Best eSIM for Japan (2026), Compared
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Only the Airalo and Sakura Mobile links earn us a commission. That doesn't change the order or the facts: every price below comes from each seller's own page, in the currency it showed.
For a one or two week trip, a data-only eSIM is enough for most people. A week of unlimited data cost ¥3,850 at Mobal, US$25 (8 days) at Ubigi, $26.50 USD at Airalo, US$26.99 at Saily, $ 27.50 USD at Holafly, 5,250 JPY (5,775 JPY, tax incl.) at Sakura Mobile when we checked. Every unlimited plan slows down after a daily or total amount, so check the limits. If you need a Japanese phone number, only Mobal Japan eSIM and SIM, Sakura Mobile and NINJA WiFi sell one. If your phone has no eSIM, or a group wants to share, look at a SIM card or pocket Wi-Fi from Mobal Japan eSIM and SIM, Sakura Mobile and NINJA WiFi.
Seven sellers side by side
| Feature | Mobal Japan eSIM and SIM | Ubigi Japan eSIM | Airalo Japan eSIM | Saily Japan eSIM | Holafly Japan eSIM | Sakura Mobile | NINJA WiFi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unlimited data planA plan with no data cap (it may slow down after a daily amount). | Yes On KDDI, 3 to 31 days | Yes 30 GB full speed, then 2 Mbps | Yes 3 GB a day at full speed, then 1 Mbps | Yes 5 GB a day full speed, then 1 Mbps | Yes Fair use slowdown possible for up to 1 day | Yes au by KDDI, no daily cap | Yes Pocket Wi-Fi and eSIM unlimited plans |
| Japanese phone numberA Japanese number for calls or SMS, not only data. | Yes Voice+Data eSIM or SIM, ID check needed | Not found None found (data plans only) | No Data-only eSIM for Japan | No Only a US number add-on, not Japanese | No Data only, says no local number | Yes Voice+data eSIM, ID check at pickup | Partly Only a rental phone for calls, 550 yen/day |
| Hotspot allowedYou may share the data with a laptop or a friend's phone. | Partly Unlimited plan: 15 GB hotspot over 16 days | Yes "Data sharing allowed" | Yes Its help pages say you can tether | Yes "Limitless hotspot sharing" | Partly Share up to 1 GB a day | Partly Yes, but capped on unlimited (13 GB for 14 days) | Yes A pocket Wi-Fi is shared by design |
| Says which networkNames the Japanese network the plan uses (docomo, au, SoftBank or Rakuten). | Yes Docomo (fixed, voice) or KDDI (unlimited) | Yes KDDI, NTT Docomo and SoftBank | Yes SoftBank and KDDI (Rakuten also listed) | Yes KDDI and SoftBank | Yes KDDI / SoftBank | Yes NTT Docomo or au by KDDI, by plan | Yes SoftBank (SIM also on docomo) |
| Top up without a new eSIMAdd data to the same eSIM when you run out. | Not checked Not checked for tourist data eSIMs | Yes In the app, even without Wi-Fi | Yes In the app, with auto top-up | Not found None found (unlimited plans only) | Partly 3GB/day plans can be extended; unlimited can't | Yes eSIM top-ups from 500 MB | |
| Physical SIM optionAlso sells a SIM card for phones without eSIM. | Not checked Not checked for Japan (FAQ mentions a SIM card) | Not found None found (eSIM only) | Not found None found (eSIM only) | Not found None found (eSIM only) | |||
| Pocket Wi-Fi optionAlso rents a pocket Wi-Fi router. | Yes Monthly plans | Not found None found | Not found None found | Not found None found | Not found None found | ||
| Support in EnglishHelp by chat or email in English. | Yes Help center and contact support | Yes 24/7 chat, including WhatsApp | Yes 24/7 chat | Yes 24-hour chat and email | Yes Team in Japan, airport counters, Shinjuku office | Yes English form and email, weekdays 10:00-19:00 JST |
Checked on each product's own pages. Click a mark to see where. Swipe sideways on a phone to see every column.
Pick them if
Pick Mobal Japan eSIM and SIM if
Visitors who want a real 070/080/090 Japanese number, or a cheap data eSIM, from a charity-owned company with English support.
- Low unlimited prices: ¥3,850 for 7 days, ¥7,000 for 15 days, tax included
- A real Japanese mobile number on Docomo, with free incoming calls and SMS
- Says which network each plan uses
Not for: People who need a phone number by email right away: the voice eSIM needs an access code by post or a pickup with ID.
Pick Ubigi Japan eSIM if
Travelers who want a data-only eSIM that runs on all three big Japanese networks, with top-ups in the app and data sharing allowed.
- Lists all three big networks: KDDI, NTT Docomo and SoftBank
- Unlimited 15 days for US$39, with 30 GB at full speed
- Top up in the app without Wi-Fi
Not for: People who need a Japanese phone number, or want a 15-day plan with about 20 GB (its fixed plans jump to 25 GB for 30 days).
