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Journey Japan eSIM vs Airalo vs Holafly: Which Japan eSIM Is Best?

Three Smartphones comparing is Holafly vs Airalo vs Journey Japan eSIM and which is the best eSIM Japan has ever seen.

Posted on

Jun 3, 2025

5 min

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Journey Japan

For global travel, the "Airalo vs. Holafly" rivalry is the classic data debate between two of the most well known names in the eSIM game. Both eSIM providers combine to have millions of users across multiple countries, all preferring eSIM data plans over traditional data roaming. Normally, these data plans will cover most destinations well, but when it comes to traveling specifically in Japan, the equation shifts.

The unique infrastructure of Japan’s mobile networks means not all eSIMs perform the same way, putting Holafly and Airalo at a disadvantage. Why? Well allow me to explain.

In this guide, we’ll not only compare and breakdown Japan eSIMs for Airalo vs Holafly, but also include the best eSIM Japan has to offer, the Journey Japan eSIM. A local, dedicated Japan eSIM provider, created by Japan travel experts to provide the perfect eSIM for tourist coming to Japan.

We will be reviewing side by side pricing, data and network speed, setup experience, customer support, refund policies, privacy, and many more.

By the end of the article, it won't just be "Airalo vs Holafly" for Best Japan eSIM, but it will be "Journey Japan eSIM vs Airalo vs Holafly", and hopefully you can spot the crucial differences, and make the smart data choice for your next trip to Japan.

Let’s dive in.

Quick Comparison Table: Journey Japan, Airalo, and Holafly

Features (Japan)	Journey Japan eSIM	Airalo eSIM	Holafly eSIM
Price (10GB Plan)	$19	$18	$37 (unlimited)
Price per GB (50GB)	$0.98	N/A	Variable-Throttled after extensive usage
Validity Periods	All Plans 30-Day Coverage/ No Hidden Charges or extra fees	Plans Varied/ Extra fees	Plans Varied/ Extra fees
Network Provider (Japan)	Dedicated Provider NTT Docomo	Varies / Shared (SoftBank/KDDI)	Varies / Shared (SoftBank/KDDI)
Data Speed	5G/4G/ LTE	4G (shared bandwidth)	3G/4G "unlimited" (shared bandwidth + FUP throttled speeds)
Setup Time	Under 3 min	5–10 min	5–10 min
Customer Support	Real Human Help Customer Support	Bot/Slow Live Chat	Quick Chat Support
Japan-Specific Plans	Yes - Dedicated to Japan; expertly tailored plans	Yes - Global plans	Yes - Global plans
Refunds	Quite Flexible	30-day strict policy	6-month flexible
Security	Fully Encrypted	Data Breach Issues	Good

eSIM Providers Data Plans & Pricing Options

Choosing the right eSIM often comes down to the balance of price, flexibility, and how much data you actually need ( i.e. local eSIM data plans vs unlimited data plans). Here’s how the three providers compare:

Journey Japan Plan's (eSIM Japan-only data plans)

10GB: $19 USD (30-day validity included)
20GB: $29 USD (30-day validity included)
50GB: $49 USD (30-day validity included)
No throttling, NTT Docomo access, local speeds across Japan

Airalo Plan's (Japan eSIM data plans)

1GB: ~$4.50 USD (7-day validity)
2GB: ~$6.50 USD (15-day validity)
3GB: ~$8.50 USD (30-day validity)
5GB: ~$11.50 USD (30-day validity)
Often Higher $/GB for small plans, but no larger packages (like 50GB)

Holafly's Plan's (Japan eSIM Unlimited data plan)

5 Days Unlimited*: ~$19 USD (*Fair Use Policies - Throttle included)
10 Days Unlimited*: ~$37 USD (*Fair Use Policies - Throttle included)
15 Days Unlimited*: ~$50 USD (*Fair Use Policies - Throttle included)
No true 30-day or GB-based plan, throttling often begins after moderate use

While Holafly and Airalo have a wider range of global plans for most countries, both Airalo and Holafly lack tailored plans specifically for Japan. Ideally for extended trips or heavy data users, Journey Japan clearly delivers better value for all travelers. Even with Holafly’s eSIM plans offering an unlimited data plan package, these come with highly throttled speeds, and don't come close in comparison to consistent high-speed data.

