Buy eSIM Cards in Japan: For Long-Term Stays and Travel
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As technology advances, communication methods are constantly improving. In the past, using a mobile phone in Japan required purchasing a physical SIM card, which had to be inserted into the phone before use. Nowadays, Japan's eSIM cards offer a more convenient option. Unlike traditional SIM cards, eSIM cards can be downloaded and set up immediately after purchase, allowing for instant use without the need to wait for delivery or replace a physical SIM card.
Whether traveling for sightseeing, studying, or on a working holiday in Japan, Japan eSIM cards provide convenient internet access. This article will explain the advantages, disadvantages, and setup methods of eSIM cards in Japan. It will also compare the features, plans, monthly fees, and special offers of various eSIM cards for foreign visitors traveling, studying, or working holidays in Japan. You can choose the eSIM card that best suits your needs based on the length of your stay in Japan!
Contents
- Japan's eSIM Cards
- Advantages and Disadvantages of Using a Japan's eSIM Cards
- How to Set Up a Japan's eSIM Card
- Buy eSIM Cards in Japan: For Long-Term Stays
- Buy eSIM Cards in Japan: For Travel
Japan's eSIM Cards
To use a mobile phone, you need a SIM card installed in the device. A SIM card stores information such as "communication lines" and "phone numbers." Without a SIM card, you cannot access the internet or make phone calls. An eSIM card, however, has this information embedded in the phone itself, eliminating the need for a physical sim card. It has the same functionality as a traditional SIM card.
Typically, when using a physical SIM card, you have to wait for the SIM card to be delivered before you can activate the service. However, unlike physical SIM cards, eSIM cards can be activated immediately by scanning a QR code or downloading an app. This convenience eliminates the need to wait for a SIM card to be shipped.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Japan's eSIM Cards
Advantages of Japan's eSIM Cards
①No Need to Replace SIM Cards
When using a physical SIM card, whether you're a new user or porting your number to a different carrier, you need to replace the SIM card. However, with a Japan's eSIM card, you can avoid this hassle. You just need to complete a simple setup on your phone to activate the service.
②Immediate Use After Online Application and Activation
Applying for a physical Japan's SIM card requires waiting for it to be delivered, which usually takes a few days. In contrast, after applying for an eSIM card online, you can complete the setup directly on your phone. After personal verification, you can start using the eSIM card as soon as the same day. There's no need to wait for the card to arrive or to pick it up from a store, saving time and effort.
③Save on Monthly Fees with Different Plans
Most phones that support Japan's eSIM cards can also use physical Japan's SIM cards simultaneously. Depending on your usage or purpose, you can combine different SIM card plans on the same phone to save on monthly fees. For example, you can use a physical SIM card from Rakuten Mobile to make free calls via their app and combine it with a Japan's eSIM card for internet usage, thus reducing overall monthly costs.
Additionally, you can use the physical SIM card number for personal use and the eSIM card number for work. This way, you can have two different phone numbers on one phone without needing to buy another device, making it easy to switch between the two numbers.
④No Need to Return SIM Card Upon Cancellation
Typically, when canceling a physical Japan's SIM card, you need to return it to the carrier. However, since an eSIM card is embedded in your phone, there's no need to return it upon cancellation, saving you the shipping cost and hassle.
Disadvantages of Japan's eSIM Cards
①Limited Choices
Not all Japanese carriers offer eSIM Cards, so the options are limited, and you may not find a plan that suits your needs. Additionally, many Japanese carriers offer eSIMs that are data-only, meaning you would need to apply for a physical SIM card with voice capabilities if you want to make phone calls.
②Requires a Phone that Supports eSIM card
Although the number of phones that support eSIM cards has been increasing in recent years, they are still limited. iPhones from the iPhone XR onwards support eSIMs. For Android phones, even the latest models vary by manufacturer in their support for eSIMs. Before purchasing an eSIM card, you must confirm that your phone can use a Japan's eSIM card.
★ Check if your phone has an EID. The EID is a 32-digit number, and only phones with an EID can use an eSIM card.
