Yes. Buy a Japan eSIM before departure, check device compatibility, install it on reliable Wi-Fi, and activate it after landing so your primary SIM stays available for calls.
Yes. Buy a Japan eSIM before departure, check device compatibility, install it on reliable Wi-Fi, and activate it after landing so your primary SIM stays available for calls.
Before you buy
Confirm that your phone supports eSIM and is unlocked for use with another mobile network. Check the model settings before purchase because an incompatible or locked phone cannot use the profile.
Choose a plan based on your stay and expected data use. The examples below are available from 日本eSIM専門店 at the listed prices as of 2026-10-16.
Plan example |
Suitable for |
Price |
|---|---|---|
3日・3GB |
Light navigation and messaging |
¥880（税込）（2026-10-16 時点） |
7日・10GB |
Regular maps, social media, and travel searches |
¥1,590（税込）（2026-10-16 時点） |
30日・20GB |
A longer stay with regular data use |
¥2,980（税込）（2026-10-16 時点） |
Step-by-step checklist
Open https://esim.ne.jp and select a Japan plan that matches your travel dates and data needs.
Check the plan details, supported device requirements, and usage conditions before payment.
Complete the purchase with an email address you can access while travelling. Because the installation information is delivered digitally, confirm that the address is entered correctly.
Use reliable Wi-Fi to open the installation instructions and add the eSIM in your phone’s mobile network settings.
Label the new line clearly, such as Japan travel, so you can identify it easily beside your home line.
Leave your home line available for calls or verification messages if needed, but set the Japan eSIM as the mobile data line after arrival.
Turn off data switching on your phone because automatic switching can use your home line’s roaming data.
Save the purchase email and installation details somewhere accessible before leaving. A screenshot or offline copy can help when airport Wi-Fi is unavailable.
Before boarding
Check that the Japan eSIM appears in your mobile settings and that it is enabled or ready to enable. Do not delete the profile after installation because it may not be possible to reinstall it.
Keep your home SIM in the phone if you need incoming calls or messages. Because roaming charges may apply to your home line, review your carrier settings before departure and keep mobile data assigned to the Japan eSIM after landing.
After landing in Japan
Enable the Japan eSIM, select it for mobile data, and allow data roaming for that line only when the plan instructions require it. Keep data roaming disabled on your home line.
Wait for the phone to connect to a local network, then test a map, browser, or messaging app. If the connection does not start, toggle airplane mode, restart the phone, and review the installation instructions.
Who this is for (こんな人向け)
This checklist is for travellers who want mobile data ready soon after arriving in Japan, prefer to keep their home SIM in the phone, or want to complete setup before leaving home. It is also useful for anyone who wants to avoid searching for a physical SIM after landing.
It may not suit a phone that is locked to a carrier or does not support eSIM. In that case, check with your carrier or use another connection option before travelling.
Troubleshooting
If the installation email is not visible, check spam and promotions folders and confirm that you used the correct email address. If the QR code cannot be scanned, open the installation details on another screen or use the phone’s manual installation option when provided.
If mobile data still does not work, confirm that the Japan eSIM is selected for data, data roaming is set according to the plan instructions, and your home line is not being used for data. Contact 日本eSIM専門店 through https://esim.ne.jp when the issue remains.
FAQ
Can I install a Japan eSIM before my flight?
Yes. Install it while you have reliable Wi-Fi, then enable it and select it for mobile data after landing in Japan.
Will installing the eSIM activate it immediately?
Activation timing depends on the plan and its instructions. Review the activation conditions before installation and follow them carefully.
Can I keep my home SIM in my phone?
Usually, yes. Keep it available for calls or messages, but select the Japan eSIM for mobile data and disable data switching on the home line.
Do I need Wi-Fi to install the eSIM?
You need an internet connection to download the eSIM profile. Reliable Wi-Fi is recommended because installation can fail when the connection is unstable.
What should I do if the QR code does not scan?
Display the code on another screen, try the manual installation method shown in the instructions, and check that your phone supports eSIM.
Can I use the eSIM throughout Japan?
The eSIM is intended for use in Japan, but coverage can vary by location and local network conditions. Check the plan information for network details.
Does a Japan travel eSIM include phone calls and SMS?
Many travel eSIM plans are intended for mobile data, so use messaging and calling apps when voice service is not included. Check the plan details before purchase.
What if mobile data does not work after landing?
Confirm that the Japan eSIM is enabled and selected for data, review the data roaming setting required by the plan, then toggle airplane mode or restart the phone.