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Practically reviewed

eSIM for Japan: prices compared and four networks included (2026)

SarahPrepaid & travel editor

There are many eSIM offers for Japan, but price, validity and partner-network access can differ substantially. This guide compares like-for-like public prices checked on 29 July 2026 and explains exactly what happens when you buy the Blitz plan.

Price comparison: Blitz eSIM vs Airalo, Holafly, Nomad and Saily

PlanBlitz eSIMAiraloHolaflyNomadSaily
1 GB€1.79€4.00€3.52€3.49
3 GB€3.59€7.00€6.15€6.99
Unlimited — 30 days€30.69€62.50€68.90€61.53€63.99

Prices were checked on the providers' public destination pages on 29 July 2026. Validity can differ slightly. A dash means that no comparable plan was listed.

Which network is best in Japan?

Japan's four nationwide networks split the awards in Opensignal's April 2025 report: KDDI/au led the experience awards, NTT docomo led 5G download speed and Rakuten Mobile led upload speed (Opensignal, April 2025).

The Blitz Japan eSIM can use all four networks: NTT docomo 5G, Rakuten Mobile 5G, KDDI/au 5G and SoftBank 5G.

Coverage reports describe nationwide performance, not a guarantee for one hotel room, mountain road or crowded event. Buildings, terrain, congestion and maintenance all affect the signal at a particular place.

All current Blitz bundles

PlanPrice
1 GB — 7 days€1.79
3 GB — 15 days€3.59
3 GB — 30 days€3.79
5 GB — 30 days€5.39
Unlimited — 7 days€8.39
10 GB — 30 days€8.89
20 GB — 30 days€13.49
Unlimited — 14 days€15.79
50 GB — 30 days€27.49
Unlimited — 30 days€30.69
50 GB — 180 days€44.99

Every bundle is prepaid: no subscription and no bill after the trip. After payment, Blitz sends the QR code and manual installation details by email. In the Blitz eSIM app, a purchased eSIM can also be installed directly with one tap. The bundle activates when it first connects at the destination unless the product page states otherwise.

What to know before travelling

  • Access to four networks is valuable in mountain and rural areas.
  • Mobile coverage is generally available in metro systems and along Shinkansen routes.
  • Navigation and translation apps can use more data than you expect, so leave some headroom.

Install and connect without confusion

  1. Check the exact phone model in the compatibility checker.
  2. Buy the plan on the Japan eSIM page.
  3. Install at home on stable Wi-Fi using the Blitz app or the QR code from the email.
  4. At the destination, select the Blitz eSIM for mobile data.
  5. Turn data roaming on for the Blitz eSIM and keep it off for the home SIM.
  6. Disable automatic mobile-data switching so the phone cannot fall back to the home line.

> Sarah's practical tip: do not delete an installed eSIM when the network does not appear immediately. A QR code can often be installed only once. Try airplane mode, restart the phone and verify the APN before contacting support.

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep my usual phone number?

Yes. The Blitz eSIM supplies mobile data. Your usual SIM can remain enabled for incoming SMS, but calls and voicemail may still be charged by your home provider. Keep data roaming off for that home line.

Why must roaming be on for the travel eSIM?

The Blitz eSIM connects to a partner network. Your phone labels that connection as roaming, even though the data is already included in the prepaid plan. The important distinction is: roaming on for Blitz, roaming off for your home SIM.

Can I install without scanning a QR code?

Yes. Open your order in the Blitz eSIM app and use the direct installation button when it is available for the device. QR and manual installation details remain available in the order email.

Sources

Sarah

Prepaid & travel editor