- For a Japanese iPhone: 設定 (Settings) > 一般 (General) > 情報 (About) > EID
- For a Japanese Android phone: 設定 (Settings) > ネットワークとインターネット (Network & Internet) > SIM のステータス (SIM Status) > EID
③Need to Reapply for eSIM card When Changing Phones
Compared to physical SIM cards, the process for eSIM cards is a bit more complicated when changing phones, sending a phone for repair, or resetting a phone. With a physical SIM card, you only need to replace the SIM card and adjust the APN settings. However, with an eSIM card, you need to reapply for a new eSIM card and complete the activation process. While the reactivation process might seem cumbersome, it becomes easier once you are familiar with it.
How to Set Up a Japan's eSIM Card
An eSIM card is a new type of SIM card, and not all phones are compatible with Japan's eSIM cards. Most new phones released in recent years support eSIM cards, but older models or cheaper phones may not be compatible with Japan's eSIM cards. The official websites that provide Japan's eSIM cards usually list the phone models that can use eSIM cards. Before applying for a Japan's eSIM card, make sure to check if your phone supports it. There are two ways to verify this: one is to check the phone information in your settings to see if there is an EID (e.g., Settings > General > About). Another way is to check if there is a path to add an eSIM card in your phone's settings (e.g., Settings > Cellular (or Network & Internet) > Add eSIM (or Download eSIM)).
To activate a Japan's eSIM card, you need an internet connection. Since your phone cannot connect to the internet before the eSIM service is activated, you must be in a location with Wi-Fi to activate the eSIM card. Additionally, because the eSIM card is activated by scanning a QR code, you need to have another device, such as computer or another phone, to display the QR code. If you don’t have a computer, you can print out the QR code and scan it, or enter the activation code manually (* most Japan's eSIM cards only provide a QR code and may not offer an activation code).
Each Japanese eSIM card may have slightly different setup instructions, so please follow the specific instructions provided with your eSIM card.
How to Set Up an eSIM Card
Step1
Before setting up your Japan's eSIM card, make sure you are connected to Wi-Fi.
Open "設定 (Settings)" select "モバイル通信 (Cellular)" or "モバイルネットワーク (Mobile Network)", then select "eSIM" and turn it "ON." Next, select "eSIMを追加 (Add eSIM)" to add the Japan's eSIM card you have applied for.
* For eSIM cards using the Docomo network, you must register the EID of your phone before setting up the eSIM card.
Step2
When the "モバイル通信を設定中 (Setting up Cellular)" or "eSIMをアクティベート (Activate eSIM)" screen appears, it will automatically start downloading the Japan's eSIM card data.
If the "モバイル通信を設定 (Set up Cellular)" screen appears, select "QRコードを使用 (Use QR Code)". Then open the camera function and scan the QR code sent by the Japanese telecom provider. (* After applying for the eSIM card, the QR code will be displayed when you log in to the URL provided in the email from the Japanese telecom provider.)
* The QR code for the eSIM card can only be scanned once, and the data cannot be downloaded again. Therefore, do not delete the downloaded eSIM card data. Deleting the eSIM card data will make the eSIM card unusable. Please be careful when activating the eSIM card. If you have any problems, please contact the Japanese telecom provider directly.
Step3
出現「When the "モバイル通信設定完了 (Cellular Setup Complete)" screen appears, select "続ける (Continue)". Once the setup is complete, select "完了 (Done)".
How to Add a Japan's eSIM Card
If you already have a physical Japan's SIM card in your phone, connect to the internet and add the Japan's eSIM card.
Open the "設定 (Settings)" app on your phone and select "モバイル通信 (Cellular)".
If you want to use more than one SIM card, select "モバイル通信プラン (Cellular Plans)" or "eSIMを追加 (Add eSIM)" to add the eSIM card you have applied for. Next, scan the QR code sent by the Japanese telecom provider.
* Do not select "モバイル通信プランの削除 (Remove Cellular Plan)" or "eSIMを削除 (Remove eSIM)". Once the data is deleted, the eSIM card cannot be used or restored.
