Best eSIM & SIM Cards for Japan Travelers in 2025

Heading to Japan soon?

You’ll want smooth internet access for apps like WhatsApp, Google Maps, Google Translate, and Instagram – no hassle.

But picking between an eSIM and a physical SIM can be confusing. Without the right info, you might run into issues like:
• Not knowing which option works with your phone.
• Running out of data too fast.
• Struggling to set up your eSIM or SIM without support.

Don’t worry — we’ve got you covered! Keep reading to learn the basics of eSIMs & SIM cards. We’ll cover everything you need to know for a short trip (under 90 days), including data plans, prices, setup guides, customer reviews, and top providers.

For info on long-term SIM cards (monthly contracts), check out the article below.

Table of contents

1. The Best eSIM for Travel in Japan
2. Top SIM Cards for Japan Travel
3. What is an eSIM?
   1. What You Need to Know About eSIMs
4. What is a Physical SIM Card?
   1. What You Need to Know About Physical SIM Cards
5. How to Choose an eSIM: Before You Buy
6. How to Choose a SIM Card: Before You Buy
7. FAQ on eSIM & Physical SIM Cards
8. Why Sakura Mobile is the Best Choice for eSIM & SIM Cards in Japan
9. Final Thoughts

The Best eSIM for Travel in Japan

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Top SIM Cards for Japan Travel

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What is an eSIM?

An eSIM or ” embedded SIM,” is a SIM card built into the device. Many newer smartphones and tablets now support eSIM. Unlike a traditional SIM card, an eSIM doesn’t need to be physically inserted or swapped out – you can set it up online instead.

Before purchasing an eSIM, make sure your device supports it. For example, iPhone XS and later models (except those sold in Hong Kong) are compatible with eSIM.

Want to check if your device is eSIM-compatible quickly? You can refer to the list in the article below.
TRAVEL eSIM COMPATIBILITY

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What You Need to Know About eSIMs

Before using an eSIM for your trip to Japan, here are two important things to know:

How to Get an eSIM for Your Japan Trip

Thinking of buying an eSIM from one of Japan’s major carriers (docomo, SoftBank, or au)? Unfortunately, they don’t offer short-term eSIM plans.

But don’t worry! You can get one from a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) like Sakura Mobile. MVNOs use major carrier networks to offer short-term eSIM plans.

About eSIM with Phone Numbers

While some companies may offer eSIMs with Japanese phone numbers, providing Japanese phone numbers to non-residents is challenging due to strict regulations and security concerns. These phone numbers may also not work properly.

However, data-only eSIMs are a great choice for short-term travelers. Since they don’t come with phone numbers, there are no legal issues. You can still make calls and chat using apps like WhatsApp.

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What is a Physical SIM Card?

If your phone doesn’t support eSIM, like iPhone 14 or later models in the US, or you’d rather not switch your eSIM, no worries! You can still use a physical SIM card for your trip. Below, we explain how to chose the right one for your travels.

What You Need to Know About Physical SIM Cards

Before you buy a SIM card for your trip to Japan, here are some important thigs you should know:

How to Get a SIM Card for Your Japan Trip

You might think you can buy a SIM card directly from a major Japanese mobile carrier like docomo, au, or SoftBank, but that’s not the case. These carriers provide prepaid SIM cards to retailers, and that’s where you’ll need to go. One example of such a retailer is Sakura Mobile, as we mentioned in this article.

How to Pick Up Your SIM Card from the Airport Counter

Picking up your SIM card at the airport is simple. Just bring your reservation confirmation email from Sakura Mobile and your passport. The video below shows you how to pick up your Sakura Mobile SIM card at the airport.

About Prepaid SIM Cards with Phone Numbers

In Japan, prepaid SIM cards with phone numbers are hard to come by due to legal and security concerns. You can only apply for a Japanese phone number if you have a residence card, which isn’t possible on a tourist visa. However, you can easily get a data-only SIM card, which lets you use apps like WhatsApp to make calls.

Prepaid SIM cards with phone numbers are rare for travelers in Japan. Instead, data-only SIMs are typically available. These provide data without a phone number due to the strict identity verification laws that require phone numbers to be linked to residents. Offering phone numbers to non-residents is usually illegal. While some companies may offer eSIMs with Japanese phone numbers, they might be operating illegally, and the SIM may not work properly.

