eSIM for Japan
Prepaid mobile data from £2.99 · delivered instantly by email
Get mobile data in Japan without roaming fees: prepaid eSIM plans from £2.99, delivered by email within minutes. Install it before you leave and it connects to a local network when you land.
Japan eSIM at a glance
- Price
- from £2.99
- Plans
- 13
- Validity
- 1 day – 30 days
- Data
- 0.49 GB – 30 GB · Unlimited
- Networks
- NTT Docomo Japan, SoftBank Japan
- Delivery
- Instant, by email (QR code)
Also travelling to nearby countries?
These regional plans cover Japan and more on one eSIM.
Mobile internet in Japan: what to know
The practical side of staying connected in Japan: network quality, calls, blocked apps and local SIM rules.
- Mobile network
- 5G widely available, 4G/LTE nationwide
- WhatsApp & FaceTime calls
- Work normally
- Blocked on local networks
- No major apps
- Local SIM card
- Voice SIMs need residency; tourist SIMs are data-only
- Main airports
- Tokyo Narita (NRT), Tokyo Haneda (HND), and Osaka Kansai (KIX)
- Useful apps
- Google Maps, Japan Transit Planner, GO, and LINE
eSIM for Japan: your questions
How much does an eSIM for Japan cost?
Plans for Japan start at £2.99 for 0.49 GB · 1 day. There are 13 plans to choose from, valid from 1 day to 30 days.
What is the best Japan eSIM for a one-week trip?
For 7 days in Japan, the best value is 3 GB · 7 days at £5.99: enough for maps, messaging, ride apps and social media. If you stream, make video calls or work online, take 10 GB · 30 days for £16.99.
Which eSIM should I get for two weeks in Japan?
For 14 days in Japan, the best value is 5 GB · 15 days at £9.49: enough for maps, messaging, ride apps and social media. If you stream, make video calls or work online, take 20 GB · 30 days for £28.99.
Is there 5G in Japan?
Yes. Japan has wide 5G coverage and 4G/LTE almost everywhere travellers go. Your eSIM uses 4G/LTE, and 5G where the partner network allows it.
Do WhatsApp and FaceTime calls work in Japan?
Yes. Voice and video calls on WhatsApp, FaceTime, Telegram and similar apps work normally over the eSIM data in Japan.
Do I need to register a SIM or show my passport in Japan?
No. Your eSIM is bought online and needs no passport check or registration in Japan. Local voice SIM cards need residency, so tourists are limited to data-only SIMs anyway.
Will my eSIM work as soon as I land at Tokyo Narita (NRT)?
Yes. Install the eSIM at home, switch it on when you land at Tokyo Narita (NRT), Tokyo Haneda (HND), and Osaka Kansai (KIX), and it connects to a local network within a minute or two. You can order a ride or message your hotel before you leave the airport.
Where does the eSIM work in Japan?
Coverage is strong in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Sapporo and along main roads. Signal can be weak or absent in remote areas such as Kamikōchi and Shiretoko: download offline maps before you go.
Which apps are useful for travelling in Japan?
Travellers in Japan commonly use Google Maps, Japan Transit Planner, GO, and LINE. They all work over the eSIM data. Sign up and receive any SMS verification codes before you travel, as the eSIM has no phone number.
Can I use the same eSIM in Japan and nearby countries?
Yes. Regional plans (Sea, Asia Pacific, and Global Lite) cover Japan and other countries on one eSIM, so you do not need a new one at each border.
Which mobile networks does the eSIM use in Japan?
The eSIM connects to NTT Docomo Japan and SoftBank Japan and switches to the best available network automatically.
How much data do I need for a week in Japan?
For maps, messaging and social media, 1 to 3 GB per week is usually enough. If you make video calls, stream or work online, choose 5 GB or more, or an unlimited plan.
Can I buy my Japan eSIM before I travel?
Yes, and it is the best option: install it at home over Wi-Fi. The plan only starts when your phone first connects to a network in Japan.
Will WhatsApp still work with my usual number?
Yes. WhatsApp stays linked to your number. Keep your regular SIM on for calls and SMS if you want, and use the eSIM for data.
