Which eSIM is Best for Japan? Comparing Mobal, Airalo, Ubigi, Holafly & Saily

Staying connected in Japan has never been easier thanks to eSIM technology. Gone are the days of hunting for airport kiosks, swapping physical SIM cards, or carrying bulky pocket WiFi devices. With eSIMs, you can activate your Japanese connection before your flight takes off, ensuring you’re ready to navigate Tokyo’s subway or video call home the moment you land.

But with multiple providers offering Japan eSIMs, which one is right for your trip? The answer depends on your specific needs: Do you need a real Japanese phone number? Is unlimited data essential? Are you prioritizing speed or budget? Let’s break down the five major players.

What to Consider Before Buying

Before diving into specific providers, evaluate these key factors:

• Network coverage: Japan’s three major carriers (NTT Docomo, SoftBank, and KDDI) all offer excellent service, but Docomo traditionally provides the best rural coverage while SoftBank and KDDI excel in urban areas.
• Voice and SMS needs: Most eSIMs are data-only. If you need to call restaurants, receive verification codes, or register for local services, you’ll need an eSIM with an actual Japanese phone number.
• Activation method: App-based activation is instant and convenient. QR code systems require email delivery, which can occasionally be delayed.
• Data usage patterns: Heavy streamers might want unlimited plans, while casual users can save money with fixed data allowances.
• Tethering requirements: Need to connect a laptop or share with travel companions? Not all providers support this.
• Speed requirements: If you’re uploading content or doing video calls, 5G support matters.

Complete Provider Comparison

Feature	Mobal	Airalo	Ubigi	Holafly	Saily
Network	NTT Docomo	SoftBank	NTT Docomo	KDDI (au)	SoftBank
Japanese Phone Number	✅ Yes	❌ No	❌ No	❌ No	❌ No
Voice & SMS	✅ Yes	❌ No	❌ No	❌ No	❌ No
Activation Method	QR via email	Instant app	Instant app	QR via email	App-based
Tethering	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	❌ No	✅ Yes
5G Support	❌ No (4G LTE)	❌ No	✅ Yes	❌ No	✅ Yes (select plans)
Unlimited Data	❌ No	❌ No	❌ No	✅ Yes (with FUP)	❌ No
Plan Durations	8, 16, 31 days, monthly	7, 15, 30 days	5 to 90 days	5 to 90 days	7, 15, 30 days
Customer Support	Email (English)	Basic FAQ/app	Live chat	Chat/email	Basic email/chat
Best For	Voice calls & SMS needs	Budget travelers	Speed enthusiasts	Heavy data users	UX-focused users
Pricing Level	Mid-range	Budget-friendly	Premium	Mid to high	Mid-range

Provider Breakdown

Mobal: The Only Option with Voice Calls

Strengths: Mobal is the standout choice if you need an actual Japanese phone number with voice and SMS capability. This is crucial for calling hotels, receiving verification codes, or registering for local delivery apps. Running on Docomo’s network ensures excellent coverage nationwide, including rural areas. Tethering is supported, and the company donates profits to education projects.

Limitations: Email-based QR activation is less instant than app methods. No 5G support (4G LTE only). Customer support is email-only.

Best for: Business travelers, anyone needing local phone verification, digital nomads requiring SMS functionality.

Airalo: The Budget-Friendly Favorite

Strengths: Airalo wins on simplicity and price. The polished app allows purchase and activation within minutes. Plans for 7, 15, or 30 days match most trip lengths perfectly. Tethering is supported, and pricing is transparent with no hidden fees.

Limitations: SoftBank network means slightly weaker rural coverage compared to Docomo options. Data-only (no voice/SMS). Customer support relies on FAQs rather than live assistance.

Best for: Budget-conscious tourists, first-time eSIM users, travelers focusing on major cities.

Ubigi: The Speed Champion

Strengths: Ubigi delivers premium performance with 5G support on Docomo’s reliable network. Excellent for uploading content, video calls, or streaming high-quality media. Flexible plan durations from 5 to 90 days accommodate various trip lengths. Live chat support provides better assistance than FAQ-only systems.

Limitations: Higher pricing than budget competitors. Still data-only without voice/SMS.

Best for: Digital nomads, remote workers, content creators, business travelers prioritizing reliable high-speed connectivity.

Holafly: The Unlimited Data Option

Strengths: Holafly’s “unlimited” data plans eliminate usage anxiety for heavy smartphone users. Running on KDDI’s network provides good nationwide coverage. Plans from 5 to 90 days offer flexibility.

Limitations: No tethering support means you cannot share your connection. Fair usage policies may throttle extremely heavy usage. No 5G support or Japanese phone number capability.

Best for: Solo travelers who stream constantly, heavy smartphone data users who don’t need to connect other devices.

Saily: The New Contender

Strengths: Saily emphasizes user experience with a beautifully designed app. 5G available on select plans via SoftBank’s network. App-based activation is quick and intuitive. Tethering supported.

Limitations: As a newer provider, Saily lacks the proven track record of established competitors. Long-term support quality and refund handling remain less tested.

Best for: Tech-forward travelers, users prioritizing modern app design, those comfortable trying emerging services.

Quick Decision Guide

Choose based on your primary need:

• Need a Japanese phone number for calls/SMS? → Mobal (your only option)
• Traveling on a budget for 1-2 weeks? → Airalo
• Need maximum speed and reliability for work? → Ubigi
• Heavy data user who streams constantly? → Holafly (but no tethering)
• Want the best app experience? → Saily or Airalo
• Visiting rural areas or smaller cities? → Mobal or Ubigi (Docomo network)
• Need to connect multiple devices? → Avoid Holafly; choose any other provider
• Staying longer than 30 days? → Ubigi or Holafly (up to 90-day plans)

Final Thoughts

There’s no single “best” eSIM for Japan because travelers have different priorities. The key is matching provider strengths to your specific needs. Business travelers requiring local verification should accept Mobal’s less modern interface for voice capability. Budget tourists sticking to Tokyo and Osaka will love Airalo’s simplicity and pricing. Digital nomads should invest in Ubigi’s speed. Heavy streamers traveling solo might prefer Holafly’s unlimited data.

The good news? Japan’s excellent mobile infrastructure means you’ll likely enjoy solid connectivity regardless of which provider you choose. Evaluate your itinerary, honestly assess your data and communication needs, and select accordingly. Your Japanese adventure awaits, and staying connected is easier than ever.