Pick Airalo Japan eSIM if
Travelers who want a cheap data-only eSIM bought in an app, with small fixed plans or an unlimited plan, and top-ups on the same eSIM.
- Small, cheap fixed plans (5 GB for 7 days at $10.00 USD)
- Top up the same eSIM in the app when data runs out
- Uses SoftBank and KDDI, two of Japan's big networks
Not for: People who need a Japanese phone number, a physical SIM or a pocket Wi-Fi to share with a group.
Pick Saily Japan eSIM if
Travelers who want an app-based data eSIM from the NordVPN team, with fixed or unlimited plans, auto top-up and built-in security features.
- Unlimited plans keep full speed for 5 GB a day (Airalo: 3 GB)
- Hotspot sharing with no stated cap
- Auto top-up when a plan runs out
Not for: People who need a Japanese phone number (its number add-on is a US number) or short fixed plans (most last 30 days).
Pick Holafly Japan eSIM if
Travelers who want one unlimited data eSIM priced by the number of days, with 24-hour chat support and no data to count.
- Every Japan plan is unlimited, so you don't count data
- Up to 6 months to ask for a refund, per its page
Not for: People who share data with a laptop or friends a lot (1 GB a day), or who need a Japanese phone number.
Pick Sakura Mobile if
Visitors who want a Tokyo company with English support and every option: a data eSIM, a voice eSIM with a Japanese number, a SIM card or a pocket Wi-Fi.
- One company for eSIM, SIM card, pocket Wi-Fi and a real Japanese number
- Names the network for each plan (docomo or au)
- English support in person at airport counters and in Shinjuku
Not for: Travelers who want the cheapest eSIM; the voice eSIM also needs an in-person ID check at a pickup counter.
Pick NINJA WiFi if
Families and groups who want one pocket Wi-Fi router to share, picked up and returned at a Japanese airport. It also sells SIM cards and eSIMs.
- One router shared by several people and devices
- Pickup and return counters at many airports, or hotel delivery
Not for: Solo travelers who don't want to carry and charge a router or pay per day; it adds insurance options and has no Japanese number on its SIMs.
What to watch out for
- Mobal Japan eSIM and SIM: The voice eSIM can't be emailed: you get an access code by post or at a pickup point
- Mobal Japan eSIM and SIM: Hotspot use on the unlimited plan is capped
- Ubigi Japan eSIM: No Japanese phone number for local calls or SMS codes
- Ubigi Japan eSIM: After 30 GB the unlimited plans slow to 2 Mbps for the rest of the plan
- Airalo Japan eSIM: Unlimited plans slow to 1 Mbps after 3 GB a day
- Airalo Japan eSIM: No Japanese phone number, so no local calls or SMS codes
- Saily Japan eSIM: Fixed plans are mostly 30 days, so a short trip pays for days it won't use
- Saily Japan eSIM: No Japanese phone number
- Holafly Japan eSIM: Costs more than Airalo, Saily or Ubigi for unlimited data over 7 or 15 days
- Holafly Japan eSIM: Hotspot sharing is limited to 1 GB a day
- Sakura Mobile: Costs more than the app-only eSIMs for the same trip length
- Sakura Mobile: The unlimited eSIM can't be extended, and hotspot use is capped
- NINJA WiFi: Per-day pocket Wi-Fi prices add up on a 2-week trip, before insurance
- NINJA WiFi: Support is weekdays only, Japan time
Prices side by side (as of Nov 2026)
Prices are in the currency each seller showed us. They change often, and some sellers run sales.
