Whether you’re navigating Osaka streets, looking for the best sushi in Tokyo, or sharing photos with friends and family, you’ll need a reliable mobile connection in Japan.
Instead of purchasing physical SIMs or expensive roaming packages, you can opt for an eSIM (digital SIM card) for extra convenience, multiple profile support, and flexibility. The only problem is the abundance of options, so choosing the right package can be overwhelming and time-consuming.
To save you from hours of research and help you select the best eSIM for Japan, we’ve reviewed five popular providers and their offers, comparing their coverage, prices, and customer reviews.
How To Choose the Best eSIM Card for Japan: Criteria To Focus On
To find a provider and package that delivers the most value, focus on the following criteria:
- Coverage: Choose an eSIM that offers reliable coverage throughout Japan, not only in major cities.
- Data allowance: Opt for an eSIM with unlimited data if you’re planning a longer trip or wish to keep using the eSIM card upon return.
- Security and privacy: Select an eSIM provider with clear and strict security and privacy policies, as well as advanced options that ensure data protection and minimize the risk of network-level threats.
- Ease of activation: Go for an eSIM that is easy to set up and use.
- Customer experiences: Find an eSIM with positive customer reviews that confirm its reliability and value.
Which eSIM Is Best for Japan? 5 Options Reviewed
With the above criteria in mind, we’ve analyzed dozens of eSIM providers for Japan and shortlisted the best ones:
- Cape
- Ubigi
- Roamify
- Airalo
- Sakura Mobile
1. Cape
Unlike some other options on the list, Cape isn’t an eSIM marketplace but a mobile carrier that operates on eSIM-compatible devices. As such, Cape doesn’t cater only to travelers; it’s an ideal solution for anyone who wants to use eSIMs in their everyday lives or for business purposes.
The carrier’s eSIM offers excellent coverage worldwide, including Japan. For this country, Cape’s plan encompasses the following:
- Unlimited data
- Unlimited voice calling
- Unlimited texting
Since Cape is based in the United States, the service must be activated before you leave the country. The process is simple. Once you sign up, Cape sends you an activation kit with a step-by-step guide that even those who aren’t tech-savvy can easily follow.
Cape offers a single plan that works both in the U.S. and worldwide, so you don’t have to worry about buying a new eSIM every time you travel internationally. The plan costs $30 per month and has no hidden charges. There are no contracts, so you can cancel the service at any time, which can be convenient for short trips.
Besides travel convenience, Cape offers privacy and security by design, which is its key advantage over other eSIM options. It also:
- Maintains complete control of its eSIMs to ensure maximum credential protection
- Relies on its own advanced infrastructure instead of legacy, trust-based networks
- Minimizes data collection to safeguard users’ privacy
- Offers advanced features for minimizing network-level threats
As such, Cape offers both reliability and high security, so you can stay connected in Japan without worrying about external threats.
2. Ubigi
Ubigi is a global mobile connectivity service provider that offers eSIM plans worldwide, including Japan.
Ubigi offers three types of plans:
Plan | Description | Pricing |
One-off | One-off plans include a one-time payment and can be topped up. You can choose your data allowance (ranging from 1 GB to unlimited) and the desired validity period. | Starts from $3.5 |
Monthly | These plans involve monthly payments, and your data allowance is renewed each month. You can choose 5 GB, 20 GB, or unlimited GB per month. | Starts from $8, $22, or $49/month, depending on the selected allowance |
Annual | For annual plans, you pay upfront for the full year, and your data allowance is renewed each month. Available options are 2 GB and 5 GB per month. | $29 or $72 per year, depending on the selected allowance |
You can install an eSIM in two ways:
- Via the Ubigi app
- Using the provided QR code
Ubigi provides detailed installation guides for both methods; however, some users have found them difficult to follow. One user in particular struggled with setting up the eSIM, which left them without data upon arrival in Japan. Another potential issue often brought up by users is an unstable or non-existent connection, even in areas with a strong signal.
Ubigi lacks in the security and privacy department. Its website doesn’t mention concrete security measures the company takes to keep user data safe. Considering that Ubigi collects and processes a long list of personal, financial, and traffic usage information, the lack of detail on security protocols is concerning.
3. Roamify
Roamify is a telecommunications company known for its broad range of affordable eSIM plans. The company covers Japan and offers two types of packages:
- Unlimited: You get unlimited data and choose the desired validity period. The maximum is 30 days, but you can renew your plan if necessary.
- Data: You pick the number of GB you want. Options range from 10 GB to 1 TB.
Pricing depends on the selected plan, but here are some examples:
- Unlimited data for five days: $7
- Unlimited data for 30 days: $50
- 10 GB for four days: $6
- 300 GB for 30 days: $60
Roamify offers calls and texts for some plans, though these are not available for Japan.
The eSIM installation process is straightforward. You pick a plan, pay, and receive a QR code via email, which you’ll need to scan to activate the eSIM.
User experiences with Roamify are mostly positive, but some mention that the service didn’t work and that they were unable to reach customer support and get a refund despite many attempts. One specific user mentioned that their Roamify eSIM didn’t work in Japan and that they ended up purchasing an eSIM from a different company.
