What you’ll learn in this article
- Basics of eSIM for Travelers to Japan
- Why eSIMs are Popular with Travelers
- Guideline for Compatible Smartphone Devices
- Market Price for Data and Fees
- Flow from Purchase to Activation
- Differences from SIM Cards
- Points to Note to Avoid Problems During Travel
Conclusion: eSIM is the Easiest and Least Likely to Fail for iPhone Users
For first-time travelers to Japan, especially iPhone users,
choosing an eSIM over a physical SIM is easier and less prone to failure.
Reasons
- Activation Preparation Can Be Done Before Arrival
- No Need to Line Up at the SIM Counter at the Airport
- No Need to Insert or Remove SIM Cards
- No Risk of Loss
- Many Lines Can Be Used Without Problems in Major Areas of Japan
On the other hand, some Android models do not support eSIM, so
the basic policy is “eSIM for iPhone, and check compatibility for Android.”
What is an eSIM? Easy Explanation for Travelers
eSIM is an abbreviation for “embedded SIM,” and
it is a “digital SIM card” that is pre-installed in the smartphone itself.
Unlike physical SIM cards,
you can add line information simply by reading a QR code.
The benefits for travelers are around this point.
- You Can Install a Line for Japan in Advance
- No Need to Search for a Shop at the Airport
- You Don’t Have to Open the SIM Tray, So You Won’t Damage the Device
- You Don’t Have to Manage Small SIM Cards That Are Easy to Lose
Guideline of Main eSIM Compatible Devices That Can Be Used in Japan
iPhone
- iPhone XR and later models basically support eSIM
- Overseas iPhones Often Support eSIM
Android (Guideline)
- Many Google Pixel 4 and later models
- Some Samsung Galaxy Series
- Some Other High-End Models
However, since Android has large differences depending on the manufacturer and model number,
it is safe to check in advance on the official website or settings screen to see if there is “eSIM” or “SIM card manager.”
eSIM Fee Market Price for Travelers to Japan
The following price range is a guideline for eSIMs for travelers to Japan.
- 3-5GB (about 7 days): Around 1,000-2,000 yen
- 10-15GB (about 7-15 days): Around 1,500-3,000 yen
- Unlimited (about 5-7 days): Around 2,000-4,000 yen
Light User
- Mainly Map Apps and SNS
→ 3-5GB is often enough.
General Traveler
- Tourist Information Search
- SNS Posting
- Watch Videos a Little
→ 10-15GB is safe.
Heavy User
- Watch YouTube and TikTok Often
- Always Open Map for Navigation
→ It is stress-free to choose an unlimited plan.
Flow from eSIM Purchase to Activation
eSIMs for travelers to Japan basically start in the following flow.
- Select a Plan on the Website and Purchase
- Length of Stay
- Determine the required data amount
and pay with a credit card, etc.
- A QR Code Will Be Sent to the Registered Email Address
- This QR code is an image of the “key to the Japanese line.”
- Save it so you don’t accidentally delete it.
- Read the QR Code in a Wi-Fi Environment
- Home Wi-Fi
- Set it up in an environment where you can connect to the Internet, such as hotel Wi-Fi
.
- Activate eSIM from “Mobile Communication” on Your Smartphone
- For iPhone, “Settings” → “Mobile Communication” → “Add Mobile Communication Plan”
- If you proceed according to the instructions, a line for Japan will be added.
- After Arriving in Japan, Switch Lines and Start Using
- You can choose whether to use the main line (your own SIM) or the Japanese eSIM.
- It is OK if you can communicate with Google Maps or a browser.
For more detailed screenshots of the setting screen and cases where APN input is required,
it is kind to summarize them on the “SIM Registration Method” page separately.
SIM Card vs eSIM: Which Should You Choose?
People Who Are Suitable for eSIM
- iPhone User
- People Who Want to Prepare in Advance
- People Who Want to Use Communication Immediately After Arrival
- People Who Are Worried About Inserting and Removing SIM Cards
People Who Are Suitable for Physical SIM Cards
- People Who Do Not Support eSIM on Android Devices
- People Who Want Staff to Set It Up in Front of Them
- People Who Want to Consult Directly at the Airport Counter While Choosing
From the perspective of travelers,
if the device is compatible, choose eSIM as the first candidate, and if it is not compatible, choose a SIM card
. It is OK to think of it as.
Points to Note to Avoid Problems During Travel
These are the points to keep in mind when using eSIM.
- eSIMs Often Cannot Be Reused Once Deleted
- Wi-Fi Environment is Required for Activation (Airport or Hotel, etc.)
- In the Case of Data-Only eSIM, a Phone Number is Often Not Assigned
- Check in Advance Whether Tethering is Possible (Whether it Can Be Shared with Other Devices)
- Some Plans Have Speed Limits If You Use Too Much Data
Detailed Screen Explanation of Settings and Initial Registration →SIM Registration Method
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Which Line in Japan Should I Choose?
A: If you want to use it stably including in rural areas, an eSIM using the docomo line is safe.
If you are mainly in urban areas, there is no major problem with au or SoftBank lines.
Q: Can I buy an eSIM at the airport?
A: In some cases, you can purchase at the airport counter, but
there may be fewer options or higher prices compared to purchasing online.
It is smoother to purchase on the web in advance.
Q: I don’t know if my smartphone supports eSIM.
A: Search by device name in advance, or
check if there is an indication of “eSIM” or “Add Mobile Plan” in the mobile communication/SIM-related items in the “Settings” app.
Summary: eSIM is a Strong Option for Travelers to Japan
- eSIM is Very Convenient for Travelers to Japan If the Device is Compatible
- You Can Prepare in Advance, So You Can Save Time After Arrival
- You Can Choose the Data Amount from 3 Patterns: 5GB, 10GB, and Unlimited, Depending on Your Travel Style
- If You Are Worried, It Is Also Possible to Consider a Service That Allows You to Choose Both eSIM and SIM Card
Ultimately,
“Whether Your Device is Compatible” + “How Much You Use Your Smartphone”
If You Choose Based on These Two Criteria, You Can Avoid Major Failures.
Recommended eSIM (This is Where to Fill in Later)
In the future, we will put specific eSIM service names and links here.
Now, as a template, the image is to leave only the frame in the following form, for example.
Example: eSIM for Travelers to Japan from Company A (Provisional)
・Good data amount with 10GB for 7 days
・Easy to use even in rural areas with docomo line
・English support available
At the stage of introducing affiliate offers,
it is OK to fill in the service name, button, and link here.
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