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Journey Japan
Holafly is a popular eSIM option for travelers visiting Japan, particularly for its unlimited data plans that remove the need to estimate how many gigabytes you’ll use during your trip.
However, Holafly says its unlimited plans may be subject to the local network provider’s fair-use policy, which can restrict data usage or speeds.
Some travelers in Japan have also reported slow speeds and inconsistent performance, particularly after heavier data use.
Fortunately, there are several Holafly alternatives for Japan. In this article, we’ll look at different options, including our own Journey Japan eSIM and other popular providers, whose names we often see come up.
1. Journey Japan eSIM
Journey Japan eSIM is our own Japan-focused eSIM service, founded by Chris Broad, the creator of the Abroad in Japan YouTube channel.
After living in Japan for more than a decade and traveling extensively across the country for his videos, Chris saw how important reliable mobile data is when traveling around Japan.
The idea for Journey Japan eSIM came after friends visiting Tokyo experienced poor reception with travel SIMs, and years of using pocket WiFi during filming also showed him the limitations of relying on a separate device.
Rather than creating another global eSIM service covering hundreds of destinations, Journey Japan eSIM was built specifically for travelers visiting Japan, with a focus on reliable connectivity across the country.
Fixed and Truly Unlimited Data Plans
Journey Japan eSIM offers both fixed-data and True Unlimited plans, so you can choose based on how much data you expect to use and how long your trip is.
Our fixed-data plans come with 10GB, 20GB, or 50GB of data and are valid for up to 30 days. For heavier data users, True Unlimited 5G plans are available for 7, 15, or 30 days.
Importantly, True Unlimited means no daily high-speed data cap or scheduled throttling after you reach a certain usage amount, making it useful for travelers who expect to use their phone heavily for navigation, streaming, video calls, social media, or uploading photos and videos while traveling.
Coverage Across Japan
Journey Japan eSIM uses two of Japan's major mobile networks, NTT Docomo and KDDI, and provides 99% data coverage across Japan, including rural areas.
If your itinerary goes beyond Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. Reliable connectivity becomes even more important when traveling through the countryside, smaller towns, and mountainous areas, where you may still need your phone for maps, train information, and translations.
We also test our eSIM in real-world locations around Japan, including more challenging spots outside major cities, and publish the results alongside tests of other popular eSIM providers.
Hotspot Support
Hotspot and tethering are supported, allowing you to share your connection with a laptop, tablet, or another device.
The True Unlimited plans have no daily hotspot limit, although they do have an overall hotspot allowance based on the length of the plan.
For example, a 15-day unlimited plan includes 15GB of hotspot data, while a 30-day plan includes 30GB.
This can be useful if you need to work from your laptop during your trip or want to connect another device while you're on the move.
24/7 Japan-Based Support
Journey Japan eSIM is run by a team in Japan and built specifically around the needs of people traveling here.
If you run into problems getting connected, 24/7 customer support is available, including English-language support.
This can be particularly useful when you've just arrived in Japan and need help installing, activating, or troubleshooting your eSIM.
Exclusive Japan Travel Perks
Journey Japan eSIM also includes more than mobile data. Customers get access to exclusive discounts and perks they can use during their trip around Japan.
Current perks include 15% off luggage storage with Bounce, ¥500 off karaoke per person at Big Echo, ¥500 off a first cocktail or mocktail at LOST Bar in Shibuya, 10% off an A5 Wagyu set at Yakiniku Torijyu in Osaka, and other discounts and complimentary offers at participating restaurants and attractions.
Most coupons are available for three months after purchasing your eSIM, although individual offers and restrictions can vary.
Overall, Journey Japan eSIM differs from global eSIM providers such as Holafly.
The service is focused entirely on Japan, with fixed and truly unlimited data options, access to major Japanese networks, 99% nationwide data coverage, hotspot support, 24/7 customer support, and additional travel perks for your trip.
2. Airalo
Airalo is a global eSIM provider and offers both fixed-data and unlimited plans for Japan. Its Japan eSIM connects to SoftBank and KDDI.
It offers fixed plans ranging from 1GB to 20GB, with prices starting at $4, and unlimited plans for trips from 3 to 30 days. Airalo also offers regional Asia and global eSIMs, which can be useful if Japan is only one stop on a longer trip.
