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The Ultimate Guide to Using eSIMs in Japan

Woman traveler smiling at their phone while traveling in Japan

Posted on

Feb 1, 2025

3 min

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Journey Japan

Getting ready to travel to Japan? Whether you're planning to explore Tokyo's amazing high rises and cityscapes, visit Kyoto’s historic and breathtaking temples and shrines, or even just enjoy the serene beauty of that Japan has to offer, staying connected is a must. Today, having connection while traveling Japan is more important than ever. Whether you are navigating Google Maps, translating signs, sharing photos on social media, or even booking reservations. But, what is the best way to stay connected online? The answer is eSIM.

In this Ultimate Guide to eSIMs in Japan, we’ll give you a quick preview of what makes traveling with a Japan eSIM so special. Such as its key benefits, as well as how to set up your eSIM, a comparison to a normal Japan SIM card, and our recommendation for the best provider to ensure you stay connected with ease throughout your Japan trip.

Introduction: What Is an eSIM?

An eSIM, or embedded SIM, is a digital SIM card built into your device. Instead of inserting a physical card, you activate a mobile plan directly through software. This latest technology has become more readily known, and is supported by most modern smartphones, tablets, and even some laptops.

Key Benefits of eSIMs

In general, eSIMs come with several advantages for users, especially for travelers heading to Japan. Here are some of our favorite and key benefits:

Same Day Delivery - Instant Activation

With an eSIM, you can purchase online, install, and activate your mobile plan in just a few minutes. This saves tons of time and stress when planning for your trip. The entire process can often be set up long before you arrive at your travel destination. For Japan esims, no longer do you need to wait in long lines or search for SIM card kiosks at the airport. Once you land, just activate your eSIM, you’re ready to go.

2. No Physical SIM Card Needed

Carrying additional worries are over. Gone are the days of worrying about losing or damaging a physical SIM card. Since your eSIM is a digital product embedded directly into your device, you don’t need to swap out cards, making it the most convenient option for travelers.

3. Flexible Data and Usage Plans

Most eSIM providers typically offer a variety of data packages tailored to different travel durations and data usage needs. Whether you’re a heavy or light data users, staying in Japan for a short visit or an extended trip, there’s an eSIM plan that fits your exact requirements.

Bonus Tip: Find a Japan eSIM provider that offers extended data validity and coverage without additional pricing.

Girl smiling and taking a seflie wth her smartphone, enjoying the Journey Japan eSIM

Why Choose an eSIM in Japan?

While Japan is known for its incredible technology and connectivity, finding fast and reliable internet can be tough. For travelers who rely on their smartphones for everything such as using Google Maps or Google translate, it is smart to be prepared at all times. That being said, here’s are a few reasons that using an eSIM while in Japan is the best option for staying connected during your trip:

1. Seamless Connectivity Across Japan

Compared to other options, an eSIM provides consistent, high-speed data to allow your device to connect seamlessly to Japan's local network. For instance, the Journey Japan eSIM offers the fastest and most reliable coverage in both urban and rural areas. Whether you're exploring the lively streets of Tokyo, visiting historical Kyoto areas, or hiking through Japan’s scenic countryside, you will have the best coverage and stay online wherever you go.

2. Avoid Roaming Charges

International roaming can be outrageously expensive, especially for Japan tourists. By using an eSIM, you can travel like a local, avoiding the often steep international roaming charges from home carriers, and opt for a local Japanese data plan instead. Most eSIM plans are a fraction of the cost per day, and provider better service and connectivity thought your Japan trip.

3. Convenient Setup

As mentioned, one of the biggest advantages of eSIMs is the hassle-free setup. With an immediate delivery after purchase, and a simple set up, you can put your internet worries behind you. For specific Japan eSIMs like Journey Japan eSIM, you can purchase your plan, install, and activate your code up to 3 days before you even board your flight. That way your data plan is embedded, and is ready to connect as soon as you land. No more waiting at airport kiosks, or dealing with confusing SIM swaps.

Bonus Tip: eSIM for Japan can be installed and activated on your device before traveling, but will not receive service until you arrive in Japan to connect to a local Japanese network.

4. Flexibility for Short-Term and Long-Term Travelers

eSIMs allow you to easily adjust data usage and durations to fit your travel plans. Whether you're visiting for a few days or staying for an extended period, an eSIM offers flexible plans that cater to all kinds of travelers. Choose from a variety of options that best suit your data needs and travel duration.

For a quick guidance on data needs while traveling Japan, depending on the plan duration, "Heavy Data Users", (watches YouTube, enjoys live streaming, downloading large documents or videos, streaming music, etc.) should look for Japan eSIM plans with approximately 50GB or so for adequate amount of data. For "medium-light data users", (using Social Media for posting and scrolling, streaming music ,taking picture and video, using Google Maps, etc.) a 50GB plan might be too much, but would be safe to look for plans in the 20GB range.

