Traveling to Japan and want to stay connected without the hassle of buying a physical SIM card? Consider getting an electronic SIM card (eSIM) for your trip instead. As someone who travels frequently to Japan for both work and leisure, I’ve found eSIMs to be way more convenient than old-school SIM cards. In this blog post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about buying an eSIM for Japan.
Not all phones support eSIM functionality yet. You’ll need a relatively recent model iPhone or Android device. Some popular Japan travel phones like the Xiaomi 12T Pro, Samsung Galaxy S23 series and iPhone 14 are all eSIM compatible. Refer to your phone’s spec sheet to confirm.
There are quite a few eSIM providers that offer plans specifically for Japan travel. I personally use Asian eSIM since they have some of the lowest rates and a variety of data packages to choose from. Their coverage is excellent too.
Other top options are Airalo, KnowRoaming, and Dent which all supply eSIMs suited for visiting Japan. Shop around a bit to compare prices and packages across some providers.
This is where you decide how much mobile data you need during your trip, along with the duration. Most visitors choose either a moderate 5GB/7 day plan or higher 10-20GB/15 day plan. But packages range from budget 1GB plans to unlimited monthly data.
10GB & 15 Day Prepaid Data Plans
Refer to your past mobile data usage abroad to estimate how much you’ll actually need. If you’ll use maps a lot, stream videos, or regularly post social content – go with at least 10GB. For lighter use like emails/texts, a 5GB plan should suffice. Pick the duration according to your trip length.
Once selected, you checkout online and instantly receive a QR eSIM code and installation guide via email. Super quick and convenient without having to visit any shop.
I always make sure to purchase my Japan eSIM a few days before departure. That way it’s ready to use immediately upon landing at Haneda or Narita Airports.
The final step is to get your eSIM activated and working in your phone. Just use your camera to scan the QR activation code they emailed. Follow the on-screen prompts to install the eSIM which only takes a minute or two.
Occasionally you may need to manually enter details like the eSIM Provider ID too. But typically QR scan installation is smooth and hassle-free.
Once activated, you’ll see a “Japan eSIM” profile enabled under your phone’s cellular settings. And without having visited a single shop, you now have a Japan phone number and mobile data everywhere you travel!
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Why Choose an eSIM for Japan?
In the past, I’d have to either rent a portable WiFi router or find a store in Japan that sold SIM cards compatible with my phone. It was kind of a pain and usually more expensive. With an eSIM though, I can have data coverage as soon as I land – no need to go hunting around Tokyo for a SIM card store.
Here are some of the advantages of using an eSIM for travel in Japan versus a physical SIM card:
- No roaming fees – One major perk of eSIMs is not having to pay exorbitant roaming charges when using data abroad. Since you’re on a local Japanese data plan, you only pay local rates.
- Easy setup – eSIMs are digital, so all you have to do is scan a QR code on your phone versus fiddling with tiny physical SIM cards. Takes 2 minutes to get connected.
- Flexibility – You can purchase data packages ranging from just a few GBs to unlimited data. And durations from 1 week to 1 month. Much more flexibility than preset tourism SIM card packages.
- Reliability – My eSIMs always just work when I land at Narita Airport. No issues with coverage or speed around Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and rural areas. The connectivity is great.
So in summary – eSIMs are way more convenient and affordable than traditional SIMs for Japan travel. The setup process is easier, they offer more flexible data plans, and provide reliable nationwide coverage.
How Do eSIMs Work in Japan?
If you aren’t familiar, eSIMs are basically digital SIM cards stored on your phone rather than on a physical plastic card. Here’s a quick rundown of how eSIMs function in Japan:
- First, you purchase an eSIM plan online catered to Japan before you travel. You’ll receive a QR activation code via email.
- Next, use your phone’s camera to scan this QR code which writes the eSIM data onto your phone. Just tap through the digital activation process.
- The eSIM connects with a local carrier partner in Japan giving you a temporary phone number and mobile data.
- You’re now ready to use your mobile data, stream, post and text all around Japan without paying crazy roaming fees!
It only takes a few minutes to get set up with an eSIM once you land in Japan. And with easy online purchase options before departure as well, using an eSIM really simplifies staying connected abroad.
Does eSIM Work in Japan?
Absolutely! I’ve tested my Japan eSIMs extensively on trips to top tourist spots like Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Sapporo. Rural areas as well around places like Takayama and Hiroshima.
The LTE data coverage and speeds are excellent across all major cities and regions. In very remote mountain towns, you may get 3G service instead of LTE on occasion. But otherwise I haven’t encountered any cell network issues while traveling Japan with an eSIM.
Just note – on some discount budget eSIM plans, you may experience throttled data speeds compared to local Japanese SIMs. But for most tourists, these cheaper eSIM options still provide good enough connectivity abroad.
The Bottom Line
An eSIM is perfect for any trip to The Land of the Rising Sun. With easy online purchase options before you depart, you’ll have cellular data immediately upon landing.
There are a number of great Japan eSIM providers to choose from too. I suggest going with Asian eSIM, KnowRoaming or Airalo which all supply competitive rates. Spend some time finding the right data allotment based on your trip itinerary and personal usage needs.
For the fastest connectivity, remember to install your eSIM shortly after landing in Japan while you have a stable WiFi or cellular connection for activation. But once set up, you’ll enjoy the freedom to explore Tokyo’s neon-lit streets and Kyoto’s serene temples while easily sharing pictures and trip updates with friends or folks back home!
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