What Is The Best eSIM for Japan in 2025?

For most travelers to Japan in 2025, Saily and eSIM4.com offer the best overall value.

Saily offers an excellent balance of affordability, high-speed 5G performance, and unique security features from its parent company, NordVPN. 

eSIM4.com stands out due to its ability to offer not just eSIM data but international calling minutes, international SMS and allowing its users to buy virtual numbers via their integration into the Yabb app.

Note: all pricing is accurate at the time of writing and is subject to change.

Comparative Analysis: The Top Japan eSIM Providers Head-to-Head

For travelers seeking immediate guidance, the following table summarizes the top eSIM providers categorized by their primary strengths and ideal user profiles. These recommendations are based on a comprehensive analysis of pricing, network performance, features, and user feedback.

eSIM Feature Comparison Table

A deeper analysis requires a side-by-side comparison of quantitative and qualitative data points. 

The following table consolidates critical information from multiple sources to provide a single, authoritative reference for making an informed decision. 

The divergence in offerings—from network partners to data policies—highlights that the “best” eSIM is highly dependent on individual priorities.

In-Depth Provider Reviews: What Do You Need to Know?

esim4.com: Best All-In-One Communication Solution

While many eSIM providers focus solely on data, esim4.com offers a unique and powerful advantage through its integration with the Yabb.com app. This transforms a standard data-only eSIM into a comprehensive communication solution, bridging the gap between data-centric plans and the need for traditional voice and text services.

Key strengths of esim4.com include:

• Full-Service Communication via Yabb App: This is the standout feature. By using the Yabb app, esim4.com users can add a suite of services to their plan. This includes the ability to purchase international calling minutes, send and receive global SMS messages, and even acquire a virtual mobile number from various countries.
  
  This makes it possible to make and receive calls and texts on a separate number while in Japan, a feature typically reserved for more expensive, specialized providers.
  
• Centralized Management: All services, from topping up your data plan to managing your calling credits and virtual number, are handled within the single Yabb app, providing a convenient and unified user experience.
  
• Reliable Network Foundation: The service is built on Japan’s major networks, Softbank and KDDI, ensuring dependable connectivity with 5G support for fast data speeds.
  
• Tethering Included: The plans permit tethering, allowing you to share your data connection with other devices.

For travelers who need more than just data and want the flexibility of making calls, sending texts, or using a virtual number without juggling multiple apps or services, esim4.com’s integration with Yabb makes it a uniquely versatile and compelling choice.

Saily

Saily, a newer entrant to the eSIM market, has quickly established itself as a top contender, particularly for travel to Japan. 

Backed by Nord Security, the company behind the highly reputable NordVPN, Saily leverages a strong foundation of security and user-centric design to deliver a compelling package.

Its primary appeal lies in a combination of three key factors: affordability, performance, and security.

• Affordability: Across various data tiers, Saily consistently ranks as one of the most budget-friendly options. Plans for Japan start as low as $3.99 for 1GB valid for 7 days, with a 20GB plan available for just $22.99, offering excellent value for medium to heavy users. This competitive pricing makes it an accessible choice for a wide range of travelers.
  
• Performance: Saily provides high-speed 5G connectivity by partnering with what it describes as “Japan’s best networks.” User testimonials and reviews corroborate these claims, with some users reporting download speeds exceeding 100 Mbps, which is more than sufficient for high-definition streaming, video calls, and seamless navigation.
  
• Security Integration: This is Saily’s most significant differentiator. Drawing from Nord Security’s expertise, the Saily app includes a suite of security features not typically found in other eSIM services. These include a virtual location changer, an ad blocker to reduce data consumption, and web protection to guard against malicious websites. While not a full VPN, these integrated protections offer an added layer of security and privacy.
  
• User Experience and Support: The service is praised for its simple and intuitive app, which facilitates a quick and painless installation process. Furthermore, Saily offers robust 24/7 customer support through both an in-app live chat feature and a dedicated support email, ensuring assistance is readily available.

For the traveler who values a combination of high performance, strong security, and competitive pricing, Saily presents the most well-rounded package for Japan.

