Best eSIM for Japan
Japan has two easy options: Airalo's local eSIM, which you can buy by the gigabyte or as unlimited days, and Holafly's unlimited-only eSIM. Here's what each costs and how they differ.
Airalo or Holafly for Japan
Airalo: Moshi Moshi eSIM for Japan
- Data-only 5G eSIM, per Airalo's plan details
- Networks listed: Softbank, KDDI and Rakuten (5G)
- Covers all of Japan, including Okinawa and Hokkaido (Airalo)
- Fixed plans from $4.00 (1 GB, 3 days) to $25.00 (20 GB, 30 days)
- Unlimited plans run at full speed for the first 3 GB a day, then 1 Mbps
- Rechargeable: you can add a top-up package
Holafly: Japan eSIM
- Networks listed: KDDI and Softbank
- Unlimited data, priced by the number of days
- Hotspot sharing capped at 1 GB a day (for example, up to 7 GB on a 7-day plan)
- Data only: no local phone number for calls or texts
- Operators may slow speeds under a fair-usage policy for up to one day; speed returns the next day
Unlimited data in Japan, by trip length
| Unlimited data for | Airalo (Moshi Moshi) | Holafly |
|---|---|---|
| 3 days | $11.50 | $11.90 |
| 5 days | $17.00 | $20.50 |
| 7 days | $26.50 | $27.50 |
| 10 days | $34.50 | $36.50 |
| 15 days | $48.00 | $50.50 |
| 30 days | $69.00 | $73.90 |
Source: airalo.com/japan-esim, esim.holafly.com/esim-japan, checked Nov 7, 2026. Prices in US dollars, before any discounts or coupons. They change often.
Airalo fixed-data plans for Japan
If you're on hotel or apartment Wi-Fi most of the day, a fixed plan usually costs far less than unlimited. Holafly doesn't sell fixed-data plans for Japan.
| Airalo Moshi Moshi fixed-data plan | Price | Per GB |
|---|---|---|
| 1 GB, 3 days | $4.00 | $4.00 |
| 3 GB, 7 days | $8.00 | $2.67 |
| 5 GB, 15 days | $10.50 | $2.10 |
| 10 GB, 30 days | $18.00 | $1.80 |
| 20 GB, 30 days | $25.00 | $1.25 |
Source: airalo.com/japan-esim, checked Nov 7, 2026. Prices in US dollars, before any discounts or coupons. They change often.
Three questions before you buy
How much data do you really use?
Check your phone's mobile data use for the last month at home. Maps, messaging and social media use far less than video calls and streaming.
Will you share data with a laptop?
Holafly caps hotspot sharing at 1 GB a day. If you work from your phone's connection, compare that with Airalo's daily full-speed allowance before choosing.
Do you need a Japanese number?
Neither of these eSIMs gives you a local number for calls or texts. Messaging and calling apps work over data.
Check your phone first
Your phone needs eSIM support and must be carrier-unlocked.
Common questions
Which networks do Japan travel eSIMs use?
Airalo's Japan eSIM lists Softbank, KDDI and Rakuten; Holafly lists KDDI and Softbank. Both pages say coverage depends on local network availability.
Is there a cheap eSIM for a short trip to Japan?
On Nov 7, 2026, Airalo's smallest Japan plan was 1 GB for 3 days at $4.00. Holafly's shortest listed plan was 3 days of unlimited data at $11.90.
Can I make phone calls with a Japan eSIM?
Not with these plans. Both are data-only, so you would call through apps such as WhatsApp or FaceTime, or keep your home line active for calls.