20 plans from 1GB to 50GB. Buy now, scan the QR, and your data works the moment you land.
Same data, same or longer validity: save up to 47%.
| Data | Validity | Airalo | Slashtel | You save |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3GB | 30 days | $8.50 | $4.49 | 47% |
| 5GB | 30 days | $11.50 | $6.39 | 44% |
| 10GB | 30 days | $18.00 | $10.69 | 41% |
| 20GB | 30 days | $26.00 | $18.09 | 30% |
Airalo list prices in USD for data-only plans, checked 28 Sep 2026 (airalo.com (Moshi Moshi), via selectra.jp / kenstechtips.com), before promo codes. Prices change; Slashtel prices are live.
It runs on Japan's national mobile networks, so the same plan works right across the country, including Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Hokkaido and Okinawa. There is nothing extra to buy for a city or island.
Slashtel Japan eSIMs start at $2.09 for 1GB over 7 days, across 20 plans. The lowest price per GB is $0.67 on the 50GB plan. A one-week trip costs from $2.09 (1GB). It connects to NTT docomo, Rakuten Mobile, KDDI/au and SoftBank on up to 5G. That is about 41% less than the typical 10GB, 30-day price from the major eSIM brands (around $18.00, checked September 2026). Prices checked 9 October 2026.
Last checked: September 2026
An eSIM Japan travel plan gives you mobile data on Japan's top networks without a physical SIM. Buy online, install the QR code before you fly, and your data starts when you land. Plans are data only, priced well below typical big-brand prices, and work with WhatsApp for calls and messages.
If you are looking for the best eSIM for Japan from UK, you want simple data that works as soon as you arrive. A Japan eSIM tourist plan from Slashtel is data only, so there is no local phone number. You keep your UK SIM in the phone for calls and bank OTP texts, and use data apps like WhatsApp for everything else. The eSIM connects to NTT docomo, Rakuten Mobile, KDDI/au or SoftBank automatically for the best signal. You cannot pick a network by hand, but the phone will choose the strongest one. This is a cheap eSIM Japan option because you only pay for data, not calls or texts you will not use.
Choose a data amount that matches your trip. For a short city break, 1GB or 3GB is enough for maps and messages. For a week of sightseeing with photos and some video, 5GB or 10GB works well. If you stream, use hotspot for a laptop, or travel for two weeks or more, pick 10GB, 20GB or 50GB. Validity options are 7, 15, 30 or 180 days, so you can match the plan to your trip length. The 1GB plan is $2.09, 3GB is $4.49, 5GB is $6.39, 10GB is $10.69, 20GB is $18.09, and 50GB is $33.69. If you need more data later, you can add it to the same eSIM without a new QR code.
Buying and setting up is straightforward:
For a step by step guide, see how to install an eSIM on iPhone and Android. If you are not sure your phone works with eSIM, check is my phone eSIM compatible.
Your eSIM Japan travel plan includes mobile data on 5G where available. Hotspot and tethering are allowed, so you can share data with a laptop or tablet. It does not include a local phone number. Calls and messages work over data apps such as WhatsApp. You cannot make traditional phone calls or send SMS with this eSIM. If you need to receive bank OTP texts, keep your UK SIM active for that. The eSIM is data only, so it is best for travellers who use messaging apps. For more on how calls, texts and OTPs work with data eSIMs, read calls, texts, OTPs and data eSIM.
Japan has excellent mobile coverage. Your eSIM connects to NTT docomo, Rakuten Mobile, KDDI/au or SoftBank. The network is chosen automatically for the best signal. You do not need to change any settings. 5G is available in many areas, including major cities and transport hubs. If you travel to remote areas, coverage may vary, but you will usually have a signal. The eSIM works across the country, so you can use it in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hokkaido, Okinawa and everywhere in between. For more details on networks, see networks.
Make sure your phone is unlocked and eSIM compatible. Most recent iPhones and many Android phones support eSIM. Check your settings or the manufacturer's website. You need a stable internet connection to install the eSIM. Buy and install before you fly so you are ready when you land. If you want to compare with a physical SIM, read eSIM vs physical SIM. For a full guide to using eSIM in Japan, see eSIM for Japan guide. If you need unlimited daily plans, visit our unlimited Japan page. Refunds are available if the eSIM does not work, see refunds.
The best eSIM for Japan from UK depends on your data needs. Slashtel offers data only plans on Japan's top networks with 5G. You can install before you fly and activate on arrival. Plans are priced well below typical big-brand prices, and you can add more data later without a new QR code.
Yes. You can buy and install your eSIM Japan travel plan before you leave the UK. The QR code arrives by email within minutes. Validity starts when the eSIM first connects in Japan, so you can set it up at home and it will be ready when you land.
Slashtel plans are priced well below the typical big-brand price. The 1GB plan is $2.09, and larger plans offer better value per GB. Compare the plans on this page to see which fits your trip. We do not claim to be the cheapest, but our prices are competitive for UK travellers.
Choose a data amount that matches your usage. For light use, 1GB or 3GB is enough. For a week of maps and messages, 5GB works. If you stream or use hotspot, pick 10GB or more. All plans are data only, which keeps the cost down. You can add more data later if needed.
Yes. The eSIM is data only, so calls and messages work over data apps such as WhatsApp. You cannot make traditional phone calls or send SMS. Keep your home SIM in the phone for bank OTP texts and turn off data roaming on it to avoid charges.
Yes, hotspot and tethering are allowed. You can share your data connection with a laptop or tablet. Just be aware that tethering uses more data, so choose a larger plan if you plan to share.
The eSIM connects to NTT docomo, Rakuten Mobile, KDDI/au or SoftBank. The network is chosen automatically for the best signal and cannot be picked by hand. 5G is available where supported. Coverage is good across Japan, including major cities and tourist areas.
For most trips a 5GB to 10GB data eSIM valid for 30 days is the right size: Slashtel's 5GB plan for Japan is $6.39 on NTT docomo, Rakuten Mobile and KDDI/au. That is about 41% less than the major eSIM brands charge for 10GB over 30 days (around $18.00, checked September 2026). Install it before you fly, keep your home SIM on for calls and bank texts, and top up the same eSIM if you run low.
If your phone supports eSIM, an eSIM is simpler than a local SIM card: nothing to collect at the airport, no passport registration, and your home SIM stays in the phone for calls and OTP texts. A physical SIM only makes sense for long stays where you need a local phone number.
From $2.09 for 1GB valid 7 days, as of 9 October 2026. Longer trips: two weeks from $4.29 (3GB), one month from $4.49 (3GB).
For a 10GB, 30-day plan Slashtel charges $10.69, against a typical price of around $18.00 from the major eSIM brands (checked September 2026), about 41% less. Budget sellers can be cheaper still, often with little or no support; Slashtel includes WhatsApp support and top-ups on the same eSIM.
$0.67 per GB on the 50GB plan (30 days, $33.69). Bigger plans usually cost less per GB, so buy the size you expect to use.
NTT docomo, Rakuten Mobile, KDDI/au and SoftBank, with speeds up to 5G where available. The eSIM picks the strongest network automatically.
No. Slashtel eSIMs are data only, with no local number, calls or SMS. WhatsApp and other internet calls work, and your home SIM can stay on for calls and OTP texts.
Validity starts when the eSIM first connects to a network in Japan, not when you buy it, so you can buy and install it before you travel.
After payment Slashtel emails a QR code within a minute. Scan it in your phone settings while on Wi-Fi at home, then switch on data roaming for the eSIM when you land.
Your phone must support eSIM and be carrier-unlocked. Dial *#06#: if an EID appears, the phone supports eSIM.
Yes. Hotspot and tethering are allowed on Slashtel eSIMs.
Pick a plan, pay by card. QR arrives by email within a minute.
Scan the QR on Wi-Fi at home. Takes two minutes. Keep your main SIM in.
Enable data roaming on the Slashtel line. Done, no shops, no queues.