If you want fast and reliable mobile data in Japan without finding a store or showing identification, a digital eSIM is the simplest option. MobiMatter eSIM Japan plans have become our go to choice because they are easy to buy, quick to install, and priced competitively for both short city stays and month long adventures across the country. We also keep Airalo in our toolkit as a secondary marketplace, since some travelers report that certain Airalo plans roam to a stronger local network in a few locations. Below you will find an up to date overview of what an eSIM is, why it suits Japan travel, how MobiMatter works, our price per gigabyte snapshots from recent checks, and step by step guidance so you can install with confidence even before you fly.
MobiMatter eSIM Japan overview
MobiMatter is a marketplace that aggregates many regional and global eSIM offers. The app and site let you compare data allowances, validity windows, and supported networks, then purchase and install directly on your phone through a QR code or a one touch install flow. New customers can use the referral code ADVIC51737 to receive fifty percent cashback up to five Australian dollars on the first purchase. You can use the MobiMatter app or the website to browse and buy, and the same account syncs across your devices.
- Works on modern phones that support eSIM and are network unlocked
- Data only plans are common for Japan, which suits travelers who already use apps for calls and messages
- Installation typically takes a few minutes and can be done before departure or after landing
- Support is available through the app if activation needs a refresh or if an access point name needs to be set
Why choose an eSIM in Japan
- No store visits after a long flight
- Instant data on arrival for maps, translation, ride share, and mobile payments
- Flexible choices that match a weekend city break, a two week rail trip, or a one month working stay
- Keep your home number active on the physical SIM while using the eSIM for data
- Often better price per gigabyte than tourist SIM cards at the airport
Plans we saw available in the MobiMatter app
The screenshot we captured showed the following 30 day data only plans for Japan. Prices are in Australian dollars at the time of the check and can vary with currency movements and promotions.
- Japan 50gb from IIJ for AUD 48.50
- Japan 20gb from IIJ for AUD 23
- Japan 25gb from IIJ for AUD 28.50
- China Korea Japan 35gb from TSimTech for AUD 40.5 with 5G support listed
On the same screen the marketplace labelled the IIJ offers as best quality which aligns with the reputation of IIJ as a long standing Japanese internet service company. A friend used one of these Japan plans in 2025 and reported good coverage across the areas visited.
Price per gigabyte snapshot
To help you pick by value rather than headline cost, here is the simple price per gigabyte calculation from the plans in our screenshot.
| Plan | Data | Validity | Price AUD | Price per gigabyte AUD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IIJ Japan | fifty gigabytes | thirty days | forty eight point five | about zero point nine seven |
| IIJ Japan | twenty gigabytes | thirty days | twenty three | about one point one five |
| IIJ Japan | twenty five gigabytes | thirty days | twenty eight point five | about one point one four |
| TSimTech China Korea Japan | thirty five gigabytes | thirty days | forty point five | about one point one six |
The 50 gigabyte IIJ plan has the most aggressive rate per gigabyte in this set. The multi country plan trades a small premium for the ability to move between the three countries on a single eSIM which can be useful if you have stopovers or side trips.
Focus on networks in Japan
Local networks in Japan include NTT Docomo, KDDI au, and SoftBank. Many marketplace plans route through mobile virtual network operators that rely on one or more of these carriers for radio access. The IIJ brand in Japan is a respected internet service provider with its own virtual arrangements. For travelers this means that performance is usually strong in cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Sapporo, and Fukuoka, and remains solid along major rail corridors. Rural areas and mountain valleys can reduce speeds, but the main attractions are well covered.
- NTT Docomo is widely recognized for broad coverage across the country
- KDDI au has strong urban capacity and good rural reach
- SoftBank performs well in dense areas and tourist zones
- 5G is present in many cities and on key routes, though your plan and device must both support it
MobiMatter eSIM Japan install guide
You can install at home over WiFi so that you are ready to go. Here is a step by step outline for both major phone platforms. Menu names can vary by phone brand, yet the flow is consistent.