Ubigi

For travelers who prioritize network coverage and reliability above all else, Ubigi stands out as a premier choice. 

Its key advantage is not just a marketing claim but a structural one: Ubigi is operated by Transatel, a French company that is a subsidiary of NTT, the parent company of NTT Docomo, Japan’s largest and most respected mobile carrier.

This direct lineage provides Ubigi users with several tangible benefits:

• The NTT Docomo Advantage: Access to the NTT Docomo network is a significant asset. NTT Docomo is widely regarded as having the most extensive and robust network coverage across Japan.
  
  Ubigi also lists KDDI as a network partner, providing excellent backup and redundancy. This makes Ubigi an exceptionally reliable option for travelers planning to venture off the beaten path.
  
• Exceptional Plan Flexibility: Ubigi caters to a diverse range of user needs with a wide variety of plan structures. It offers standard one-off data packages, monthly recurring plans ideal for longer stays, and even annual plans for residents or frequent visitors. This flexibility is unmatched by most competitors who focus solely on short-term tourist plans.
  
• A Transparent “Unlimited” Plan: In a market where “unlimited” often comes with hidden restrictions, Ubigi’s transparency is commendable. Its unlimited data plans for Japan explicitly state the terms of their Fair Usage Policy: speeds are reduced to 1 Mbps after a user consumes 60GB of data within a 30-day period. This is a decent high-speed data allowance, and the clear communication of this threshold allows users to make an informed decision without fear of sudden, unexpected throttling.
  
• Customer Support and Usability: While the service is robust, some users have noted that the Ubigi app and website interface can be slightly less intuitive than those of competitors. Customer support is available through a website contact form and a live chat function.

Ubigi is the recommended choice for the discerning traveler for whom guaranteed, high-quality connectivity across the entirety of Japan is the top priority.

Airalo

Airalo holds the distinction of being the world’s first and one of the most popular eSIM marketplaces, a position it has earned through a focus on user-friendliness and extensive global coverage.

The platform’s strengths are clear and have contributed to its widespread adoption:

• Exceptional User-Friendliness: Airalo is consistently praised for its clean, intuitive app and a seamless setup process. This ease of use removes much of the technical anxiety associated with setting up a new cellular service, making it an good option for first-time eSIM users.
  
• Extensive Global Reach: As a massive marketplace, Airalo offers eSIM plans for over 200 countries and regions. This makes its regional plans (like the “Asialink” eSIM) and global plans particularly valuable for travelers on multi-country itineraries that include Japan.
  
• Reliable Performance in Urban Centers: In Japan, Airalo partners with major carriers like SoftBank and KDDI to provide reliable connectivity. User reports confirm good performance with stable LTE and 5G speeds in major metropolitan areas such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. However, it is worth noting that one source indicated its Japan-specific plans may be limited to 4G, a point of contradiction that potential users should be aware of.
  
• Customer Support: Airalo provides 24/7 customer support through an in-app live chat and a support email. While the company advertises robust support, some user reviews on platforms like Reddit have mentioned that response times can occasionally be slow, which could be a concern for travelers needing immediate assistance.

Airalo remains a strong, dependable choice, especially for those prioritizing an easy setup or planning a broader tour of Asia beyond Japan.

Holafly

Holafly has built its brand almost entirely around a single, powerful marketing promise: unlimited data. For travelers who want to use their phones without the mental burden of tracking gigabytes, this offer is incredibly tempting. 

However, a deeper investigation into the technical details and user experiences reveals a more complex reality.

The core of the issue lies in the discrepancy between the marketing and the implementation of its “unlimited” plans.

• The Marketing Promise: Holafly’s website and advertising materials emphasize simple, unlimited data plans with no caps, allowing users to choose a duration (e.g., 15 days, 30 days) and receive unlimited data for that period. This is its primary market differentiator.
  
• The Fine Print (Fair Usage Policy): A closer look at the technical specifications on Holafly’s own website reveals a critical caveat. It states that its network partners (KDDI and SoftBank in Japan) “may reserve the right to apply a Fair Usage Policy” and reduce connection speeds if necessary. The specific data threshold that triggers this speed reduction is not disclosed, creating a significant element of uncertainty for the user. Additionally, the ability to use the phone as a personal hotspot (tethering) is strictly capped at 500MB per day.
  
