Blog

Where to Buy Japan eSIM: Top Options for Travelers Visiting Japan

Two women taking a selfie infront of a Japanese Sign archway with thier smartphone

Posted on

May 14, 2025

3 min

read

Journey Japan

Introduction

Traveling to Japan is exciting, but figuring out how to get internet access shouldn’t feel like decoding kanji without Google Translate. If you’re like me, you want easy, fast, reliable data without getting scammed at an airport kiosk or wasting your time on your first day hunting down a SIM card shop in the middle of Shinjuku.

Well, there is good news. Japan eSIM options have exploded in the past few years, making it easier than ever for travelers to get reliable service before they even land at Narita, Haneda, or Kansai airports. In this guide, I’ll break down exactly where and how to buy a Japan eSIM, what your best options are, and a few rookie mistakes to dodge.

Why Choose an eSIM Over Physical SIM or Pocket Wi-Fi?

First, a quick refresher: eSIM stands for Embedded SIM. It is a digital sim that you can quickly install can connect to a local network provider via data on your phone . This means no hunting down a plastic SIM card, no lines at the airport, and no extra device like pocket Wi-Fi to to carry around with you on your trip.

Why travelers (like myself included) love eSIMs:

Instant Setup: Buy online, install your eSIM QR code or activation code, and you’re ready to go.
No Pickups or Returns: No need to worry about setting a aside time to return to rental counters or mailing things back.
Private, Secure Network: Get local Japanese coverage (if you pick the right provider), not slow international data roaming.
Travel Light: No need to remove your normal physical sim card. One less device or item in your backpack.

If you’re reading this, you’re probably already sold on eSIM. So let’s get to the good part.

Where Can You Buy a Japan eSIM?

1. Online Before You Go (Best Option)

Let’s start with the easiest (and best) route: buying your eSIM for Japan online, before your trip. This is what I always recommend. You can browse different eSIM data plans, compare prices and features, and pick the best eSIM for you. Also, you can set everything up from the comfort of your home.

Who are some online eSIM Providers?

There might seem like a ton of eSIMs for Japan, but here are some of the top places to buy online:

Journey Japan eSIM

This is my personal favorite, and in my opinion, the best eSIM for Japan (yes, I am biased, but with good reason). Journey Japan eSIM offers affordable eSIM plans, with the fastest and most reliable service I have ever experienced. Each plan offers a 30-day validity period, making it perfect for most tourist vacation plans. Their plans start at $19 for 10GB with no hidden fees, you can schedule your esim activation in advance before your trip, and they have actual humans to help for their customer support. I mean, talk about good service. Anyway, I was able to stay connected effortlessly for my whole trip, so for these reasons Journey Japan eSIM has my vote for top eSIM for Japan.

Airalo

One of the biggest global eSIM marketplaces. They offer multiple country plans including Japan eSIM options. However, be aware that you might get put on a shared bandwidth connection with slower speeds. These shared internet connections can put a damper on your trip, making your overall experience more of a hassle, and makes it hard to stay connected.

Ubigi

Another popular choice, but their “unlimited” plans actually have a daily speed limit that kicks in after you hit certain data thresholds. This is usually found in many companies' FUP policies. It is wise to read these before purchase. Popular and "unlimited" is not always the cheapest or fastest option.

Other Travel eSIM Marketplaces

There are dozens of travel eSIM shops out there now. If you’re browsing, just make sure they’re clear about the network you’ll be on (ideally NTT Docomo ), type of data line being offered( shared or private), and any hidden speed throttling after certain data usage.

2. At the Airport (Okay in a Pinch, But...)

Yes, you can buy a Japan eSIM at the airport from kiosks or vending machines. However, you’ll often pay premium prices, and the options might not give you the best speeds or plans.

Downsides of airport purchases:

Higher prices compared to online options.
Fewer plan choices, with minimal customer support.
Some machines offer international eSIMs that route through global servers, which can be slower than local Japanese networks.

If you must, it’s convenient. But for best prices and connection quality, I still say connect to a public wi-fi and buy online.

3. Convenience Stores (Kind of, but...)

Some big-name Japanese convenience stores now sell physical SIM cards or offer QR codes for eSIMs. Honestly? It’s still a bit clunky, and options are limited, but they do support eSIM.

Example: You might find a tourist eSIM pack at a 7-Eleven, but it’s usually more expensive, requires setup on your own, and doesn’t guarantee the best network or data speeds.

4. Through Your Home Carrier (Warning: Danger Zone)

Many major U.S. and European carriers have now seen the demand for eSIM (Japan is on it's way), and are now offering international data plans for most phones to stay connected. But be warned:

These are often (if not always) the most expensive option for data ($10+/day).
Internet speeds can be slow, spotty, and unreliable.
You might still face restrictions or throttling after certain limits.

This is the lazy option, but you’ll pay for that convenience.

What to Watch Out For When Buying a Japan eSIM

Even with the boom in eSIM services, it’s not always clear. Here are a few tips and traps I see travelers fall into when searching for the right eSIM for Japan:

Throttled “Unlimited Data” Plans

As mentioned, many providers advertise "unlimited data", but they throttle speeds after 1GB or 2GB daily. Always check the fine print.

International vs. Local network eSIMs

Most global providers route your data through global servers, which can make your speeds crawl in Japan. Look for local providers using NTT Docomo, SoftBank, or AU directly.

Reliable Service & Reliable Connectivity

These should go hand in hand. Great customer support means nothing if your data connection is spotty, and the fastest speeds mean little if no one can help when things go wrong. Make sure the provider offers both seamless connectivity and reliable, responsive support.

Activation Codes That Expire or Lock

Once you install an eSIM, don’t delete it mid-trip. Some codes are one-time use only and can’t be reinstalled if removed.

Sketchy Third-Party Sellers

If the website looks like it hasn’t been updated since 2001 or the prices seem too good to be true, they probably are.

My Pro Tips for Buying Japan eSIM

Buy before your flight. Install it while you still have reliable Wi-Fi at home.
Double-check your phone is unlocked and eSIM compatible. If you’re unsure, check your settings or call your carrier.
Download Google Maps offline areas for Japan. Even with eSIM, it’s good backup when exploring.
Turn off background data for heavy apps. Protect your GBs!

FAQs: Japan eSIM Buying Questions Answered

Q: Is it cheaper to buy an eSIM in Japan?
A: Usually no. Online plans targeted to Japan tourists tend to be cheaper than buying at the airport or in-country.

Q: Can I use the eSIM for Japan immediately after purchase?
A: Yes. Most services will let you activate and start using it right away, or let you schedule your activation.

Q: Can I voice call and text with an eSIM?
A: Data plans don’t include phone numbers, but you can still use WhatsApp, LINE, or other apps to voice call and text.

Q: Is Journey Japan eSIM better than Airalo?
A: For Japan trips, yes. Journey Japan uses local private bandwidth (NTT Docomo) to stay connected effortlessly, while Airalo often uses shared global servers, which can be slower and less reliable in Japan.

Final Thoughts: Where Should You Buy?

If you want fast, reliable, and affordable data for your Japan trip, buying a Japan eSIM online from a local-focused provider like Journey Japan is your best bet. You’ll save money, skip the airport lines, and actually get local-level speeds.

Trust me. Don’t be the tourist scrambling at Narita Airport, cursing at their phone while hunting for Wi-Fi.

Instead, buy online, activate in minutes, and start your Japan journey stress-free the moment you touch down.