Apple iPhone
- Confirm the phone is unlocked and supports eSIM
- Open MobiMatter and purchase your chosen plan
- Tap install or scan the QR code provided by MobiMatter
- When prompted, label the new cellular plan as Japan data so it is easy to see later
- Set default voice to your home SIM and set mobile data to the Japan plan
- Turn on data roaming for the eSIM line so it can register with the local partner network after you land
- If requested, enter the access point name shown inside the plan details in the app
Android
- Confirm the phone is unlocked and supports eSIM
- Open MobiMatter and complete the purchase
- Open settings then network and internet then SIMs then add eSIM
- Scan the QR code from MobiMatter or use the one touch install if offered
- Label the plan as Japan data
- Enable data for the eSIM and allow roaming
- If data does not start, open access point names and add the APN string shown in the plan notes
Tip for both platforms. If activation stalls on arrival, toggle airplane mode for ten seconds, then disable it and wait a minute for the phone to register. A reboot also forces a fresh registration.
How to use calling and messages with data only
Most marketplace plans for Japan are data only. That suits many travelers because app based communication works well.
- Use WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram, or FaceTime for calls and messages
- Use your home number for SMS that require the physical SIM line such as bank codes
- Enable WiFi calling on your home line when on strong WiFi if your carrier allows it abroad
- Google Voice can be an option for a United States number if you already have it set up
Hotspot and tethering
Many plans allow hotspot use so a laptop or tablet can connect through your phone. Always check the fine print inside the MobiMatter plan page since a few data bundles forbid tethering or throttle speed after a threshold. If hotspot is allowed, watch battery levels because constant tethering in cities with heavy cell use can drain power quicker than normal.
How MobiMatter compares with Airalo in our travel kit
We carry accounts with both marketplaces. MobiMatter wins on price and the variety of regional bundles. Airalo can cost more per gigabyte, yet a few travelers have found that some Airalo plans roam to a partner network that performs better in a specific area. Because prices and agreements change across the year, we recommend a simple approach.
- Open both apps and search Japan
- Compare data allocation, validity, and listed partner network
- Check whether 5G is included or if the plan is 4G only
- Calculate price per gigabyte for your shortlist
- Give preference to a plan that mentions IIJ or a plan that lists Docomo or KDDI partner access if coverage is your top priority
Practical notes for travel in Japan
- Maps and transport. Download offline areas in Google Maps for the core cities on your trip. The eSIM gives you live traffic and real time train updates, yet offline tiles save data and battery
- Language tools. Install a translation app with offline Japanese. The eSIM keeps it fresh, but offline dictionaries speed up conversations in low signal spots
- Payments. Many shops accept cards and phone wallets. Your data plan keeps wallet tokens fresh and supports two factor checks
- Rail travel. On Shinkansen and Limited Express routes, on board WiFi is common but not universal. Your eSIM fills the gaps
- Navigation in dense stations. Expect momentary dropouts inside deep underground areas. Data returns as you approach an exit or step into a concourse with repeaters
Family and work use
For a family, one large eSIM plan on a phone that permits hotspot can be enough for shared use during city days, then each person can add a personal low volume plan if they split up. For digital nomads, a larger plan gives headroom for video calls and file sync. The 50gb option above is a strong fit for a one month stay if you also use cafe WiFi for larger uploads.
Coverage observations
Our own trips and reports from friends align on a few patterns. Coverage is excellent across Tokyo wards and the main Osaka and Kyoto metro areas. Tourist areas such as Nara Park, Hakone, and Nikko are well served. Mountain villages can have spotty service behind steep ridges. On Hokkaido, service is strong around Sapporo and Otaru, and along the main roads to Furano and Biei, while remote hiking trails can fall back to three G or drop to no service in short valleys. On Kyushu, Fukuoka and Nagasaki are solid, and hot spring towns usually have at least 4G in town centers.
Troubleshooting quick checks
- No data on arrival. Ensure the correct line is selected for mobile data and that data roaming is on for that line
- Registration loops. Toggle airplane mode, then wait. If that fails, reboot
- APN required. Open plan details in MobiMatter and copy the APN into the access point name screen on your phone
- Slow speeds. Move toward open areas or higher floors where signal quality is better. Switch between 5G and 4G if the radio struggles to hold a fast cell
- Quota confusion. The MobiMatter app displays your remaining allowance for many plans. If not, the plan provider often has a portal link inside the app listing
Security and privacy
An eSIM does not change the basics of good mobile security. Keep your phone updated, prefer https sites, and avoid unknown WiFi networks. A virtual private network can add privacy on public WiFi, but for banking it is best to use mobile data directly where possible. When using a marketplace, pay through the official app or website and store receipts in your email for later reference.