On the other hand, data-only eSIMs let you make calls and send messages via apps like Facebook Messenger, WeChat, and WhatsApp without any legal issues.

Online Reservation vs. Airport Purchase

There are two ways to buy a SIM card for Japan:

1. Reserve one online before your trip and pick it up at the airport when you arrive.
2. Buy one from a retailer at the airport after you land.

We recommend reserving your SIM card online for two main reasons:

1. It’s cheaper. Online retailers usually have lower operating costs, which means more affordable prices.
2. You won’t risk SIM cards selling out. During peak travel seasons, airport shops may run out of stock. With a reservation, you can pick up your SIM card without any stress.

All the providers mentioned in this article offer the option to reserve your SIM card online, making it a convenient way to plan ahead for your trip.

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How to Choose an eSIM: Before You Buy

Now that you have a better understanding of eSIMs, let’s go over a few key points to consider when choosing the best travel eSIM for your trip to Japan.

eSIM Activation: How to Set Up Your eSIM for Japan

In most cases, activating your eSIM is simple – you just need to scan a QR code provided by your service provider. This code is usually sent via email or can be found in the provider’s app.

Flexibility with Your eSIM: How to Extend, Cancel, or Add Data

Travel plans can change unexpectedly. You might get sick and have to cancel your trip, or a business trip that was supposed to last a week might turn into two. You might also end up using more data than you planned. Make sure the eSIM provider you choose offers flexibility in these situations.

Connection Speeds for eSIM in Japan

When using an eSIM in Japan, connection speeds vary based on the type of eSIM you have.

• 5G eSIM: Speds range from 6-255 Mbps, with an average speed of about 180 Mbps (with Sakura Mobile)
• 4G Unlimited and Fixed Data eSIMs: Speeds typically range from 3-30 Mbps.

These speeds are generally sufficient for most activities like browsing, streaming, and using apps like Google Maps or WhatsApp. However, 5G eSIMs offer a faster and more reliable connection, especially in areas with 5G coverage.

Fixed vs. Unlimited eSIMs

• Unlimited eSIMs: These plans offer unlimited data usage for the duration of your stay, making them ideal for travelers who need consistent, high-speed internet without worrying about data limits. Just be aware of the Fair Usage Policy (FUP), which can slow down your speeds after a certain amount of data.
• Fixed Data eSIMs: These plans come with a set amount of data (e.g., 3GB, 5GB, 10GB). Once you reach the limit, speeds may slow down, or you’ll need to top up.

eSIM Coverage in Japan: Signal and Service Availability

The eSIM providers listed here use Japan’s major carrier networks, which cover 99% of the population. However, be mindful that you might experience weak service in rural areas, mountains, or underground locations.

If you’re planning to hike in Japan, check out the article below for more information.
Docomo Coverage Makes Climbing and Hiking in Japan Easier

English Language Support: Why It’s Important

Dealing with connection issues or needing help with settings can be especially frustrating when you’re in a country where you don’t speak the language. That’s why it’s a good idea to choose an eSIM provider that offers English customer support. Here are some other things to consider:

1. Contact Methods: Look for a provider that offers both email and phone support. This way, you can call for emergencies and email for non-urgent issues.
2. Availability: Many eSIM providers close on weekends, which can be inconvenient if you need help. Choose a provider with customer support available year-round, including holidays.
3. Local Presence: If you prefer in-person support, go for a provider with a physical location where you can get help directly.

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How to Choose a SIM Card: Before You Buy

Here are some key points to consider before you buy a SIM card for your Japan trip:

Connection speed

When you’re traveling and using your phone, you’ll likely browse the web, message, or use Google Maps. For these activities, speeds between 3 and 5 Mbps are usually enough. Here’s a table of ideal internet speeds for various online activities.

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You may wonder how fast prepaid SIM cards in Japan are. While speeds vary by provider, you can generally expect speeds between 1 and 20 Mbps. We recommend going with one that offers faster speeds for better reliability.

