Japan eSIM guide: plans, prices and which version to pick

How much data do you need in Japan?

Most travellers use their phone for maps, train times, translation and messaging, which is light on data. As a rough guide:

• Light use (maps, messages, the odd photo upload): around 300–500MB a day
• Moderate use (plus social media and video calls now and then): 1GB a day
• Heavy use (streaming, hotspot for a laptop): 2GB a day or more

For a typical one-week trip, a fixed 3GB or 5GB plan covers most people. If you stream a lot or share your connection, a day pass is usually better value.

Fixed data or a day pass?

A fixed plan gives you one allowance to use whenever you like during the validity period, for example 5GB over 30 days. It suits trips where some days are busy and others are quiet. A day pass gives you a set amount of high-speed data every day, such as 1GB a day. Once you've used that day's allowance you stay online with unlimited data at a reduced speed (typically 256Kbps to 1Mbps, shown on each plan) until it resets the next day. That's fine for messaging and maps, but slow for video. Day passes are available from 1 day up to a full year, so you can match the length to your trip.

Japan, Hong Kong or Singapore exit: what's the difference?

Every mobile data plan "joins the internet" somewhere, and apps and websites see that location rather than where you are. Many of our Japan plans come in versions whose traffic exits in Japon, Hong Kong or Singapore, often at the same or a similar price.

• Japan exit: Japanese apps, banking and streaming behave as they would for a local user. A good default.
• Hong Kong exit: works for most things, but some services, including ChatGPT and Google Gemini, aren't available on Hong Kong IP addresses.
• Singapore exit (listed as "Non-HK IP"): a good choice if you need services that block Hong Kong.

Each plan card on our Japan eSIM page shows its internet exit, so you can compare before you buy.

What it costs

At the time of writing, our Japan plans include:

• 1GB for 7 days: £2.75
• 3GB for 15 days: £6.50
• 5GB for 30 days: £9.99
• 10GB for 30 days: £17.50
• 1GB a day for 7 days: from £19.25

Prices change with our network partners, so always check the live price on the Japan plans page.

Setting up before you fly

1. Check your phone supports eSIM and is unlocked using our compatibility checker.

2. Buy your plan and install it over Wi-Fi before you travel, using the QR code in your email. 3. When you land, set the eSIM as your mobile data line and turn on data roaming for it.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need ID to buy a Japan eSIM? No. Unlike some Japanese SIM cards, our eSIMs need no passport registration. Can I use my phone as a hotspot? Yes. Hotspot use counts towards your allowance. Will I get a Japanese phone number? No, these are data-only plans. Use WhatsApp, FaceTime or similar apps for calls.