If you want internet on your phone the moment you land in Japan, an eSIM is the easiest way to get it right now. No lining up at an airport SIM counter, no picking up (and remembering to return) a pocket WiFi router — set it up before you leave home, and you’ll have data the second your phone finds a signal after landing.
What Is an eSIM?
An eSIM is a digital SIM profile that installs directly on your phone instead of a physical plastic card. Your regular SIM (with your usual phone number) can stay right where it is, so you keep receiving SMS verification codes and calls as normal — you’re just adding a second, data-only line for Japan.
Check Whether Your Phone Supports eSIM
Here’s a rough guide to compatible devices:
- iPhone: XS / XR or later (2018 models and up)
- Samsung Galaxy: S20 or later
- Google Pixel: 3a or later
- Others: newer models from OnePlus, Xiaomi, OPPO, and Sony Xperia
Older models (iPhone X and earlier, Galaxy S10 and earlier, etc.) generally aren’t supported, and a carrier-locked phone may not work either — check compatibility before you buy.
eSIM vs. Pocket WiFi: Which Should You Choose?
An eSIM is a good fit if you:
- Are traveling solo or as a couple (often cheaper than renting a device per group)
- Don’t want to carry extra hardware or deal with daily charging
- Want to be online the moment you land
- Want to keep using your regular phone number and SMS
Pocket WiFi is a good fit if you:
- Are traveling in a group of three or more and can share one connection
- Need to keep a laptop or tablet connected all day
- Would rather avoid phone settings altogether
Our Recommended eSIM: Holafly
For this guide, we’re recommending Holafly. It offers unlimited data plans (choose anywhere from 1 to 90 days) for travelers who don’t want to think about data caps, and you can install and activate it before you even board your flight — so you’re online as soon as your phone picks up a signal in Japan.
Use the code JPWHATNOW for a discount when you order through the link below.
Disclosure: We participate in Holafly’s affiliate program. If you sign up through the link above, we may earn a referral commission at no extra cost to you.
How to Set It Up
- Before you leave home, follow Holafly’s instructions to install the eSIM profile on your phone
- Leave it inactive (keep your phone in airplane mode) until you land in Japan
- Once you land and your phone finds a signal, turn on the eSIM line and enable data roaming for it
- Leave your regular SIM (the one with your phone number) in place, and just switch your data connection over to the eSIM
Things to Keep in Mind
- Older or carrier-locked phones aren’t supported: always confirm your phone supports eSIM before you buy one.
- Calls and SMS usually aren’t included: most travel eSIM plans are data-only, so plan separately if you need to make calls on a local number.
- Set it up before you leave: installing an eSIM without Wi-Fi after you’ve already landed can be a hassle — get it done at home first.
Common Misunderstandings
- Assuming an eSIM replaces your regular number: in most cases it’s an additional data-only line that runs alongside your existing SIM, not a replacement for it.
- Assuming every phone supports eSIM: older models and carrier-locked devices often don’t.
- Assuming you can just set it up at the airport: it’s much smoother to install it on your home Wi-Fi before you travel.
What Should You Do in These Situations?
Q. If I install an eSIM, will I lose access to my regular SIM?
A. No — typically you keep your regular SIM (or primary eSIM) active as usual, and simply add a second eSIM for data.
Q. I’m traveling with a group — is an eSIM or pocket WiFi better value?
A. If three or more of you can share a single connection, pocket WiFi is often the cheaper option. Choose based on your group size and how you’ll use your devices.
Scope: General overview of eSIM connectivity for visitors to Japan, including our recommended provider, Holafly. Last verified: 2026/09/11