• The User Reality: The real-world consequences of this opaque policy are best illustrated by firsthand user accounts. One traveler on Reddit shared a particularly troubling experience: their connection speed was reduced to zero from 10 am to 5 pm each day.
  
  Upon contacting customer support, they were informed that the local operator had cut their speed because they had consumed their “high-speed data” allowance for the day, despite the plan being advertised as unlimited.
  
  Another user reported that their connection performance progressively worsened each day of their trip, suggesting they were being throttled.

The anxiety of having a connection that could be rendered unusable at any moment can be more stressful than simply managing a fixed data allowance. 

While Holafly’s concept is appealing, its implementation is unpredictable. It is only suitable for light users who are unlikely to trigger the FUP or for those who fully understand and accept the significant risk of sudden and severe speed throttling.

How to Select the Perfect eSIM Plan for Your Japan Trip: A Step-by-Step Guide

Choosing the right eSIM is not a one-size-fits-all decision. It requires a thoughtful assessment of your personal travel style, data habits, and technical needs. 

Following this step-by-step process will ensure you select a plan that is both cost-effective and perfectly suited to your itinerary.

Step 1: Assess Your Data Needs (How Much Data Do You Really Need?)

The most common mistake travelers make is either overestimating or underestimating their data consumption. 

Understanding your usage patterns is the key to selecting a plan that provides enough data without overpaying for capacity you will not use. The following table provides estimates for common activities to help you gauge your daily needs.

Based on these estimates, travelers can be categorized into three main profiles:

• The Light User (Under 1GB/day): This traveler primarily uses their phone for essential tasks like Google Maps, messaging apps (WhatsApp, LINE), checking emails, and light web browsing. For a typical two-week trip, a 10GB or 20GB plan is more than sufficient and offers great value.
  
• The Medium User (1-2GB/day): This profile includes all the activities of the light user but adds regular social media use (scrolling feeds, uploading photos and videos) and perhaps some occasional music or short-form video streaming. A 20GB to 30GB plan for a two-week trip is a safe and comfortable choice.
  
• The Heavy User / Digital Nomad (2GB+/day): This user relies on their phone for constant connectivity. This includes frequent video streaming, large file uploads/downloads, extensive video calling, and tethering a laptop for remote work. This user should consider larger fixed-data plans (50GB or more) or a transparent unlimited plan like Ubigi’s, which offers a high 60GB threshold before throttling.

Step 2: Match Your Trip Duration to Plan Validity

Every eSIM plan comes with a validity period, such as 7 days, 15 days, or 30 days. It is crucial to select a plan with a validity that covers your entire stay in Japan. 

A common best practice is to choose a plan that is one day longer than your trip to account for arrival and departure days, ensuring you have connectivity from the moment you land until the moment you take off. 

Most plans begin their countdown either upon installation or, more commonly, once the eSIM connects to a network in the destination country.

Step 3: Determine Your Feature Requirements (Data-Only vs. Calls/SMS)

A critical point to understand is that the vast majority of travel eSIMs sold by international providers are data-only. 

This means they do not come with a local Japanese phone number and cannot be used to make or receive traditional cellular calls or SMS text messages.

If you do require calls or SMS then we recommend using Yabb with eSIM4.com.

Step 4: Verify Your Phone’s Compatibility and Unlock Status

This is a non-negotiable prerequisite. Before purchasing any eSIM, you must confirm two things about your smartphone: it must be eSIM compatible and it must be carrier-unlocked.

• eSIM Compatibility: Most modern flagship smartphones from Apple, Samsung, Google, and other major manufacturers support eSIM technology. However, models that are several years old or certain regional variants may not.
  
• Carrier-Unlocked Status: This is the most common point of failure for travelers. If you purchased your phone directly from a mobile carrier as part of a contract, it may be “locked” to that carrier’s network. A locked phone will not accept an eSIM from another provider.
  
  You must contact your home carrier to have the phone unlocked before you travel. Phones purchased directly from the manufacturer (e.g., from an Apple Store) are typically unlocked.