Mobal Japan eSIM and SIM as of Nov 2026
- 10 GB, 8 days: ¥3,850 JPYData only, Docomo. Prices include tax. Payments in JPY
- 10 GB, 16 days: ¥4,620 JPYData only, Docomo
- 50 GB, 16 days: ¥5,170 JPYData only, Docomo. No 20 GB plan for 16 days
- Unlimited, 7 days: ¥3,850Data only, KDDI. Hotspot capped (15 GB over 16 days)
- Unlimited, 15 days: ¥7,000Data only, KDDI
- 30 Day Voice+Data eSIM, 10 GB: ¥9,900 JPYJapanese number. ¥4,950 at purchase, ¥4,950 on activation. Access code by post or pickup
Ubigi Japan eSIM as of Nov 2026
- 10 GB, 7 days: US$14Data only. Prices in USD by default (currency can be changed) and may change
- 5 GB, 15 days: US$10No 15-day plan with about 20 GB
- 25 GB, 30 days: US$32Closest plan to 20 GB
- Unlimited, 8 days: US$2530 GB at full speed, then 2 Mbps for the rest of the plan
- Unlimited, 15 days: US$3930 GB at full speed, then 2 Mbps for the rest of the plan
Airalo Japan eSIM as of Nov 2026
- 5 GB, 7 days: $10.00 USDData only. Price shown in USD by default; you can switch currency, and prices may change
- 10 GB, 7 days: $17.00 USDData only
- 20 GB, 15 days: $24.00 USDData only
- Unlimited, 7 days: $26.50 USDFull speed for 3 GB a day, then 1 Mbps until the next day
- Unlimited, 15 days: $48.00 USDFull speed for 3 GB a day, then 1 Mbps until the next day
Saily Japan eSIM as of Nov 2026
- 5 GB, 30 days: US$10.99No 7-day plan between 1 GB and unlimited. Prices may vary by region or offer
- 10 GB, 30 days: US$17.99Data only
- 20 GB, 30 days: US$24.99No 15-day 20 GB plan
- Unlimited, 7 days: US$26.995 GB a day at full speed, then up to 1 Mbps
- Unlimited, 15 days: US$48.995 GB a day at full speed, then up to 1 Mbps
Holafly Japan eSIM as of Nov 2026
- Unlimited, 7 days: $ 27.50 USDData only. Hotspot up to 1 GB a day. Shown in USD; currency can be changed
- Unlimited, 15 days: $ 50.50 USDData only. Hotspot up to 1 GB a day
- Fixed-data plans: NoneOnly unlimited plans are listed for Japan
Sakura Mobile as of Nov 2026
- 3GB/day data eSIM, 7 days: 4,200 JPY (4,620 JPY, tax incl.)NTT Docomo. After 3 GB a day, slow until the next day
- 3GB/day data eSIM, 14 days: 6,300 JPY (6,930 JPY, tax incl.)NTT Docomo
- Unlimited data eSIM, 7 days: 5,250 JPY (5,775 JPY, tax incl.)au by KDDI. Hotspot capped per plan length
- Unlimited data eSIM, 14 days: 8,400 JPY (9,240 JPY, tax incl.)au by KDDI. Hotspot up to 13 GB
- 3GB/day voice+data eSIM, 7 days: 9,500 JPY (10,340 JPY, tax incl.)Japanese number, up to 120 min of domestic calls. Pickup with ID required
- Pocket WiFi, 7 days: 9,900 JPYUnlimited data on docomo 4G/LTE. Shown in its price simulator; tax not stated next to it
- Travel SIM card: from 3,500 JPY (3,850 JPY, tax incl.)Per-plan prices only load in its price simulator
NINJA WiFi as of Nov 2026
- Pocket WiFi, Unlimited Plan (SoftBank) 5GB per day: 1,100 yen / day1 device plan. Tax included. Insurance and delivery options cost extra
- Pocket WiFi, Infinite Unlimited Plan (SoftBank): 1,980 yen / day1 device plan. Tax included
- eSIM 10GB: 3,608 yenValidity not shown on the plan list. Tax included
- eSIM 20GB: 6,908 yenValidity not shown on the plan list
- eSIM 7-Day Unlimited: 5,368 yenIts home page showed 4,807 yen the same day (offer until November 30, 2026)
- eSIM 14-Day Unlimited: 9,130 yenIts home page showed 8,305 yen the same day
Planning your first trip?
Our first-trip guide covers rail passes, IC cards and the Japanese you need at the station, and the ways to book the Shinkansen are compared here.
FAQ
What is the cheapest eSIM for a week in Japan?
For a week of unlimited data, the prices we found were: Mobal ¥3,850, Ubigi US$25 (8 days), Airalo $26.50 USD, Saily US$26.99, Holafly $ 27.50 USD, Sakura Mobile 5,250 JPY (5,775 JPY, tax incl.). Unlimited plans slow down after a daily or total amount: read each plan's limits in the price table.
Do I need a Japanese phone number?
Most visitors don't: LINE, WhatsApp and Google Maps work on data. If you need one (some restaurant bookings and taxi apps ask), these sell a plan with a Japanese number: Mobal Japan eSIM and SIM, Sakura Mobile and NINJA WiFi. Both need an extra step, such as an ID check at pickup or a code by post.
eSIM or pocket Wi-Fi?
An eSIM is cheaper for one person and there is nothing to carry or return. Pocket Wi-Fi suits a group sharing one connection or a phone without eSIM. Sellers here with pocket Wi-Fi: Mobal Japan eSIM and SIM, Sakura Mobile and NINJA WiFi. With a physical SIM card: Mobal Japan eSIM and SIM, Sakura Mobile and NINJA WiFi.
Can I share my eSIM data with a laptop?
Hotspot is allowed on Ubigi Japan eSIM, Airalo Japan eSIM, Saily Japan eSIM and NINJA WiFi, and partly (with a cap) on Mobal Japan eSIM and SIM, Holafly Japan eSIM and Sakura Mobile.
Do you earn money from these links?
From Airalo and Sakura Mobile: if you buy through our link, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. The other sellers pay us nothing, including Mobal, which had the lowest price we found for a week of unlimited data.
We checked every fact on this page on each product's own site in Nov 2026. Spotted an error, or a product we should add? Email support@sblocktechnologies.com and we'll check it within a week. Being listed is free.