Hi! I’m Tomo from Capsule Hotel Suzumoriya (カプセルホテル鈴森屋)!

Welcome to Japan and hope you will enjoy your trip!
We all know how important it is to have internet access while traveling, right? So, in this article, I’m going to introduce some affordable eSIM plans specifically for tourists visiting Japan.

1. What is an eSIM?

An eSIM (electronic SIM) is a technology that allows you to use a mobile carrier’s service without inserting a physical SIM card, using a chip embedded in smartphones and tablets. eSIMs are very convenient for travelers as they can be contracted and activated smoothly online.Advantages of eSIMs

• Easy setup: You can contract online and start using it just by scanning a QR code.
• Quick switching: You can easily switch between multiple carriers, making it simple to change communication plans at your travel destination.
• No risk of loss: There’s no risk of losing or damaging a physical card.

Disadvantages of eSIMs

• Limited compatible devices: Not all smartphones and tablets support eSIMs.
• Complexity of setup: It may require some learning if you’re setting it up for the first time.

2. Best e-SIM is “Airalo”

Airalo is a highly popular eSIM provider among tourists visiting Japan. Here are the reasons why we recommend it:

• Easy setup: Simply download the app and scan the QR code for an easy setup.
• Affordable pricing: Airalo offers very reasonable data plans for use within Japan compared to other providers.
• Extensive coverage: Provides stable internet connectivity throughout Japan.
• Multilingual support: The app and customer support are available in multiple languages, making it user-friendly for those not fluent in English.

Airalo’s Pricing Plans
Airalo offers various data plans ranging from 1GB to unlimited. Here are some examples:

• 1GB/7 days: $9.00 (approx. 1,303 yen)
• 2GB/15 days: $16.00 (approx. 2,320 yen)
• 5GB/30 days: $30.00 (approx. 4,350 yen)

3. Other Recommended eSIM Providers

Ubigi

• Pricing: Moderate
• Data Plans: Offers plans ranging from 1GB to 10GB, suitable for both short and long stays.
• Coverage: Strong coverage in urban areas.

Holafly

• Pricing: Slightly higher
• Data Plans: Unlimited data plans available, allowing you to use data without worrying about limits.
• Coverage: Stable connectivity in both urban and rural areas.

Nomad

• Pricing: Reasonable
• Data Plans: Offers simple and easy-to-choose plans.
• Coverage: Excellent coverage in major cities.

4. Points to Note When Using eSIMs in Japan

■Check Device Compatibility
To use an eSIM, you need a compatible smartphone or tablet. For example, iPhone XS and later models, as well as the latest Android devices, are compatible. Make sure to check if your device supports eSIMs beforehand.

■Unlock SIM
Smartphones purchased from Japanese carriers may be SIM-locked. To use an eSIM, you need to unlock the SIM. You can check the unlocking method on each carrier’s website.

■Installation and Activation
After purchasing an eSIM, install it by scanning the QR code and activate it from the settings screen. It’s recommended to complete the setup before your trip so you can use the internet immediately upon arrival.

■Choosing a Data Plan
Choose an appropriate data plan based on your travel duration and data usage. For short trips, 1GB or 2GB plans are recommended, while 5GB or unlimited plans are suitable for longer stays.

■Troubleshooting
If you have trouble connecting when using an eSIM, try restarting your device or checking the settings. Also, Airalo’s support is available 24/7, so you can contact them if you encounter any issues.

Do you want to know how to use eSIM?

If you want to know how to setup and use eSIM, check out this article!

Enjoy your trip with Airalo!

When visiting Japan, using an eSIM can provide you with easy and reliable internet access. Airalo stands out for its affordable pricing and easy setup. Make sure to consider this information for a seamless internet experience during your trip to Japan!