この記事でわかること
- Estimating the Amount of Data Needed for Traveling in Japan
- Data Usage by Scenario
- Recommended GB Based on Travel Days
- How to Choose the Right Amount of Data
- How to Choose a SIM or eSIM
In Conclusion: Most Travelers Can Get By With “5GB to 10GB”
For most travelers,
5GB to 10GB is enough data for a SIM or eSIM to use while traveling in Japan.
This is because smartphone use during your stay in Japan will mainly consist of:
- Google Maps/Navigation
- Searching for tourist spots and restaurants
- Social media (Instagram, X, LINE, etc.)
- Translation apps
If you want to know the whole picture, including the types of SIMs and how to choose one, check out
Recommended SIMs and How to Choose for Travelers to Japan [2026 Latest Edition].
Data Usage Estimates by Scenario
- Google Maps: Approximately 5-10MB per hour
- Web Search/Browsing Tourist Information: Approximately 1-3MB per page
- Browsing Social Media: Approximately 20-40MB in 10 minutes
- Posting Social Media with Photos: Approximately 5MB per post
- Watching Videos (YouTube)
- Low Quality: Approximately 300MB per hour
- High Quality: Approximately 1GB or more per hour
If you watch a lot of videos, consider a large-capacity plan.
Recommended Data Amounts by Travel Days
3-5 day trip
・Light use: 3-5GB
・General use: 5GB
7-10 day trip
・General use: 5-10GB
・Peace of mind: 10GB
2+ week trip
・Don’t watch many videos: 10-15GB
・Watch videos often: Unlimited
Specific plans are summarized in
How to Choose a SIM for Travelers・SIM Card List (Price Comparison).
Do You Really Need an Unlimited Plan?
An unlimited plan is suitable for people who:
- Watch videos often while traveling
- Also use a PC or tablet with tethering
- Don’t want to worry about data usage at all
If you mainly use maps and social media,
an unlimited plan is often overkill.
The Way of Thinking About Data Amounts is the Same for SIM Cards and eSIMs
The way of thinking about data amounts is
the same for both physical SIM cards and eSIMs.
The only differences are the setup and receiving methods,
and the criteria for determining the required GB is the same.
If you want to know more about eSIMs, please refer to
Recommended eSIMs and How to Choose for Travelers to Japan [2026 Latest Edition].
Points to Note to Avoid Data Amount Failures
⚠ It is safer to have a little more data than too little.
- If communication stops midway, you will not be able to use maps or translations.
- Some plans do not allow additional purchases.
- First-time trips to Japan tend to involve more unexpected searches.
If you are worried about initial setup or registration, it is a good idea to check the
SIM Registration/Setup Method Summary Page in advance.
Summary
- For most trips to Japan, 5GB to 10GB is sufficient.
- Consider unlimited only if you watch videos often.
- Have a little extra data.
- The way of thinking is the same for both SIM and eSIM.
Once you have decided on the amount of data, choose the best SIM in
Recommended SIMs and How to Choose for Travelers to Japan [2026 Latest Edition].
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