Best eSIM for Japan (2025): Everything you Need to Know

Heading to Japan? Cherry blossoms, sushi, anime, bullet trains, ancient temples, and so much more await.

Every corner feels different, whether you’re exploring neon-lit Tokyo or wandering through quiet Kyoto.

In the first half of 2025 alone, over 21.5 million travelers visited Japan.

However, many travelers have the same question: How can I get mobile internet in Japan without paying crazy roaming fees?  

The simple answer: get a Japan eSIM.

With a Japan eSIM, you get instant mobile data coverage across Japan without swapping physical SIM cards or paying $12 per day for roaming.

The ConnectedYou Japan eSIM makes it even easier: download and activate your Japan data plan at home, enable it the moment you land in Japan, and stay connected anywhere, from Tokyo and Osaka to rural Hokkaido.

The best part? No searching for local SIM stores, no airport lines. It’s completely digital.

Here’s how it works.

Best eSIM for Japan: ConnectedYou eSIM

ConnectedYou’s Japan eSIMs are the top choice for travelers seeking reliable, affordable connectivity throughout Japan.

Additional Information:

• Validity: All Japan eSIMs become valid for 30 days once they’re activated.

• Best For: This Best For column in the table above helps you pick the right data plan based on your trip length.

  • Example: The 1GB plan is ideal for a 2-day trip, but any remaining data can be used for up to 30 days.

• Data-only: Use for internet browsing, GPS, Spotify, YouTube, WhatsApp, social media, and all your essential travel apps.

• Top-ups available: Easily add more data anytime.

• High-Speed 4G/5G Data: Enjoy fast mobile internet throughout Japan.
  

• Mobile Hotspot Enabled: Share your connection with other devices, like laptops or tablets.

Is Your Phone eSIM Compatible?

A quick heads-up before you grab your ConnectedYou Japan eSIM: most modern smartphones support eSIM, but it’s a good idea to make sure your phone can use one too.

 1. Device must be Unlocked

Your phone needs to be able to accept SIMs from carriers other than your home carrier. If it can, the Japan eSIM would work without any problems. Check if your phone is unlocked.

A carrier is just your phone company—the one that provides your calls, texts, and mobile data. Your home carrier is the phone company you currently use.

 2. eSIM-Compatible Devices 

Most of the latest iPhones, Android phones, and iPads are eSIM-compatible smartphones. Double-check if your phone model is compatible with eSIMs as well. See eSIM compatible devices.

3. Dual SIM Convenience

Most phones allow you to keep your regular home SIM for calls and SMS, and use a Japan eSIM for mobile data.

This way, you can stay connected to your home while using data in Japan.

How to Use ConnectedYou Japan eSIM  

Once you’ve confirmed that your phone is unlocked and eSIM-compatible, you’re ready to get and use your ConnectedYou Japan eSIM. Follow these simple steps.

Step 1: Buy a ConnectedYou Japan eSIM

When you’re at home, visit the ConnectedYou Japan eSIM store and choose the Japan eSIM that fits your trip. 

Things to consider when picking your plan:

• Data: How much data you need (1GB - 20GB)

• Trip Duration: Recommended data plan based on your trip length (Best for: 1 day - 30 days)

• Price: The cost of the Japan eSIM plan ($6 - $58)

Once you’ve selected your package, it will be added to your cart. Then, simply checkout and purchase your ConnectedYou Japan eSIM.

Step 2: Install and Activate your eSIM Japan Plan

Once you’ve purchased a ConnectedYou Japan eSIM, you’ll receive two emails:

1. Order confirmation email.

2. Email with your eSIM details and unique QR code.       

Then, you need to install and activate your eSIM.

There are different ways to install and activate your eSIM depending on your device. Pick one method that suits you best:

iPhone (Pick any ONE method)

• Scan QR Code: Open the email with your unique QR code on your laptop (or another device). Then, use your iPhone’s Camera to scan the QR code and activate eSIM.
  

• Long-press QR code: Open the email on your iPhone, press and hold the QR code, then tap Add eSIM when it pops up.
  

• Tap to Install (iOS 17.4+): Tap the Install eSIM button in your email for instant setup.
  

• Manual Entry: Go to iPhone Settings > Mobile Service or Cellular > Add eSIM > QR code > Enter Details Manually, then paste the SM-DP + Address and Activation code from your email.

See the complete iPhone eSIM Setup Guide (with Images).

Android (Pick any ONE method)

• Scan QR Code: Open the email with your unique QR code on your laptop (or another device). Then, use your phone’s Camera to scan the QR code and activate eSIM.
  

• Long-press QR code: Open the email on your iPhone, press and hold the QR code, then tap Set up eSIM when it pops up. This feature may vary on each Android phone.

• Manual Entry: Go to Phone Settings > Connections > SIM Manager > Add eSIM > Scan QR code > Enter Activation Code, then paste the LPA code from your email.

See the complete Android eSIM Setup Guide (with Images).

Step 3: Enable and Use your Japan eSIM

Great, your ConnectedYou Japan eSIM is now ready! It’s time to pack your bags, catch your flight, and travel to Japan. 

Once you land in Japan, just follow these quick steps to get online:

For iPhone

• Open Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Service)

• Select ConnectedYou eSIM and turn on the SIM line

• Turn Data Roaming on

• Go to Mobile Data and choose ConnectedYou eSIM as your data line

• Turn off Mobile data Switching

Done! You’re iPhone will use the ConnectedYou Japan eSIM data in Japan.

For Android

• Open Settings > Connections > SIM Manager

• Turn on ConnectedYou eSIM

• Go to Mobile Data and select ConnectedYou eSIM

• Turn Data Switching off

• Go back to Connections > Mobile Networks and turn on Data Roaming

That’s it. Your phone is now using ConnectedYou Japan eSIM data. 

Why use ConnectedYou eSIMs for Japan

By now, you’ve seen how simple it is to set up your ConnectedYou Japan eSIM. But, you might be wondering why choose ConnectedYou over other options?

Here’s why so many people traveling to Japan select our eSIMs:

• Easy, Stress-Free Setup: No fiddling with SIM cards or waiting in airport lines. Just scan, long-press, or enter eSIM details manually and activate your eSIM—it’s that user-friendly.

• Reliable Coverage and Speed: Enjoy strong 4G/5G internet whether you’re navigating Tokyo subways, streaming in your hotel, or mapping a hike in rural Hokkaido.

• Connect like a Local: Skip tourist SIM counters. Your phone works on Japan’s local networks from the moment you land.

• Save Big on Roaming: Avoid paying high roaming charges. With our Japan eSIM plan, cut roaming fees up to 90%.

• Cost-Effective Plans: From just $6 for a short trip to longer-term data plans, you only pay for what you need.

• Keep Your Number: Use your home SIM active for calls and SMS, while using the ConnectedYou eSIM Japan plan for data.

• Hotspot Ready: Share your connection with your laptop, tablet, or travel buddy anytime.

• Top-Ups Anytime: Running low? Add more data with a few taps.

• Support: Whether it’s morning in Tokyo or midnight back home, our team is always available to help.

Thus, ConnectedYou’s Japan eSIM gives you ease, reliability, and savings so you can focus on Japan, not worrying about your phone bill.