Posted on
/
By
Journey Japan
Holafly and Saily are two popular travel eSIM providers offering mobile data plans for Japan. Holafly is known for its unlimited data plans, although speeds can be reduced under its fair usage policy, while Saily offers both fixed-data and unlimited options.
Both eSIM providers are convenient options, with reasonable pricing, good network coverage, and different data allowances to suit your trip. However, if you're traveling specifically to Japan and plan to visit rural areas, Hokkaido, Mount Fuji, or smaller towns where network coverage can be less reliable, a Japan-focused eSIM provider may be a better choice.
In this guide, we'll compare Holafly, Saily, and our own Journey Japan eSIM across pricing, data plans, network coverage, real-world speeds, hotspot support, and setup to help you choose the best option for your trip to Japan.
1. Journey Japan eSIM
Journey Japan eSIM is a Japan-focused eSIM provider founded by Chris Broad, creator of the popular Abroad in Japan YouTube channel. Unlike Holafly and Saily, which offer mobile data plans for hundreds of destinations, we focus exclusively on Japan.
Our eSIM plans use Japan's local mobile networks, NTT Docomo and KDDI (au), with 5G, 4G, and LTE connectivity.
We offer fixed-data and True Unlimited plans, along with 24/7 customer support and exclusive travel benefits for visitors to Japan.
Extensive Coverage Across Japan
Journey Japan eSIM provides 99% nationwide data coverage through NTT Docomo and KDDI, two of Japan's largest mobile network operators.
Our fixed-data plans use NTT Docomo, while our True Unlimited 5G plans connect through KDDI (au). Both networks cover Japan's major cities and many regional destinations, although coverage and available speeds vary by location.
While most eSIM providers work well in central Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, network coverage becomes particularly important when you travel outside the major cities.
If your itinerary includes Hokkaido, the Mount Fuji area, smaller towns in Kyushu, or rural destinations where public Wi-Fi is limited, it's worth checking which local network your eSIM uses.
Fast 5G Speeds Tested Across Japan
We've conducted extensive speed tests across Japan to see how different eSIM providers perform in real-world conditions.
Our Japan eSIM speed test database includes more than 400 tests across 22 locations, comparing Journey Japan eSIM, Holafly, Saily, Airalo, Mobal, and Sakura Mobile.
Across these tests, Journey Japan eSIM recorded an average download speed of 301.2 Mbps, compared with 125.1 Mbps for Saily and 7.4 Mbps for Holafly.
We also recorded a peak download speed of 1.6 Gbps near Tokyo Tower, along with strong results at Tokyo Station, Osaka Castle, Kyoto, and several other popular destinations.
One particularly interesting result came from our tests aboard the Tokaido Shinkansen traveling at approximately 300 km/h. Journey Japan eSIM averaged 112 Mbps, while Saily averaged 6 Mbps and Holafly 3 Mbps.
Journey Japan also completed every test in the published dataset without a failed connection.
Local Data Routing
Another advantage of Journey Japan eSIM is that our mobile data traffic is routed locally within Japan.
Some international eSIM providers connect to a Japanese mobile network but route internet traffic through servers in other countries. This can increase latency because data has to travel farther before reaching its destination.
During our tests, Journey Japan eSIM's traffic remained within Japan, while Saily and Holafly routed traffic through overseas servers.
Journey Japan recorded an average latency of 23 milliseconds, compared with 35 milliseconds for Saily and 123 milliseconds for Holafly.
Lower latency can help with video calls, online gaming, and other activities that require a responsive connection. However, actual latency also depends on network congestion, your location, and the service you're connecting to.
Fixed-Data Plans for Different Travel Needs
We offer three fixed-data plans, each valid for 30 days.
Our 10GB plan costs $19 and works well for travelers who primarily use Google Maps, translation apps, messaging, and occasional social media.
The 20GB plan costs $29 and gives you more room for uploading photos, browsing, streaming music, and making occasional video calls.
For travelers who expect to use their phones heavily or share their connection with another device, we also offer a 50GB plan for $49.
Unlike daily-data plans, these allowances are available throughout the entire 30-day period. You can use more data on busy travel days and less when you're connected to hotel Wi-Fi.
