7 Japan eSIM Providers Travelers Love: SoftBank, Airalo, BNESIM, & More
In a nutshell
Which eSIM in Japan provides unlimited data? If you want to browse and connect to the internet without worrying about consuming all your data, you can get this Japan eSIM from Softbank or this 5G eSIM from Klook that’s powered by Docomo!
Use Airalo’s eSIM for Japan! Airalo, the world’s first eSIM marketplace, offers cheap data packs in Japan starting at less than $5. Browse their offers here and book with promo code TRAVLISTS to get 10% off 💰
Which is the best Japan eSIM? 👑 Awarded the World's Best Travel SIM provider for 4 times, BNESIM comes on top as the best eSIM provider for Japan-bound travelers! Powered by local telco KDDI, this easy-to-install eSIM provides instant connectivity — perfect for first-time eSIM users! Book BNESIM’s Japan eSIM plan here starting at only $2.85 (get up to 30% off when you apply coupon code TRAVLISTS upon checking out!)
Need a Japan eSIM with phone number? Check out this option from Airhub that comes with a local geographical number, data, and voice plan! 📞
Reliable Japan eSIM starting at $0 😲 That's correct, free of charge! GigSky, an official partner of Apple and Visa, is a notable Japan eSIM provider that offers data plans from $0 — completely free with no credit card required. This sweet deal was created by this Japan eSIM provider to allow first-time eSIM users to try out an eSIM without shelling out any dime. Learn more about this offer and get GigSky’s free Japan eSIM data plan here!
Complete your trip! Aside from an eSIM in Japan, make sure to browse all the JR Passes that you can get a discounted price here 🚆
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UNLIMITED DATA: 4G Japan eSIM from SoftBank
Japan eSIM Providers Recommended by Tourists
Skip the old-school SIM card that you have to pick up at the airport and install on your phone and switch to the new travel eSIM! Short for embedded SIM, eSIMs are your virtual SIM cards that provide convenience, savings, and a stronger internet connection. You simply need to purchase a data pack from a reputable Japan eSIM provider like this one (booked 90k+ times), scan the QR code to install the eSIM on your phone, and activate your eSIM as soon as you arrive in Japan!
But with so many eSIM providers for Japan-bounded travelers these days, which one should you book from? Check out our recommendations below, or click on the button to book the best one available!
1. BEST OVERALL: 4G/5G Japan eSIM by BNESIM
Topping our list of the best Japan eSIM providers is BNESIM, which has been recognized 4 times at the World Travel Awards! With a BNESIM Japan eSIM, you can enjoy one-click eSIM installation, flexible top-up plans, and instant connectivity. You’ll also get fast internet with up to 5G speeds and a chance to earn with their rewarding referral program that you can sign up for here.
PRICE: Book here starting at only $2.86 — use our partner’s BNESIM promo code TRAVLISTS to get 30% off on your purchase!
INCLUSIONS: 1-20GB worth of high-speed data, validity period of 30 days for plans (You can also get any of the pay-as-you-go data packs, which DO NOT expire!), mobile hotspot, reliable customer service, & nationwide coverage in Japan powered by local telco KDDI
COMPATIBLE DEVICES: This Japan eSIM provided by BNESIM works with iPhones, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, iPads, and other Android phones. Learn more here.
HOW TO USE:
BEST REVIEWS FOR BNESIM: “In my experience, [BNESIM] is a communications provider with many practical options. I use their [eSIM] and am happy with it... [BNESIM] products are among the cheapest that you may find,” reads a review on TrustPilot.
2. RECOMMENDED: 4G Japan eSIM from Airalo
The next top Japan eSIM provider on our list is Airalo, the world’s first eSIM marketplace! Enjoy seamless connectivity for less than $4.5 for 7 days 👍
PRICE: Book here starting at only $4.5 — use our partner’s Airalo promo code TRAVLISTS to get 10% off on your purchase!
INCLUSIONS: 1-20GB worth of high-speed data, validity period of 7-30 days, mobile hotspot, & nationwide coverage in Japan powered by SoftBank
COMPATIBLE DEVICES: This Japan eSIM provided by Airalo works on iPhones, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, and other Android smartphones. See the full list here.
HOW TO USE:
Pick your data plan here.
Download the Airalo app here.
Install and activate your Japan eSIM.
BEST REVIEWS FOR AIRALO: “Fantastic experience! I have traveled globally for several years with 45 countries under my belt. Airalo has been, by far, the easiest, most useful, and most cost-effective option for traveling abroad that I have found. No more finding local SIM cards and changing numbers that I then have to communicate to family and friends that might need to reach me while I’m abroad. I honestly have high expectations for services like this and AIRALO has met each one with flying colors!”
PRICE: Book here starting at only $9.25!
INCLUSIONS: Unlimited data or fixed 500MB of high-speed data per day, validity period of 5-15 days, mobile hotspot, & nationwide coverage in Japan powered by SoftBank
COMPATIBLE DEVICES: This Japan eSIM from Softbank is compatible with iPhones, Google Pixel, and more. Find the full list here.
HOW TO USE:
You will receive an email from the Japan eSIM provider (Softbank) within 24 hours after booking.
Follow the simple installation and activation steps.
Start using your eSIM as soon as you land in Japan.
BEST REVIEWS FOR SOFTBANK:
“The eSIM card provided fast and stable internet connectivity, making it incredibly convenient for travelers or anyone who needs reliable access on the go. Highly recommend it for hassle-free connectivity!”
