Japan eSIM

For Japan there is really only one decision: which handset are you carrying? iPhone users take the SoftBank plan, Android users take the dual-network KDDI + SoftBank plan, and heavy data users take KDDI native high-speed unlimited. All three cover Okinawa and the Hokkaido ski fields as well as they cover central Tokyo, so everything after that is just a question of data style.

How to choose a Japan eSIM

How to choose, plan comparison and FAQs (tap to open)

Japan is one of the few markets where handset compatibility genuinely decides the plan. The SoftBank profile is built around iPhone and will not install on most Android devices, which is why the product page recommends it for iPhone rather than listing it as universal. The dual-network plan carries both KDDI and SoftBank, so an Android phone has a profile it can accept — and any phone gains a second network to fall back on when one is congested, which you notice around Shibuya at rush hour or on a packed Kyoto bus.

Plan	Network	Best for	Plan styles	Trip length
Japan SoftBank eSIM	SoftBank	iPhone users	1/2/3/5GB per day, or unlimited	1–30 days
Japan Dual Network (KDDI + SoftBank)	KDDI & SoftBank	Android users, or anyone wanting a fallback network	3/5/10/20GB total, 1/2/3GB per day, or unlimited	1–30 days
Japan KDDI Native Unlimited	KDDI (native)	Heavy use, driving with navigation, tethering	Native high-speed unlimited	3–15 days

Pricing and the exact day/data combinations available are shown on each product page.

Frequently asked questions

Which Japan eSIM works on Android?

The dual-network KDDI + SoftBank plan. The SoftBank-only profile is built for iPhone and will not install on most Android handsets, so Pixel, Galaxy and other Android users should choose the dual-network plan.

Does the Japan eSIM work in Okinawa and Hokkaido?

Yes. All three plans have nationwide coverage including Okinawa and the Hokkaido ski fields, with no separate plan or setting change needed.

How much data do I need for a week in Japan?

Do not take the smallest tier — around 3GB a day is a safer target, and Japan also offers 3/5/10/20GB total-data plans, which are usually our first recommendation because a heavy day will not leave you stuck. Choose unlimited if you stream video, upload a lot of photos or share the connection with a laptop.

Is the unlimited plan really not throttled?

The KDDI native high-speed unlimited plan is sold without a throttle threshold. Other unlimited options operate under a fair usage policy, which is stated on each product page.

When should I install the eSIM?

On your departure day, while your phone still has internet — airport Wi-Fi is fine. An eSIM cannot be installed offline. Activation starts the day count, so activate after you land in Japan.