Regarding security and privacy, Roamify has a transparent privacy policy that outlines the security measures the company employs to protect users, including Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encryption, firewalls, and role-based access controls. The company itself states that it can’t guarantee security. Considering Roamify’s extensive data collection policy, this may be concerning for privacy-oriented users.
4. Airalo
Airalo is an eSIM marketplace that collaborates with mobile networks worldwide, offering eSIMs for over 200 destinations, spanning from Europe to South America. In Japan, Airalo works with the following two networks:
- SoftBank
- KDDI
There are two types of packages available:
- Standard: You choose the number of GB and validity
- Unlimited: You choose the validity and get unlimited data for that period
If your data allowance or validity runs out, you can always top up your plan to maintain connectivity.
According to the website, the installation process is straightforward. You can activate your eSIM via the Airalo app or by scanning the QR code sent to you via email. Airalo even has detailed guides for iOS and Android devices to help you complete the process within minutes. User reviews, however, tell a different story. Many struggled with installing their eSIM due to unclear instructions.
Those who managed to set it up often had difficulties connecting to the local network. Although this isn’t a universal experience, the number of such reviews is concerning.
Like many other eSIM marketplaces and providers, Airalo doesn’t prioritize minimal data collection. Some of the information the company collects is listed below:
- First and last name, email address, location
- Data about your browser, operating system, IP address, and preferences (such as language, currency, and airport for departures)
While Airalo has a Trust Center that provides details on the security measures intended to protect your data, access to it must be requested, and the lack of transparency could deter users.
5. Sakura Mobile
Sakura Mobile is a Japanese company offering physical SIM cards and eSIMs primarily to tourists.
The company offers data-only eSIMs with fast 4G/5G data and hotspot support. The data is unlimited, and you can select a validity period that aligns with your arrival and departure dates. Prices depend on the selected option; below are several examples:
- 15 days with 4G and 5G: Around $48
- 15 days with 4G: Around $42
- 7 days with 4G and 5G: Around $32
- 7 days with 4G: Around $27
“Unlimited” data plans with only 4G data have a limitation: speed will be limited after 3 GB of data per day. Plans that offer 4G and 5G support typically include unlimited high-speed data, so heavy users should consider this before selecting a package.
The setup process is easy, as confirmed by reviews. Users report that the installation instructions are clear and precise. Another advantage of Sakura Mobile is customer support because the team is responsive and helpful, and users are generally thrilled with the level of service they receive.
When it comes to privacy and security, Sakura Mobile has a privacy policy that discusses what information it collects and why, but it’s not particularly detailed. In terms of security, the company mentions only SSL encryption, which doesn’t provide enough protection against external threats.
What Is the Best eSIM for Japan Travel in 2025?
All eSIM providers we’ve discussed have received many positive reviews and can reliably support the needs of most travelers. The option that stands out is Cape, as the only provider on our list that focuses on security and privacy. In addition to offering superb coverage, Cape:
- Controls how your data is collected, handled, and stored to minimize exposure and maximize privacy
- Needs only your phone number to provide services
- Stores your data for the minimum amount of time possible
- Monitors signal activity to prevent hackers from abusing protocols and impersonating you
Considering its strong built-in defenses, Cape is an excellent option for any privacy-conscious traveler seeking to establish network connectivity abroad with minimal security risks.
How Cape Makes Privacy Accessible for Everyday Users
Our phones carry our most personal information, yet the networks we rely on often treat that data carelessly: collecting too much, sharing too freely, and leaving users exposed to breaches, SIM swaps, and surveillance.
Cape breaks this cycle. We’re a privacy-native carrier that delivers everything you expect, including unlimited calls, texts, fast 4G/5G, and reliable nationwide coverage, without the trade-offs of traditional providers. Our network is built to minimize data collection and defend against the threats baked into legacy telecom systems.
Protection | How It Works |
Cape runs its own software-based network, giving us direct control over how data moves and enabling stronger, modern security protocols. | |
Accounts are secured with a 24-word recovery phrase that never leaves your device. Not even Cape can transfer your number without it, shutting down one of the industry’s most common attack methods. | |
Our proprietary signaling proxy scans network requests in real time, blocking attempts to track your location or intercept calls and texts. | |
We don’t ask for names or addresses. Payments are tokenized by Stripe and stored separately from your account, so financial details can’t be linked back to you. | |
Both voicemail content and metadata are encrypted, with your private key (that only lives on your device) required to access them. | |
Cape collects only the bare minimum necessary to provide service. We don’t require identifying information like your name, Social Security number, or address. |
Switch to Cape Today
Cape puts you in control of your data for $99/month. The plan includes unlimited calls, texts, and high-speed data, with no hidden fees or surprise charges. All you need is an eSIM-compatible device to get started.
Go to cape.co/get-cape to make the switch today.
Extend privacy beyond the network with our Cape x Proton partnership—subscribers get Proton Unlimited or Proton VPN Plus for just $1 for six months.