Some providers may advertise speeds up to 187 Mbps, but in reality, the maximum speed you’ll likely experience is around 3-30 Mbps. The comparison table lists actual speeds for each provider so you know exactly what to expect. Keep in mind that some companies don’t disclose their SIM card speeds.

Data Allowance

If you’ve been looking into prepaid SIM cards, you’ve probably noticed various data plans. With a limited data plan, you might run out of data midway through your trip, which can be frustrating. Imagine losing access to Google Maps and Google Translate in a foreign country — that would be stressful. To avoid this, we strongly recommend opting for a prepaid SIM card with unlimited data.

Our experts explain the prepaid SIM card with unlimited data in the blog below.
Japan Prepaid SIM Data: Fixed vs. Unlimited Plans

Service Coverage

The SIM card providers we recommend use Japan’s major carrier networks, covering 99% of populated areas. This means you should have internet access almost everywhere you go. However, keep in mind that service may be weaker mountainous regions or underground locations.

English Language Support

If you’re having trouble connecting to the internet or setting up your SIM card, you’ll want to be able to reach customer support easily.

Look for a SIM card provider that offers both email and phone support. This gives you the flexibility to call for urgent issues and email for less time-sensitive matters.

Many prepaid SIM providers don’t offer weekend support, which can be a hassle if you need help. Choose a provider that offers year-round customer service, so you’re not left waiting until the next business day.

Airport Pickup: Tips for a Smooth SIM Card Pickup

To avoid any inconvenience when picking up your SIM card at the airport, make sure your arrival time aligns with the pickup counter’s operating hours. The last thing you want is to arrive and find the counter closed.

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FAQ on eSIM & Physical SIM Cards

Which is More Practical? eSIM or SIM Card?

We’ve organized the practical information for which one you should get into a neat little table here:

Feature	eSIM	SIM Card
Price	Relatively low	Relatively low
Set Up	Requires changing the device's settings	Requires changing the device's settings
Supported Devices	Smartphones and tablets that are unlocked and support eSIM function	Smartphones and tablets that are unlocked
Battery Life	No charging required	No charging required
Best Use	Solo travelers, business users, and groups who may split up.	Solo travelers, business users, and groups who may split up.

eSIM FAQ

Can I Use a Japanese eSIM with My Phone?

To use a Japanese eSIM, your device must:

• Be eSIM-compatible
• Be SIM-free (not locked to a specific carrier)
• Be able to work with Japanese networks.

Most providers list compatible devices for their eSIMs on their websites. For example, you can check the list of devices compatible with Sakura Mobile’s eSIM.

If you’re unsure whether your device is SIM-free or compatible with Japanese networks, reach out to your carrier for confirmation. For example, you can use Sakura Mobile’s Contact Form to send in your device’s name and model number, and their staff will confirm compatibility.

Setting up an eSIM typically involves scanning a QR code, which you’ll receive via email or find in the provider’s app. If you get the QR code by email, the process is usually simpler and faster since you can skip the registration and personal details step.

Physical SIM FAQ

Can I Use a Japanese SIM with My Phone?

To use a Japanese SIM card, your device must:

• • • Be SIM-free (unlocked)
    • Have a SIM card slot
    • Be able to receive Japanese carriers’ signals

Most providers’ websites have a list of compatible devices for their SIM cards. For example, you can check the list of devices compatible with Sakura Mobile’s SIM cards.

If you’re unsure whether your device is unlocked or can connect to Japanese networks, contact your chosen carrier to confirm. You can send your device name and model number through Sakura Mobile’s Contact Form, and their team will help confirm compatibility.

Setting up a physical SIM is straightforward and usually takes around 10 to 15 minutes by following instructions provided with the SIM card.

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Why Sakura Mobile is the Best Choice for eSIM & SIM Cards in Japan

Year-round English Customer Support

Sakura Mobile offers English customer support 365 days a year. If you encounter any issues with your eSIM or SIM card, you can easily get assistance. Whether you prefer to reach out via email, phone, or drop by our office in Tokyo, help is just a message, call, or visit away.