How to Set Up Your eSIM in Japan

We have mentioned multiple times that eSIM set up is hassle-free, quick, and easy. However, just in case, here’s a simple step-by-step guide to get you online in right away:

1. Choose Your Japan eSIM Plan

Find the best Japan eSIM that works with your device, covers all of your data needs, and works well for your trip. Whether you need a short-term data plan or something longer, there are options for all travel durations.

Bonus Tip: Be sure to check your phone’s eSIM compatibility before purchasing your plan. Check compatibility here.

2. Purchase and Receive Your Activation Code

Once you’ve selected your plan, complete the purchase. You’ll receive an Activation or QR code via email that you can copy input directly into your device's settings. This code will be used to install your eSIM and activate your service upon arriving in Japan.

3. Install and Activate Your eSIM

With you activation code, it is time to embedded the eSIM into your device. Head to your Device's Settings, select Cellular or Mobile Data, and tap Add Cellular Plan. Input or scan the code you received via email, and your device will automatically configure to the eSIM plan you purchased. If installed correctly, you should see the eSIM Plan now within your devices.

4. Start Using Your Japan eSIM

Once properly installed, now it is all about getting connection. Activate your eSIM by enabling Data Roaming ON for your plan. This will inform your device to use the eSIM plan that was installed for your data services. After this, your eSIM is ready to go, and will automatically connect to a local Japanese network once your arrive in Japan.

Note: Make sure you’re connected to strong Wi-Fi during setup to ensure a smooth installation and activation process. After that, you’ll be able to enjoy high-speed data wherever you go in Japan.

eSIM vs. Physical SIM Cards: What’s Better for Japan?

If you're still on the fence about the newer technology eSIM versus the more commonly know physical SIM card, here’s a quick comparison of features to help you decide which is best for your needs, and which option makes your Japan trip easier and stress-free.

Feature	eSIM	Physical SIM
Setup Time	Instant setup via Activation code QR code sent to your device.	Requires in-person purchase or pickup, plus manual SIM insertion
Convenience	Purchase at anytime, no physical card needed. Can be installed directly to your device	Must wait to receive card. Physically insert and swap SIM cards.
Flexibility	Easily add and switch between data plans or your device within a few clicks	Usually limited to one provider/plan at a time. No dual sim options.
Security	No card to lose, break, or damage.	Risk of SIM being lost, damaged, or stolen
Cost & Transparency	No hidden fees. Simple, transparent pricing.	Additional pricing may vary. May include hidden fees for SIM activation, roaming, plan changes, or lost/ damage Sim.
Sustainability	100% digital product, no plastic waste or single use.	Uses physical, plastic materials to produce SIM cards
Support & Management	Managed entirely online. With support available for quick help and fixes.	Troubleshooting often requires store visits or manual intervention.

While physical SIM cards are still an option, eSIMs offer superior convenience, especially for short and longer-term travelers. You can purchase, install and activate your plan before you even arrive in Japan, thus connecting without the hassle of swapping SIM cards.

Why Journey Japan eSIM is the Perfect Choice for Your Trip

As we have gone through the key points for eSIMs in Japan, we ultimately recommend the strongest eSIM, while also being hassle-free and affordable, making Journey Japan eSIM the ideal solution.

Journey Japan eSIM is designed specifically with travelers in mind. It offers a range of specific benefits, perfect for tourist coming to Japan. You can ensure you stay connected seamlessly throughout your trip with benefits such as:

Affordable and Flexible Plans

With multiple data options and prices starting as low as $0.98/GB, Journey Japan eSIM offers 30-day trip coverage plans that are both budget-friendly and tailored to short-term travelers.

Fast and Reliable Speeds:

Using Japan's best network provider, NTT Docomo, enjoy uninterrupted, high-speed 5G/4G/LTE data speeds across all of Japan. Whether you’re exploring metropolitan areas like Tokyo, or venturing into more rural regions, you can experience the fastest speeds and most reliable coverage around.

24/7 Customer Support:

If you run into any issues, Journey Japan eSIM provides around-the-clock customer support with chatbot, and a personal support team in both Japanese and English, ensuring you get the help you need, when you need it. There is also an additional FAQ section provided for users as a quick convenience and solution, as well.

Quick and Easy Installation:

Activating your Journey Japan eSIM is quick and simple. Purchase your plan, install your eSIM with the activation code, and once you arrive in Japan you’ll be up and running with connection as soon as you land. No need to worry about finding a store or switching out physical SIM cards.

With these benefits, Journey Japan eSIM is a most convenient, affordable, and reliable choice for staying connected during your travels.

Conclusion: Why eSIM is the Best Choice for Your Japan Trip

Using an eSIM for your travels in Japan is the smartest, most convenient way to stay connected. From instant activation to flexible plans and the hassle-free experience of not having to deal with physical SIM cards, eSIMs make staying online during your trip effortless.

Whether you’re navigating the streets of Tokyo, translating signs, or sharing your adventures with friends, you’ll have

Ready to experience the ease of eSIM? Explore affordable and flexible eSIM plans today at Journey Japan eSIM and ensure seamless connectivity, reliable, high-speed data at your fingertips.