Japan eSIM Providers Comparison
For travelers to Japan in 2026, Airalo and Ubigi offer the best balance of coverage, pricing, and reliability, with Airalo’s 3GB/7-day plan at $11 being the most popular choice for short trips, while Ubigi excels for longer stays with flexible data top-ups on NTT Docomo’s network.
Both provide instant activation and work on unlocked iPhones (XS and newer) and Android devices supporting eSIM technology.
Quick Comparison: Top Japan eSIM Providers
| Provider | Best Plan | Network Partner |
|---|---|---|
| Airalo | 3GB/7 days – $11 | SoftBank, KDDI |
| Ubigi | 3GB/30 days – $10 | NTT Docomo |
| Holafly | Unlimited/7 days – $34.99 | SoftBank |
| Nomad | 1GB/7 days – $5.50 | KDDI (au) |
| Solis | 1GB/15 days – $6 | Rakuten Mobile |
Which eSIM provider has the fastest 5G speeds in Japan?
Ubigi delivers the most consistent 5G performance through its NTT Docomo partnership, achieving average download speeds of 180-250 Mbps in Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. Docomo operates Japan’s most extensive 5G network with coverage in 500+ cities as of 2026.
Airalo offers competitive 5G speeds (150-200 Mbps) on SoftBank and KDDI networks, though rural coverage drops to 4G LTE more frequently. Holafly’s unlimited plans throttle speeds after sustained heavy usage, typically capping at 10 Mbps after 1-2 hours of continuous streaming.
Network performance breakdown:
- NTT Docomo: Best penetration in buildings, subways, and mountainous regions
- SoftBank: Strongest in urban centers, airports, and tourist hotspots
- KDDI (au): Balanced coverage with reliable speeds (100-180 Mbps) nationwide
- Rakuten Mobile: Limited 5G footprint, primarily Tokyo and major cities only
What are the actual data costs per GB across providers?
| Price Tier | Provider/Plan | Cost per GB |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Nomad 5GB/30d – $17 | $3.40/GB |
| Mid-Range | Airalo 10GB/30d – $26 | $2.60/GB |
| Premium | Ubigi 50GB/365d – $85 | $1.70/GB |
Nomad and Solis win on pure cost efficiency for light users (under 5GB/month). Ubigi’s annual plans provide the lowest per-GB rates for digital nomads or frequent Japan visitors, with data validity extending up to 1 year.
Hidden costs to consider:
- Airalo charges $3.50 per 1GB top-up (significantly more expensive than buying larger initial plans)
- Holafly unlimited plans convert to 512 Kbps after fair-use limits (typically 3-5GB daily)
- Nomad requires separate purchases for each trip (no rollover data)
Do these eSIMs include phone numbers for calls and SMS?
No, most Japan eSIM providers are data-only services. You cannot make traditional cellular calls or receive SMS verification codes through the local network.
Workarounds for staying connected:
- VoIP apps: WhatsApp, Telegram, Line (Japan’s dominant messaging app)
- SMS forwarding: Keep your home SIM active for verification codes (dual-SIM setup)
- Virtual numbers: Services like Google Voice or Skype for outbound calls
Exception: Ubigi offers voice-enabled eSIM plans starting at $25/month with a Japanese +81 number, useful for booking restaurants, hotels, or domestic services requiring local phone verification.
Which provider works best in rural Japan and smaller cities?
Ubigi (NTT Docomo) provides the most reliable coverage in rural prefectures including Hokkaido, Tohoku, and Kyushu regions. Docomo maintains 99.2% population coverage with active cell towers in remote areas like:
- Japanese Alps (Nagano, Gifu)
- Okinawa outer islands
- Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trails
- Shirakawa-go and Takayama
Airalo’s KDDI partnership performs well in mid-sized cities but experiences dropouts in mountainous national parks. Solis (Rakuten) should be avoided for rural travel as coverage beyond major metropolitan areas remains spotty in 2026.
How does eSIM installation and activation work?
Installation takes 2-3 minutes and requires:
- Purchase: Buy plan through provider’s app or website
- QR code: Receive activation QR code via email instantly
- Scan: Go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > Scan QR code
- Activate: Turn on data roaming for the new eSIM line
Critical requirement: Your phone must be carrier-unlocked. Devices locked to carriers like Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile will not accept eSIM profiles from international providers.
