Using the Airalo eSim in Japan – Is it a reliable option?

Last year, I spent seven weeks in Japan and given that I was working while exploring the country, I needed a reliable internet connection regardless of where I was. Given that I used it to upload things on my social media channels and as a hotspot for my laptop, I also required a large amount of data – preferably at an affordable price.

While researching my options, some recommended renting a pocket WiFi. However given that I did not know how long I would be staying in Japan and that I did not want to have another device I had to charge, I decided to get an Airalo eSim instead.

Initially, I bought the largest available data package with a validity of 30 days, and as I extended my trip, I simply topped it up. Given that I used it extensively while traveling to remote corners of Hokkaido and in cities like Tokyo and Kyoto, I inadvertently tested the eSim to its core. And I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised by the mobile network coverage.

But of course, the reception is not the only thing to consider when getting an eSim for your Japan trip, so let’s have a more detailed look at all relevant points that will help you decide if it is a good option for you.

About the Airalo eSim

The Airalo eSim for Japan is called the ‘Moshi Moshi’ and operates within the KDDI or Softbank LTE networks. It is a data-only plan, so you will not have a local phone number. But given that you can use WhatsApp (or the local alternative LINE) to make calls to many places, my experience has shown that a local number is not essential.

You can install the Airalo eSim before you board your flight to Japan, as the plan only gets activated when you turn on roaming in Japan. This way, you have an internet connection instantly upon arrival and do not have to worry about buying a local SIM card at the airport or having to pick up your rental Pocket WiFi.

Aside from that, the biggest advantages of using an eSim in Japan are as follows:

If your phone supports a dual sim option via eSim, you will still be able to receive SMS (including unexpected two-factor verification SMS that might be triggered based on your location).

Having a data plan gives you the convenience of looking up things on the go without having to look for public WiFi. Hereby, it is especially useful if you venture off the beaten path to places without public WiFi, but also if you want to be able to use your phone to look things up while on the metro.

Unlike with a pocket WiFi, you do not have to charge an additional device.

If you do not remove the eSim from your phone, you can reuse it during further trips to Japan. As such, it is even more convenient for future trips to the country.

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Airalo eSim Prices in Japan

When buying your Airalo eSim data package for Japan, you can choose between different options ranging from 1 GB to 20 GB. Hereby, the validity varies depending on how much data you buy, with any package upwards of 3 GB having a validity of 30 days.

Overall, I noticed that using the Airalo eSim in Japan and buying data is significantly less expensive than renting a Pocket WiFi. Given that you can also use your phone as a hotspot for your laptop, tablet, smartwatch, or another phone, I did not encounter any disadvantages.

I managed to use 47 GB while in Japan, but there is a great likelihood that you will need significantly less. I recommend looking up how many GB you use at home as a first indicator of how much data you will need while in Japan. And if you forgo browsing social media platforms while not connected to the (hotel) WiFi, you will likely use even less. You can also turn off roaming for any apps you do not need while in Japan.

There is an in-app overview of your data usage, so you will be able to see if you should top up your data package. However, you do not have to worry if you forget to do so on time: I ran out of data while exploring Osaka and could still use the app to top up my Airalo eSim despite technically no longer having any data.

Limitations of using an eSim in Japan

Using an eSim while traveling in Japan is convenient, but before buying your data package, you have to check if your phone can use an eSim and if there are any SIM restrictions. Thankfully, Airalo has published an extensive list of phones that support eSim here, so you just have to check if your phone is on the list.

After that, it is crucial to check if your phone is carrier-locked, which is particularly common for phones bought in the US. On the iPhone, you can look it up as follows: Settings > General > About > Service Provider Lock/Carrier Lock. If the field reads ‘no SIM restrictions’, you can use or add whatever Sim-card you want, including an Airalo eSim.

If there are no restrictions and your phone supports eSim, you are good to go!

Installation

The installation process is rather simple and does not take long even with limited technical knowledge. Between downloading the app, creating an account, buying a data package, and installing your Airalo eSim for Japan, you should be done in 10 to 15 minutes.

During the installation process, I recommend labeling the new eSim as ‘Japan eSim’. Doing so allows you to keep your eSim repertoire organized if you travel a lot.

Be sure to select your ‘primary line’ for calls and text messages, and the eSim for mobile data. If you have an iPhone, you should also ensure that the ‘allow mobile data switching’ setting is turned off. This way, you do not accidentally use data from your home tariff and incur unwanted international roaming charges.

Mobile Network Coverage

As previously mentioned, I used the internet and therefore the Airalo data package extensively while traveling all over Hokkaido and Honshu. Due to this, I can attest that you usually have a realiable internet connection in Japan if you use the Airalo eSim.

Unlike the majority of my group, I even had a cell phone reception while hiking Mt. Rishiri in Far North Hokkaido and could send messsages via Line. It took another two weeks of exploring Hokkaido before I encountered an area in which I had no phone reception. It was a section of road between Akanko-Onsen and Teshikaga in Akan Mashu National Park, but given that no one else had phone reception, I certainly do not hold it against the Airalo eSim.

Once I headed to Honshu and explored the cities, I could even browse the internet while on the metro. Based on this, I can only conclude that the mobile network coverage is great regardless of where you are in Japan. The only place where I favored the WiFi speed was on the Shinkansen.

Is the Airalo eSim a reliable option in Japan?

Based on my own experience of using the Airalo eSim in Japan, I can only encourage you to use it as well. Compared to other options, the prices of the data packages are more than fair and thanks to an easy top up process, you can instantly buy more data if you need it. In terms of network coverage, the eSim is more than a solid option and is therefore ideal if you rely on having an internet connection to get around or to communicate in remote areas.

Combined with the overall easy installation process that can be completed ahead of your trip to Japan, the Airalo eSim is definitely a good and reliable option.