Cost control tips
- Choose a plan that matches your travel plan rather than the maximum possible size. A city visit heavy on museum time uses less data than a road trip with constant maps and music
- Download video and music for offline use before flights or long trains
- Use WiFi at your accommodation for cloud photo backup so that mobile data remains focused on navigation and live tasks
- Turn off background mobile data on apps that sync large volumes, such as cloud drive apps, unless you need them on the move
Step by step purchase with the referral code
- Install MobiMatter on your phone or open the website on a laptop
- Create an account or sign in
- Search for Japan and select a plan that fits your needs
- On the first checkout, enter code ADVIC51737 to claim the new customer cashback offer up to five Australian dollars
- Complete payment and follow the install instructions
- Test the eSIM by switching data to the new line while still at home connected to Wi Fi so you can see the menus calmly
- On arrival in Japan, open settings and ensure the eSIM line is active with data roaming enabled
When a regional plan makes sense
If your trip spans Japan plus a side visit to Korea or a layover in China, the multi country TSimTech plan in the list above provides a single profile with 35gb over 30 days. This avoids swapping plans and can save time at borders. The tradeoff is a small increase in price per gigabyte compared with the single country offers. If you only need data for a few days in the second location, compare a tiny local plan there against the convenience of the regional bundle.
Device compatibility checklist
Most recent iPhone and Google Pixel models and many Samsung models support eSIM. A quick way to confirm is to open settings and search for eSIM or add cellular plan. Your device must also be unlocked for use with foreign carriers.
- iPhone XR and newer support eSIM. The SE second generation and newer also support it
- Google Pixel three and newer support eSIM, though carrier restrictions can apply on older models
- Samsung flagship lines from the S twenty series onward include eSIM on many regional variants
- Some budget Android phones do not support eSIM. If in doubt, check the maker site before purchase
What about voice calls to local numbers
If you need a Japanese voice number for restaurant bookings, two solutions are simple. Book through hotel staff or online forms that accept email confirmation, or use a VoIP service that can present a local number. For most travelers, app based messaging covers day to day needs and restaurants accept online booking forms or messages in English in major cities.
Ethical travel and network use
Japan has an excellent and carefully maintained network infrastructure. Using a fair amount of data within your plan terms keeps congestion predictable for everyone. Avoid continuous large uploads over mobile during peak commuter times. Night hours or hotel WiFi are better for long transfers. These small choices help keep quality high for locals and visitors alike.
References and further reading
- MobiMatter official site at mobimatter dot com
- Airalo official site at airalo.com
- NTT Docomo official site at docomo.ne.jp
- KDDI au official site at au.com
- SoftBank official site at softbank.jp
- IIJ and iijmio information at iijmio.jp
MobiMatter eSIM Japan quick picks
- Best value for heavy users. IIJ Japan 50gb for around AUD 48.50 across 30 days
- Best moderate choice. IIJ Japan 25gb for around AUD 28.50 across 30 days
- Best light use. IIJ Japan twenty gigabytes for around twenty three Australian dollars across thirty days
- Best for a multi country itinerary. TSimTech China Korea Japan thirty five gigabytes for around forty Australian dollars and fifty cents across thirty days with 5G support
Final word
MobiMatter eSIM Japan plans are a clean and cost effective way to get online in Japan. With strong partners such as IIJ and access to the big carrier networks, performance in cities and along major travel routes is dependable. The referral code ADVIC51737 adds a small cashback on your first purchase, and the marketplace often lists promotions that make the larger bundles excellent value per gigabyte. Keep Airalo as a cross check when you shop, choose a size that fits your trip, and install before you fly so that maps and translation work the moment you step off the plane. With that sorted, you can focus on the good stuff such as ramen in cozy alleys, peaceful garden walks, and the smooth rhythm of long distance trains.
