Japan eSIM: Travel Data Plans

Description

Our Japan eSIM keeps you online from Narita, Haneda or Kansai airport onwards, so you can follow train routes, read menus with your camera and message home without hunting for Wi-Fi. Most UK networks charge extra to use your phone in Japan, so a data eSIM is usually the cheapest way to stay connected. Plans start with a light 500 MB week and go up to Unlimited.

Japan eSIM plans and prices

Card and PayPal payments add a small fee shown at checkout. Bank transfer has no fee.

Which Japan eSIM plan should I choose?

A one-week city trip is usually comfortable on 3 GB to 5 GB. Two weeks of heavy maps and photo uploads: 10 GB or 20 GB. If you watch video on the bullet train, go Unlimited for the days you need. The 500 MB plan suits a short stopover only.

Unlimited plans may slow down after heavy daily use under the local network’s fair-use rules. If you need to share your phone’s internet (hotspot), message us before you buy.

Who is this Japan eSIM for?

• First trips to Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka with lots of train travel
• Cherry blossom or autumn trips of one to two weeks
• Business travellers who need dependable data between meetings
• Anyone who does not want to rent and return a pocket Wi-Fi

Using data in Japan

• Train apps and maps use more data than people expect in Tokyo and Osaka, because you will check routes many times a day. Allow at least 1 GB a week for maps alone.
• Many shops, cafes and hotels have Wi-Fi, but it often needs a login. Mobile data is simpler.
• Pocket Wi-Fi routers are another option, but you have to collect, charge and return them. An eSIM lives inside your phone.
• If you travel with someone, check the plan before sharing your internet from your phone. Ask us before you buy if you need hotspot.

How to set up your Japan eSIM

1. Check your phone supports eSIM and is unlocked. Not sure? Read our guide to unlocking your phone.
2. Choose your Japan plan above and pay by card, PayPal or bank transfer.
3. We email your QR code by hand, 10am to 8pm, every day.
4. At home on Wi-Fi, scan it in Settings (Mobile Data or SIM manager, then Add eSIM). When you land in Japan, switch that line on and turn on data roaming for the eSIM only.

Before you travel, it is worth reading the GOV.UK travel advice for Japan.

More travel eSIMs

Travelling further? See our Thailand eSIM, India eSIM, Dubai & UAE eSIM, or browse every country in our travel eSIM shop. Want to call landlines abroad from the UK? Our international calling cards start from £1.49. Need a UK SIM for a visitor? See our pay as you go SIM cards.

Phone not eSIM-ready, or the screen cracked before your trip? Visit our phone repair shop in Plaistow at 396 Barking Road, London E13 8HJ, open every day 10am to 8pm.

Japan eSIM questions

Can I get a Japanese phone number with this eSIM?

No. It is a data-only travel eSIM. You keep using WhatsApp, FaceTime and other apps, and your UK number can stay active in the phone.

Is an eSIM better than pocket Wi-Fi in Japan?

For one person, usually yes: nothing to collect or return, and no extra device to charge. A group sharing one connection may still prefer pocket Wi-Fi.

When will I get my Japan eSIM QR code?

We email QR codes by hand during shop hours, 10am to 8pm, every day. Order at least a day before you fly, so you can install it at home on Wi-Fi.

Can I keep my UK number?

Yes, if your phone has dual SIM. Your UK SIM stays in for calls and texts (your UK network’s roaming rates apply to those), and the eSIM handles data. WhatsApp keeps your usual number.

Is my phone eSIM compatible?

Most recent phones are: iPhone 11 or newer, Samsung Galaxy S20 or newer, Google Pixel 3 or newer. The phone must also be unlocked. See Apple’s eSIM guide or Samsung’s eSIM guide, or ask us.