Best Japan eSIM for 2025: A Singaporean Traveller's Guide

Japan is a dream destination — but staying connected there isn’t always simple. Many Singaporean travellers find themselves stuck with expensive roaming or struggling to buy a local SIM due to language barriers or ID requirements. That’s why more travellers now turn to Japan eSIMs.

Japan eSIM is your easy, high-speed 4G/5G data solution for seamless communication on your journey. Compatible with iPhone, Samsung, and many more devices, it ensures you're always in touch, whether in Tokyo, Osaka, or other parts of Japan. Here’s your full guide to using an eSIM in Japan.

Need eSIM or SIM Card in Japan?

If you want to reserve restaurants through local booking sites, register for special promotions that require SMS verification, or expect local drivers and services to reach you by phone, a physical SIM card from the airport or major providers like SoftBank (ソフトバンク) and NTT Docomo (ドコモ) will be more reliable.

If your main focus is smooth internet access for maps, translation, social media, and apps like LINE or Uber, an eSIM will make your trip much easier.

For most visitors, an eSIM is the more practical pick. You’ll stay connected across Japan without worrying about paperwork or language barriers, while still enjoying fast, stable data everywhere from Tokyo’s busy streets to Hokkaido’s mountain towns.

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• ⏳ Redeem within 3 days of claiming

Why Your Regular Roaming Plan Won’t Work Well in Japan?

Before talking about eSIM, let’s clear up why relying on your home carrier’s roaming package isn’t the best move in Japan. The first issue is cost—Singaporean roaming plans usually charge between S$2 to S$10 per GB. That means if you’re in Japan for a week, you could end up spending S$100–S$200 just to stay online.

Now compare that with what you’d get through Trip.com. Our most affordable option works out to only about S$0.34 per GB. For a week of travel in Japan, you’re looking at around S$10–S$20 total. That’s reliable connectivity at a fraction of the price, leaving more of your budget for sushi, shopping, or Shinkansen rides.

Japan Roaming Plan Comparison (Daily vs Per-GB Cost)

How to use eSIM in Japan?

Check whether your phone is compatible with Japan eSIM

Mobile phones are different from country to country. You need to check whether your phone supports eSIM first. Check the compatibility below.

Getting a Japan eSIM is easy. Here's how:

Step 1: Choose a eSIM plan

There are several providers that offer Japan eSIMs. Choose the one that best suits your needs.

Step 2: Choose a Japan eSIM data package

Once you've chosen a provider, you'll need to purchase a data plan that suits your needs.

Step 3: Receive activation email

You will receive an email with installation instructions and a reminder of the latest installation time. Please make sure that there’s available WIFI or connected to networks before installation.

Step 4: Add your eSIM

To activate the eSIM, simply scan the QR code on your phone.

Set as the instructions:

1. System - Settings - Cellular (iOS) / SIM Card Management (Andriod).
2. Add a Cellular Plan (iOS) / SIM Card (Android).
3. Agree to download Cellular Plan (iOS) or SIM Card (Android).
4. Scan the QR code in the received email for activation (or enter SM-DP +Address and Activation Code manually).

Step 5: Activate your eSIM and connect the Internet

1. After the completion of the installation, we recommend that you disable eSIM until you reach your destination.
2. After the download is successful, close the primary card if you already have one. Enable the Cellular Plan (iOS) or SIM Card (Android).
3. After arriving at the destination, please open your eSIM, and turn on roaming. Then you can access the Internet.

You can now connect to the Internet and enjoy the convenience of Japan eSIM as per your selected plan.

💥Note: If there are problems such as activation failure, please contact Customer Service without deleting the eSIM.（*The eSIM can only be installed one time by one phone or one device. If removed, it cannot be added again.)

How to Pick the Best Japan eSIM?

Many travellers tend to buy way more data than they actually use. Here’s a more practical guide based on how most people spend their time in Japan:

• Light use (1–2GB/day): Messaging, maps, quick searches, and a little social media.
• Moderate use (2–3GB/day): Frequent Instagram or TikTok posts, photo backups, music on the go, and the occasional video call.
• Heavy use (3GB+/day): Bingeing Netflix or YouTube, sharing data via hotspot, or working remotely while abroad.

👉 Travel tip: A 2GB/day or 3GB/day plan usually covers most visitors comfortably. And don’t cut it too close—let your plan run an extra day beyond your return flight so you’re not stuck offline at the airport before boarding.

Must-Have Apps for Tourists in Japan

Japan is super high-tech — but also very local. International apps don’t always work well, and public transport or payment systems can be confusing at first. The right apps help you navigate smoothly, order food, book trains, and handle cashless payments like a local. Here’s a curated list of apps Singaporean travelers should download before flying to Japan:

💡 Pro tip for using Apps in Japan

Set app language to English before arriving — not all apps default to it. Also, some transport and payment apps only accept Japanese cards, so stick to Suica (via Apple/Google Wallet) for smooth rides on trains and buses. Make sure to install everything before flying out and activate your eSIM right after landing to use translation and navigation apps right away — especially helpful at train stations!

Which is Better: The Differences of SIM, eSIM & Wi-Fi

When it comes to staying connected while travelling, there are several options available. The most common ones are SIM cards, eSIMs, and Wi-Fi. 

Each of these options has its own advantages and disadvantages. In this section, we'll explore the differences between them and help you understand which one might be the best fit for your needs.

SIM

A SIM card is a physical card that you insert into your phone to connect to a mobile network. It contains information about your account and allows you to communicate over the network.

eSIM

An eSIM is an electronic SIM card that is embedded in your device. It allows you to connect to a mobile network without having to physically swap out your SIM card. You can activate an eSIM on your phone with just a few taps, and it's often cheaper than using a regular SIM card while travelling.

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is a wireless networking technology that allows you to connect to the internet without using a mobile network. You can connect to Wi-Fi hotspots in public places like cafes, airports, and hotels, or set up your own Wi-Fi network at home.

Why Should I Get a Japan eSIM?

There are several reasons why you should consider getting a Japan eSIM:

Convenience

With a Japan eSIM, you don't have to worry about finding a local SIM card or swapping out your existing SIM card. You can simply activate the eSIM on your phone and start using it right away.

Cost-effective

Using a Japan eSIM is often much cheaper than using your regular SIM card while travelling. You can avoid expensive roaming charges and save money on data plans.

Flexibility

With a Japan eSIM, you can choose from a variety of data plans and providers. This gives you the flexibility to choose the plan that best suits your needs. Choose 1GB per day if you are a light user. We recommend choosing 2GB per day if you regularly use data for videos and navigation. If you stay longer in Japan, consider a fixed data package.

Ease of use

Activating a Japan eSIM is quick and easy. You can do it right from your phone without having to visit a store or talk to customer service.

Find the Best Japan eSIM on Trip.com

Japan is an incredible country with so much to offer travellers. With a Japan eSIM, you can stay connected while exploring all that this beautiful country has to offer without worrying about expensive roaming charges or finding a local SIM card.