True Unlimited 5G Without Daily Speed Throttling
For travelers who don't want to monitor their data usage, Journey Japan eSIM also offers True Unlimited 5G plans.
Our unlimited plans currently cost $29 for 7 days, $49 for 15 days, and $79 for 30 days.
Unlike Saily, which reduces speeds after a daily high-speed allowance, Journey Japan eSIM's True Unlimited plans don't impose daily high-speed caps or usage-based throttling on mobile data used directly on your phone.
This means you can stream videos, upload travel photos, use navigation apps, and make video calls without worrying about reaching a daily data threshold that automatically reduces your connection speed.
Network congestion, signal strength, and local coverage can still affect your actual speeds, but we don't apply a daily usage limit that intentionally slows your phone's connection.
Hotspot and Tethering Support
Journey Japan eSIM also supports hotspot and tethering, so you can share your mobile internet connection with a laptop, tablet, or another phone.
With fixed-data plans, hotspot usage comes out of your regular data allowance without a separate tethering cap.
Our True Unlimited plans also support hotspot sharing, with a separate allowance based on the plan duration.
The 7-day unlimited plan includes 7GB of hotspot data, the 15-day plan includes 15GB, and the 30-day plan includes 30GB.
These allowances are pooled across the entire plan period rather than resetting every day.
For example, if you purchase the 15-day unlimited plan, you could use 3GB of hotspot data in one day and still have 12GB available for the remainder of your trip.
Your data usage directly on your phone remains unlimited.
Easy QR Code Setup and Flexible Activation
You don't need to download an app or visit a physical store to purchase and install Journey Japan eSIM.
After purchasing your plan, we'll send you a QR code and installation instructions by email. You can install the eSIM before you leave home, as long as your phone is unlocked and supports eSIM technology.
Your plan normally activates when your phone first connects to a supported network in Japan.
We also provide an activation window, giving you time to purchase your eSIM before your trip.
Fixed-data plans have a 45-day activation window, while True Unlimited 5G plans have a 180-day activation window.
If you don't activate your eSIM within the applicable window, the plan's validity period begins automatically. It's best to check your travel dates before purchasing.
You can also keep your existing physical SIM installed on a compatible phone, allowing you to use Journey Japan eSIM for mobile data while retaining your regular number.
24/7 Customer Support
We provide 24/7 customer support to help travelers with eSIM installation, activation, and connectivity issues.
Our support team is based in Japan and provides assistance in English and Japanese.
This is especially useful if you run into a problem after arriving at the airport, have trouble connecting to a local network, or need help adjusting your phone's mobile data settings.
You don't have to wait until business hours in another country to get assistance with your connection.
Exclusive Japan Travel Benefits and Discounts
Journey Japan eSIM customers also receive access to exclusive Japan travel coupons and discounts.
These benefits go beyond mobile data and include offers at restaurants, bars, karaoke venues, and travel services across Japan.
Some of our current partners include LOST Bar Shibuya, where customers receive ¥500 off their first cocktail or mocktail, and Big Echo, which offers ¥500 off karaoke per person.
We also partner with Bounce for 15% off luggage storage and Sando Lab for discounts of up to 50% on selected food purchases.
These offers are available to eligible Journey Japan eSIM customers, with individual terms and restrictions applying.
For travelers visiting Japan, they're an added benefit that can help reduce some of the trip's costs.
Explore our Journey Japan eSIM plans to choose the data allowance and validity period that best suit your itinerary.
2. Holafly
Holafly is a popular international eSIM provider offering mobile data plans in more than 200 destinations, including Japan.
The company is best known for its unlimited data plans, which let travelers choose the number of days they need rather than buy a fixed data allowance.
For Japan, Holafly offers plans ranging from 1 to 90 days. A 7-day plan costs $27.50, while a 15-day plan costs $50.50 and a 30-day plan costs $73.90.
Although Holafly advertises unlimited data, its plans are subject to a Fair Usage Policy (FUP). Local network operators may temporarily reduce your connection speed when data usage reaches certain thresholds or during network congestion.
Unlike Saily, Holafly doesn't publish a specific daily high-speed allowance, making it difficult to know when your connection might slow down.
In Japan, Holafly connects through KDDI (au) and SoftBank, with 5G, 4G, and LTE coverage where available. Both networks provide extensive coverage across major cities and many regional destinations.
However, Holafly performed relatively poorly in our Japan eSIM speed tests. Across 22 locations, Holafly recorded an average download speed of just 7.4 Mbps, compared with 301.2 Mbps for Journey Japan eSIM and 125.1 Mbps for Saily.
Holafly also supports hotspot and tethering, but its Japan plans limit data sharing to 1GB per day. This may be sufficient for occasional browsing or checking emails on a laptop, but it can be restrictive if you plan to work remotely or share your connection with another traveler.
Holafly sends a QR code and installation instructions by email, so you can install your eSIM before arriving in Japan without downloading an app. The company also provides 24/7 customer support through live chat and email.
Overall, Holafly is a convenient option for travelers who prefer flexible, unlimited-data plans and primarily use their phones for everyday activities. However, its fair usage restrictions, limited hotspot allowance, and slower performance in our Japan speed tests are worth considering before purchasing.
3. Saily
Saily is a travel eSIM provider developed by Nord Security, the company behind NordVPN. It offers eSIM plans for more than 200 destinations, including Japan, and is particularly popular among travelers looking for affordable fixed-data plans and built-in security features.
Unlike Holafly, Saily offers both fixed-data and unlimited options. Its Japan plans start at $3.99 for 1GB over 7 days, while 10GB costs $17.99 and 20GB costs $24.99, both valid for 30 days.
Saily also offers unlimited plans, including a 15-day option for $48.99 and a 30-day option for $71.99.
However, its unlimited plans come with a daily high-speed data allowance of 5GB. Once you use that allowance, your connection slows to a maximum of 1 Mbps for the remainder of the day.
You can still use messaging apps, Google Maps, and basic browsing, but streaming videos, uploading large files, or making video calls can become difficult.
In Japan, Saily connects through local network partners, including KDDI (au) and SoftBank, with 5G, 4G, and LTE coverage where available.
We also tested Saily across 22 locations in Japan as part of our Japan eSIM speed tests. Saily recorded an average download speed of 125.1 Mbps, making it considerably faster than Holafly's 7.4 Mbps average, although it fell behind Journey Japan eSIM's 301.2 Mbps.
Saily performed particularly well inside Tokyo Station, where we recorded speeds of up to 760 Mbps. However, performance was inconsistent across locations. Outside Tokyo Station, speeds dropped below 1 Mbps, and Saily averaged just 6 Mbps during our tests aboard the Tokaido Shinkansen.
Saily also supports hotspot and tethering, allowing you to share mobile data with laptops, tablets, and other devices. Unlike Holafly, it doesn't impose a separate 1GB daily hotspot limit, although usage still counts toward your regular data allowance and is subject to the same fair usage restrictions.
Saily also provides an ad blocker, web protection, and virtual location settings. These features are included with its eSIM plans and can be managed through the Saily app.
You can purchase and install a Saily eSIM before your trip using the app or a QR code delivered by email. The plan activates when you arrive in Japan, and Saily provides a 180-day activation window. Customer support is available 24/7 through live chat.
Overall, Saily is a good option for travelers looking for affordable fixed-data plans, hotspot support, and additional security features.
However, its daily high-speed limit on unlimited plans and inconsistent performance in our Japan speed tests are worth considering, particularly if you plan to travel extensively outside the major cities.
Stay Connected Across Japan With Journey Japan eSIM
Whether you're exploring Tokyo and Osaka, traveling through Hokkaido, or visiting smaller towns across Japan, Journey Japan eSIM helps you stay connected with reliable local network coverage.
Our plans include fast 5G connectivity, fixed-data and True Unlimited options without daily speed throttling on phone data, hotspot support, and 24/7 customer assistance.
You'll also get access to exclusive discounts at restaurants, bars, and other attractions across Japan.
Explore our Japan eSIM plans, choose the option that fits your trip, and install your eSIM before you arrive in Japan.
