Best eSIM for Japan 2026: How To Use Holafly (With Discount Code)

Travelling to Japan in 2026 and want easy data on your phone? Here’s how I use Holafly’s Japan eSIM, my honest pros and cons, and discount code STEPHANDPETE.

Best eSIM for Japan in 2026

How I actually use Holafly in Japan for fast data, Google Maps, and train apps without messing around with physical SIM cards.

Overview Why eSIM Holafly vs SIM Which plan Set up tips Video FAQ

Japan eSIM guide

Short answer: when I travel to Japan I use a Holafly Japan eSIM on my main phone and keep my regular number active for calls and WhatsApp.

• Code: use STEPHANDPETE at checkout for a discount.
• Good for: first timers, families, and anyone who wants data to “just work” the second they land.
• Set up: install the eSIM on Wi-Fi before you fly then turn it on at Narita, Haneda, or Kansai.

Get Holafly Japan eSIM Use code STEPHANDPETE to save on your plan.

Unlimited data options Great for Google Maps Perfect for train apps

I am an affiliate partner which means I may earn a commission if you book through my links. It does not change the price you pay and helps support my travel content.

Why use an eSIM in Japan

Japan is the place where you really feel the difference between hunting for a SIM card in the airport and landing with data already sorted. Between train transfers, Google Translate, and restaurant bookings, having solid data from the moment you arrive makes the trip smoother.

• No shop hunting at the airport. Land, turn off airplane mode, and go straight to the train or taxi line.
• Keep your regular number. With an eSIM you can keep your normal SIM in the phone for banking codes and messages.
• Great coverage on trains. Holafly piggybacks on big local networks, so you stay connected between cities.

I still keep hotel Wi-Fi passwords and offline Google Maps saved as backup, but most days I am just on the eSIM without thinking about it.

Who is Holafly best for in Japan

• First timers who want something simple and do not want to read fifty forum threads.
• Families who do not want to queue up multiple times for SIM cards.
• People who use their phone heavily for maps, photos, and translation.

If you are a heavy user who hates watching your data balance, look at Holafly’s unlimited data options. If you scroll a bit but are mostly on hotel Wi-Fi, a smaller plan is often enough.

Holafly vs local SIM vs roaming in Japan

This is the honest comparison I give to friends when they message me from the airport.

Option	Best for	Pros	Cons
Holafly Japan eSIM	Most travelers who want easy data and do not care about a local number.	Set up on Wi-Fi at home. No need to swap SIMs or find a shop. Unlimited style plans available on some trips.	No local Japanese phone number. You need an eSIM-compatible phone.
Airport or city SIM card	People who really want a local number or have older phones.	Local number for calls and some bookings. Good speeds if you choose a solid brand.	Line at the shop when flights arrive together. Needs passport and some paperwork. You physically swap SIMs which is easy to drop or lose.
Roaming with your home provider	Business travelers whose company pays the bill.	No set up at all. Keep your number for everything.	Usually the most expensive option. Some plans still have quite low data caps.

Which Holafly Japan plan should you choose

Holafly regularly updates lengths and data options, so I always say to choose based on how long you are actually in Japan and how much you use your phone at home.

• Short trips under a week: pick one of the shorter validity plans and do not stress if you also use hotel Wi-Fi a lot.
• Classic one to two week trip: I usually recommend a plan that covers your full itinerary rather than topping up halfway through.
• Longer trips or digital nomads: check the longest plan available or consider two back to back eSIMs so you are covered for the full stay.

Whatever you choose, install the eSIM on Wi-Fi before you fly then switch mobile data to the Holafly line once you land.

Set up tips for Japan eSIMs

• Install the eSIM profile while you are still at home with strong Wi-Fi.
• Keep your regular SIM active but turn data off on it so your phone does not try to roam.
• At the airport in Japan, switch “Mobile Data” to the Holafly line and toggle roaming on for that line only.
• Restart your phone if data does not appear after a minute then let it connect to the network automatically.

Watch: Our travels in Japan

More of my eSIM resources

• Holafly Black Friday and seasonal deals
• Common eSIM mistakes to avoid
• Holafly plans explained
• My main Holafly page with current codes

Japan eSIM FAQ

What is the Holafly discount code for Japan in 2026?

Use the code STEPHANDPETE at checkout. It works on Japan eSIMs and most other destinations and is the code I share with my community.

Do I need a local Japanese phone number?

Most travelers do not. Hotels and tour companies are happy to communicate by email, WhatsApp, or through booking platforms. If you know you need a local number, a physical SIM might be better for you.

Will Holafly work on the Shinkansen and rural areas?

Coverage is strongest in cities and along main train lines. You can still expect the usual tunnels and mountain patches where everyone’s service drops for a moment, but overall it has been reliable for regular tourist routes.