Compatible devices (2026):
- iPhones: XS, XR, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 series
- Google Pixel: 3 and newer models
- Samsung Galaxy: S20, S21, S22, S23, S24, s25 series (international versions)
Activation timing: Install the eSIM 24-48 hours before departure but do not enable it until you land in Japan. Most plans begin their validity period upon first connection to a Japanese network.
Do I need to configure APN settings manually?
No manual configuration needed for 95% of users. Airalo, Ubigi, and Holafly auto-configure APN settings when you activate the eSIM profile.
Rare troubleshooting scenarios:
- If data doesn’t connect after 5 minutes, toggle airplane mode on/off
- For persistent issues, check: Settings > Cellular > eSIM line > Cellular Data Network
- Default APN for most providers: “internet” or “data”
Android users occasionally need to manually select the correct APN, particularly on Xiaomi and Oppo devices with custom ROMs.
Can I share data through hotspot tethering?
Yes, all major providers support mobile hotspot functionality at no additional cost. Performance varies by network:
Best for tethering:
- Ubigi: No throttling, supports up to 10 connected devices
- Airalo: Works reliably, slight speed reduction with 3+ devices
- Holafly: Officially supports tethering but speeds drop significantly
Solis explicitly prohibits hotspot usage in terms of service, though enforcement is inconsistent. Using VPN alongside tethering can mask hotspot traffic but may violate provider policies.
Practical tethering speeds:
- Single device: 90-95% of direct connection speed
- 2-3 devices: 70-80% speed per device
- 4+ devices: Expect degradation below 50 Mbps total
What happens if I run out of data mid-trip?
Top-up options by provider:
| Provider | Top-Up Method | Price Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Airalo | In-app purchase | +35% vs initial |
| Ubigi | Auto-renew option | Same rate |
| Holafly | Must buy new plan | +20% vs initial |
Ubigi offers the smoothest top-up experience with instant data delivery and no price penalty. Airalo charges significantly more for add-on data ($3.50 per GB vs $2.60 in bulk plans).
Emergency workaround: Many convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart) offer free WiFi with 30-minute sessions. Register once using email or Line account for unlimited daily reconnections.
Which provider offers the longest validity period?
Ubigi leads with data validity up to 365 days on select plans, ideal for multiple Japan trips throughout the year. Their 50GB/1-year plan ($85) works for travelers visiting 2-4 times annually.
Standard validity periods:
- Short-term: 7-15 days (Airalo, Nomad, Holafly)
- Medium-term: 30 days (most providers)
- Long-term: 90-365 days (Ubigi only)
Important: Validity starts when you first connect in Japan, not when you purchase. Unused data expires after the validity period with no refunds or extensions.
Are there regional restrictions within Japan?
No, all listed eSIM providers offer nationwide coverage across Japan’s 47 prefectures without regional restrictions or roaming charges. Your plan works identically in Tokyo, Kyoto, Hokkaido, and Okinawa.
Network priority differences:
- NTT Docomo (Ubigi): Equal priority to postpaid domestic subscribers
- SoftBank/KDDI (Airalo): MVNO-tier priority (slightly lower during network congestion)
- Rakuten (Solis): Lowest priority, noticeable slowdowns in crowded areas
This matters during peak hours (8-9 AM, 6-8 PM) at major train stations like Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Umeda where network congestion occurs.
Final Selection Matrix: Choose Based on Your Travel Profile
Budget traveler (under 5GB needed): Nomad 5GB/30 days at $17
Standard tourist (7-14 day trip): Airalo 10GB/30 days at $26
Heavy data user: Holafly unlimited/15 days at $64.99
Business/frequent visitor: Ubigi 50GB/365 days at $85
Rural explorer: Ubigi (Docomo network) any plan size
Purchase timing: Buy 3-5 days before departure for account setup, but activate only upon Japan arrival. Most providers offer 24/7 customer support through in-app chat in English, though response times vary from 10 minutes (Airalo, Ubigi) to 2-4 hours (Nomad, Solis).
Tasnima Tabassum Ema is the Founder and Lead Data Analyst at eSIM Expart. Driven by her own costly roaming nightmares, she built the site to save fellow travelers money. She specializes in rigorous, real-world testing and calculating the true cost per Gigabyte ($/GB) to ensure you always get the cheapest, most reliable connection.
