eSIM Tokyo: Best options for travelers

You’re traveling to Tokyo and need an eSIM to connect to mobile networks, make calls, and get online. Fortunately, there are plenty of options with providers like Holafly, Ubigi, Mobal, and SoftBank, each with specific data plans and price ranges.

There’s just one issue. How do you choose the right Tokyo eSIM?

In this article, we’ll help you find the best eSIM option for Tokyo. We’re covering the best providers and their features, pricing, and recommendations to ensure you stay connected throughout your stay in the Japanese capital.

Let’s get started!

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Where can I buy an eSIM for Tokyo?

There are three ways in which you can get a Tokyo eSIM:

1. Purchase one from an international virtual store like Holafly: With Holafly’s virtual store, you can buy an eSIM for Tokyo and over 200 different destinations. This makes it easy to get your data plan before you travel and ensure you stay connected throughout your entire trip.
2. Purchase an eSIM from a physical store after landing in Tokyo: For example, Tokyo airport has provider stores and kiosks (such as Sakura Mobile) where you can buy and download your eSIM over the counter. You can also find other provider stores throughout the city with available eSIM plans.
3. Get a physical Tokyo SIM card if your cell phone is not eSIM compatible: There are plenty of stores in Tokyo offering SIM cards with various data plans. You can find options at airports, providers, and convenience stores.

What are the best eSIMs for Tokyo?

Tokyo has numerous providers offering eSIM services, each with specific data plans and coverage at different prices. When making your choice, be sure to factor in your Tokyo budget, your trip’s duration, and specific coverage needs.

Here are the best eSIMs for Tokyo and their features.

1. Holafly Tokyo eSIM card

Holafly has the best Tokyo data eSIM. Why? Some of its main features include 24-hour chat support, gives you unlimited data, and its purchasing process is simple. 

How much does a Holafly eSIM card for Tokyo cost?

The Holafly eSIM costs as little as $19 for five days of unlimited data. While prices increase to $139 for 90 days of unlimited data, your value for money improves for each added day on your plan.

The Holafly eSIM has multiple price plans with unlimited data, making it easy to budget when traveling to Japan. They are the following:

Advantages of a Holafly eSIM for Tokyo

Grabbing a Holafly eSIM will give you the following four advantages for your upcoming trip:

1. You can choose a custom data plan, with no minimum commitment. Simply select how many days of data you need. With Holafly, you can select as little as one day, and take that up to 90 days.
2. If you have any questions or technical problems, you can contact Holafly’s 24-hour chat support, in five different languages.
3. Tethering / Hotspot: enjoy 500 MB per day to share with others or your other devices.

Still need your physical SIM card? Don’t worry! You can use both your eSIM and SIM card at the same time.

2. Sakura Mobile eSIM

Sakura Mobile is a trusted Japanese provider with multiple SIM and eSIM travel data plans.

Their eSIMs roam on some of Japan’s major carriers, ensuring relatively fast and secure connectivity. Some of Sakura’s notable features include:

• Flexible, no-contract plans, allowing users to get data without long-term commitment.
• Data plans ranging up to 30 days for longer stays.
• English customer support channels.

How much does a Sakura Mobile eSIM for Tokyo cost? 

Sakura’s cheapest plan is a 3-day, 1 GB data plan costing ¥2,084 ($14 USD). Their 30-day, 40 GB plan costs ¥6,104 ($41). Despite being relatively affordable, the Sakura coverage and download speeds have received negative reviews with one customer saying: 

“Traveled most of Japan for 3 months. Tried to use Sakura Mobile, poor coverage, the download speed was average 10 MB. The biggest issue I had was fare usage is limited to 2 GB per day then the speed will drop to 200 bits for a couple of days.”

3. Mobal eSIM

Mobal sells several data-only eSIMs in Tokyo and Japan.

They’ve been a trusted provider for a while, offering both SIM and eSIM technology. Some of their main features include:

• Uses the Japanese network Docomo, meaning you won’t need to use roaming in Japan.
• Offers plans of up to 100 GB for heavy data users.
• A range of eight-day to 31-day eSIM plans.

How much does a Mobal eSIM card for Tokyo cost?

Mobal’s basic 1 GB 8-day plan costs ¥1,861 ($12.50) while its 100 GB 31-day plan costs ¥8,188 ($55). This is definitely on the pricier side in comparison to some other eSIM providers on this list.

4. Ubigi eSIM

Ubigi is a global eSIM provider offering data plans for over 200 destinations—Tokyo included. They’re relatively new on the Japanese market, but nevertheless have versatile data plans for travelers. 

