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Japan · Real prices, checked Sep 24, 2026

Japan eSIM: step-by-step setup

Japan eSIM, step-by-step setup: the essentials in a few minutes of reading, followed by the plans compared if you're ready to buy.

From$10.005 GB · 7 days · Airalo

How much data do you need?

7 days
Your usage
Yesim 5 GB · 30 days $10.56
Get this plan →
3 providers comparedReal prices, checked Sep 24, 2026No fake reviewsAffiliate links, no extra cost for you

At a glance

Best valueBest value
Yesim
$10.56 5 GB · 30 days
See plan
Best unlimited
Airalo
$26.50 Unlimited · 7 days
See plan
Cheapest
Airalo
$10.00 5 GB · 7 days
See plan

Japan eSIM: step-by-step setup

The bar shows price per GB: shorter is cheaper. Click a column header to sort.

Network5GHotspotCTA
Yesim 5 GB30 $10.56
$2.11
KDDIYesYes See plan
Airalo 5 GB7 $10.00
$2.00
Softbank, KDDIYesNot specified See plan
Saily 5 GB30 $10.99
$2.20
KDDI, SoftBankYesNot specified See plan
All checked plans (64)
Airalo1 GB3$4.00$4.00
Airalo3 GB3$7.50$2.50
Airalo3 GB7$8.00$2.67
Airalo5 GB7$10.00$2.00
Airalo10 GB7$17.00$1.70
Airalo5 GB15$10.50$2.10
Airalo10 GB15$17.50$1.75
Airalo20 GB15$24.00$1.20
Airalo5 GB30$11.00$2.20
Airalo10 GB30$18.00$1.80
Airalo20 GB30$25.00$1.25
AiraloUnlimited3$11.50—
AiraloUnlimited5$17.00—
AiraloUnlimited7$26.50—
AiraloUnlimited10$34.50—
AiraloUnlimited15$48.00—
AiraloUnlimited30$69.00—
Saily1 GB7$3.99$3.99
Saily3 GB30$7.99$2.66
Saily5 GB30$10.99$2.20
Saily10 GB30$17.99$1.80
Saily20 GB30$24.99$1.25
SailyUnlimited5$18.99—
SailyUnlimited7$26.99—
SailyUnlimited10$34.99—
SailyUnlimited15$48.99—
SailyUnlimited20$59.99—
SailyUnlimited25$65.99—
SailyUnlimited30$71.99—
Yesim1 GB30$4.44$4.44
Yesim5 GB30$10.56$2.11
Yesim10 GB30$19.20$1.92
Yesim20 GB30$29.76$1.49
Yesim30 GB30$39.60$1.32
YesimUnlimited1$4.20—
YesimUnlimited2$8.40—
YesimUnlimited3$12.60—
YesimUnlimited4$16.80—
YesimUnlimited5$21.00—
YesimUnlimited6$25.20—
YesimUnlimited7$29.40—
YesimUnlimited8$31.13—
YesimUnlimited9$32.86—
YesimUnlimited10$34.57—
YesimUnlimited11$36.30—
YesimUnlimited12$38.03—
YesimUnlimited13$39.76—
YesimUnlimited14$41.47—
YesimUnlimited15$43.20—
YesimUnlimited16$44.72—
YesimUnlimited17$46.24—
YesimUnlimited18$47.76—
YesimUnlimited19$49.28—
YesimUnlimited20$50.80—
YesimUnlimited21$52.32—
YesimUnlimited22$53.84—
YesimUnlimited23$55.36—
YesimUnlimited24$56.88—
YesimUnlimited25$58.40—
YesimUnlimited26$59.92—
YesimUnlimited27$61.44—
YesimUnlimited28$62.96—
YesimUnlimited29$64.48—
YesimUnlimited30$66.00—

Before you start

You need two things: an eSIM-compatible, unlocked phone and a stable Wi-Fi connection to download the profile. Keep the QR code on another screen, or have the manual activation details from your order handy.

Installing a Japan eSIM on iPhone

  • Open Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM (the wording varies by iOS version).
  • Scan the QR code, or use the provider's app if it offers direct installation.
  • Give the line a clear label ("Travel", for example) so you can tell it apart from your usual line.

Installing a Japan eSIM on Android

  • Samsung: Settings > Connections > SIM manager > Add eSIM.
  • Google Pixel: Settings > Network & internet > SIMs, then add an eSIM.
  • Other brands: look in the network or SIM card settings; menu names vary by Android version.

Setting up both lines in Japan

Once you arrive, set the eSIM as your cellular data line and turn on data roaming for that line only: that's expected, since the plan runs on a partner network. On your usual line, leave data roaming off to avoid surprise charges. On iPhone, also turn off the option that lets cellular data switch between lines.

If you can't get a connection

  • Check that roaming is turned on for the eSIM line.
  • Restart the phone, or toggle airplane mode on and off.
  • Select the network manually if the provider names one.
  • Enter the APN by hand if it's listed in the provider's instructions.

After your trip

Back home, turn off the eSIM line instead of deleting it right away. If the provider supports top-ups, the same profile can be reused on your next trip without reinstalling. Only delete it once you're sure you won't need it: a deleted profile usually can't be reinstalled with the same QR code.

Set up your eSIM in 4 steps

  1. Make sure your phone is eSIM-compatible and unlocked.
  2. Buy the plan, then scan the QR code you receive (or install through the provider's app), on Wi-Fi.
  3. When you arrive, turn on the eSIM line for data, and turn on roaming for that line only.
  4. Keep your main SIM for calls and texts, with data roaming turned off.

Your phone must be eSIM-compatible and unlocked.

Full ranking

  1. 1

    Yesim

    5 GB · 30 days · $10.56 · KDDI

    5G listedUnlimited availableMany durationsHotspot use allowedPricier than the cheapest in the table
    See plansource
    9.7out of 10
  2. 2

    Airalo

    5 GB · 7 days · $10.00 · Softbank, KDDI

    Lowest price in the table5G listedUnlimited availableMany durationsHotspot use not specified
    See plansource
    9.5out of 10
  3. 3

    Saily

    5 GB · 30 days · $10.99 · KDDI, SoftBank

    5G listedUnlimited availableMany durationsPricier than the cheapest in the tableHotspot use not specified
    See plansource
    9out of 10
How the score is calculated

Score out of 10 = 60% price (relative to the cheapest in the table) + 15% network (5G listed, network named) + 10% hotspot use + 15% range of options (unlimited available, number of durations).

Frequently asked questions

Can I reuse the QR code?

Usually not: a QR code works only once. Don't delete the eSIM profile from your phone while you still need it.

Do I need to turn on roaming for the eSIM?

Yes, on the eSIM line only: the plan runs on a partner network. On your usual line, keep data roaming off.

Is my phone eSIM-compatible?

Most iPhones from the XS onward, recent Samsung Galaxy phones and Google Pixels from the Pixel 3 onward are compatible. The phone also has to be unlocked. On iPhone: Settings > General > About, look for the "EID" line.

When should I install my eSIM?

Install it before you leave, on Wi-Fi, but turn on the data line when you arrive. Most plans only start at the first connection to the local network.

Do I keep my regular phone number?

Yes. Your main SIM can stay active for calls and texts; the travel eSIM only handles data. Remember to turn off data roaming on your main line.

Can I top up an eSIM in Japan?

Most providers let you add data from their app. Terms vary, so check the plan page before you buy.

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