“Using [this] eSIM for our Japan trip was incredibly convenient and hassle-free. Instead of having to deal with physical SIM cards or roaming charges, we simply activated the eSIM on our devices before leaving home. Throughout our journey, we had seamless access to data and were able to stay connected without any interruptions. Opting for eSIM made our trip more enjoyable and stress-free,” reads a review for Japan eSIM by SoftBank on Klook.
4. BLAZING FAST: 5G Japan eSIM from Ubigi
Prefer to get the fastest eSIM available? Look no further than Ubigi, one of the best eSIM providers in Japan! ⚡ Ubigi, known for their premium and top-notch service, provides 5G connectivity that’s perfect for serious explorers. Whether you’re traveling solo in Japan or with a group, you can enjoy all the serious perks of using an Ubigi eSIM, including eSIM reusability, 5G connection, mobile hotspot, and more.
PRICE: Book here starting at only $2.5 — use our partner’s Ubigi promo code TRAVLISTS to get 10% off!
INCLUSIONS: 500MB-50GB data valid for 1-30 days, mobile hotspot, eSIM reusability in 200+ countries, instant set-up, easy top-up (offline top-up available), & coverage in Japan powered by major local telco NTT Docomo
COMPATIBLE DEVICES: This Japan eSIM provided by Ubigi works with iPhones, iPads, Google Pixel, Samsung, Sony, Oppo, Xiaomi, Rakuten, and Windows laptops. Find the full list of devices here.
HOW TO USE:
After booking, you will receive an email with your Japan eSIM QR code.
Just before your trip and within 6 months from purchase, scan the QR code to install the Japan eSIM on your smartphone.
BEST REVIEW FOR UBIGI ON REDDIT:
5. CHEAPEST: 4G/5G Japan eSIM from Klook by Docomo
Coming up next on our list is an eSIM from Klook, one of the best travel activity booking platforms in the world! Their Japan eSIM offering is powered by Docomo, another major telco in Japan, which means you can enjoy fast and stable internet connection. By booking this eSIM, not only will you save a lot of money but also earn travel points that you can use toward your upcoming trips.
PRICE: Book here starting at only $1.5!
INCLUSIONS: Unlimited data or fixed 500MB-20GB of high-speed data per day, validity period of 3-30 days, & nationwide coverage in Japan powered by Docomo
COMPATIBLE DEVICES: This Japan eSIM provided by Klook/Docomo is compatible with iPhones and Android smartphones. To check if your phone works with this eSIM, simply dial "*#06#". If the EID barcode appears, it means your phone supports the eSIM function.
HOW TO USE:
You will receive an email from the Japan eSIM provider (Klook/Docomo).
Follow the easy installation steps.
Activate your Japan eSIM as soon as you arrive.
BEST REVIEWS FOR KLOOK/DOCOMO:
“Convenient and instant! Received the necessary info right after booking, [installed] before the flight to Tokyo, and [activated] once landed. Connections are seamless and good! Recommended 👍🏻”
“Easy to activate and no issues with the data plan. Cheapest rate compared to others.”
6. FREE DATA PLAN: 4G Japan eSIM by GigSky
We now move on to GigSky, an eSIM provider handpicked by Visa and Apple as an official connectivity provider. GigSky is popular among iPhone users for their affordable data plans covering 200+ destinations across the world. However, what we love most is that they’re the only one in the market with a free data plan, which means you can try their unparalleled service with no credit card required!
PRICE: Book here for $0 — free 100 MB data valid for 7 days!
OTHER DATA PLANS: After consuming your free data, top up your eSIM with 1-10GB of data starting at only $5.99! Browse all plans here.
COMPATIBLE DEVICES: This Japan eSIM provided by GigSky works perfectly with iPhones, iPads (cellular), Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, and other Android smartphones. View the full list here.
HOW TO USE:
Book a free or standard data plan on GigSky here.
Install and activate your eSIM in a few taps.
Connect online the moment you arrive.
BEST REVIEW: “Great service and excellent technical support when needed. Makes traveling easy,” reads a customer review for GigSky eSIM in New Zealand.
7. WITH CALLS & NUMBER: 4G Japan eSIM from Airhub
Last but not least is Airhub, a reputable global eSIM provider famous for their data plans with a phone number. If your travels require you to make calls or a long-term eSIM plan (up to 3 months!), then Airhub is the best Japan eSIM for you.
PRICE: Book here starting at $7.5!
INCLUSIONS: Unlimited data or fixed 5-30GB of high-speed data, voice/calls (optional), validity period of 10-90 days, & nationwide coverage in Japan powered by Airhub, SoftBank, or NTT Docomo
COMPATIBLE DEVICES: This Japan eSIM with phone number works well with iPhones, Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, and other Android phones. Find all compatible devices here.
HOW TO USE:
Book Airhub’s Japan eSIM with phone number here.
You will receive an email with QR code, which you will need to scan to install the eSIM.
Activate your eSIM as soon as you arrive in Japan.
BEST REVIEWS FOR AIRHUB: “This was just what I needed — a no-fuss data plan with an eSIM set-up when I was in a foreign country and needed to get about but didn’t speak the language. Thank you very much!”
Saku’s Japan Checklist
🇯🇵 Aside from choosing between the best Japan eSIM providers, also consider booking the following activities for your trip!
Japan Pocket WiFi & SIM Cards
Transportation Passes
Attraction Passes
VIEW ALL OPTIONS
BONUS: Japan eSIM Provider with VPN
If you want to use an eSIM and browse with a VPN, then consider booking Yesim’s Japan eSIM! Check them out below:
