Best eSIM for Japan in 2025

Looking for the best eSIM for Japan in 2025? Whether you’re traveling for a short vacation or an extended stay, choosing the right provider can save you money and keep you connected without the hassle of physical SIM cards. 

From unlimited data plans to flexible short-term options, this guide breaks down the top providers with a focus on price, data, and usability. Let’s take a look at each provider, what they offer, and how they stack up.

Best eSIM providers for Japan in 2025:

• Airalo
  
• Holafly
  
• Ubigi
  
• Nomad
  
• Saily
  
• Maya Mobile

1. Airalo

Airalo is one of the most popular eSIM marketplaces in the world, offering coverage in over 200 countries and regions. For Japan, Airalo sells its local eSIM through "Moshi Moshi," a provider partnered with major Japanese networks. Installation is quick, and their app interface is user-friendly, making it easy to purchase and activate a plan on the go.

Airalo offers flexible pricing tiers that cater to both short-term and longer stays. For Japan, you can choose from 1 GB for 7 days ($4.50) all the way to 10 GB for 30 days ($30.00). This makes it ideal for budget travelers or digital nomads who want a clear view of how much data they’re consuming. While Airalo doesn’t offer unlimited data, it does allow you to top up your plan anytime directly from the app.

Because Airalo partners with local Japanese networks, users generally enjoy good coverage across major cities and even suburban areas. However, customer support is email-based and may not be as responsive as other providers.

Pricing: From $4.50

Key Features:

• Data packs from 1GB to 10GB
• Validity from 7 to 30 days
• Instant activation via Airalo app
• Top-up available without switching eSIM

Pros:

• Very affordable
• Great for short stays and light data use
• Easy to manage through the app

Cons:

• No unlimited option
• Not ideal for heavy users

2. Holafly

Holafly is well-known for offering unlimited data eSIMs and has expanded rapidly to cover 170+ destinations. For Japan, Holafly is one of the few providers that offers true unlimited data, making it a top choice for travelers who stream, navigate, or work remotely without worrying about caps.

Holafly's Japan plans start at $19 for 5 days and go up to $59 for 30 days. The data is unlimited, but speeds may be throttled after a high usage threshold (typically around 2–3 GB/day) depending on network congestion. The eSIM connects to top-tier Japanese networks and supports fast installation via a QR code or app.

The biggest draw of Holafly is simplicity: there’s no need to track your data usage or top up. However, Holafly does not support data sharing or tethering, which could be a limitation if you're traveling with others or need to connect a laptop.

Pricing: From $6.90

Key Features:

• Unlimited data for 5 to 30 days
• Instant QR code activation
• Customer support in multiple languages
• Covers major networks

Pros:

• Unlimited data, perfect for streaming or navigation
• Straightforward pricing
• Great for longer stays

Cons:

• Higher price point
• No low-data plans for light users

3. Ubigi

Ubigi is a global eSIM provider with support in over 190 countries. It’s particularly popular among business travelers thanks to its reliable connectivity and compatibility with both smartphones and eSIM-compatible laptops and tablets. In Japan, Ubigi connects to premium networks like NTT Docomo, providing excellent coverage.

Ubigi’s Japan data plans range from 1 GB for $4.50 to a large 50 GB plan for $55.00, all valid for 30 days. It’s one of the few providers offering high-volume data plans, which is ideal for longer stays or remote work. The eSIM can be activated through the Ubigi app or QR code, and you can monitor and top up data within seconds.

The provider is also known for excellent network stability and fast download speeds, particularly in urban centers. However, its interface is a bit more tech-heavy than beginner-friendly platforms like Airalo or Holafly, so it may require a learning curve for first-time users.

Pricing: From $4.50

Key Features:

• Data plans up to 50GB
• Valid for 1 or 30 days
• Supports data top-ups and auto-renewal
• Good coverage and consistent speeds

Pros:

• Reliable for long-term stays and high data needs
• Transparent pricing
• Business-travel ready
• Cons:
• No unlimited option
• 1-day plans may not offer great value for tourists

4. Nomad

Nomad is a rising eSIM provider with a clean, app-first interface and transparent pricing. It supports over 165 countries, including Japan, and is especially popular among digital nomads and tech-savvy travelers. Plans for Japan are powered by local operators, offering decent coverage and speeds.

For Japan, Nomad offers plans ranging from 1 GB for $6.00 (valid for 7 days) to 20 GB for $45.00 (valid for 30 days). These plans are easy to activate via the Nomad app, and data usage can be tracked in real-time. Nomad’s app has one of the best UIs among all providers, making it a joy to use.

