Stay Connected During Your Trip With the Best eSim for Japan

Jessica Zapata

Last updated 20 Aug 2024

When traveling, staying connected and finding free WiFi can be tough. Most of us have probably been in that situation before — arriving at the airport and having a hard time accessing important travel documents stored via email or struggling to check maps and other apps because there's no internet. And when such problems arise, travelers are forced to pay roaming charges. It’s usually pricey, and the cost can quickly add up the longer you are in Japan.

But to make things easier (and cheaper 🤗) for you, we highly recommend you get a Japan eSim instead! If you want to know everything there is to know about a Japan eSim, like what it is, where to buy, and how to activate it, then read on below.

Avoid spending on roaming fees and get an eSim, a SIM Card, or Pocket WiFi!

eSims, SIM cards, or pocket WiFis are definitely essential when in Japan and when traveling internationally. They provide internet, as well as a local phone number (eSim and SIM card) that you can use to contact your hotel and emergency hotlines easily.

Getting an eSim, a SIM card, or pocket WiFi is the most reliable and affordable way to have an internet connection as you go around and explore Japan.

SIM cards are straightforward to use, especially since most mobile devices require SIM cards to get a phone number. It’s familiar and easy to navigate. But the thing is with SIM cards, you have to allot time to claim it from the airport upon landing and setting it up on your phone. The SIM card has to be inserted into your phone, at the same time, you have to keep in mind to remove it and swap with your original sim (if your phone doesn’t have a dual sim feature) once your trip is over.

As for pocket WiFis, it’s the sole provider of internet connection. It’s perfect for larger groups since pocket WiFis can usually provide internet to multiple devices. It’s ideal to get a pocket WiFi if you don’t feel the need to have a local phone number in Japan. But with pocket WiFis, it’s a whole new device that you have to bring around and keep safe during your entire trip. And before you head home, you have to make sure to surrender the pocket WiFi back to the provider.

It's a good thing that there’s a more convenient option — eSims! Travel eSims function just like SIM cards, just that it’s not a physical card that you have to claim at the airport and insert into your device. It also comes with an internet connection that you can use throughout your trip. With eSims, you can go and immediately explore Japan upon landing as long as you’ve activated your eSim on your phone. Later on, we’ll give you more details on this!

eSims, SIM Cards, or Pocket WiFi — which one is the best option?

Any of the three is helpful when exploring Japan, but let’s go through each one a bit to see which is most suitable for you.

Japan travel eSims are so convenient as you don’t have to swap out your regular and already existing SIM card to replace it with an international one. It can be a bit of work to swap SIM cards unless you have a dual SIM compartment on your phone. It’s also easy to activate — you can do so before or even upon arrival in Japan.

SIM cards, however, are best for those who prefer to do things a bit more traditionally. It’s also a good option if your phone is a dual-sim type. And hey, once your trip is over, your Japan SIM card can also serve as a souvenir.

Now for pocket WiFis, you’ll stay connected throughout your trip, along with your friends and family. Pocket WiFis can handle several mobile devices connected to it so as long as it’s turned on, best believe that you have a fast and reliable internet connection. It’s also good to get a pocket WiFi instead if you know that you’ll be using the internet heavily during your trip.

To summarize everything that a Japan eSim, SIM card, and Pocket WiFi has to offer, we’ve created a table below so you can easily see the differences of each one:

Features	eSim	SIM Card	Pocket WiFi
All electronic, physical pick-up/drop-off isn’t required	✅	❌	❌
Easy data top-up feature	✅	✅	❌* *Usually unlimited, no need for top-up
Comes with a local phone number	✅* *Can receive calls & SMS but usually can’t send, will depend on the local carrier	✅* *Can receive calls & SMS but usually can’t send, will depend on the local carrier	❌
Can activate pre-arrival to use right upon landing	✅	❌	❌
Can use in multiple countries	✅* *Check eSim package for list of valid countries	❌	❌
Can connect to multiple devices all at once	❌* *Some eSims allow data allotment for hotspot	❌	✅
Easy on phone battery	❌	❌	✅
Compatible with all devices	❌	✅* *Dual-SIM preferred otherwise, swap out existing SIM	✅
Validity	Until data runs out or chosen validity, whichever comes first	Until chosen validity	Until end of trip

At the end of the day, it really depends on what you prefer the most. But we do highly recommend getting a travel eSim to ensure a fuss-free experience when in Japan!

Where and how to get your Japan eSim

It’s easy — just book your Japan eSim on the Klook app or website! Once on the booking page, select your package type, eSim validity (number of days you’ll be needing data), data package (from 500MB up to 20GB, or Unlimited), select the service type, and lastly, the quantity or number of eSims you’ll be buying. After you’ve secured your eSim, simply follow these steps to activate it:

@klook_usa here is a simple tutorial on how to get an esim on your phone when in japan! #Japan #japantiktok #japantravel #esim #travel #traveltiktok ♬ Vlog - Gaspar

You can also check out the infographic below for a step-by-step tutorial: