Best eSIMs for Japan in 2025: Japan SIM vs eSIM Compared
Japan rewards preparation. Maps. Translation apps. Reservations that still confirm by SMS. Connectivity is not a luxury – it is the itinerary.
Travellers are switching from plastic SIMs to eSIMs. No trays. No pins. No late-night shop hunt. Scan a QR code and go.
This guide does two things: explains Japan SIM vs eSIM in plain terms, then compares the best eSIMs for Japan in 2025 so readers can pick a reliable service – with or without a real Japanese phone number.
2) Japan SIM vs eSIM: Key Differences
Physical SIM (Japan SIM)
- A removable chip bought at the airport or electronics store.
- Requires swapping out the home SIM.
- Works well on phones without eSIM support.
eSIM (embedded SIM)
- A digital profile installed on the phone.
- Activate via QR code – often before flying.
- Keep the home number active on dual-line phones.
Pros & cons at a glance
| Factor | Physical SIM | eSIM |
|---|---|---|
| Setup | In-person purchase, manual swap | QR code, instant on most plans |
| Convenience | One line at a time unless dual-SIM | Run home line + Japan data together |
| Keeping home number | Usually off unless dual-SIM | Easy to keep for iMessage/2FA |
| Coverage | Varies by brand/carrier | Depends on underlying networks used |
3) What to Look For in a Japan eSIM
- Coverage – which local networks are used: NTT Docomo, KDDI/au, SoftBank. Docomo often excels beyond metros; KDDI and SoftBank are strong in cities.
- Data plans & pricing – short stays vs month-long visits; per-GB value; any throttling or daily caps.
- Support – English help and responsive chat/email matter when activation hiccups appear.
- Extras – a real Japanese number for verification codes; hotspot/tethering rules; 5G access on compatible phones.
4) Best eSIMs for Japan in 2025 (Provider Comparisons)
A) Mobal eSIM — Japan-focused, with a real Japanese number
Mobal stands apart. It runs on the NTT Docomo network for broad nationwide reach and offers a real Japanese mobile number on eSIM – rare among travel eSIMs. Options include voice, SMS and data, with English support throughout.
- Best for: tourists and expats who need verification codes, bookings and dependable coverage across cities and countryside.
- Why it stands out: real JP number + Docomo coverage; clear plans, no long contracts.
B) Airalo “Moshi Moshi” — budget data packs
Airalo’s Japan eSIM is data-only with simple activation in the app. Small to mid-sized packs suit most trips.
- Typical value: a common mid-tier is ~20GB for 30 days at around US$25 (prices vary by promos and taxes).
- Strengths: cheap, flexible, quick to install.
- Limits: no local number; OTT apps only for calls and messages.
- Best for: budget-conscious travellers who do not need SMS or voice.
C) Ubigi — value, hotspot-friendly, 5G where available
Ubigi pairs tidy plan shapes with practical rules. Expect firm data allowances and straightforward top-ups. Tethering is allowed, and 5G is available in major cities where supported.
- Plan shapes: 10–20GB at reasonable prices, with monthly subscriptions available for longer stays.
- Network: uses major Japanese networks, including access to 5G in cities on compatible devices.
- Best for: digital nomads or business travellers who rely on a hotspot for laptops and tablets.
D) Holafly — unlimited data simplicity
Holafly removes the meter. Unlimited data plans span 5–90 days, ideal for travellers who prefer simplicity over micromanaging gigabytes.
- Fair use policy: possible speed throttling after heavy usage.
- Hotspot: usually capped at ~500MB–1GB per day.
- Best for: heavy data users who want an easy, predictable setup and mostly phone-based use.
5) At-a-Glance Comparison
| Provider | Local Japanese Number? | Example Plan | Network | Hotspot/Tethering | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mobal | Yes (070/080/090) | Voice+Data up to 30GB/month | NTT Docomo | Yes (per plan) | Travellers needing SMS verification & strong coverage |
| Airalo (Moshi Moshi) | No | 20GB / 30 days – $25 | KDDI (au), SoftBank | Yes | Budget-conscious travellers (data-only) |
| Ubigi | No | 10GB / 30 days – $17; 20GB / 30 days – $30 | 5G in major cities (varies) | Yes | Digital nomads / business travel needing hotspot |
| Holafly | No | Unlimited data (5–90 days) | KDDI (au) | Limited (500MB–1GB/day) | Heavy data users (OK with FUP throttling) |
6) Verdict: Which eSIM Should You Choose?
- Airalo → best for budget and simple, data-only travel.
- Ubigi → best for bigger data and hotspot use, with 5G in cities.
- Holafly → best for unlimited phone-first usage (mind hotspot caps and FUP).
- Mobal → the best all-rounder for most travellers, especially those who need a real Japanese number and broad coverage via Docomo.
Get Mobal’s Japan eSIM for voice, SMS and data on a real JP number.
7) Conclusion
eSIMs are the most convenient way to stay connected in Japan. Physical SIMs still work, but eSIMs are faster to start, easier to manage and kinder to itineraries.
- Pick coverage first – Docomo, KDDI/au or SoftBank, depending on routes.
- Match plan size to usage and trip length.
- Decide whether a real Japanese number is essential.
Bottom line: choose the provider that fits the travel style – budget, hotspot, unlimited or all-round with a local number – and enjoy the trip.
Activation tips
- Ensure the phone is unlocked and eSIM-capable.
- Buy the plan and scan the QR code over Wi-Fi.
- Set the eSIM as the mobile data line; keep the home line for iMessage/2FA if needed.
- Enable data roaming on the eSIM profile.
- Test data and hotspot before leaving the hotel.