Network Coverage & Speed in Japan

As mentioned earlier, Japan’s mobile infrastructure is world-class. While top data providers like NTT Docomo, SoftBank, and AU/KDDI dominate the space, each offers different service strengths such as speed, reliability, and coverage across cities, towns, and rural areas. Let's review the pros and cons for each eSIM providers' data plans:

Journey Japan eSIM

Powered by NTT Docomo's infrastructure, Japan’s most trusted carrier.
Full 4G/5G & LTE speeds with extensive coverage across Japan, including rural regions
Consistent high-speed performance, even in tunnels and mountains

Airalo eSIM

Uses providers like SoftBank or shared bandwidth partners
May connect to 4G via regional or global roaming partners
City speeds are fair, but countryside access and connection is inconsistent

Holafly eSIM

Uses multiple carrier networks such as au/KDDI in Japan, no dedicated provider leads to being deprioritized versus other eSIM providers.
Prefers unlimited access over reliable data speed and signal
Performance drops significantly with large high usage due to throttling

If you're venturing beyond major cities like Tokyo or Osaka, Docomo-backed Journey Japan eSIM is the only option offering 99% reliable data and nationwide coverage. Thus, making both Holafly and Airalo a second choice.

Simple Setup Experience & Ease of Use

What's the point of having an eSIM if it is overly complicated and difficult to use? Each brand has their own installation process, but it is worth noting for most trips to Japan, eSIM should save money, time and be as hassle-free as possible. So, how does each brand stack up?

Journey Japan eSIM

Buy online via website → receive your activation code delivered by email → Activate in under 3 minutes
No app download required
Step-by-step instructions in English & Japanese

Airalo eSIM

Requires app installation to browse and activate plans
Users report activation delays, occasional missing QR codes, and payment issues
Some plans Airalo offers are non-refundable once opened

Holafly eSIM

Relatively smooth installation process; app involved
Occasional confusion with multiple QR codes and manual setup paths
App UI inconsistent between iOS and Android

Arriving in Japan shouldn’t mean tech stress. If having to add an additional app to your mobile phone is inconvenient for you, then Airalo or Holafly may not be the best answer. Only Journey Japan eSIM offers no-login, no-app, and a fast setup.

Better Customer Support (For When Things Go Wrong)

Traveling should be a time of fun and relaxation, not stress and worry. When using an eSIM plan, you deserve fast solutions, and human assistance when available, especially when abroad. Obviously, you shouldn't have to ask for help, but having it when things go wrong ii is always a benefit. So, let's review what help is available for each eSIM brand:

Journey Japan eSIM

Real-time human support
Available 24/7 chat bot
English and Japanese language options
Known for actually solving issues like slower speeds and device connection issues.

Airalo eSIM

Mostly automated bots
Human support available but can take time to respond.
Complex steps to receive a full or partial refund process

Holafly eSIM

Chat-based support is fast, often under 10 minutes
Good multilingual coverage, but less helpful with technical issues

Again, you hope for no issues when traveling, but having someone available to answer questions when things go wrong is always a helpful. Journey Japan is the only one offering bilingual assistance by real people who know the Japanese market's local carriers and cellular networks.

Privacy, Security & Refunds

When choosing an eSIM for Japan, privacy and refund policies are equally critical. After all, you're trusting these providers with your personal data and payment info. If things don’t go as planned (trip cancellations, tech issues, incompatible devices), knowing how refunds are handled can save you serious headaches. Let’s take a quick look at how Journey Japan eSIM, Airalo, and Holafly stack up when it comes to security practices and refund flexibility.

Journey Japan eSIM

Journey Japan eSIM's Security: Local provider subject to Japan’s strict privacy laws. Encrypted connections, secure transactions.
Journey Japan eSIM's Refund Policy: Flexible refund policy (activation-related, device-incompatible, etc.) No timeline.

