TikTok & Instagram in Japan: Which Unlimited eSIM Actually Works?
Updated : 2026-02-15 16:36:24
When preparing for a trip to Japan, your "connectivity environment" is just as important as your flights and hotels. For those who use social media daily, an internet connection is arguably as essential as your passport.
Whether you’re live-streaming the neon lights of Shinjuku, uploading high-quality Reels of Kyoto’s bamboo groves, or scrolling through TikTok on the Shinkansen, you’ll quickly run out of data if you don't purchase a SIM card or eSIM with sufficient capacity.
While many eSIMs for Japan claim to be "Unlimited," most are actually subject to a "Fair Usage Policy (FUP)," meaning they aren't truly limitless. In this article, we’ll break down exactly how much data social media users consume and introduce our carefully selected high-capacity eSIM recommendations for 2026.
How Much Data Do TikTok and Instagram Actually Use?
Before choosing an eSIM, it’s crucial to understand your own data consumption. Video-centric social media apps consume far more data than you might imagine. This is because these apps "preload" high-quality video data to ensure seamless playback.
The table below shows the average data consumption per hour for major activities.
| Activity | Consumption per Hour | With 2 Hours of Daily Use |
|---|---|---|
| TikTok (Browsing) | Approx. 948 MB | Approx. 1.9 GB |
| Instagram (Reels/Stories) |
Approx. 828 MB | Approx. 1.6 GB |
| YouTube (1080p) | Approx. 1.5 GB | Approx. 3.0 GB |
| Google Maps (Navigation) |
Approx. 30-50 MB | Approx. 100 MB |
The Truth About "Unlimited Data eSIMs": Understanding the Caps
When searching for a Japan eSIM, you will frequently see the word "Unlimited." However, the most important thing to watch out for is the Fair Usage Policy (FUP).
In the Japanese telecommunications market, "Unlimited" for travelers almost never means "completely unrestricted use." Most providers set a daily cap—typically between 2GB and 3GB—after which your speeds are throttled to a crawl (128kbps or 200kbps).
At these speeds, videos on TikTok won't play, and even posting a photo on Instagram becomes nearly impossible. For heavy social media users, an "Unlimited plan with a 2GB daily limit" is effectively just a 2GB plan. To enjoy a stress-free trip, make sure you understand these restrictions and check the FUP on the official website before purchasing your Japan eSIM or SIM card.
Top 4 eSIM Recommendations for Social Media Users (2026 Edition)
We’ve summarized the most important factors for heavy users—Price, Capacity, and FUP (Restrictions)—in the comparison table below.
| Provider | Featured Plan | Price (Est.) | Data Capacity | FUP (Throttling Conditions) | Network |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Travel Mobile | 50GB / 16 Days | ¥3,800 | 50GB | None | Docomo |
| Holafly | Unlimited / 15 Days | ¥7,600 | Unlimited | Undisclosed | SoftBank |
| Ubigi | 30GB / 15 Days | ¥6,300 | 30GB | None | Docomo (5G) |
| Airalo | Unlimited / 15 Days | ¥4,200 | Unlimited | Throttled to 1Mbps after 3GB/day | SoftBank |
1. Travel Mobile — 【Best for Flexibility and Value】
The standout feature of Travel Mobile is that there are absolutely no daily restrictions. Social media users often have large fluctuations in data use, consuming more on days they upload videos and less on days they focus on sightseeing.
- Pros: You can allocate your 50GB however you like—use 10GB one day and 1GB the next, depending on your schedule.
- Social Media Suitability: 50GB over 31 days provides plenty of data even if you watch over an hour of TikTok every day. Furthermore, since it uses the Docomo network—the strongest in Japan—your live streams from remote scenic spots will remain stable.
2. Holafly
Holafly is the provider that most aggressively promotes "Unlimited" data.
- FUP Warning: Despite the "Unlimited" branding, extreme usage over a short period (e.g., downloading several GBs in a few hours) can trigger throttling by the local carrier. Additionally, tethering (hotspot) is limited to 500MB per day, making it unsuitable for sharing data with a PC or family members.
- Social Media Suitability: Ideal for travelers who want to stream videos continuously while on the move on a single device.
3. Ubigi
Ubigi is a favorite among digital nomads and influencers worldwide.
- FUP Transparency: Their one-off plans (10GB, 20GB, etc.) have no daily limits and are very transparent. While they do offer an "unlimited" plan, they clearly state that speeds will be throttled to 1Mbps after using 30GB within 15 days. Essentially, it is a 30GB plan.
- Social Media Suitability: Their Docomo plans offer 5G connectivity, which is a major advantage for speed.
4. Airalo
As the world’s largest eSIM provider, Airalo recently introduced "Unlimited Plans," expanding their options.
- FUP Specifics: Most of their unlimited plans have a 3GB daily threshold. If you exceed this, you are throttled to 1Mbps, which is still fast enough for apps like LINE or Google Maps.
- Social Media Suitability: 3GB per day covers about 3 hours of TikTok. For those who don't watch more video than that, it’s an affordable and well-balanced choice.
3 Tips to Smartly Save Your Data
1. Use TikTok Lite
When you're in an area with a weak signal or want to save data, use "TikTok Lite." It allows you to significantly reduce data consumption while adjusting video quality.
2. Turn on Instagram "Data Saver"
Go to "Settings" > "Account" > "Data Usage" in the Instagram app and enable "Data Saver" mode. This limits the automatic preloading of videos.
3. Upload via Cafe or Hotel Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi at Japanese cafes (like Starbucks or Tully’s) and train stations is very fast. Use these for uploading heavy 4K videos and save your eSIM data for real-time navigation and posting Stories.
FAQ
- TikTok: Approx. 948MB per hour
- Instagram (Reels): Approx. 828MB per hour
Experience the Real Japan
Which eSIM is best truly depends on your individual needs.
In my personal opinion, while having a comfortable data connection is important, it should be the bare minimum for your stay in Japan. With the time difference, talking to friends and family back home can be difficult anyway. Rather than spending all your time on social media, I encourage you to talk to the local people you meet. Ask them for restaurant recommendations or interesting places to visit. They are almost always kind and helpful, and those interactions will surely make your trip to Japan a much more memorable and fun experience.