Best eSIMs for Japan in 2025 — Affordable and Reliable Options

From the jaw-dropping nature of Mount Fuji to futuristic urban centers like downtown Tokyo, there’s plenty to see in the Land of the Rising Sun. Therein lies a challenge of being out and about in Japan — you need a trustworthy way to connect to the internet in both rural and congested urban areas.

The best way to achieve this goal is to use an eSIM, a technology that allows you to get a data plan when traveling without resorting to a physical SIM card.

Since there are too many providers to choose from (all with differing benefits and quirks), we decided to save you time by rounding up the best ones.

Key Takeaways

Top eSIM providers for Japan include Saily, Ubigi, Airalo, and aloSIM, known for dependable connectivity and offers that suit short and long-term travelers.
With flexible and affordable plans, eSIMs cater to users of varying data usage needs.
eSIM activation is a straightforward endeavor, and the simplicity of these apps makes managing data expenditure as easy as possible.

Want to stay “cyber safe” when traveling? Then our list of best VPN services is an essential read.

Benefits of using an eSIM

eSIM is a digital SIM card that eliminates the need for a physical SIM card. While this technology is super useful when you use it locally, it’s much more effective for international travel. Here are the main benefits of switching to an eSIM for your Japan trip:

Convenience

With an eSIM, you no longer need to go through the hassle of dealing with physical SIM cards. The days of tracking down a local SIM are over, as you can now activate your eSIM plan with a QR code before you even land at your destination. You know what this means, right?

Instant connectivity!

Flexibility

Another reason why more and more travelers opt for eSIMs these days is the flexibility they offer. You can find a plan that perfectly meets your connectivity needs — from duration to the amount of data.

Plus, there are regional plans that cover multiple countries, meaning digital nomads and backpackers can avoid the hassle of constantly looking for local data plans.

Affordability

Generally speaking, eSIMs are much more cost-effective than traditional SIM cards. For starters, the pricing is more competitive as there is no physical production involved. There are also no hidden fees that cellular providers are notorious for, and since you can choose a plan that matches your traveling itinerary to a T, you’ll avoid any unnecessary costs.

Network coverage and performance

We’re willing to bet your biggest concern is performance and network coverage, especially if you’re not familiar with how eSIM providers operate. To keep things short, major eSIM companies have excellent connectivity in all parts of Japan.

Urban coverage

Most eSIM vendors partner with local cellular companies such as NTT Docomo and SoftBank to get you online. This means you’ll enjoy high-speed internet in urban areas, no different than if you used a local data plan.

However, this also means you’ll experience some dips in speed during higher data traffic periods.

Rural coverage

Similarly, you’ll be able to establish a solid connection in more rural areas. Again, since local coverage can vary, don’t be surprised if you experience a hiccup or two when exploring remote sights.

Top eSIM providers for Japan

All the providers on the list are reputable and known for their solid performance and overall reliability. Seamless connectivity and ease-of-use are the rules of the game here and each company listed is dedicated to offering an enjoyable experience.

Here are the top choices:

1. Saily — Best overall for Japan

Starting price	$3.99 for 30 days
Platform compatibility	Android and iOS
Number of countries	180+
Supported mobile networks	3G, 4G, 5G
Coupon	5% off any Saily plan >

As an eSIM solution created by Nord Security (of NordVPN fame), Saily is quickly gaining traction in a relatively saturated market. With exceptional coverage and performance, this eSIM ensures you always have a solid connection when trekking through samurai land.

The app is effortless to use even for users who aren’t well-versed in technology. In case you somehow do run into any hitches, Saily’s 24/7 customer support is top-notch, which is a testament to just how user-centric this provider really is.

The only downsides are no voice call support and a lack of any additional features. This is something we can live with. Saily’s data-only nature is a limitation, sure, but not something that can’t be circumvented by using voice call apps like WhatsApp. Saily also excels in other segments, so it’s easy to turn a blind eye regarding limited extras.

Pricing

Saily offers affordable and flexible data plans catering to users of varying requirements, making it an amazing potential all-rounder for your next Japan trip.

A 7-day 1GB plan costs just $3.99, while a 30-day 3GB plan is appropriately priced at $6.99. More extensive plans are also available. For a 30-day 5GB plan, you’ll have to cash out $9.99, while 10GB and 20GB options (30-day duration) will set you back $15.99 and $22.99.

All in all, there is nothing to complain about with Saily. It may seem bare bones in terms of features, but it’s arguably the best choice if you want reliability and premium performance in a simple package.

+ Pros

Worldwide coverage of 180+ countries
User-friendly user interface
Simple to install
Works on Android and iOS devices
Mobile hotspot support
24/7 customer service
No hidden fees

– Cons

Limited extra features
Data-only (no SMS or phone calls)

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Dive deeper into Saily’s features with our dedicated Saily review.

2. Airalo — Most affordable

Starting price	$4.50 for 7-day plans
Platform compatibility	Android and iOS
Number of countries	190+
Supported mobile networks	3G, 4G, 5G

Need a provider that rewards its loyal customers? Then Airalo may tickle your fancy.

Everything from setting up to using the app is a breeze (as you should expect out of an eSIM). No surprises here — Airalo has been around since 2019, meaning it had time to iron out any kinks.

There aren’t many drawbacks either, the only one being that phone calls are available solely in the global plan. Otherwise, you’re getting first-rate performance at a reasonable price and ultra-dedicated customer support.

The real fun begins when you consider the pricing structure.