The Broke Backpacker is supported by you. Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more.
Japan is just incredible. The neon-lit streets of Tokyo, the sweet serene shrines in Kyoto, and vending machines that sell everything from ramen to umbrellas (to used panties…) — it’s a traveler’s dream.
But it’s also… well it’s all a bit intense to put it mildly.
The language barrier can be unreal, Tokyo’s subway system feels like a 3D puzzle, and don’t even get us started on the crowded stations at rush hour (they literally pay meat heads to squash people into carriages). If you’re planning to explore Japan in 2025 (the Yen is low so this is the time to go), one thing you absolutely need in your toolkit is mobile data. And not just any data — reliable, affordable, and ready-to-go data.
Enter the eSIM: a digital SIM card you can install before you even leave home. No more scrambling to find a SIM at the airport, fiddling with tiny pins, or trying to explain “data plan” in broken Japanese.
Why Get an eSIM For Japan?
Let’s be honest: physical SIM cards are old school. You land in a foreign country, hunt for a kiosk, switch cards, and hope nothing goes wrong. Personally I also have bad form for always losing my native sim card meaning that when I get home, I have no phone!!
eSIMs let you skip all of that bull…
- You install it digitally (via QR code or app).
- You activate it instantly (or schedule it to start as soon as you land).
- You keep your original number on your main SIM while using data from the eSIM.
And in Japan, where navigation apps, translation tools, and mobile payments are practically essential, having a working, affordable SIM from the moment you touch down is a real and total absolute game-changer.
The Broke Backpacker is supported by you. Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more.
Unlock Our GREATEST Travel Secrets!
Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox.
The Best eSIM For Japan
There are loads or Japan eSIM providers out there right now and most of them do offer some kind of Japan package so finding one, is easy. However, finding a good one is harder and finding the best one is like trying to find Shinjunku Station without a subway map.
So let’s break down some of the very top eSIM providers for Japan — with a special focus on pricing, packages, features, and whether they offer phone numbers. Spoiler: Sim Local comes out on top…
Sim Local
How it works:
Sim Local partners with local networks around the world to offer the strongest, most reliable coverage throughout any given country. You can browse their website and compare plans by a number of different providers, as well as Sim Locals own offerings.
In Japan, Sim Local partner with AU. AU plans deliver the best data-to-price ratio in the market, making it the perfect choice for your travel needs. AU in Japan is considered one of the best mobile carriers because it boasts a high-quality, extensive network coverage across the country, fast speeds, and an amazing reputation for having excellent customer service. Also, different options are available for lower GB for Japan plans, in case your travel needs are different and don’t require that much internet.
AU plans offer reliable and consistent unlimited data experience, ensuring you’re always connected without worrying about sudden slowdowns or cutoffs.
Perfect for those who rely on constant connectivity, AU plans provide peace of mind, allowing you to focus on what matters most during your time in Japan.
Getting started is as easy as ramen. You just buy and install your eSIM in minutes using their website or app.
Japan packages:
Sim Local offers specific Japan-only plans, as well as Asia regional packages — great if you’re stopping in other countries like South Korea, Thailand, or Vietnam on the same trip.
Enjoy connectivity in two or more devices with unlimited data plans, considering the fair usage policy in the different plans available:
- 4 days: up to 3GB
- 7 days: up to 6GB
- 10 days: up to 9GB
- 15 days: up to 15GB
Regional plan? Yes. Sim Local offers an Asia Plan.
Phone number included? No phone number — data only, but perfect for navigation, apps, messaging.
Verdict:
Reliable coverage, solid prices, and easy setup make Sim Local our top pick — especially for first-timers in Japan.
There are a few other great things about Sim Local too. For one, all of their plans offer hot-spotting which I (been a Digital Nomad chained to laptop…) find to be a real life saver. Their unlimited plans also allow up to 10GM of data consumption per day. While the pedants amongst you may rush to point out that thats not “unlimited” it’s still a far more generous daily allowance than other ‘unlimited’ providers like Holafly offer.
Oh, note that Sim Local don’t offer “unlimited” packages for all covered destinations, but they do offer them for all popular destinations.
JetPac: Sleek but Slightly Pricey
How it works:
JetPac is a premium eSIM provider that focuses on simplicity and good UX. Plans are installed via app and work with major carriers in Japan. JetPac do offer “introductory” data packs starting at just $1 so are great to test the waters but top ups can be pricier.
Japan packages:
Focused mainly on Japan with some limited multi-country options.
