Japanese eSIM: A must-have for traveling in Japan

1. eSIM Japan 5g unlimited data plan

With the booming development of 5G technology, the communication experience in Japan is undergoing a profound transformation. Especially in the context of the accelerated popularization of 5G networks, eSIM with 5g unlimited data plan allows you to enjoy high-speed and stable network connection in Japan, whether it's high-definition video calls, smooth online navigation, instant social sharing, or efficient mobile office, you can handle it all with ease.

2. 5G Network Coverage in Japan

Japan's major mobile operators, such as NTT Docomo, KDDI (au) and SoftBank, are actively investing in and building 5G base stations with the goal of achieving wider and deeper 5G network coverage by 2025. Although 5G coverage is currently concentrated in urban areas, especially in the core areas of metropolitan areas such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya, as the number of base stations continues to increase, it is expected that more areas, including suburbs, villages, and transportation hubs, will also enjoy the convenience of 5G services in the coming years.

Data: According to the MMD Research Institute's 2023 survey report, 56% of Japan's total cell phone sales will be 5G-compatible models, and 46% of major sign-ups will be 5G-based sign-ups. This means that if you use a 5G-enabled eSIM and 5g unlimited data plan, you will have the opportunity to experience faster internet speeds, lower latency and more stable connections.

3. Network coverage

When traveling in Japan, the stability of your internet connection is crucial. Below is a list of network coverage in some popular tourist cities, as well as recommendations based on real-world data:

• Tokyo: As the capital of Japan, Tokyo has a very good network infrastructure with high 5G network coverage. Whether you're at an intersection in Shibuya, a skyscraper in Shinjuku, a shopping mall in Ginza, or a temple in Asakusa, you're sure to have a great network experience.

  Recommended: When traveling in Tokyo, you can confidently use your eSIM for a variety of online activities, such as navigating with Google Maps, browsing social media, and watching live video streams.

• Osaka: Osaka is the center of the Kansai region and has equally excellent network coverage. You can stay online at all times in busy shopping districts such as Umeda and Namba, as well as Osaka Castle and Universal Studios.

  Recommendations: If you're planning a culinary tour of Osaka, you can use your eSIM to find restaurant reviews, reserve a seat, or share your culinary experience on social media.

• Kyoto: Kyoto is an ancient cultural capital of Japan, and although some areas have more traditional architecture, network coverage is still good. You can also stay online and share your travel insights at any time at famous sites such as Kiyomizu Temple, Kinkakuji Temple and Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine.

  Suggestions: When traveling in Kyoto, you can use your eSIM to check transportation information, learn about the history of sightseeing spots, or use a translation app to communicate with locals.

• Hokkaido: Hokkaido is known for its magnificent natural beauty. Although network coverage may be a little less good in some mountainous and remote areas, there are usually no problems with network connectivity in major cities such as Sapporo and Hakodate, as well as in popular tourist areas such as ski resorts and hot spring resorts.

  Recommendations: If you are planning a driving tour in Hokkaido, it is recommended that you download offline maps in advance, just in case. You can also use eSIM to share photos and videos of your trip so that your friends can enjoy the beauty of Hokkaido together.

Actual test data: According to the test data from Speedtest website, the average mobile network download speed in Japan in 2024 will be XX Mbps, and the upload speed will be YY Mbps. network speeds of different carriers may vary slightly, and it is recommended that you refer to their network coverage maps and user ratings when choosing an eSIM service provider.

4. Japan eSIM Data Package Selection

Choosing the right Japan eSIM data package requires comprehensive consideration of your travel city, trip days, data usage habits and budget.

Fine calculation and flexible adjustment

• Short-term city tour (3-5 days): If you are mainly traveling for a short period of time in major cities such as Tokyo and Osaka, you can choose a package with less traffic and a shorter validity period. For example, a package of 1GB per day or a total of 5GB with a validity period of 3-5 days is usually sufficient for daily use.

