Japan eSIM: Find the Best & Cheapest Prepaid Plans

By Cristian •  Updated: 07/25/23 •  4 min read

Traveling to Japan is an exciting adventure filled with unique cultural experiences, breathtaking landscapes, and delectable cuisine. But staying connected can be a challenge without the right mobile plan.

Thankfully, the era of eSIMs has arrived and it’s changing the game for globetrotters heading to the Land of the Rising Sun.

We compared different Japan eSIM plans from the leading providers to help you find the cheapest and fastest connections that work with KDDI and Docomo.

It’s never been easier to stay connected while exploring all that Japan has to offer!

We recommend you:

Cheapest option

airalo

For heavy users

If you’re unfamiliar with eSIM technology, let me break it down for you. An eSIM is essentially a digital SIM card that doesn’t involve any physical swapping of cards in your phone.

You activate an eSIM online and voila – you’re good to go! This means no more fiddling with tiny SIM tools or worrying about losing your home SIM card in your hotel room.

One major advantage of using a Japan eSIM is that it allows easy switching between carriers and plans depending on where you are or what data package suits your needs best.

Best Japan eSIM Plans

For starters, they’re pretty affordable – starting at just $6 for a week or $14 for a month. However, it’s worth noting that 1GB can be consumed rather quickly so opting for a 30-day plan might offer better value.

Let me introduce three prominent providers: Airalo, Holafly, and Nomad offering different packages fitting various needs.

A quick overview of these options:

Japan eSIM Plans 7 Days:

  • Airalo for $5.50: 1GB, valid for 7 days
  • Nomad for $5: 1GB, valid for 7 days

Japan eSIM Plans 30 Days:

  • Airalo for $14: 3GB, valid for 30 days
  • Nomad for $15: 3GB, valid for 30 days
  • Holafly for $64: Unlimited data, valid for 30 days

Each provider offers multiple options tailored to different usage patterns and budget constraints.

If affordability is your primary concern both Airalo and Nomad stand out, they offer some of the cheapest plans available. Conversely, if unlimited data is what you crave then splurging on Holafly may be worth it despite being pricier than others.

1. Airalo

First up is Airalo with their Moshi Moshi Japan plans utilizing KDDI (LTE) network. They offer two local plans – 1GB valid for 7 days at $6 and 3GB valid for 30 days at $14. Airalo has positioned itself as reliable with excellent support services.

2. Holafly

Next is Holafly which offers unlimited data plans via Docomo (4G/LTE) network ranging from durations of 5 days ($19) to even 90 days ($99). If high data usage is your thing then Holafly might prove to be an apt choice.

3. Nomad

Finally we have Nomad – offering five local plans in Japan through unmentioned networks but supporting 4G/LTE nonetheless. Their offerings start from a modest $6 (1GB/7days) going up till $69 (20GB/30days). Nomad has affordable rates while allowing top ups before expiration if needed.

Conclusion

Don’t forget though – not every device supports eSIMs! If yours falls into this category or perhaps you’re unsure about committing to an eSIM just yet there are three leading providers of Japanese SIM cards: AU, SoftBank, and Docomo who all provide nationwide coverage through robust networks supporting fast speeds via their respective LTE/4G technologies.

Remember buying directly at airports usually results in higher rates so opting instead to purchase from local stores could save some money.

In conclusion staying connected while on-the-go in Japan isn’t difficult nor does it have to break the bank thanks to competitive pricing by top-notch providers like Airalo, Nomad and Holafly among others. Remember check compatibility before purchasing ensure whichever option best suits your individual needs lifestyle and budget will keep you online throughout your journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Let me clarify some common questions about Japan’s eSIMs. I’ll start with the basic details.

What is an eSIM?

An eSIM is a digital SIM card that allows you to access cellular service without having to physically insert a SIM card into your device.

Do eSIMs work in Japan?

Absolutely! There are several providers offering various plans for travelers visiting Japan. From my experience, Airalo, Nomad, and Holafly are among the reliable ones. They offer different packages starting from as low as $5.50 for a week or $14 for a month.

Can foreigners buy SIM cards in Japan?

Yes they can! However there might be some restrictions.

Cristian