Posted on
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By
Clay Thomas
Saily is a popular travel eSIM with plans for destinations worldwide, including Japan. It offers fixed and unlimited data plans, hotspot support, an easy-to-use app, and extra security features that many other travel eSIMs don't offer.
However, Saily may not be the best option for every trip to Japan. Depending on how much data you need, how long you are staying, and whether you plan to use your phone as a hotspot, other eSIM providers may offer a better fit.
There are also providers that focus more specifically on Japan, along with alternatives that offer different unlimited-data policies, larger fixed-data plans, regional coverage, or additional travel benefits.
In this guide, we’ll look at the best Saily alternatives for Japan, including our own Journey Japan eSIM and other providers we often see come up when travelers are comparing eSIM options for Japan.
1. Journey Japan eSIM
Journey Japan eSIM is our own eSIM service built specifically for travelers visiting Japan.
Rather than offering plans across hundreds of countries, we focus on Japan and connect travelers to major Japanese mobile networks, including NTT Docomo and KDDI.
We offer both fixed-data and unlimited plans, so you can choose based on how much data you expect to use and how long you will be in Japan.
All of our plans support 5G, 4G, and LTE where available, and you can use hotspot or tethering when you need to connect another device.
Fixed and Unlimited Data Plans
Our fixed-data plans are a good fit if you already have a rough idea of how much data you will use during your trip. They give you a set amount of data for the plan period, so you don't pay for more than you need.
For travelers who expect to use Maps, translation apps, social media, video, or hotspot regularly, we also offer unlimited data plans. These can be useful for longer trips or if you don't want to keep checking how much data you have left.
Coverage Across Japan
Journey Japan eSIM connects through NTT Docomo and KDDI, two of Japan’s major mobile networks.
That gives you coverage not only in Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, but also across many smaller cities and regional areas.
If your itinerary includes places outside the main tourist routes, you need better network coverage, which Journey Japan eSIM can provide with very high reliability.
Hotspot Support
You can use Journey Japan eSIM as a hotspot to connect devices such as a laptop or tablet. This is useful for remote work, longer train journeys, or when you need to get another device online without buying a separate data plan.
Hotspot allowances vary by plan, so check the details before choosing an unlimited option if tethering will be a major part of your trip.
Support and Travel Benefits
Because we focus specifically on Japan, our support centers on the issues travelers are most likely to run into before and during a trip here.
Journey Japan eSIM customers can also get discounts with selected travel partners in Japan, including offers for luggage storage, karaoke, bars, and other services you may actually use during your trip.
If you are looking for a Saily alternative specifically for Japan, Journey Japan eSIM is worth considering if you want local network coverage, a choice between fixed and unlimited data, hotspot support, and a service built around traveling in Japan.
Compare Journey Japan eSIM plans.
2. Ubigi
Ubigi is another well-established eSIM option for Japan and one we often see travelers consider alongside Saily. It offers both fixed-data and unlimited plans, with options ranging from smaller packages for light use to larger plans for longer trips.
One of Ubigi’s strengths in Japan is its network access. Its current Japan plans connect through KDDI and NTT Docomo, with 4G and 5G available where supported.
Ubigi also has a fairly wide range of plan sizes. At the time of writing, you can get 1 GB for 30 days, 5 GB for 15 days, 10 GB for 30 days, and 50 GB for 30 days. It also offers unlimited plans, including 15-day and 30-day options.
Data sharing is allowed, so you can use your phone as a hotspot for another device. Ubigi also lets you keep the same eSIM installed and purchase additional plans through its app for future trips rather than installing a new eSIM each time.
Ubigi can be a good Saily alternative if you want plenty of fixed-data choices, access to major Japanese networks, or an eSIM you can continue using when traveling to other countries.
3. Airalo
Airalo is one of the larger global eSIM providers and offers coverage in more than 200 destinations. For Japan, it currently offers both fixed-data and unlimited plans, along with regional Asia and global eSIMs if Japan is only one stop on a larger trip.
Its Japan plans use SoftBank as the primary network, with another supported network available depending on the plan. Fixed-data options range from smaller packages such as 1 GB for three days to larger plans for longer trips, while unlimited plans are available for periods ranging from three to 30 days.
Its unlimited plans currently include 3 GB of high-speed data per day at speeds of up to 20 Mbps. After you use that allowance, speeds drop until the high-speed allowance resets 24 hours later.
Airalo can make sense as a Saily alternative if you already use the service for other trips, want several plan sizes to choose from, or need regional or global coverage alongside Japan.
It is particularly useful for multi-country trips where you would rather manage your eSIMs through one provider.
5. Nomad
Nomad offers a wide range of Japan plans, including smaller fixed-data packages, larger 20 GB and 50 GB options, and unlimited plans. Its Japan eSIMs currently connect through KDDI au and SoftBank.