Some of their features include:

• Your eSIM QR code will be emailed to you upon purchase, for easy setup.
• One-day plans of 500 MB to month-long plans with 50 GB of data.
• Works with NTT Docomo for coverage across Japan.

How much does a Ubigi eSIM card for Tokyo cost?

Ubigi eSIM offers multiple plans and allowances, with a one-day 500 MB plan costing ¥372 ($2.50) and a month-long 50 GB plan costing ¥9,678 ($65). As you can see when comparing them to other vendors on this list, Ubigi is definitely a more expensive option.

5. NTT Docomo eSIM card for Tokyo

NTT Docomo is one of Tokyo’s most popular carriers and telecommunications companies in Japan.

With plenty of physical stores around the Tokyo specifically, their eSIM options include:

• The possibility to use both Japan SIM cards and eSIMs at the same time.
• A variety of data plans ranging from 1-7 GB.
• Exclusive virtual SIM cards for 5G devices.
• No minimum clause or contracts.
• 4G LTE connection.

How much does a NTT Docomo eSIM card for Tokyo cost?

NTT Docomo has a variety of eSIM data plans ranging from 5 GB for ¥1,786 ($12) to 7 GB plans for ¥2,827 ($19). They’re definitely more targeted towards locals, so you may struggle to find a plan to fit short-term trips as a tourist.

6. SoftBank eSIM for Tokyo

SoftBank is a popular Japanese carrier with a wide range of eSIM options.

After you touch down in Tokyo, you’ll find their physical stores in airports and throughout the city. Some of SoftBank’s main eSIM features include:

• Unlimited calls and messages.
• 4G and 5G network connection.
•  A SoftBank app to manage profiles, pay bills, and access customer support.

Keep in mind that SoftBank eSIM options might be limited if you’re not a regular customer with a Japanese phone number. Their in-app and website user experience is also a little clunky, not great if you’re not too tech-savvy.

How much does a SoftBank eSIM card for Tokyo cost?

SoftBank offers eSIMs ranging from the seven-day plan at approximately ¥3,722 ($25) to a 30-day plan at ¥5,955 ($40).

How do I activate my eSIM card for Tokyo?

Each eSIM provider will have a slightly different process. Here’s a simple guide to activating your Tokyo eSIM, specifically with Holafly:

1. Visit the Holafly online store and make your purchase;
2. You’ll receive a QR code in your email to install your data plan;
3. After making sure you’re connected to the internet, scan the QR code to configure the eSIM in your device. NOTE: Scan the QR code with the cell phone you’ll be using in Japan, as it will carry your data plan; 
4. Give your eSIM profile a different name, so you can differentiate your eSIM from your SIM card;
5. Once you arrive at your destination, Tokyo, activate your cell phone’s roaming on your eSIM;
6. And… That’s it! Now you can access mobile internet in Japan!

Before you choose your eSIM, don’t forget to check if your cell phone will work in Japan. Once you’re clear on that, you can move on to considering if an eSIM is the best option for you.

With your Tokyo eSIM plan activated, it’s time to start creating an itinerary. Here are the best things to do in Tokyo Japan, while you’re there!

Top tips to choose the best eSIM for Tokyo

There are a few factors to consider before purchasing an eSIM for your Tokyo trip. To ensure you make the right choice:

• Get your Tokyo eSIM before traveling as it can be costly to buy one at an airport or physical stores.
• Check if your phone is eSIM compatible.
• If your phone is not compatible, use a prepaid physical SIM card instead.
• Download travel apps, videos, or games before traveling, so you don’t waste your cellular data—especially if you opt for a limited data eSIM.
• Make sure your cell phone has unlocked bands so it can connect to other networks.

If you’re taking a solo trip to Japan, make sure you buy a large enough data plan to keep you on the go

Holafly is the perfect eSIM Tokyo companion 

With the right eSIM and data plan, your upcoming trip to Tokyo will be nothing short of amazing. There are multiple options to choose from, including providers and carriers with all kinds of data usage plans.

When it comes to the best eSIM Japan on the market—Holafly is a Tokyo traveler’s best friend. With Holafly, you can stay connected wherever you go and forget about expensive roaming bills when you return. All you need to do is choose how many days you’re staying, and you can enjoy unlimited data. Have a fantastic time in Tokyo! Sayōnara.

Plans that may interest you

Tokyo

From

$20.90

USD

Hong Kong

From

$6.90

USD

Armin Tanovic

Originally from Michigan USA and currently based in Sarajevo Bosnia and Herzegovina, Armin Tanovic has five years of experience writing content and copy for both US and European marketing agencies. He’s written for travel brands like TravelPerk, and loves an adventure in the great outdoors. You can catch him off the beaten path exploring mountains and coastlines while drawing his writing inspiration from the scenery.

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