The DriftAsia eSIM plans for Japan shown on this page use au by KDDI, NTT Docomo, Rakuten Mobile, SoftBank and offer 4G/5G depending on the plan. Check each plan for its exact network, data allowance, validity and price before choosing. Available plans are fully refundable within 30 days as long as the eSIM has not been used on a network at the destination.
Exceptional nationwide 5G; abundant free WiFi reduces real mobile use.
Plan share by operator
Share of the eSIM plans we sell for Japan, by underlying operator.
- au by KDDI44%
- NTT Docomo26%
- Rakuten Mobile21%
- SoftBank9%
Network at a glance
au by KDDI is the network most travellers lean on in Japan. 5G is live on at least one operator we carry, so newer phones can reach top speeds in covered areas. On our Mobile Speed Index it scores 58, placing it mid-tier for regional speed. Median data price has eased from $1.23 per GB in April 2026 to $1.08 in August 2026.
The operators behind our plans
Each network we carry in Japan, with who runs it and what generation it reaches.
Common questions
Which operator is best in Japan?
au by KDDI offers the widest reach for most travellers. Exceptional nationwide 5G; abundant free WiFi reduces real mobile use. Our eSIM plans run on the strongest available network, so you do not have to choose a SIM at the counter.
Does Japan have 5G?
Yes. At least one operator we carry runs 5G, available mainly in larger cities and along major corridors. Older devices fall back to 4G automatically.
How much is a local SIM in Japan?
A tourist SIM bought on arrival typically runs $20-30. An eSIM skips the queue and the passport scan, and activates by QR code before you land.
How many operators power Japan eSIM plans?
We carry plans across 4 operators in Japan. The donut above shows how our catalogue splits between them.
How we read this
Plan share counts how many of the eSIM plans we sell for Japan run on each operator. It reflects catalogue depth, not subscriber market share. The top operator is the network we would hand a traveller who can pick only one.