Question 1

Will my European phone work in Japan?

Accepted Answer

Yes — every iPhone from XS (2018) onwards and most modern Samsung, Google Pixel, and Huawei devices support eSIM and work on Japanese networks. You don't need to unlock your phone — the eSIM lives alongside your home SIM and you switch your data line in settings.

Question 2

How does this compare to roaming with my home carrier?

Accepted Answer

European carriers typically charge €10-15 per GB for Japan roaming, plus daily access fees that add up fast. A 10 GB eSIM with us costs less than 2 days of typical roaming. The bigger plans pay for themselves before you finish your first izakaya dinner.

Question 3

Which Japanese networks does the eSIM use?

Accepted Answer

Coverage runs on the major Japanese carriers — NTT Docomo, SoftBank, and KDDI/au depending on your location. These are the same networks locals use, so you get 4G/5G in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, along the Shinkansen route, and in rural areas like Hakone and Nikko.

Question 4

Does it work on the Shinkansen (bullet train)?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Shinkansen runs along populated corridors with strong coverage — you'll have data the entire ride from Tokyo to Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, and beyond. Worth knowing: tunnels briefly drop signal but it picks back up immediately.

Question 5

Will Google Maps, Google Translate, and the JR app work?

Accepted Answer

Yes — and they're exactly what you'll use the data for. Google Maps for navigating Tokyo's metro maze, Google Translate camera mode for restaurant menus, the JR East/Smart EX apps for booking trains, Tabelog for restaurant reviews. All work as normal on the eSIM.

Question 6

Will my Suica or PASMO IC card work?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Suica/PASMO are stored in Apple Wallet (iPhone) or Google Pay (Pixel/Samsung) and don't depend on which SIM is providing data. You can top them up in-app over our eSIM connection.

Question 7

Can I install the eSIM before flying to Japan?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and we recommend it. Install before you board — it doesn't activate until you connect to a Japanese network. The moment you turn off airplane mode after landing at Narita, Haneda, or Kansai, you're online.

Question 8

Will WhatsApp, iMessage, and LINE still work?

Accepted Answer

Yes. WhatsApp, iMessage, Signal, and LINE are all tied to your home phone number, not the SIM providing data. Your home SIM stays in the phone for calls and SMS (disable data on it to avoid roaming charges); the Japan eSIM only handles data.

Question 9

What about during the JR Pass period — do I still need data?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. The JR Pass gets you between cities, but you'll need data once you arrive at each station: navigating Tokyo's subway, finding ryokans, restaurant queues, hotel check-ins, photo backups. Most European travelers in Japan use more data, not less, because there's so much to navigate.

Question 10

When does my plan start counting down?

Accepted Answer

On first use in Japan, not on purchase. Buy weeks before your trip without losing days.

Tokyo. Kyoto. Anywhere.Online the moment you land.

Pick a plan

1. Choose your travel dates

2. Choose Data Amount

3. Quantity

Your home carrier charges €10–15 per GB in Japan.We don't.

Activates at the airport

Fixed EUR price

Japanese networks

Keep your home number

What you'll actually use it for

Two weeks: Tokyo + Kyoto

JR Pass grand tour

Business trip to Tokyo

Before you fly

Buy the eSIM at home

Install it before takeoff

On your home SIM, turn OFF data roaming

Set the Japan eSIM as your data line

Land in Japan, turn off airplane mode

Frequently asked questions

Stop overpayingyour home carrier.