  Fine Calculation: You can use a traffic calculator to estimate your daily traffic usage. For example, if you need to use Google Maps to navigate for 1 hour, browse social media for 2 hours, and watch videos for 30 minutes per day, you may need 1GB of traffic per day.

• Circle Trip (7-10 days): If you plan to travel around the world between multiple cities, you can choose a package with moderate traffic and a longer validity period. For example, a total of 10GB or 15GB package with a validity of 7-10 days will ensure you stay online in different cities.

  Flexible Adjustment: If your itinerary changes or your traffic usage exceeds expectations, you can always purchase additional traffic packages or upgrade to a higher level package.

• In-depth tour (more than 15 days): If you plan to take an in-depth tour of Japan or need to use the internet frequently, you can choose a package with more traffic and a longer validity period, or even a 5g unlimited data plan. For example, a total of 30GB or 50GB package with a validity period of 15 days or more, or choose an unlimited traffic package that allows you to enjoy high-speed internet.

  Traffic Management Tips: To save traffic, you can turn off the auto-update feature of the app, limit background data usage, use Wi-Fi to download files, etc.

In addition, network coverage may vary from city to city. It is recommended that you refer to your carrier's network coverage map when choosing a package to ensure that you have good signal at all the destinations you are traveling to.

Flexible top-up and stacking package features

Currently, there are numerous providers offering Japanese eSIM services in the market, and the following are some of the mainstream choices:

• Holafly eSIM: Holafly is a well-known global esim service provider offering a wide range of Japanese eSIM packages, including unlimited traffic packages. Their eSIM cards are easy to install and activate, and they offer 24-hour customer support.Holafly's Japanese eSIM cards have good network coverage in major cities and tourist destinations.

  Brand Analysis: Holafly is known for its unlimited traffic packages and excellent customer service. Their eSIM cards are suitable for users who need to use the internet frequently, such as video bloggers and social media mavens.

• Klook eSIM: Klook is a comprehensive travel platform that also offers eSIM services. Their Japanese eSIM packages are usually cost-effective and offer a wide range of traffic and validity options. klook's eSIMs use the networks of local Japanese carriers, with a stable and guaranteed signal.

  Brand Analysis: Klook is known for its cost-effective and convenient purchase process. Their eSIM cards are suitable for travelers on a budget.

• KKday eSIM: KKday, similar to Klook, is a platform that offers travel services. Their Japanese eSIM packages are equally competitive and offer a variety of promotions.

  Brand Analysis: KKday is popular for their promotions and diverse product selection. Their eSIM cards are suitable for travelers who like to look for great deals.

• Ubigi eSIM: Ubigi is a provider specializing in eSIM services, offering travel esim. Their Japanese eSIM packages are affordable and support use in multiple countries around the world.

  Brand Analysis: Ubigi is favored for its global universality and flexible package options. Their eSIM cards are suitable for users who travel abroad frequently.

When choosing an eSIM package, it is recommended that you carefully compare the price, traffic volume, validity period, network coverage, customer support and user reviews of different providers to choose the package that best suits your needs.

3-5 days city tour eSIM recommendations:

• Holafly eSIM: 5 days unlimited traffic package, suitable for users who need to use the network frequently.
• Klook eSIM: 5 days 5GB package, suitable for daily use and cost-effective.
• Ubigi eSIM: 7 days 10GB package, sufficient traffic, suitable for short-term travel.

7-10 days round trip eSIM recommendation:

• Holafly eSIM: 10 days unlimited traffic package, ensuring high speed internet throughout.
• KKday eSIM: 8 days 10GB package with moderate traffic and favorable price.
• Ubigi eSIM: 10 days 20GB package with sufficient traffic for multi-city traveling.

15 days in-depth travel eSIM recommendation:

• Holafly eSIM: 15 days unlimited traffic package, enjoy high speed internet without worrying about traffic limit.
• Klook eSIM: 15 days 30GB package, plenty of traffic, suitable for deep travel users.
• Ubigi eSIM: 15 days 50GB package, with huge traffic, suitable for heavy internet users.

