How To Use eSIM In Japan

How To Use eSIM In Japan?

As more and more travelers visit Japan each year, having reliable internet access is crucial. One increasingly popular option is the eSIM, or electronic SIM card. eSIMs provide cellular data without needing a physical nano-SIM card. As someone who travels frequently to Japan for both business and pleasure, I’ve tested out various eSIM Japan providers over the years. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to get set up with an eSIM for your next trip to Japan.

What is an eSIM and How Does eSIM Work in Japan

An eSIM, short for embedded SIM or electronic SIM card, is a tiny chip embedded directly into a device like a smartphone or smartwatch. This allows you to activate a cellular data plan remotely, without needing to insert a physical SIM card.

eSIMs use remote SIM provisioning to connect your device to a mobile network. Rather than swapping out SIM cards each time you change networks or travel to a new country, eSIMs can be programmed with profiles from different carriers as needed.

To use an eSIM, your device must have eSIM capability and be unlocked from your home carrier. Many newer model iPhones, Android devices from Samsung and Google Pixel, and cellular-capable tablets support eSIM. Be sure to check if your device supports eSIM before purchasing a Japan eSIM plan.

How to Use an eSIM in Japan
If you have an unlocked, eSIM-compatible device, using an eSIM in Japan is very straightforward:
Order Japan eSIM

Find an eSIM provider offering data plans for Japan. Compare rates, data amounts, validity and features to pick your preferred option.

eSIM Japan

eSIM Japan Prepaid Data Plans

Buy an eSIM for Japan to stay connected during your travel with affordable prepaid plans, instant activation, and no physical SIM needed.
From $4.98
Receive Activation Email

After purchasing a Japan eSIM plan, we will send you an activation email containing your eSIM QR Code, SM-DP+ Address, and Activation Code. Please keep this information safe for the duration of your plan. If you are purchasing for a future trip, do not complete the activation steps until you are ready to use the service.

eSIM QR Code Email
Scan eSIM QR Code

When you are ready to activate, open the email and locate your eSIM QR Code. Then, go to your phone’s settings, select “Add Cellular Plan,” and use the camera to scan the QR code to activate your eSIM.

eSIM QR Code
Start Enjoying Your Journey!

Once you have completed the activation steps, your phone will connect to the internet within a few minutes. You can then use your eSIM to access the internet, social media, and share your travel experiences, ensuring you stay connected throughout your trip.

When to Activate eSIM Japan

If you want to use mobile data during your upcoming trip to Japan, you’ll need to activate your eSIM before departure. Here’s a quick guide on timing:

  • Activate right before the trip if traveling to Japan within 48 hours. This prevents the activation code from expiring before you arrive.
  • Wait to activate if traveling to Japan more than 48 hours later. Activation codes automatically start the countdown timer so better to activate closer to arrival.
  • You’ll need a WiFi or cellular data connection to activate, either at home before leaving or after arrival at airport/hotel in Japan.

In most cases, activate your eSIM just prior to departure or upon arrival to avoid any issues with connectivity.

Do eSIM in Japan Work Well in 2024?

In short – yes. Japan’s mobile networks are advanced and built to handle the demands of millions of local customers and visitors. You can expect fast, reliable performance from an eSIM in Japan.

Some key advantages to using eSIM include:

  • Fast speeds – Carriers in Japan deliver mobile internet speeds averaging over 100 Mbps on both 4G and 5G networks. This allows for smooth video streaming, gaming, uploads and downloads.
  • Good coverage – Over 99% of people in Japan live in an area covered by high speed wireless. This makes mobile internet very consistent across the country. Rural areas can see some variability.
  • Advanced infrastructure – Japan invests heavily to upgrade its digital infrastructure. This leads to great service coming from an eSIM.
  • Carrier options – Multiple Japan eSIM providers exist, allowing you to find a plan that matches your budget and needs during your visit. Popular options are provided later in this guide.

So in summary – eSIMs provide the connectivity visitors expect when coming to Japan. Performance should meet or exceed what you may find in other leading countries.

Main Benefits of Using eSIM in Japan

To wrap up this guide on getting online with an eSIM when visiting Japan, let’s recap the major perks:

  • No need to source, buy and swap physical SIM card
  • Super fast activation getting your Japan eSIM ready
  • Enjoy speedy mobile internet speeds in cities and rural locales
  • Conveniently switch data plans from device settings
  • Use hotspot/tethering when wifi not available

For the ultimate in connectivity flexibility when sightseeing around amazing Japan, an eSIM helps maximize productivity and enjoyment. Follow this advice and happy traveling!

FAQ Of Using eSIM Japan

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