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A Message from Chris Broad: Why We Launched Journey Japan eSIM

Chris Broad, better known as Abroad in Japan, connecting his cellular device to the Journey Japan eSIM, receiving flawless connectivity and fast wireless speeds.

Posted on

Mar 14, 2025

3 min

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Chris Broad

For years, people have asked me, “Which SIM card should I get in Japan?” And for years, I’ve mumbled something about pocket WiFi before swiftly changing the subject. Truth be told, I hadn’t done my homework.

Japan boasts 98.1% 5G coverage and the highest 5G Mobile Trust Score in the G7. In theory, if you’re traveling here, your internet should be so fast it’s practically cheating.

And yet…

The Connectivity Problem in Japan

Last year, a few friends arrived in Tokyo, bought SIMs, and somehow ended up with worse reception than a potato with an antenna duct-taped to it. I discovered overseas travelers aren’t necessarily enjoying the same reliable, high-speed internet as folks living in Japan. It turns out, many SIM providers piggyback off weaker networks.

In hindsight, looking back, pocket WiFi was never the answer either. I remembered all the Journey Across Japan shoots where we rented a pocket WiFi for the team, only to discover:

Everyone experienced slow speeds as we were splitting the connection.
The battery died in 30 minutes.
We forgot the damn thing in the hotel room on at least three separate occasions.

Clearly, carrying more things around wasn’t the answer.

eSIMs were the way to go.

Why I Launched Journey Japan eSIM

Japan is a technological powerhouse, yet getting a reliable internet connection as a visitor feels like trying to unlock an ancient samurai secret. Locals have blazing-fast, uninterrupted data, but tourists? Often instead of enjoying Japan, many are forced to waste their holiday looking for free café WiFi to desperately tether to.

In 12 years of producing videos on Abroad in Japan, to date I’ve never once endorsed a SIM card or pocket WiFi company, just because of the not-so-flattering things I’ve heard from friends and travelers who’ve used many of them.

It’s not just slow speeds—it’s overpriced, unreliable services designed with zero thought for actual users. The big companies don’t care if your WiFi box dies right when you need Google Maps. They’ve already made the sale.

I wanted something that actually works.

No installation nonsense.
No throttled speeds.
Just the fastest possible internet connection, anywhere in Japan.

Thus, Journey Japan eSIM was born.

Our Three Goals: No Nonsense, Just Fast Internet

1. Fast, Reliable Coverage

No more running around looking for WiFi or dealing with weak signals. Journey Japan eSIM connects directly to Japan’s best local network, Docomo NTT, with 99% nationwide coverage. You’ll get the same connection locals enjoy—from Hokkaido to Okinawa.

2. Simple, Stress-Free Plans

None of this “pay per day” nonsense or confusing top-ups. You shouldn’t have to purchase the same product multiple times. We keep it simple, offering:

With all plans valid for 30-day data usage.

3. Fair Pricing (Because £10 for a Message is Insane)

No overinflated tourist rates. Just fast, reliable data at a fair price—so you can actually enjoy your trip without rationing your internet like it’s wartime.

What Sets Journey Japan eSIM Apart?

1. A Proper Japanese Connection (No Slow Overseas Routing)

Unlike some eSIMs that route your connection through another country (leading to slow speeds), Journey Japan eSIM is built on a Japanese IP address. That means faster speeds, seamless coverage, and no weird network issues.

2. We’re Japan-Based and Actually Give a Damn

We’re not an eSIM aggregator. We don’t treat Japan as just another pin on the map. This is our sole focus. Our team is here, constantly improving the eSIM alongside developments in Japanese network technology.

3. Exclusive Perks for Travelers

Because we’re based in Japan, we’re working with local businesses to give you actual travel benefits. A simple example?

🎉 500 Yen off your first cocktail at LOST Bar in Shibuya—which we also run. After all, you deserve a refreshing drink after traveling across the world.

And we’re adding more. Soon, we’ll be offering secret travel content to customers, sharing our favorite hidden spots in Tokyo and across Japan.

The Future of Journey Japan eSIM

We’ve launched an amazing product that delivers the fastest internet in Japan. But we’re just getting started.

Expect new features, better plans, and even more benefits in the months ahead. Because unlike the big companies, we actually care about making travel in Japan easier.

So whether you’re here for a week or a month, at least now you’ll have one less thing to worry about—staying connected.

Myself and the incredible team at Journey Japan eSIM wish you an incredible trip to Japan.

Best,
Chris