To check your phone’s unlock status on an iPhone, navigate to Settings > General > About. Scroll down to Network Provider Lock (or Carrier Lock). If it says “No SIM restrictions,” your phone is unlocked. On Android devices, this setting can vary, but it is typically found within the network or connection settings.

Step 5: Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using an eSIM in Japan

Learning from the common pitfalls of other travelers can save significant time and frustration. Be sure to avoid these frequent errors:

• Assuming Your Phone is Unlocked: As mentioned above, this is the most critical mistake. Always verify your phone’s unlock status with your home carrier before purchasing an eSIM.
  
• Trying to Install Without Internet: The eSIM profile must be downloaded to your phone. This requires a stable internet connection, either from your existing cellular data or, more commonly, from a Wi-Fi network. It is highly recommended to install the eSIM at home before you depart.
  
• Activating the Plan Too Early: While you should install the eSIM before you travel, do not activate the data plan until you have arrived in Japan. Most plans’ validity period begins upon activation or first connection to a Japanese network.
  
• Forgetting to Enable “Data Roaming”: This is a counterintuitive but crucial step. For your travel eSIM to connect to its partner networks in Japan (like Docomo or KDDI), you must turn on the “Data Roaming” toggle for that specific eSIM in your phone’s settings. This will not incur charges from your home carrier as long as your primary SIM is turned off or has its own data roaming disabled.
  
• Forgetting to Disable Roaming on Your Primary SIM: To prevent your home carrier from charging you exorbitant international roaming fees, you must ensure that data roaming is turned OFF for your primary, home-country SIM card.

Best eSIM For Japan FAQ

This section addresses the most frequently asked questions about using an eSIM for travel in Japan, providing direct, concise answers to help travelers navigate the process with confidence.

General Questions

What is the difference between a Japan eSIM and a physical SIM card?

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card that is built into your smartphone. It allows you to activate a cellular plan without needing to insert a physical nano-SIM card. A physical SIM is a small chip that you must manually insert into your phone. The primary advantages of an eSIM are convenience and instant delivery; you can purchase and install it online from anywhere.

Can I keep my original phone number with a Japan eSIM?

Yes. Your primary phone number is tied to your home country’s SIM card (physical or eSIM). When you install a travel eSIM, it acts as a second line in your phone. You can keep your primary line active to receive calls and texts (be aware of your home carrier’s roaming charges) while using the travel eSIM for all your mobile data needs.

Do Japan travel eSIMs come with a Japanese phone number?

Typically, no. The vast majority of eSIMs sold by international providers like Saily, Ubigi, and Airalo are data-only plans. They do not include a local Japanese phone number for making traditional cellular calls or sending SMS messages. If you need a Japanese number then use Yabb.com.

Pricing and Plans

How much data do I actually need for a 2-week trip to Japan?

This depends heavily on your usage habits. A light user who primarily uses maps and messaging can often get by with 10GB. An average user who adds social media and some streaming should aim for 20GB to 30GB. A heavy user or digital nomad may need 50GB or more. For most travelers, a 20GB plan is a safe and cost-effective choice for a two-week trip.

Is an “unlimited data” eSIM really unlimited?

No, not in the way most people assume. “Unlimited data” plans from providers like Holafly and Ubigi are always subject to a Fair Usage Policy (FUP). This means that after you consume a certain amount of high-speed data, the provider will drastically reduce your connection speed (a practice known as throttling) for the remainder of the day or billing cycle.

What is a Fair Usage Policy (FUP) and how does it affect my speed?

A Fair Usage Policy is a rule set by network operators to ensure that a few heavy users do not monopolize network resources and slow down the connection for everyone else. When an “unlimited” plan is throttled, speeds can drop to as low as 128 kbps or 512 kbps, which is only fast enough for basic text messaging and email. 

Is it cheaper to buy one large data plan or top up a smaller one?

In most cases, it is more cost-effective to purchase a single, larger data plan upfront. The price-per-gigabyte is almost always lower on larger plans. Topping up a small plan multiple times will usually result in a higher total cost. It is better to accurately estimate your needs and buy a plan that comfortably covers them.