Japan eSIM
There are 7 Japan eSIM plans (1GB–100GB, 30–365 days) from $1.90; for a week with about 3GB, 3GB for 30 days, $3.90. Order online, get the install code minutes after paying, and turn on data roaming for it when you land in Japan.
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Unlimited day passes
2GB a day at full speed, then 128 kbps with no cutoff. Days count in 24-hour blocks from when it first connects there.
How the prices compare
- Japan starts at $1.90, the 7th lowest of 23 countries and regions in Asia.
- A week with 3GB: Japan alone $3.90, the Asia plan covering 17 countries and regions $9.60. For Japan alone, its own plan is much cheaper.
- The longest plan, 100GB for 365 days ($55.90), is also the best value per GB, about $0.56 per GB.
How it works
- Pay for a plan and your eSIM install code arrives straight away, by email too.
- Put the eSIM on your phone: scan the QR code or install it with one tap on the phone.
- When you reach Japan, turn on data roaming for this eSIM. Your home SIM can keep data roaming off.
Worth knowing in Japan
- Japan has four networks: NTT docomo, au (KDDI), SoftBank and Rakuten Mobile. A travel eSIM runs on one or two of them; the supplier does not publish which for each plan. Weak signal? In your phone’s mobile network settings, turn off automatic network selection and try another.
- Stations, convenience stores and cafés in the big cities often have free Wi-Fi, but it usually needs signing up and comes and goes; for maps and rides you still want your own data.
- Google Maps works well in Japan for trains and the metro.
- Hokkaido and Okinawa are in Japan: the same Japan plan works there.
Check your phone first
Dial *#06#. If you see an "EID" line, your phone supports eSIM. It also has to be unlocked.
Most iPhones sold in mainland China, and many from Hong Kong and Macao, don't support eSIM. Newer mainland models such as iPhone Air and 17e do, but install the eSIM only after you arrive, with Location Services on. No EID? A physical SIM is the no-fuss option.
FAQ
How much is a Japan eSIM?
7 plans today: 1GB for 30 days, $1.90, 3GB for 30 days, $3.90, 5GB for 30 days, $5.80, 10GB for 30 days, $6.90, 30GB for 90 days, $20.00, 50GB for 180 days, $28.00, 100GB for 365 days, $55.90.
A week in Japan: which plan?
A week of mostly maps and messages uses about 1.8GB, so 3GB leaves room: the cheapest is 3GB for 30 days, $3.90. Add an hour of short videos a day and a week comes to about 9GB, so take a bigger plan.
How do I get a Japan eSIM?
Online, in three steps, with no shop to visit: dial *#06# to check an EID shows; choose the data and days for Japan and pay with Alipay, WeChat Pay or points; install the code that arrives minutes later, and turn on data roaming for it in Japan.
Does a Japan eSIM work in mainland China?
A Japan plan only gets you online in Japan, not in mainland China. You can install it before you leave and turn on data roaming when you arrive; a mainland-China eSIM iPhone such as the iPhone Air installs it only after arriving.
Does a Japan eSIM come with a phone number?
No. It is data only, with no Japan number, so apps that need a local number for a sign-up code will not work with it. Your home number stays on your usual SIM, which can usually still receive text codes with international roaming on.
Will my home SIM still work in Japan? Do I need to swap it?
No need to swap. Keep your home SIM in the phone: with international roaming on it can usually still receive text codes. Use the travel eSIM for data and leave data roaming off on the home line, so it runs up no roaming charges.
How do I get online in Japan?
Three ways: roaming on your home SIM, at your carrier’s rates; a local SIM bought in Japan; or a travel eSIM bought before you go. The eSIM is the least hassle: Japan plans from $1.90, the install code minutes after paying, data on once you land.
Where do I buy a SIM for Japan? Can I buy one at the airport?
Four places: an eSIM online, installed before you leave and on as soon as you turn on data roaming there; a SIM card from a shop at home, posted to you and swapped in on arrival; a local SIM at the airport counter or a shop in Japan, handy but often with a queue, usually dearer than online, and in many places registered against your passport; or no new SIM, with roaming on your home line.
Is there an unlimited plan?
Yes. Japan has unlimited day passes: 2GB a day at full speed, then 128 kbps with no cutoff, from $2.90 for one day. The largest plan by data is 100GB for 365 days, $55.90.
Does a Japan eSIM work in South Korea?
No, a Japan plan covers Japan only. Going to both? The Asia plan works in each, from $3.30.
Does a Japan eSIM work in Taiwan?
No, a Japan plan covers Japan only. Taiwan needs its own plan, from $1.60.
eSIM or SIM card for Japan?
This destination has eSIM plans only: the install code arrives as soon as you pay, no delivery to wait for. Your phone needs to support eSIM; check it as above.
When does the plan start?
Usually from your first connection at the destination. After installing, there’s no need to turn on data roaming until you arrive.
Can I keep my home number for verification texts?
Yes. The eSIM is only for data; your home SIM stays in the phone. With international roaming on for your home SIM, verification texts usually still arrive (receiving texts is usually free; check with your carrier). Keep data roaming off on your home SIM and it won’t run up roaming data charges.
What if I run out of data or the plan ends? Can I top up?
Yes: add a plan or renew in My cards. That is the top-up, and there is no need to reinstall the eSIM.
Can I get a refund?
An eSIM that isn’t installed on a phone yet can be refunded from the order page, in full as points. Once installed or used, and for physical SIM cards, paid orders can’t be refunded on request; if something is wrong, contact support: we look into it and usually refund as points; a refund to the original payment method isn’t guaranteed.