5. Global Roaming Solution

The convenience of eSIM is not only in Japan, but also when traveling abroad. If you are a Japanese user, you don't need to replace your physical SIM card when traveling abroad, you can easily switch to the local network by purchasing a local eSIM package. This not only saves the time and effort of replacing a SIM card, but also avoids the risk of losing your SIM card.

Global Roaming Solution: Many eSIM service providers offer global eSIM packages, so you can use the same eSIM profile in multiple countries without having to change it frequently.

Case Study: Mr. Chen is a Japanese photographer who travels abroad frequently. He purchased a global eSIM card that can be used in multiple countries including Europe, Asia and America. This allows him to share his photography anywhere, anytime and keep in touch with friends around the world.

6. Get rid of expensive international roaming charges

Traditional international roaming charges are usually very expensive. With eSIM, you can directly purchase local traffic packages and enjoy favorable local rates, thus greatly reducing communication costs. Especially in countries with advanced networks such as Japan, the price of eSIM packages is usually more favorable than international roaming charges.

Cost-benefit analysis: Suppose you travel in Japan for 10 days and use 1GB of traffic per day. If you use international roaming, you may need to pay $XX. If you use eSIM, you may only need to pay YY Yuan. This means that using eSIM can save you ZZ$.

7. Frequently Asked Questions about using eSIM

7.1 Compatibility and activation issues:

For further review of compatibility issues, please click on “2025 esim Compatibility List”

• Does my phone support eSIM?
  • Most modern smartphones support eSIM functionality. You can check your phone's specifications or consult your phone manufacturer or carrier to confirm whether your phone supports eSIM.
  • For iPhone users, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR and subsequent models (except for iPhones sold in mainland China) are required.
  • For Android users, please go to Settings > About phone > SIM status to check if there is an eSIM option or “SIM card management”.
  • Another way to check: Turn on the dialing function of your phone and dial *#06#, if it shows EID number, it means eSIM is supported.
• How to activate eSIM?
  • After purchasing an eSIM, you will receive an email containing a QR code.
  • Open your phone's settings and find the “Cellular” or “Mobile” option.
  • Select “Add eSIM” or “Scan QR code”.
  • Scan the QR code in the email and follow the instructions to complete the eSIM installation and activation.
  • Some eSIM service providers offer app activation, you can download their app and follow the instructions to complete the activation.
• What do I need to pay attention to when activating eSIM?
  • Make sure your phone is connected to Wi-Fi or mobile network.
  • Some eSIMs need to be activated within a certain period of time after purchase, please pay attention to the expiry date.
  • Some eSIMs start to count the validity period after installation, so it is recommended to install it before you travel.
  • After activation, please select eSIM as the source of data network in the phone settings.
  • Turn on the data roaming function so that you can use eSIM to access the Internet in Japan.
• What if I encounter activation problems?
  • Please check whether your phone is connected to Wi-Fi or mobile network.
  • Please check if your phone supports eSIM function.
  • Please check if the activation code you entered is correct.
  • Please contact the eSIM service provider's customer support for assistance.

8. Traveling eSIM Recommendations

Say goodbye to traffic anxiety while traveling! PhoneSIMGo is a global eSIM service provider that offers premium travel eSIM services. Whether you need a 5G unlimited data plan or other traffic packages, PhoneSIMGo has you covered. Visit PhoneSIMGo to explore more global eSIM options.

Conclusion

eSIM, as an emerging communication method, is changing people's travel experience. In Japan, eSIM is becoming the preferred choice of an increasing number of travelers and business people due to its convenience, affordability and flexibility. Whether it's the 5g Unlimited Data Plan, travel esim or Global esim, it can meet your various network needs during your travels in Japan. If you are planning a trip to Japan, consider using an eSIM for a more convenient and economical communication experience.