Does the eSIM work as soon as I land in Japan?

Yes. Install the eSIM at home before you fly and switch it on when you arrive. As soon as you turn off flight mode, your phone connects to the NTT Docomo network by itself.

What speeds can I expect in Japan?

In big cities such as Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto you get 4G/LTE speeds of 30–100 Mbps. 5G is already available in many areas, with peak speeds above 200 Mbps.

Can I make phone calls with the eSIM in Japan?

The eSIM is data only. For calls, use apps such as WhatsApp, FaceTime or Skype. Your German SIM card and number stay active, so people can still reach you on your messaging apps.

How much data do I need for a trip to Japan?

For a 7-day trip with maps, social media and some streaming, we recommend 3–5 GB. For heavier use or a longer stay, a 10 GB plan or an unlimited plan is the better fit.

Does the eSIM work in rural Japan?

Yes. NTT Docomo covers more than 99% of Japan's population, so you also get a stable signal in rural areas such as Hokkaido, the Japanese Alps and the Okinawa islands.

How much does an eSIM for Japan cost?

eSIM data plans for Japan start at €2.99. You pay once for the data you choose — no contract, no monthly fee and no surprise roaming bill. Bigger data packs and longer validity cost more.

Is an eSIM cheaper than roaming in Japan?

It depends on the destination. Inside the EU your German plan usually includes roaming, often with a fair-use data cap; outside the EU, roaming is typically charged per day or per megabyte, and a travel eSIM is usually much cheaper. With an eSIM you see the full price before you buy and pay only for your data pack.

Which mobile networks does the eSIM use in Japan?

In Japan the eSIM connects automatically to local networks such as NTT Docomo, SoftBank, au by KDDI, Rakuten Mobile, on 4G/LTE and on 5G where it is available. Coverage in populated areas is around 99% of the population. Your phone always picks the strongest network nearby.

Will I keep my German phone number with an eSIM in Japan?

Yes. Your German SIM and number stay active, and the travel eSIM runs alongside it as a data-only plan. You stay reachable on WhatsApp, iMessage or over Wi-Fi while browsing on the local network. Normal calls and texts still go through your German number, where roaming charges may apply.

Can I top up or extend my Japan data plan?

Yes. When your data runs out or the plan expires, just buy another pack. The eSIM profile already on your phone stays in place, so there is nothing to reinstall and you stay online without a break.

Can I use the eSIM as a Wi-Fi hotspot in Japan?

Yes. You can share the connection with a laptop, tablet or a travel companion through your phone's personal hotspot. Hotspot use comes out of the same data allowance, so choose a slightly larger pack if you plan to tether.

Should I install the eSIM before I leave or after I arrive?

Install it at home over Wi-Fi before you travel. The data plan switches on automatically when your phone joins a network in Japan, so you are online the moment you land instead of hunting for airport Wi-Fi.

eSIM plans for Japan

Instant delivery

Japan: your travel eSIM from €2.99 works as soon as you land and connects to NTT Docomo, SoftBank, au by KDDI, Rakuten Mobile (4G/LTE where available), network coverage 99% of the population. Install it by QR code before you leave Germany — no roaming charges, no SIM swap.

Your selection

Select a plan

Payment methods

Instant email delivery
30-day refund on unused eSIMs
Support in English
Visa · Mastercard · Maestro · Apple Pay · PayPal

eSIM for Japan at a glance

Price from: €2.99
Local networks: NTT Docomo, SoftBank, au by KDDI, Rakuten Mobile
Technology: 4G/LTE & 5G
Network coverage: 99% of the population
Activation: QR code — install before you leave
Suggested data: 1–3 GB light use · 5 GB with social media · 10 GB+ streaming

All eSIM plans for Japan

Data	Validity	Price
Unlimited	1 day	€2.99
Unlimited	3 days	€7.99
Unlimited	5 days	€12.49
Unlimited	7 days	€16.99
Unlimited	10 days	€23.49
Unlimited	15 days	€34.99
Unlimited	30 days	€58.99
1 GB	7 days	€2.99
2 GB	15 days	€5.99
3 GB	30 days	€6.99
5 GB	30 days	€10.99
10 GB	30 days	€19.99
20 GB	30 days	€29.99
50 GB	30 days	€45.99

Japan sets centuries-old tradition next to the most modern technology anywhere. From Tokyo's neon streets to the quiet bamboo groves of Kyoto and the hot springs of Hakone, you will want reliable data the whole way. With a Reisechip eSIM you use NTT Docomo's fast network, whether you are wandering the backstreets of Osaka or riding the Shinkansen to Hiroshima. Install it at home in Germany before your flight: no SIM swap, no roaming charges, just scan the QR code and go.

Flight time from Germany

about 11–12 hours

Time zone

UTC+9 (8 hours ahead of CET)

Best time to travel

March–May, Oct–Nov

Plug type

Type A/B (adapter needed)

Why get an eSIM for Japan?

Mobile data is hard to do without in Japan. Google Maps, translation apps and contactless payment are part of every day, and public Wi-Fi is rare and often slow outside stations and convenience stores. With a Reisechip eSIM you are online as soon as you land at Narita or Haneda, so you can find your way through the rail network, translate menus on the spot and share your trip with family and friends back in Germany. Unlike a pocket Wi-Fi router there is nothing to rent, charge or return: you set the eSIM up before you leave and it works when you arrive.

What is network coverage like in Japan?

Network operator

NTT Docomo

+ SoftBank

Technology

4G/LTE & 5G

Coverage

99% of the population

How do I install an eSIM for Japan?

1
Buy a plan
Pick the data plan for Japan that fits your trip and check out.
2
Scan the QR code
Open the email with your QR code and scan it with your phone's camera while you are still in Germany.
3
Add the eSIM
Follow the steps on your phone to add the eSIM as a data plan. Your German SIM stays in place.
4
Go online
Switch on the eSIM when you land in Japan and you are online straight away.

1
Buy a plan
Pick the data plan for Japan that fits your trip and check out.
2
Scan the QR code
Open the email with your QR code and scan it with your phone's camera while you are still in Germany.
3
Add the eSIM
Follow the steps on your phone to add the eSIM as a data plan. Your German SIM stays in place.
4
Go online
Switch on the eSIM when you land in Japan and you are online straight away.

Which eSIM plan suits me?

Holiday

Away for 1–2 weeks? A 3–5 GB plan covers maps, photos and messages.

Business trip

For video calls and email on the go, choose at least 5 GB or an unlimited plan.

Backpacking

On longer trips, a 10 GB+ plan or a regional plan for several countries pays off.

Family

With several devices, pick a plan with hotspot support and enough data for everyone.

eSIM vs. local SIM vs. Wi-Fi hotspot — what works best for Japan?

	eSIM	Local SIM card	Wi-Fi hotspot
Activation	Instant (QR code)	Buy on arrival	Pick-up or delivery
Setup	2 minutes	SIM swap needed	Extra device
Price	From €2.99	€5–30	€5–15 per day
Network	Local 4G/LTE	Local 4G/LTE	Local 4G/LTE
Devices	1 smartphone	1 smartphone	Up to 5 devices
Flexibility	Top up any time	Fixed allowance	Daily rental
Best for	Most travellers	Long stays	Groups and families

eSIM for Japan: frequently asked questions

Explore all destinations

See all destinations