Airalo eSIM

Airalo's Security: Several Airalo customers have reported data breaches, hacked accounts, and unexpected billing. No two-factor authentication.
Airalo's Refund Policy: A rigid refund window of 30 days.

Holafly eSIM

Holafly's Security: No reported breaches.
Holafly's Refund Policy: Semi-flexible. Six-month refund eligibility.

For travelers concerned about data sharing and safety, Journey Japan eSIM leads with transparency and compliance. If you compare Airalo and Holafly here, then it really isn't a fair fight.

Real User Experience: Reviews & Reliability

While Airalo's app has totaled over a million of eSIM installs, its TrustPilot score is 2.3 with complaints from it's customers about app issues, slower speeds, and refund frustrations.

Holafly eSIM reviews on TrustPilot are respectable 4.5, with praise for "unlimited data usage" and customer support, but users frequently mention Holafly's eSIM plans being overall more expensive and speeds being consistently throttled (Fair Use Policy).

Journey Japan reviews are shared directly through their review page, where existing customers and travelers highlight:

Strong mobile data and signal on rural train routes
Easy installation process, even for first-time eSIM plan users
User friendly and human customer support that solved problems quickly
Undeniably the best eSIM Japan has to offer; will use again for future trips

Of course, you should always do your own research when it comes to making decisions, however, sometimes it isn't as hard as needs be. Customer and real user reviews are a good way to observe and feel confident in a service being provided. While Holafly and Airalo have had tons of users, a dedicated and local eSIM provider like Journey Japan eSIM can provide a greater individual and tailored experience.

Additional Features & Travel-Ready Extras

Beyond basic data plans, it always good to receive “nice to have” extras that can enhance your Japan travel experience, like hotspot capability, loyalty perks, exclusive access, or other additional features. In this section, we’ll explore the extra features and benefits that come with Journey Japan eSIM, Holafly, and Airalo, helping you decide which one best fits your Japan travel style.

Journey Japan eSIM

Works with a single-dedicated partner's (NTT Docomo) infrastructure to ensure the best and most reliable data coverage.
Real-world partnership perks to enhance your Japan trip. ( ex. ¥500 OFF drinks at LOST Bar for Journey Japan eSIM users)
Exclusive Japan-specific travel advice and local support. Insider tips and recommendations for tourists.
Hot spot, Tethering, and dual-SIM/eSIM setups supported.

Airalo eSIM

Loyalty program (Airmoney) to be used on app. (No real-world partnership perk application.)
Basic hot-spotting support on some plans
Works in 200+ countries (good for multi-country trips)

Holafly eSIM

Unlimited data plans (but throttled speeds and service)
European phone number on some eSIM plans, but not available in Japan.
Generous mobile data sharing (limited countries)

While each eSIM offers plans that save money (and some even a loyalty program), Journey Japan is the only eSIM laser-focused on enhancing your experience and making your Japan trip more enjoyable. I think it is safe to say when it comes to Airalo vs Holafly vs Journey Japan eSIM for additional features in Japan, it is pretty obvious who stands out... Journey Japan eSIM.

Final Verdict: Journey Japan, Airalo, or Holafly

After reviewing all three providers, it is easy to see that each have their strengths, but only one is built specifically for Japan travelers.

Airalo shines if you want a global eSIM on a tight budget and don’t need consistent speeds.
Holafly eSIM offers a more expensive global eSIM, high latency, and "peace-of-mind" with unlimited data—at the cost of throttled speeds and performance.
Journey Japan eSIM delivers a Japan specific experience with a high performing service, lightning-fast setup, human support, secure local infrastructure, Docomo-powered coverage, and real-world perks to use on your trip.

So, for Japan, the classic "Airalo vs Holafly" eSIM debate isn't what should be compared when searching for the Best Japan eSIM. The new comparison is "Journey Japan eSIM vs Airalo vs Holafly", and it is safe to say that, Journey Japan eSIM is the Best eSIM Japan has to offer. Not just because of the data, but because it make your experience to Japan as enjoyable and smooth as possible.

So, Ready to Travel Smarter?

Don't miss out on the best eSIM Japan has to offer.
Click here to Explore Journey Japan eSIM Plans and stay connected for your next trip to Japan.