While Nomad doesn’t offer unlimited data, the combination of good pricing and ease of use makes it one of the best options for light to moderate data users. It also allows hotspot usage and supports instant top-ups.

Pricing: From $6.00

Key Features:

• Plans from 1GB to 20GB
• Validity up to 30 days
• User-friendly app and instant delivery
• Local network partners in Japan

Pros:

• Competitive pricing
• Flexible data sizes
• Great app interface

Cons:

• No unlimited option
• Slightly less coverage in rural areas

5. Saily

Saily (formerly known as “esim.me”) has carved out a niche for offering flexible eSIM plans with support in 160+ countries. For Japan, it provides reliable connectivity through partnerships with leading carriers and offers simple setup via app or QR code.

Saily’s Japan plans start at $5.00 for 1 GB (7 days) and go up to 20 GB for $35.00 (30 days). While it doesn’t offer unlimited data, the pricing is highly competitive and the provider supports tethering, making it a solid choice for couples or families traveling together.

What sets Saily apart is its focus on minimalism and ease of use. While it may not be as feature-rich as Holafly or Airalo, it’s fast, straightforward, and gets the job done.

Pricing: From $5.00

Key Features:

• Plans from 1GB to 20GB
• Valid for 7 to 30 days
• Quick setup via mobile app
• Focused on user simplicity

Pros:

• Beginner-friendly
• Affordable and easy to activate
• Clean interface

Cons:

• Fewer features than premium providers
• Smaller support network

6. Maya Mobile

Maya Mobile is an increasingly popular provider offering eSIMs in over 190 countries. It's particularly well-liked for its unlimited data plans, but also offers tiered options. For Japan, you can get plans starting at $8.00 for 3 GB (5 days) up to $69.00 for unlimited data over 30 days.

Installation is instant via QR code or the Maya Mobile app, and their Japan eSIM connects to leading networks such as SoftBank and KDDI. The provider supports tethering, making it suitable for remote workers or multi-device travelers.

Maya Mobile’s standout feature is its flexible range: you can choose metered or unlimited plans, all while enjoying excellent coverage. The only drawback is the pricing — unlimited data doesn’t come cheap, and speeds may be reduced after fair usage.

Pricing: from $8.00

Key Features:

• Data plans up to unlimited
• Validity from 5 to 30 days
• Supports high-speed 5G (device/network dependent)
• Flexible upgrade/downgrade options

Pros:

• Unlimited plan available
• Reliable for digital nomads
• Strong support and account control

Cons:

• Expensive compared to smaller plans
• May be overkill for casual tourists

Comparison table of best eSIMs for Japan in 2025

Best eSIM for Japan: How to Choose?

With so many great eSIM options for Japan, choosing the right one depends largely on your travel style, data needs, and budget. Below are some key factors to consider — along with recommendations tailored to different types of travelers.

1. Data Usage

Light users (email, maps, light browsing): Providers like Airalo, Nomad, or Saily offer small, affordable plans (1–3 GB) that are perfect for short-term stays or low-data use.

Moderate users (social media, video calls): Go for mid-tier options like Ubigi or Nomad, which offer plans between 5 GB and 20 GB at reasonable prices.

Heavy users (streaming, remote work, daily navigation): Holafly and Maya Mobile are your best bets. Both offer unlimited data, but Holafly is generally more straightforward, with a user-friendly setup and flat-rate pricing.

2. Trip Length

Short trips (under a week): Choose providers with smaller validity windows. Airalo, Nomad, and Saily all offer 7-day plans.

Longer stays (2–4 weeks or more): Ubigi, Holafly, and Maya Mobile have 30-day options with more generous data packages or unlimited use, ideal for travelers spending a month or more in Japan.

3. Ease of Use

Beginner-friendly: If you’re new to eSIMs, Holafly is hands-down the easiest to use. You don’t need to worry about data caps or top-ups — just activate the plan and go.

Tech-savvy travelers: Providers like Nomad and Ubigi offer more flexibility and control via sleek apps, real-time data tracking, and multi-device compatibility.

4. Budget

Tight budget: Airalo and Saily offer some of the lowest prices, especially for smaller data amounts.

Willing to pay for simplicity and speed: Holafly provides great value with its unlimited data, peace of mind, and hassle-free setup — worth the extra cost for many travelers.

So, which is the best eSIM for Japan in 2025?
For most travelers, Holafly is the best all-around option. Its unlimited data, easy activation, and reliable network access make it ideal for digital nomads, families, and tourists who don’t want to worry about running out of data or managing top-ups. While it’s not the cheapest, it delivers unmatched convenience — and in a country like Japan where navigation and translation apps are essential, that convenience is worth it.