eSIM guide

eSIM for Japan: a simple step-by-step guide

What an eSIM is, whether you need one, and exactly how to set it up before you fly. Heading to Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka? This covers all of Japan.

By Cara Laban, founder of TravelReddi. Last checked October 2026.

Do you need an eSIM for Japan?

Pocket WiFi rental is popular and practical. eSIM or physical SIM also work well. Order before arrival for airport pickup. Excellent 4G/5G coverage everywhere.

Pocket WiFi lets multiple devices connect
Airport pickup available for SIM/WiFi rentals
Free WiFi in convenience stores and train stations

What is an eSIM?

A SIM card is the tiny chip that connects your phone to a mobile network. An eSIM is the same thing, but built into your phone, so there is no card to buy or swap.

To use one, you buy a data plan online and scan a QR code with your phone. That is it. You keep your own phone number for calls and texts, and the eSIM adds mobile data for your trip.

Why you might want one

Maps, taxis and translation apps work the moment you land.
No hunting for a SIM shop after a long flight.
Usually cheaper than your home phone company's roaming fees.
Your regular number stays on, so family can still reach you.

Why you might not

Your phone is old or locked to one phone company.
You will only use Wi-Fi at your hotel and cafes.
Your phone plan already includes data in Japan. Check before you buy.
You would rather not set anything up. A local SIM card is another option.

First, check your phone can use one

Most phones from the last few years can, including iPhone XS and newer, and many recent Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel phones. Your phone also needs to be unlocked, which means not tied to one phone company. If you are not sure, ask your phone company.

iPhone: open Settings, tap General, then About, and scroll down. If you see Digital SIM, Available SIM or EID, your phone has an eSIM.
Android: open the Phone app and type *#06#. If a number labelled EID appears, your phone has an eSIM.

How to set it up, step by step

Do this at home, before you fly, while you are on Wi-Fi. Plan on about ten minutes.

Choose a plan for your trip
Pick a company below, then choose Japan and how many days and how much data you need.
Buy it and look for the email
After you pay, you will get an email with a QR code. Keep this email open on a computer or a second device, because you scan the code with your phone. The company's app also shows you each step.
Add the eSIM on your phone
iPhone: open Settings, tap Cellular (or Mobile Data), then Add eSIM (some phones say Add Cellular Plan), then Use QR Code. Point your camera at the code.
Android: open Settings, then Network, or Connections, then SIM manager (or SIMs), then Add eSIM. Menu names change a little between brands, so look for the words eSIM or Add SIM.
Give it a name you will recognize
When asked, name it something like "Travel". Keep your regular line named as it is, so you can tell them apart.
Turn it on when you land
In your phone settings, set Mobile Data (or Cellular Data) to your Travel line, and turn on Data Roaming for that line. Keep Data Roaming off for your regular line, so your home plan's data is not used. Calls and texts to your regular number still come through.
Most plans start counting your days when you first connect in Japan, but a few start when you install, so check the plan details before you buy. If you have no connection, check that Data Roaming is on for your Travel line.
Do not delete it by accident
Once the eSIM is added, leave it on your phone until your trip is over. With Airalo, a deleted eSIM usually can't be installed again, so you would need to buy a new one. Saily lets you reinstall an eSIM from its app. If you are not using it, switch it off instead of deleting it.

Two trusted options for Japan

Both sell eSIMs for Japan. Prices change, so compare both for your dates and how much data you need.

Airalo

Large store, with regional plans

Plans for Japan and almost every other country, plus regional plans that cover several countries. A one-country plan only works in that country. New to Airalo? Use code NEWTOAIRALO15 for 15% off your first eSIM.

Compare Airalo prices

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Saily

One eSIM for every trip

Plans for Japan and other countries, plus regional plans. Keep one eSIM and add a plan for each new trip in the app, with no new QR code.

Compare Saily prices

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Taking more than one trip, or visiting more than one country?

Saily lets you keep the same eSIM for every trip. You install it once, and when you visit a new country you add a plan to it in the app. No new QR code and nothing new to set up.

Airalo plans for one country only work in that country. So if you buy a plan for France and later decide to add Italy, you set up a new eSIM for it. Airalo's regional and global plans cover several countries on one eSIM, which works well if you know your whole route before you buy.

Both companies also sell regional plans that cover several countries at once.

Compare both for your trip. Plans and prices change. For a longer side-by-side look, read Airalo vs Saily.

Common questions

Can I still make phone calls and send texts?

Yes. Your regular phone number stays on your phone. A travel eSIM adds mobile data, so apps like maps, email and WhatsApp work. For calls and texts, keep using your regular number, or call over Wi-Fi with WhatsApp or FaceTime.

When should I set it up?

Before you leave home, while you are on your own Wi-Fi. That way you can fix any problem calmly instead of at the Japan airport. Turn it on after you land.

What if I can't get it to work?

Both companies below have a support team and step-by-step help inside their apps. Having Wi-Fi at home while you install makes it much easier to get help.

Will my regular phone plan charge me while I am away?

It can. Before you fly, turn off Data Roaming for your regular line, so your phone does not use your home plan's data abroad and charge you for it. This only stops data. Calls and texts still work. Ask your phone company whether calls and texts abroad cost extra on your plan, because some plans include them and some do not.

Do I have to cancel it afterwards?

No. When your plan runs out, it simply stops. You can delete the eSIM from your phone settings once you are home.

Visiting more than Japan?

Read the eSIM guide for a nearby country too.

See all eSIM guides

Getting ready for Japan?

Our Japan guide covers entry rules, money, transport and more, matched to your passport.

Open the Japan guide

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