Holafly, Airalo, and Nomad are the top Canada eSIMs in 2025. Holafly is best for unlimited data, Air...
Best eSIMS
Traveling to Japan in 2025? Staying connected is simple with top eSIM providers like Holafly, Airalo, Nomad, Saily, Maya Mobile, and Ubigi. Whether you need unlimited data from Holafly, budget-friendly plans from Airalo and Nomad, privacy-focused browsing with Saily, multi-country flexibility from Maya Mobile, or strong nationwide coverage from Ubigi, these eSIMs let you stay online seamlessly across Japan no matter where you are.
Japan’s mobile networks are fast and reliable, but differences in pricing, data limits, and activation methods can make choosing the right eSIM tricky. In this article, we review Holafly, Airalo, Nomad, Saily, Maya Mobile, and Ubigi, comparing coverage across major cities, data performance, plan costs, and setup ease. From navigating Tokyo’s subway system to streaming videos in Kyoto, these eSIMs offer practical ways to stay connected without worrying about roaming or unpredictable Wi-Fi.
Note *All pricing information in this article is accurate as of October 9, 2025. Prices are subject to change at any time, so we recommend checking directly with each eSIM provider for the most up-to-date details before making a purchase.*
When traveling to Japan, picking the right eSIM ensures seamless connectivity without high roaming charges. Options range from unlimited data plans to budget-friendly packages with varying allowances. Below is a comparison of six top eSIM providers, showing pricing, data, features, and who each plan is best for.
| Provider | Price (starts from) | Data included | Features | Best for |
| Holafly | $6.90 | Unlimited | No SIM swap, instant activation, 16-country coverage | Heavy data users seeking simplicity |
| Airalo | $4.00 | 1GB for 3 days | Regional coverage, 7–30 days validity | Budget travelers with short stays |
| Nomad | $6.00 | 1GB for 7 days | Flexible plans, 3–365 days validity | Long-term travelers needing flexibility |
| Saily | $5.00 | 1GB for 7 day | Built-in security features, 19-country coverage | Privacy-conscious users |
| Maya Mobile | $3.59 | Unlimited for 1 day | Multi-country coverage, easy top-up options | Travelers visiting multiple countries |
| Ubigi | $3.50 | 1GB for 3 days | Wide coverage, competitive pricing, easy setup available | Users seeking reliable connectivity |
Japan offers a variety of eSIM options designed for different types of travelers. Some focus on unlimited data for heavy users, others provide budget-friendly packages for short stays, and a few prioritize security or multi-country coverage. In this section, we compare the top choices, highlighting key features, plans, and which types of travelers each is best suited for.
Holafly offers unlimited data plans for Japan, allowing travelers to stay connected throughout their trip without worrying about data limits, throttling, or extra charges.
In Japan, Holafly provides coverage through major networks like SoftBank and KDDI, delivering fast 4G/5G speeds across cities and popular tourist destinations. Activation is simple, with eSIMs delivered instantly via QR code.
| Plan/Duration | Data | Price |
| 5 - day plan | unlimited | 19.50$ |
| 10 - day plan | unlimited | 36.90$ |
| 15 - day plan | unlimited | 50.90$ |
| 20 - day plan | unlimited | 61.89$ |
| 30 - day plan | unlimited | 74.90$ |
Key features:
Pros:
Cons:
Verdict: Holafly is perfect for travelers who need unlimited data without worrying about caps. While it comes at a premium price, the convenience and reliability make it ideal for heavy data users.
Airalo provides affordable eSIM plans for Japan, giving travelers cost-effective connectivity without sacrificing coverage or reliability.
Airalo offers coverage in Japan via the Asialink network, delivering stable 4G connectivity in major cities. Activation is user-friendly through the Airalo app, allowing travelers to manage plans easily.
| Plan/Duration | Data | Price |
| 3 - day plan | 1GB | 4.00$ |
| 7 - day plan | 3GB | 8.00$ |
| 15 - day plan | 5GB | 10.50$ |
| 30 - day plan | 5GB | 11.00$ |
| 30 - day plan | 10GB | 18.00$ |
| 30 - day plan | 20GB | 25.00$ |
| 10 - day plan | unlimited | 35.00$ |
| 30 - day plan | unlimited | 74.00$ |
Key features:
Pros:
Cons:
Verdict: Airalo is ideal for travelers on a budget who want reliable data connectivity for short to medium stays. It may not provide unlimited data, but affordability and ease of use make it a solid choice.
