JapanJapan eSIM
Practical help for choosing data, getting online, and using your phone while travelling.
Download boarding passes, hotel address and important maps before departure, even if you buy eSIM.
QR code after payment
Support
Secure payment
Mobile data ready before landing.
QR code is sent automatically after payment.
Keep your regular SIM active at the same time.
Guidance if installation stops.
How much data do you need?
Short trip
Maps, messages, and occasional translation usually use less data than video. Choose based on the number of days you will travel.
Typical holiday
For city travel with maps, transport, photos, and social media, a mid-size plan can be a practical starting point.
Multi-city trip
More transfers, tickets, maps, and photo sharing can mean that you need more data and longer validity.
Work or frequent video
Video meetings, uploads, and streaming use a lot of data. This plan has a fixed allowance, and heavy use can exhaust it before the validity period ends.
Staying connected in Japan
Airports and many hotels offer Wi-Fi, but quality and availability vary. An eSIM can provide mobile data for maps, translation, tickets, and messages while you are out, while hotel Wi-Fi can reduce data usage.
Compatibility and installation
- Apple lists iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, or later as models that may support eSIM, but support varies by model, region, and provider.
- Samsung notes that eSIM support varies by model, software, and carrier. Check the exact Galaxy model.
- Your phone must be unlocked to use another provider than the one that locked it.
Install before departure
- 1Connect your phone to stable Wi-Fi.
- 2Open mobile settings and choose to add an eSIM or mobile plan.
- 3Scan the QR code from Landul or use the details in your delivery.
- 4Give the line a clear name and select Landul for mobile data when you want to use the plan.
- 5Keep your regular SIM active for SMS and other services if needed, and check roaming settings before use.
Common mistakes
- Install the eSIM profile over Wi-Fi before departure, then select the correct data line when you are ready to use it.
- Check that your phone is unlocked and actually supports eSIM before buying.
- Do not assume every terminal accepts foreign cards or mobile payments.
- Prepare offline options before travelling through areas with weak or variable coverage.
- Do not assume a data plan will last the whole trip: video, hotspot use, and uploads can use data quickly.
At a glance
Currency
Japanese yen (JPY)
Time zone
Japan Standard Time (JST)
Language
Japanese. English is common at airports, hotels, and popular tourist sites, but not everywhere.
Power plugs
Japan uses type A and B sockets. You may need an adapter for a Norwegian charger.
Best time to visit
Depends on your route and the season; plan around the cities and activities you want to visit
Useful apps
Google Maps
Maps, stations, walking routes, and saved places.
Google Translate
Translation can help with signs and communication while travelling.
Japan Travel by NAVITIME
Route and travel information for trains, places, and planning.
Suica or PASMO
Digital or physical IC cards can make transport and store payments easier, but availability and features vary.
Payments
International cards are often accepted at hotels, larger shops, and restaurants, but cash remains useful, especially outside major cities. Keep a backup and check payment methods before you order or travel far.
Transport
Japan has trains, shinkansen, subways, buses, and taxis. IC cards can be convenient for many local journeys, while long-distance tickets and reservations should be checked with the relevant operator.
Popular destinations
Sources
- Japan National Tourism Organization: Wi-Fi and connectivity
- Japan National Tourism Organization: Credit cards in Japan
- Japan National Tourism Organization: Cashless payments in Japan
- Japan National Tourism Organization: Transportation in Japan
- Japan National Tourism Organization: Japan travel FAQ
- Apple Support: Set up eSIM on iPhone
- Samsung Support: SIM cards for Galaxy
FAQ
Common questions about eSIM in Japan
The answers travelers most often need before purchase.
Does eSIM work in Japan?
It depends on your phone supporting eSIM and the selected plan covering Japan.
When should I install the eSIM?
Install it before departure over stable Wi-Fi. Follow the delivery instructions and check the correct data line before use.
When does the validity period start?
It depends on the rules for the specific plan. Check the plan information before buying.
Does data roaming need to be on?
Some travel eSIMs may require it. Follow the instructions for the specific plan.
Do I need data roaming on?
Some travel eSIMs may require it. Follow the instructions for the specific plan.
Can I keep my Norwegian SIM and number while using an eSIM?
You can usually keep your physical SIM for SMS and other services while the eSIM handles mobile data. Check which line is selected for data.
Does the plan include calls and SMS?
Landul plans are designed for mobile data. Check the specific product details if calls or SMS are included.
Can I share data with hotspot?
Hotspot is shown as supported only when it is documented for the specific plan. Otherwise it is not specified.
Can I use hotspot?
Do not assume hotspot is included. It must be documented for the specific plan; otherwise treat it as unknown.
How much data do I need in Japan?
It depends on trip length and usage. Maps and messages use less than video, hotspot use, and large uploads.
Is 5 GB enough for a week?
It can suit light use, but there is no guarantee. Video, hotspot use, and frequent uploads can exhaust data quickly.
Is 10 GB enough for two weeks?
It can suit normal holiday use for some travellers, but choose based on app use, video, and expected Wi-Fi access.
What happens when the data is used up?
A plan can run out before its validity period ends. Buy another plan if the product offers it, or choose a different plan.
Can I run out of data?
Yes. A data plan is limited by its stated allowance. Video, hotspot use, and uploads can make it run out sooner than expected.
When do I get the QR code?
The QR code is delivered after successful payment and is available in the order confirmation and portal.
Related countries
Other eSIM countries in Asia
Compare alternatives if your trip continues.