At the time of writing, Nomad offers options from 1 GB through 50 GB, generally with longer validity periods on the larger plans. It also offers regional plans that include Japan if you are visiting other countries in Asia on the same trip.
Nomad also has unlimited plans, but these come with a daily high-speed data allowance. Most currently include 2 GB of high-speed data per day, after which speeds are reduced until the allowance resets.
Most Nomad eSIMs support hotspot and tethering, which can be useful if you need to connect a laptop, tablet, or another phone while traveling.
Nomad is worth considering as a Saily alternative if you want plenty of fixed-data choices, need a larger data package without choosing an unlimited plan, or want an Asia regional eSIM for a multi-country trip.
6. Jetpac
Jetpac is another Saily alternative with both fixed-data and unlimited plans for Japan. Its Japan eSIM currently connects through KDDI and Rakuten Mobile, with 4G and 5G available where supported.
Its fixed-data plans range from smaller packages up to 40 GB, while the unlimited plan currently includes 3 GB of standard-speed data every 24 hours. After that, speeds are reduced to up to 1 Mbps until the allowance resets. Hotspot sharing is supported, including on the unlimited plan.
What makes Jetpac a little different from many other eSIM providers is the additional travel features included with the service. Customers who purchase qualifying plans can continue using WhatsApp chat, Google Maps navigation, Uber, and Grab even after their regular data runs out.
Jetpac also offers SmartDelay, which can provide complimentary airport lounge access when an eligible flight is delayed.
Jetpac is primarily a data service, although it also sells voice packs for calls through the Jetpac app. It can be worth considering if you want a Japan eSIM with both fixed and unlimited options and find the additional travel benefits useful for your trip.
7. Sakura Mobile
Sakura Mobile is another Japan-focused option and has been providing mobile service to travelers and residents in Japan since 2014. Unlike global providers such as Saily, Airalo, and Nomad, its travel products are designed specifically for people visiting Japan.
For eSIM users, Sakura Mobile offers two main travel plan types: 3 GB of high-speed data per day or unlimited data. The 3 GB/day plans use NTT Docomo's 5G network, while the unlimited plans currently use au. You can choose the number of days you need, with eSIM options available for trips from one day up to 90 days.
The 3 GB/day plans reduce speeds to 1 Mbps after you use the daily high-speed allowance, rather than cutting off your data completely.
Sakura Mobile's unlimited plans offer unlimited high-speed data, but hotspot use has a separate allowance that increases with the plan length. For example, the seven-day unlimited eSIM currently includes up to 6 GB of hotspot data, while a 10-day plan includes up to 9 GB.
Hotspot and tethering are supported on its travel eSIMs, so you can share your connection with a laptop, tablet, or another device.
Sakura Mobile recommends installing its travel eSIM after arriving in Japan or shortly before arrival because some devices can show errors when the eSIM is installed overseas. Once you are in Japan, installation can trigger the start of the plan.
Sakura Mobile is worth considering if you want a provider focused specifically on Japan, prefer choosing the exact number of days you need, or want a choice between a daily high-speed allowance and unlimited data.
When Another eSIM May Be a Better Fit Than Saily
Saily is a solid option for Japan, but another provider may fit your trip better depending on what you need.
You expect to use a lot of data: Unlimited plans can work differently between providers. Some give you a daily amount of high-speed data before reducing speeds, while others use different fair-use policies.
You want a specific amount of data: Another provider may have a 10 GB, 20 GB, 50 GB, or other fixed-data plan that better matches your trip length and expected usage.
You prefer a Japan-focused provider: Journey Japan eSIM and Sakura Mobile focus specifically on Japan rather than offering plans across hundreds of destinations.
You want a different Japanese network: Providers connect through different networks, including NTT Docomo, KDDI, SoftBank, and Rakuten Mobile. This may matter more if your trip takes you outside the major cities.
You plan to use hotspot frequently: Hotspot allowances can vary, particularly on unlimited plans. Check how much data you can share if you plan to connect a laptop, tablet, or another phone.
You are visiting several countries: Regional or global plans can be more convenient if Japan is only one stop on a longer trip through Asia or elsewhere.
Choose Journey Japan eSIM for Your Trip to Japan
Saily is a good option for international travel, but if your trip is focused on Japan, a Japan-specific eSIM may be a better fit.
Journey Japan eSIM gives you access to major Japanese networks, with fixed-data and unlimited plans depending on how you expect to use your phone. Our plans support hotspot use, and our service is built specifically around travelers visiting Japan.
You also get access to travel discounts and benefits with selected partners in Japan, alongside support if you need help before or during your trip.
Explore our current fixed-data and unlimited plans and choose the option that works best for your trip.
