Japan eSIM guide
2 networks with 5G · 13 data plans from $1.99. Prices below are live.
- Networks
- KDDI 5G, Softbank 5G
- 5G
- Yes
- Cheapest plan
- 500 MB · 7 days · $1.99
- Best per GB
- 20 GB · 30 days · $0.75/GB
- Unlimited from
- Unlimited · 3 days · $8.99
- Longest validity
- 30 days
Which plan for your trip
We estimate 0.2 GB a day for maps and messaging, 0.5 GB with socials and photos, and 1.3 GB if you stream or share a hotspot. Each cell is the plan our recommender picks for that trip today.
| Trip | Maps & messaging | Plus socials & photos | Streaming & hotspot |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 days | $2.99 1 GB · 7 daysneeds ~614 MB | $3.99 2 GB · 15 daysneeds ~1.5 GB | $8.99 Unlimited · 3 daysneeds ~3.9 GB |
| 7 days | $3.99 2 GB · 15 daysneeds ~1.4 GB | $6.99 5 GB · 30 daysneeds ~3.5 GB | $9.99 10 GB · 30 daysneeds ~9.1 GB |
| 14 days | $6.99 5 GB · 30 daysneeds ~2.8 GB | $9.99 10 GB · 30 daysneeds ~7 GB | $14.99 20 GB · 30 daysneeds ~18.2 GB |
| 30 days | $9.99 10 GB · 30 daysneeds ~6 GB | $14.99 20 GB · 30 daysneeds ~15 GB | $49.99 Unlimited · 30 daysneeds ~39 GB |
Networks in Japan
The Japan eSIM connects to KDDI and Softbank. All of them list 5G; a 5G phone uses it where the network has it, 4G elsewhere.
Arriving in Japan
- HND Tokyo Haneda
- NRT Tokyo Narita
- KIX Osaka Kansai
- Install the eSIM at home on Wi-Fi; it waits until you arrive.
- On landing, switch on data roaming for the eSIM line and pick it for mobile data.
- Your plan's days start when it first connects to a network in Japan.
City guides in Japan
About unlimited in Japan
Lower speed rate of 1 Mbps after 3 GB usage per day.
Visiting more than Japan?
These regional eSIMs include Japan. For 10 days of maps and socials, the Japan eSIM pick is 10 GB · 30 days for $9.99.
All 13 data plans
| Plan | Price | Per day | Per GB |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500 MB · 7 days | $1.99 | $0.28 | $4.08 |
| 1 GB · 7 days | $2.99 | $0.43 | $2.99 |
| 2 GB · 15 days | $3.99 | $0.27 | $2.00 |
| 3 GB · 30 days | $4.99 | $0.17 | $1.66 |
| 5 GB · 30 days | $6.99 | $0.23 | $1.40 |
| 10 GB · 30 days | $9.99 | $0.33 | $1.00 |
| 20 GB · 30 days | $14.99 | $0.50 | $0.75 |
| Unlimited · 3 days | $8.99 | $3.00 | No cap |
| Unlimited · 5 days | $12.99 | $2.60 | No cap |
| Unlimited · 7 days | $15.99 | $2.28 | No cap |
| Unlimited · 10 days | $19.99 | $2.00 | No cap |
| Unlimited · 15 days | $35.99 | $2.40 | No cap |
| Unlimited · 30 days | $49.99 | $1.67 | No cap |
Questions about Japan
Which networks does the Japan eSIM use?
The Japan eSIM connects to KDDI and Softbank. All of them list 5G; a 5G phone uses it where the network has it, 4G elsewhere.
How much data do I need for a week in Japan?
About 3.5 GB if you use maps, messaging, socials and photos (our estimate: 0.5 GB a day). Our pick for 7 days is 5 GB · 30 days for $6.99.
Is there an unlimited data plan for Japan?
Yes, from $8.99 for 3 days. Lower speed rate of 1 Mbps after 3 GB usage per day.
Do Japan plans include a phone number?
No, they're data only. Your home SIM stays on for calls and texts, and messaging apps and internet calls work over the eSIM data.
Which airports do most visitors fly into in Japan?
The main international airports are Tokyo Haneda (HND), Tokyo Narita (NRT), Osaka Kansai (KIX).
Does a regional eSIM cover Japan?
Yes. Asia and Global include Japan. The smallest, Asia, covers 18 countries on one eSIM.
When does the plan start?
When your phone first connects to a network in the destination, not when you buy. Install it at home on Wi-Fi; the days start counting on arrival.