Your Top Choice for Japan eSIMs

URL	・Fixed eSIM ・Unlimited eSIM
Provider's country	Japan
Data Plan & Price	★★★★☆ 4.5/5 • Fixed Data (3–200GB): Starting at ¥2,000 (≈$13.7) • 4G Unlimited (FUP applies): Starting at ¥1,500 • 5G Unlimited: Starting at ¥4,000
Days	★★★★☆ 4.5/5 • Fixed Data: 3–90 days • 4G Unlimited: 1–90 days • 5G Unlimited: 4–30 days
English support	★★★★★ 5/5 Email, Phone, Office (Tokyo)
Reviews	4.5 of 5 3492 Reviews(Yotpo)
Activation steps	QR code sent via email (flexible start date)
Network	• Fixed Data: NTT docomo • 4G Unlimited: NTT docomo • 5G Unlimited: au (KDDI)
Top up	Fixed Data: ✓ Unlimited travel eSIM: ×
Extension	〇 Fixed Data: ✓ 4G Unlimited: ✓ 5G Unlimited: ×

Sakura Mobile’s eSIM is like an investment in you peace of mind. Whether you need a fixed data plan (1GB-200GB for 3-90 days), a 4G unlimited plan with Fair Usage Policy (1-90 days), or a truly unlimited 5G plan (4-30 days), there’s a flexible option for every type of traveler. You can also top up your data or extend your usage at any time. Sakura Mobile stands out from the crowd with its comprehensive service and flexible plans.

Easy and Flexible with Travel eSIM

Comprehensive Plans

Sakura Mobile offers a wide range of data plans, ranging from 3GB to unlimited, with durations of 3 to 90 days. Whether you need a short stay or a longer stay in Japan, you’re sure to find a plan that suits your needs.

High eSIM Customer Satisfaction Rating

With over 3,000 positive reviews on their website, Sakura Mobile is one of the highest-rated and most reliable eSIM providers in Japan.

Many travelers in Japan have faced challenges when dealing with SIM cards and eSIMs. While several companies in Japan offer similar service, not all of them provide English support and customer service. Sakura Mobile stands out by offering full English assistance throughout their journey, from order placement to handling any technical issues. Their support via phone, email, and chat ensures that you can enjoy your trip without any stress.

For real user feedback, check out the reviews from customers who have used Sakura Mobile.

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Your Top Choice for Japan eSIM Cards

Category	Details
Website	https://www.sakuramobile.jp/travel/sim/
Amount of Data	Unlimited Data Rental period length: up to 90 days
Prices	★★★★☆ 4/5
English Customer Support	★★★★★ 5/5 Phone (7 days a week) Email (7 days a week) Office (Tokyo)
Reviews	# of reviews: 3,686 Result: Very good
Pickup	Airport Hotel delivery
Network	docomo 4G/LTE
Connection Speed	3-30 Mbps

Sakura Mobile’s SIM cards may not be the cheapest, but they offer reliable speeds (up to 20 Mbps) and unlimited data. The combination of high-quality service and a strong network makes it an excellent choice for travelers.

Extended Airport Counter Hours

Unlike many companies, Sakura Mobile offers extended hours at its airport counters, ensuring you can pick up your SIM card even if your plane arrives late. No more worrying about missing your SIM card pickup!

High SIM Card Customer Satisfaction Rating

With over 3,000 positive reviews, Sakura Mobile leads the pack in customer satisfaction. Their reliable service, supported by docomo’s network, ensures that you’ll have a seamless connection throughout your stay in Japan.

Sakura Mobile is known for its exceptional English customer support, helping travelers overcome any issues they encounter. Whether you’re contacting them by phone, email, or chat, their support team is always ready to help. With a strong focus on customer care, Sakura Mobile guarantees a stress-free experience.

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Learn More About Sakura Mobile eSIMs and SIM Cards

Trusted by over 400,000 travelers and back by 10+ years of experience, Sakura Mobile is a leading provider of eSIM and SIM card services in Japan. With over 3,000 customer reviews and a 4.7/5 satisfaction rating, Sakura Mobile is a trusted provider for both eSIM and SIM card services in Japan. If you’re getting a SIM card, Sakura Mobile will deliver it free of charge to the airport or your accommodation.

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Final Thoughts

We’ve covered everything you need to know about choosing the right mobile internet options for your trip to Japan. We hope this guide has been helpful in making your decision easier. Thank you for reading, and we wish you a smooth and enjoyable journey!