Buy eSIM Cards in Japan: For Long-Term Stays
The British company Mobal provides Japanese eSIM cards for foreigners staying in Japan. Mobal’s eSIM cards use the Japanese Docomo network, offering stable and secure internet speeds. For medium to long-term Japan's SIM cards and eSIM cards with monthly plans, a Japanese residence card is usually required. However, the biggest advantage of Mobal is that you can purchase eSIM card without a Japanese residence card. This makes Mobal Japan's eSIM cards ideal for travelers, students, working holiday participants, and even business travelers.
After purchasing on the official website, you can choose to pick up the eSIM card at Narita Airport, Haneda Airport, Kansai Airport, or Chubu Centrair International Airport. Alternatively, you can have it shipped to Taiwan, Hong Kong, or China. For foreigners studying, on working holidays, or working long-term in Japan, a Japanese phone number is essential for opening a bank account, renting a house, setting up home internet service, or even participating in events. By purchasing online before arriving in Japan, you can have a Japanese phone number ready to use immediately upon arrival, making it very convenient without the need for an additional physical Japan's SIM card for calling.
Mobal accepts payments not only by credit card but also via PayPal and Alipay, making it easy for foreigners without a Japanese credit card to apply. There are four monthly plans available: "1GB," "5GB," "10GB," and "30GB." The minimum contract period is one month, and you can cancel for free anytime after the first month. Customer support is available in Japanese, English, and Chinese, so even those who do not speak Japanese can use it. Considering the convenience, multilingual customer support, and diverse payment options, Mobal's eSIM card is highly suitable for both long-term and short-term stays in Japan.
| Data + Voice Call eSIMs Monthly Plan |
|
|---|---|
| Initial Cost | - |
| Minimum Period of Use | 1 month |
| Cancellation Penalty Fee | - |
- NOTICE: the information is based on December. 2024, the details may be changed.
For two consecutive years, it has been ranked number one in customer satisfaction for SIM cards in Japan by the MMD Research Institute, making it a highly-rated choice among users. The eSIM card utilizes Japan's Docomo and au networks and is widely praised for its internet speed (* the physical SIM card offers a choice of SoftBank, au, and Docomo networks). An activation code for the eSIM card is provided, so there's no need to worry if you can't prepare another computer or phone to scan the QR code. Unused data from the current month can be carried over to the next month and can also be shared with friends and family, ensuring no data is wasted. There's no contract required, and no cancellation fees, so you don't need to worry about timing your cancellation or paying penalties if you leave Japan early or extend your stay unexpectedly.
| Data-only eSIMs Monthly Plan |
au Network
|
|---|---|
| Data + Voice Call eSIMs Monthly Plan |
au Network
|
| Initial Cost |
|
| Minimum Period of Use | - |
| Cancellation Penalty Fee | - |
| Special offer | By scanning the QR code that is updated every month or accessing the gift page, you can receive 1GB every month for up to 10 months. (* Offer valid until March, 2025.) |
- NOTICE: the information is based on December. 2024, the details may be changed.
Buy eSIM Cards in Japan: For Travel
Klook offers a Japan's eSIM card specifically for visitors to Japan. After booking on the Klook website, you will receive a voucher email. Simply scan the QR code in the email to begin setting up the eSIM card. The eSIM card must be installed while connected to the internet, so it is recommended to use the Wi-Fi at a Japan airport upon arrival to install and activate the eSIM card. Klook offers plans for 1 day, 3 days, 5 days, 7 days, 10 days and 15 days, as well as 5GB, 8GB, and 15GB data plans. You can choose the plan that best suits the length of your stay in Japan.
| Data-only eSIMs | Limited time offer: 322 yen per day |
|---|---|
| Initial Cost | - |
| Minimum Period of Use | - |
| Cancellation Penalty Fee | - |
| NOTICE | If you use a large amount of data in a short period, your connection speed may be reduced. For daily data plans, once the purchased data limit is exceeded, the speed will be reduced to 384kbps. |
- NOTICE: the information is based on December. 2024, the details may be changed.