Example package:
- 1GB for 4 days – starting at $.1 USD
- 20GB for 20 days – approx. $40 USD
Regional plan? JetPac offers an Asia Pacific packages that includes Japan. But its not as flexible as Sim Local.
Phone number included? No number — data only.
Verdict:
JetPac is polished and performs well, but pricing is slightly higher than Sim Local for similar data amounts.
HolaFly: Unlimited Hype?
How it works:
HolaFly promotes its “unlimited data” packages, making it sound like a dream for heavy users/Tik Tok addicts. eSIM is activated via app or QR.
Japan packages:
Their Japan plans offer unlimited data, but with soft daily limits (fair usage policy).
Example package:
- Unlimited data for 15 days – approx. $55 USD
Regional plan? Yes they offer a Japan + South Korea + China package.
Phone number included? No — just data.
Verdict:
Great if you’re watching YouTube in Shibuya all day, but is that why you travel? Also be aware that “unlimited” doesn’t actually mean truly unlimited. After 1–2GB/day, speeds may be throttled.
Nomad: Budget… But At What Cost?
How it works (when it works LOL):
Nomad is known for cheap eSIMs. And in theory, that’s great. But in Japan, you get what you pay for — and it’s often slow speeds and weak coverage peppered with plenty of black spots where it won’t work at all.
Japan packages:
- 1GB for 7 days – approx. $6 USD
- 3GB for 15 days – approx. $10 USD
Regional plan? Yes — Asia-wide eSIM available
Phone number included? No number, only data.
Verdict:
Nomad is appealing if you’re really watching your wallet. But in busy Japanese cities or remote areas, coverage can be patchy and frustrating. Not recommended unless you’re a light user who just needs WhatsApp and Google Maps to maybe work every now and then.
Top Travel Apps For Japan
Japan Travel by NAVITIME
Why you need it: This app is basically Google Maps on steroids for Japan. Built specifically for foreign travelers.
- Detailed train route planning with platform info and transfer times.
- Helps avoid “Japanese only” transport options.
- Includes airport transfers, taxis, ferries — even bike rentals.
Pro tip: You can toggle “Japan Rail Pass valid only” to optimise your routes if you’re using a JR Pass.
Google Translate
Why you need it: The language barrier is real. While Japan is very tourist-friendly, not everyone speaks English — especially in smaller towns or at hole-in-the-wall ramen joints.
- Use camera translation to read menus and signs.
- Type or speak into your phone for instant translation.
- Download Japanese for offline use — essential on a train with no signal.
Pro tip: Snap a photo of a kanji-heavy form or sign — and let the app translate it line by line.
We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.
Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!
View on OspreySpotGuide Japan: Urban Legends & Haikyo
What it does:
A niche app that maps urban legends, haunted places, and abandoned sites (haikyo) across Japan — many in rural or suburban areas.
- Includes eerie spots like the infamous Inunaki Tunnel or abandoned amusement parks.
- Notes on accessibility, history, and safety.
- Often geo-tagged with user-submitted photos.
Yurekuru Call
What it does:
This is a real-time earthquake alert app, built specifically for Japan — a country where quakes are frequent, even if usually minor.
- Sends alerts seconds before tremors hit, using Japan’s seismic network.
- Available in English and Japanese.
- You can even set custom sensitivity levels. Why it’s cool:
You’ll feel way more at ease knowing what’s happening when the ground moves under your feet — and it’s a great insight into how Japan handles natural disasters with tech precision.
Onsen Kumo
What it does:
Find hidden, off-the-beaten-path onsen (hot spring) resorts all over Japan — including those not listed on TripAdvisor or in English guides.
- Sort by region, spring type, temperature, and ambiance (rural, romantic, day-use only, etc.).
- Crowd-sourced reviews, often from serious hot spring aficionados.
- Rich database with local secrets — some with zero foreign tourists.
Final Thoughts
There we have it. If you’re planning a trip to Japan, don’t leave your data plans to chance. An eSIM for Japan will save you time, hassle, and stress— and it’s a must-have for navigating the complexities of Japanese travel.
Among all the options we tested, Sim Local came out ahead thanks to a combo of;
- Competitive pricing
- Strong, reliable coverage
- Flexible Japan and regional plans
- Easy installation for first-timers
See you on the road funsters!
Buy Us a Coffee!
A couple of you lovely readers suggested we set up a tip jar for direct support as an alternative to booking through our links, since we’ve decided to keep the site ad-free. So here it is!
You can now buy The Broke Backpacker a coffee. If you like and use our content to plan your trips, it’s a much appreciated way to show appreciation 🙂
