Japan eSIM — prepaid data from $0.51
A SimJuno Japan eSIM is a prepaid, data-only mobile plan for visitors who need internet in Japan without a local SIM or carrier roaming. Plans start from $0.51, install by QR code, and connect on the major Japanese networks: NTT docomo, Rakuten Mobile, KDDI/au and SoftBank. There is no phone number, so you cannot place regular calls or SMS, or receive bank and WhatsApp SMS codes on this eSIM — keep your home SIM (or use internet apps) for that.
Use it for maps, translations, Suica and ICOCA top-ups over data, train times and messaging apps from Tokyo to Kyoto and Osaka.
Who this is for
- Travelers who want data working before they land at Narita (NRT), Haneda (HND) or Kansai (KIX)
- Short trips of 7–15 days and month-long stays — 30-day plans run up to 50 GB
- People weighing a pocket Wi-Fi rental against an eSIM on the phone they already carry
Who should pick something else
- Anyone who needs a Japanese phone number for calls, SMS or SMS one-time codes
- Phones that are not eSIM-capable or are carrier-locked
Networks & coverage
Japan plans on SimJuno list four networks — NTT docomo, Rakuten Mobile, KDDI/au and SoftBank. Most plans show 3G/4G/5G; a few list 3G/4G, so check the speed line on the plan card. Like any visitor SIM, expect weaker signal on remote trails, inside some basements and in long mountain tunnels — city and rail-corridor coverage is the design point.
What you get (and don't)
- Mobile data only — no phone number, no cellular calls or SMS
- One device per eSIM; once activated it cannot be moved to another phone
- Top-ups supported on current Japan plans, so you can add data without a new QR code
- Unused plans stay valid for 180 days before activation on current Japan plans
- Package details show where each plan's profile is issued — Hong Kong, Singapore or Japan depending on the plan. That is normal for travel eSIMs; the connection itself is on a Japanese network
Available data plans
Select the plan that matches your travel needs.
How to choose a plan
Prices in the list are live from the catalogue. Rough data amounts by trip length:
- Light use or a transit day
- 100–500 MB on a 7-day plan covers maps and messages
- Typical week
- 1–3 GB
- Two weeks
- 3 GB on a 15-day plan
- A month in Japan
- 5–20 GB on a 30-day plan, or 50 GB if you stream a lot
- Split or long trips
- 50 GB / 180 days if you will be in and out of Japan
Check device compatibility
Search for your phone or tablet model.
An eSIM cannot be linked to multiple devices. Once activated, it cannot be activated again.
How to install (before you fly)
- 1Buy a Japan plan and open the QR code from your email or the SimJuno dashboard.
- 2iPhone: Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → scan the QR code.
- 3Android (menu names vary by brand): Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → Add eSIM → scan the QR code.
- 4When you land, turn the eSIM line on and enable data roaming for that line.
- 5Keep your primary SIM active for calls and SMS if you still need your home number.
Japan eSIM FAQ
Is a Japan eSIM better than roaming?
Usually yes for data-heavy trips: you pay a fixed prepaid amount instead of per-day or per-MB roaming from your home carrier. SimJuno Japan plans are data-only, so your home number can stay active on your physical SIM or second line for calls and SMS.
Will WhatsApp work on a Japan eSIM?
WhatsApp chats and calls work over data. WhatsApp SMS verification to a number on this eSIM will not, because the eSIM has no phone number — verify your account before you travel or keep your home SIM in the phone.
When should I install the eSIM?
Add the eSIM before you fly so you are not relying on airport Wi-Fi at Narita, Haneda or Kansai, and keep the line switched off until you land. Buying ahead is safe: on current Japan plans an unused eSIM stays valid for 180 days before activation.
Can I make calls or send SMS with this eSIM?
No. Every SimJuno Japan eSIM is data-only: there is no phone number, so no regular calls or SMS, including one-time passcodes sent by SMS. Use internet calling and messaging apps instead.
Which networks does the eSIM use in Japan?
Japan plans list NTT docomo, Rakuten Mobile, KDDI/au and SoftBank. Each plan shows its networks and speed (3G/4G/5G on most plans) in the package details, so check the plan you pick rather than assuming every network is included.
