, it isn't completely "unrestricted," but rather "sufficient for everyday use." For most travelers simply using their phones for navigation and social media, 3GB a day feels virtually unlimited.
Reference: PhoneTravelWiz "Holafly eSIM Japan Review"
Pros of Holafly eSIM Japan
1. Excellent Customer Support
Their 24/7 chat support is highly rated in many reviews. Many users report having setup issues resolved within 30 minutes. Having immediate access to help provides great peace of mind when dealing with connectivity issues abroad.
2. Tethering Allowed
You can share your data with family or friends. However, keep in mind the 500MB per day limit. This is sufficient for light messaging or quick map checks, but not for heavy data sharing.
3. Flexible Long-Term Plans
They offer plans ranging from a single day up to 90 days. This makes it a flexible choice for anything from short vacations to mid-to-long-term business trips.
4. Multi-Country Support
If you plan to visit other Asian countries besides Japan, Holafly’s Asia plan allows you to cover multiple countries with a single eSIM. This saves you the hassle of buying and setting up a new eSIM every time you cross a border.
Cons of Holafly eSIM Japan
1. Limitations of Home-Routed Roaming
Your traffic is routed through overseas servers (Hong Kong, Europe, etc.), leading to the following issues:
- High Latency (50–150ms or higher)
- Incompatibility with many Japan-only apps (PayPay, Disney Resort app, etc.)
- Possible impact on streaming quality
This can be a major dealbreaker for travelers who rely on local Japanese digital services.
2. Higher Price Point
Compared to local Japanese eSIMs like TravelMobile, Holafly is more expensive. While you are paying for convenience and support, it is not the best choice for budget-conscious travelers.
3. Not Truly "Unlimited"
Due to the Fair Use Policy (FUP), you might experience throttling. However, since you can typically use over 3GB per day, it will still feel like an unlimited plan for standard smartphone use.
4. Strict Tethering Limits
When using your phone as a hotspot, you are strictly limited to 500MB per day. This will feel very insufficient if you plan to work on a laptop or stream movies on a tablet.
Who Should Choose Holafly?
Recommended for:
- First-time eSIM users (who prioritize support)
- Travelers visiting multiple Asian countries
- People who don't need Japan-specific apps/services
- Heavy data users (Video/Social Media)
NOT Recommended for:
- Users of local payment or booking apps
- Online gamers or video conference users
- Budget-first travelers
- Light data users
Comparison with Other eSIM Services
Many providers offer eSIMs for Japan, each with its own pros and cons. Here are some of the most recognized services frequently discussed on platforms like Reddit. Like Holafly, these all use the home-routed roaming method.
Airalo
World-renowned, but their Japan plans are pricey (approx. ¥6,400 for 20GB). Like Holafly, they use roaming, so expect similar latency issues.
Saily
Offers unlimited plans at a similar price to Holafly. Features a built-in ad blocker. Also uses roaming.
Ubigi
Promotes 5G support, but since 5G coverage in Japan can be spotty, it isn't always a huge advantage. Generally more expensive than competitors.
MobiMatter
Offers great fixed-data plans (20GB for ¥2,100, 50GB for ¥3,600). This is a highly cost-effective choice if you know how much data you usually consume.
A Local Alternative: TravelMobile
To avoid the restrictions of home-routing, a Japan-only eSIM that connects directly to local carriers is your best bet. TravelMobile is a leading example.
- ✅ Connection: Local Japanese connection (No overseas routing)
- ✅ Network: Docomo (Japan's largest and strongest)
- ✅ Price Example: 50GB for 16 days at ¥3,800 (approx. ¥76/GB)
- ✅ IP Address: Local Japan
Because it doesn't route through other countries, latency is extremely low. PayPay, Disney apps, and local streaming services all work perfectly.
TravelMobile Official SiteWhich one to choose?
Holafly: If you want unlimited data, are visiting multiple countries, or want the best support for your first eSIM.
TravelMobile: If you need Japanese apps, low latency, better value, or are visiting rural areas.
How to Set Up Your eSIM in Japan
Check Compatibility
Dial "*#06#". If an EID number appears, your phone is eSIM compatible.
Purchase & Install
Scan the provided QR code to install the eSIM profile.
Upon Arrival
Turn on the eSIM in your settings to connect automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I still use WhatsApp, LINE, and other social media?
Yes, they will work perfectly. Your apps will remain linked to your original phone number, so there is no need to re-configure anything.
Q2: Can I use it alongside my primary SIM (Dual SIM)?
Yes. Simply set "Mobile Data" to the Holafly eSIM and keep your primary SIM for "Default Voice Line." This allows you to receive calls on your home number while using the eSIM for affordable data.
Q3: Does my phone need to be SIM-unlocked?
Yes, it is mandatory. If your device was purchased from a carrier and is still locked, you won't be able to install an eSIM. Verify your lock status before you leave.
Q4: What should I do if it doesn't connect?
First, ensure "Data Roaming" is turned ON in your settings. If that doesn't work, try toggling Airplane Mode or contact Holafly’s 24/7 chat support. They typically respond within 30 minutes.
Q5: Do I need to remove my physical SIM card?
No, you can leave it in. The eSIM is digital information written to a chip inside your phone. One of the benefits of eSIM is that you don't risk losing your tiny physical SIM card.
Q6: Is it a problem that my IP address shows as being overseas?
It depends on your needs. For general web browsing, it's fine. However, apps like PayPay, banking apps, and Japanese streaming services may block access for security or copyright reasons. If you need these, consider a local eSIM like TravelMobile.
Holafly is a convenient, reliable service with plenty of data. For most travelers who just need to check maps, browse the web, and use social media, it’s a great choice. However, it's vital to understand the constraints of home-routed roaming. Slower speeds or inaccessible Japanese services aren't necessarily intentional "restrictions" by Holafly; they are natural side effects of data traveling halfway around the world or Japanese apps blocking foreign IP addresses.
If you need to access Japan-exclusive content or shop on local websites, opt for a local eSIM like TravelMobile that connects directly to a Japanese carrier.
Disclaimer: Prices and specifications are subject to change. Please check the official websites for the latest information.