Airalo's unlimited Japan plans are subject to a daily high-speed data allowance. Airalo states that after 3GB of data use in a day, speeds are reduced to 1Mbps until the allowance resets.
Airalo is a good alternative for travelers who want plenty of plan choices from a well-established global eSIM provider, particularly if you only need a smaller amount of data or are traveling to multiple countries.
3. Ubigi
Ubigi has Japan eSIM plans that connect to both NTT Docomo and KDDI, giving users access to two of the country's major mobile networks and 4G/5G connectivity where available.
Ubigi offers fixed-data plans rather than focusing primarily on unlimited data. Its 10GB Japan plan currently costs $16.50 and is valid for 30 days. If you use up your allowance, you can purchase additional data without installing another eSIM.
You can install your eSIM before traveling, but the Japan data plan begins when you arrive and connect to the local network. Ubigi also allows data sharing, so you can use your phone as a hotspot for other devices.
Ubigi is a good option if you don't need unlimited data and prefer to pay a fixed amount.
4. Nomad
Nomad offers a wide selection of fixed-data and unlimited eSIM plans for Japan, connecting to KDDI au and SoftBank.
Its fixed-data options range from smaller plans for light users up to 50GB, making it another option if you would rather pay for a set amount of data than an unlimited Holafly plan.
Nomad's Japan plans start at $4 for 1GB over seven days. Larger options include 10GB for $16 and 20GB for $23, both valid for 30 days. Unlimited plans are also available for different trip lengths, including 3, 7, 14, and 21 days.
Nomad applies a daily high-speed data allowance, after which the connection continues at a reduced speed until the allowance resets.
Nomad can be a particularly useful Holafly alternative for travelers looking for reasonably priced fixed-data options.
5. Saily
Saily is a global eSIM service developed by the company behind NordVPN. For Japan, it offers both fixed-data and unlimited options and connects through local partners including KDDI and SoftBank, with 4G/LTE and 5G available where supported.
Fixed-data plans currently start at $3.99 for 1GB over seven days. Saily also offers 3GB, 5GB, 10GB, and 20GB options with 30-day validity, making it especially flexible for travelers who don't expect to use enough data to justify an unlimited plan.
Its current unlimited plan provides 5GB of unrestricted-speed data per day. After that, you remain connected with unlimited data at speeds of up to 1Mbps until the daily allowance resets.
Its app includes features such as virtual location, an ad blocker, and web protection, which may appeal to travelers who want those tools alongside their mobile data.
Saily makes the most sense if you want inexpensive fixed-data plans, app-based management, and additional security features, rather than unlimited high-speed data throughout the day.
6. Jetpac
Jetpac offers both fixed-data and unlimited eSIM plans for Japan, with fixed-data packages ranging up to 40GB and unlimited options available for heavier users. It also supports 4G/5G and multi-network connectivity.
Jetpac lists 10GB for $16, 15GB for $21, and 30GB for $29.99, all valid for 30 days.
Jetpac's unlimited plan has a fair-use restriction. You receive 3GB at standard network speeds every 24 hours, after which speeds are reduced to up to 1Mbps until the next daily cycle.
Jetpac plans of 3GB or more include continued access to essential services such as WhatsApp, Google Maps, Uber and Grab after your regular data runs out. Jetpac also offers SmartDelay, which can provide airport lounge access when an eligible registered flight is delayed.
7. Sakura Mobile
Sakura Mobile is a Japan-based connectivity provider that has served international visitors since 2014, offering eSIMs, physical SIM cards, pocket WiFi, and longer-term mobile plans.
For travelers, Sakura Mobile offers several Japan eSIM options. Its current range includes a truly unlimited option using the au by KDDI network, as well as a 3GB-per-day option using NTT Docomo. Hotspot/tethering is supported, although the unlimited plan has a separate hotspot allowance.
Sakura Mobile states that it has no daily data limit or speed throttling. Its support documentation also explains that the KDDI network uses additional frequency bands for rural and mountainous areas, while 4G provides coverage where 5G isn't available.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Holafly Alternative
Holafly is best known for its unlimited data plans, but you should also consider network coverage, throttling policies, hotspot limits, support, and your wider travel plans, which can all affect which provider is the better fit.