Nomad offers flexible eSIM plans for Japan, giving travelers freedom to choose data amounts and durations for both short trips and long-term stays while enjoying consistent 4G/5G speeds.
Nomad provides coverage through major Japanese networks, ensuring consistent connectivity. Activation is seamless via the Nomad app, allowing easy plan management.
| Plan/Duration | Data | Price |
| 30 - day plan | 3GB | 8.00$ |
| 30 - day plan | 5GB | 11.00$ |
| 30 - day plan | 10GB | 17.00$ |
| 45 - day plan | 20GB | 25.00$ |
| 45- day plan | 50GB | 57.00$ |
| 7 - day plan | unlimited | 23.00$ |
| 10 - day plan | unlimited | 31.00$ |
Key features:
Pros:
Cons:
Verdict: Nomad is ideal for travelers who need flexible data plans that can adapt to varying trip lengths and usage. Its range of options ensures a plan for almost every traveler.
Saily, backed by Nord Security, offers eSIM plans for Japan with built-in VPN and privacy protections, perfect for travelers who want secure internet access on the go.
Saily provides coverage through major networks, ensuring secure 4G/5G connectivity. Activation is simple via the Saily app, which also manages plans and security features.
| Plan/Duration | Data | Price |
| 30 - day plan | 3GB | 7.99$ |
| 30 - day plan | 5GB | 10.99$ |
| 30 - day plan | 10GB | 17.99$ |
| 30 - day plan | 20GB | 24.99$ |
| 15 - day plan | unlimited | 48.99$ |
Key features:
Pros:
Cons:
Verdict: Saily is best for travelers prioritizing online security and privacy. While voice is not included, its VPN and privacy features make it ideal for tech-savvy users.
Maya Mobile provides eSIM plans for Japan with multi-country coverage, ideal for travelers exploring multiple countries while keeping a single, convenient data plan.
Maya Mobile offers coverage through major networks, ensuring reliable 4G/5G speeds in Japan. Activation via the Maya Mobile app allows easy plan management across multiple countries.
| Plan/Duration | Data | Price |
| 5 - day plan | 3GB | 4.99$ |
| 5 - day plan | 5GB | 7.99$ |
| 5 - day plan | 10GB | 14.99$ |
| 5 - day plan | 20GB | 24.99$ |
| 5 - day plan | 50GB | 45.99$ |
| 5 - day plan | Unlimited | 17.99$ |
*Note: The plan can last up to 180 days
Key features:
Pros:
Cons:
Verdict: Maya Mobile is perfect for travelers visiting multiple countries. Its multi-country coverage and flexible plans make it a convenient option for international journeys.
Ubigi offers eSIM plans for Japan with extensive nationwide coverage and stable speeds, ideal for travelers who want dependable connectivity in both cities and rural areas.
Ubigi provides coverage through major networks, delivering consistent 4G/5G speeds. Activation is simple via QR code, and the Smartstart feature ensures the eSIM works immediately.
| Plan/Duration | Data | Price |
| 3 - day plan | 1GB | 3.50$ |
| 15 - day plan | 3GB | 8.00$ |
| 30 - day plan | 10GB | 17.00$ |
| 30 - day plan | 25GB | 32.00$ |
| 30 - day plan | 50GB | 55.00$ |
| 30 - day plan | unlimited | 66.00$ |
Key features:
Pros:
Cons:
Verdict: Ubigi is perfect for travelers who need dependable connectivity across Japan. While voice is not included, its reliability and ease of setup make it an excellent choice.
An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital version of a physical SIM card. Instead of inserting a plastic chip, you scan an eSIM QR code or install a profile. No swapping cards or removing your home SIM.
It works the same way as a regular SIM, but setup takes just minutes, and you can activate it before your trip. In Japan, eSIMs make it easy to stay online. Common use cases include:
Online before your trip:
The easiest and fastest way to get connected in Japan is by buying your eSIM online before departure. Global providers like Holafly (unlimited data and instant setup), Airalo (budget-friendly with flexible plans), Nomad (multi-network reliability), Saily (simple app-based purchase), Maya Mobile (quick activation and clear pricing), and Ubigi (strong coverage and travel bundles) all support Japan. You can activate your plan in minutes without visiting a store or showing ID.
On arrival (local carriers):
If you prefer to buy in Japan, carriers such as NTT Docomo, SoftBank, and au by KDDI offer prepaid eSIMs at airports and major electronics stores. You’ll usually need to present a passport for verification, and some staff may have limited English support. Availability differs by location, and setup can take more time than online options.
Pro tip:
Why online is simplest: Buying an eSIM before your trip saves time, avoids language barriers, and ensures you are connected as soon as you land. Always save your QR code or activation details offline since you’ll need internet access to download the eSIM profile.
Activating an eSIM for Japan is quick and straightforward. Follow these steps to get online in minutes:
If you're using a dual SIM iPhone, you can keep your regular number for calls and texts while using the eSIM for data.
Steps may vary slightly by brand, but the general process is:
On some Android phones, you may need to restart your device before the eSIM activates fully.
Country-specific note: If you plan to use a VPN, install and test it before arriving in Japan to ensure it works with your eSIM.
Dual-SIM tip: Keep your home SIM active for calls and SMS, and use the eSIM for mobile data only.
Not all smartphones support eSIMs, so it is important to confirm compatibility before you buy a plan.
Most flagship models released in the last few years include eSIM functionality, but availability can vary depending on where the device was purchased and how it was manufactured, especially for Android.
Below are step-by-step instructions for checking eSIM compatibility on both iPhone and Android devices, plus tips on what to look for.
How to check if your iPhone supports eSIM
If your phone displays an EID (Embedded Identity Document) number, then it is eSIM compatible. You can also check eSIM status by going to Settings > Cellular. If you see an "Add eSIM" or "Add Cellular Plan" option, your device supports eSIM activation.
How to check if your Android phone supports eSIM
You can also dial *#06# on your Android device. If your phone supports eSIM, the EID will show up along with your IMEI.
Note that some Android phones may support eSIM, but carriers in your region might block the feature, especially on models bought through specific retailers or network providers.
Staying connected in Japan is easy if you follow a few practical strategies for using your eSIM effectively.
When traveling to Japan, choosing between an eSIM and a physical SIM can affect convenience, cost, and connectivity. eSIMs offer instant setup and easy management, while physical SIM cards often require in-person registration and extra steps to get online.
| eSIM Advantages | Physical SIM Drawbacks |
| Can be installed before departure | Requires passport or ID for registration |
| Works immediately upon arrival | Must visit a store in person |
| Supports dual-SIM devices | Staff may have limited English support |
| Clear prepaid plans with no hidden fees | Payment options can be limited |
| Optional VPN access for secure browsing | You must swap SIM cards on your device |
| Manage data via provider app | Apps that are blocked in Japan remain blocked |
To find the most reliable eSIM options for Japan, we evaluated each provider based on several key criteria:
Choosing the right eSIM for Japan depends on your travel style, data needs, and desired convenience. Some travelers need unlimited data for heavy usage, others want budget-friendly short-term options, while some prioritize multi-network coverage or privacy features. The following quick recommendations help match your plan to your needs while staying connected across Japan.
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Holafly is the best eSIM for Japan if you want unlimited data, seamless activation, and reliable 24/7 support. For budget-friendly, pay-per-GB options, Airalo and Nomad are solid alternatives.
Yes, Japan supports both physical SIM cards and eSIMs. Most modern smartphones work with Japanese networks like NTT Docomo, KDDI, and SoftBank. Just make sure your phone is unlocked and compatible.
Yes, eSIMs are more convenient than pocket Wi-Fi. There's no need to carry extra devices, charge batteries, or worry about losing a router. You get instant mobile access right on your phone.
Most Japan eSIMs support hotspot use, but some providers limit it or charge extra. Holafly, for example, allows 500MB of hotspot data per day on unlimited plans.
You can install your eSIM before departure and activate it once you land in Japan. Some providers even let you schedule the activation date during checkout.
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A reliable eSIM provider for budget travelers
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The best global eSIM provider
From $2.3/week
A reliable eSIM provider for budget travelers
From $2.4/week
Our mission is simple: to make sure you never have to ask, “What’s the WiFi password?” again. All our tips come straight from personal experience — because we’d never recommend something we haven’t put to the test ourselves.
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