Unlimited Data and Speed Restrictions
“Unlimited” does not always mean unlimited data at full available network speed.
Some eSIM providers give you a set amount of high-speed data each day and reduce your speed once you reach that limit. Others may apply fair-use policies that allow the local network operator to restrict speeds after heavy usage.
Check the fair-use policy rather than relying on the word “unlimited” alone.
Journey Japan eSIM's True Unlimited plans have no daily data cap and no scheduled throttling after a set amount of usage. Airalo, Saily, Nomad, and Jetpac also offer unlimited plans for Japan, but their high-speed data policies differ, so compare the amount of full-speed data included before choosing.
Coverage Across Japan
Japan's major mobile networks include NTT Docomo, KDDI au, and SoftBank, and different travel eSIMs connect to different networks. Coverage can vary as you move through rural areas, mountainous regions, smaller towns, and long-distance rail routes.
Journey Japan eSIM connects to NTT Docomo and KDDI and provides 99% data coverage across Japan, including rural areas. We also test our eSIM around Japan in real-world conditions and publish the results alongside other eSIM providers.
Before buying any eSIM, check which Japanese network it uses rather than looking only at its advertised 4G or 5G speeds.
Fixed Data vs Unlimited Data
You may not need an unlimited plan at all.
If most of your mobile data will go toward Google Maps, LINE or WhatsApp, train information, translation apps, and general browsing, a fixed-data plan may cover your entire trip for less.
Several Holafly alternatives offer 10GB, 20GB, 50GB, and other fixed-data options.
Journey Japan eSIM, for example, offers 10GB, 20GB, and 50GB plans alongside its True Unlimited plans, so you can choose between paying for a set allowance and having unlimited data.
Hotspot and Tethering
Check the hotspot policy separately from the main data allowance. An eSIM advertised as unlimited may still place restrictions on how much data you can share with a laptop, tablet, or another phone.
Journey Japan eSIM supports hotspot and tethering on its plans. Its True Unlimited plans have a total hotspot allowance based on the plan duration rather than a daily hotspot cap.
Other providers have their own limits and policies, so compare these if you expect to tether regularly.
Customer Support
eSIM problems tend to matter most when you've just landed and can't get online. Check when support is available, how you can contact the provider, and whether the support team can help with Japan-specific connectivity issues.
Journey Japan eSIM is run by a team based in Japan and provides 24/7 English-language customer support.
Because the service focuses on Japan rather than hundreds of destinations, the team also deals specifically with Japanese networks and connectivity.
Japan-Only vs Regional Plans
A Japan-only eSIM makes sense when Japan is the focus of your trip, while a regional plan may be more convenient if you're also visiting South Korea, Thailand, Singapore, or other destinations in Asia.
Providers such as Airalo and Nomad offer regional Asia eSIMs that work across multiple countries.
Journey Japan eSIM is built specifically for Japan, with network selection, support, and additional benefits centered on travel within the country.
Additional Travel Perks
Data and coverage should come first, but some eSIMs include extras beyond connectivity.
Journey Japan eSIM customers receive Japan-specific travel perks and discounts with participating businesses, including offers for luggage storage, karaoke, restaurants, bars, and other services in Japan.
These extras shouldn't outweigh network coverage, data limits, or price, but they're worth comparing when two eSIMs otherwise meet your needs.
Choose Journey Japan eSIM for Your Trip to Japan
Journey Japan eSIM was built specifically for travel in Japan. Our True Unlimited plans have no daily data caps or scheduled throttling, while fixed 10GB, 20GB, and 50GB plans are available for travelers who prefer to pay for a set amount of data.
Our eSIM connects to NTT Docomo and KDDI, providing 99% data coverage across Japan, including rural areas. Plans also support hotspot use, and our Japan-based team provides 24/7 English-language customer support if you need help during your trip.
You'll also get access to exclusive Japan travel perks and discounts covering services such as luggage storage, restaurants, bars, karaoke, and other experiences.
If you're looking for a Holafly alternative built specifically around traveling in Japan, compare our Japan eSIM plans and choose the one that matches your trip.
