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Airalo
5 GB · 7 days
$10.00$2.00/GB
See this planBest 5 GB eSIM for Japan (2026)
We lined up the Japan plans that give you at least 5 GB and ranked them on price, network, hotspot and options. Airalo leads with a plan at $10.00.
Updated September 24, 2026Prices checked September 24, 2026
We may earn a commission if you buy through our links, at no extra cost to you. It never changes the computed ranking. Affiliate disclosure
At a glance
Airalo
Unlimited · 7 days
$26.50
See this planAiralo
5 GB · 7 days
$10.00$2.00/GB
See this planPlans compared for this trip
Plan shown: the cheapest plan of each provider that covers at least 1 day and 5 GB. Tap a column header to sort.
| Provider | Data | Validity | Price | Price/GB | Japanese network | 5G | Hotspot | Score | CTA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airalo | 5 GB | 7 days | $10.00 | $2.00/GB | SoftBank/KDDI | Yes | Not stated | 9.3 | View plan |
| Saily | 5 GB | 30 days | $10.99 | $2.20/GB | KDDI/SoftBank | Yes | Yes | 9.3 | View plan |
| Yesim | 5 GB | 30 days | $10.56 | $2.11/GB | KDDI | Yes | Yes | 9.1 | View plan |
| Holafly | Unlimited | 7 days | $27.50 | — | KDDI/SoftBank | Yes | Yes | 6.6 | View plan |
| Drimsim | 5 GB | Pay as you go | $69.84 | $13.97/GB | Not published | Not stated | Not stated | 3.2 | View plan |
Detailed ranking
- 1
Airalo
Plan for this page: 5 GB · 7 days
9.3/10- Price
- $10.00
- Price/GB
- $2.00/GB
- Networks
- SoftBank, KDDI
- Hotspot
- Not stated
Pros
- Lowest price on this page
- Lowest price per GB on this page
- Unlimited plan available for Japan
Cons
- Data only, no phone number
- Hotspot policy not stated
- 2
Saily
Plan for this page: 5 GB · 30 days
9.3/10- Price
- $10.99
- Price/GB
- $2.20/GB
- Networks
- KDDI, SoftBank
- Hotspot
- Yes
Pros
- Unlimited plan available for Japan
- Hotspot allowed
- Two or more Japanese networks published
Cons
- Data only, no phone number
- 3
Yesim
Plan for this page: 5 GB · 30 days
9.1/10- Price
- $10.56
- Price/GB
- $2.11/GB
- Networks
- KDDI
- Hotspot
- Yes
Pros
- Unlimited plan available for Japan
- Hotspot allowed
- 5G announced
Cons
- Data only, no phone number
- 4
Holafly
Plan for this page: Unlimited · 7 days
6.6/10- Price
- $27.50
- Price/GB
- —
- Networks
- KDDI, SoftBank
- Hotspot
- Yes
Pros
- Unlimited plan available for Japan
- Hotspot allowed
- Two or more Japanese networks published
Cons
- Data only, no phone number
- 5
Drimsim
Plan for this page: 5 GB · Pay as you go
3.2/10- Price
- $69.84
- Price/GB
- $13.97/GB
- Networks
- Not published
- Hotspot
- Not stated
Pros
- Wide choice of plan sizes
- Dedicated app
Cons
- No unlimited plan for Japan
- Pricier than the page average
What matters here
5 GB is a good fit for about a week of maps, messaging and social media. With this site’s assumptions a light user needs about 0.3 GB a day and a medium user about 0.8 GB, so divide 5 by your daily use to see how long it lasts.
The plan shown for each provider is the cheapest one with at least that volume. It may carry a little more data than you asked for, or last longer than your trip: the price is what we compare.
When no fixed plan of that size is published, an unlimited plan lasting at least a week can be the cheapest way to get the volume, which is why unlimited plans also appear in the table.
Check the price per GB column: the biggest plans are often the cheapest per gigabyte, but only worth it if you actually use the data.
Guides on this site
How much data do you need?
Pick your trip length and how you use your phone. The assumptions are visible and editable.
Install your eSIM in 4 steps
- 1
Buy the plan before you leave and keep the QR code or the app handy.
- 2
Install the eSIM at home on Wi-Fi. Most plans only start the validity period once the eSIM connects in Japan.
- 3
On landing, switch the eSIM on for mobile data and keep your home SIM for calls and texts if you need them.
- 4
Turn on data roaming for the eSIM line, then check that the phone shows a Japanese network.
Your phone must be carrier-unlocked and eSIM-compatible. Check this in your phone settings before you buy.
Frequently asked questions
How long does 5 GB last in Japan?
With this site’s assumptions, a light user uses about 0.3 GB a day and a medium user about 0.8 GB. Divide 5 by your daily use, or try the estimator on this page.
What is the cheapest 5 GB eSIM for Japan?
The cheapest published plan with at least 5 GB is Airalo at $10.00. Prices were checked on September 24, 2026.
Is 5 GB enough for Japan?
It is enough for about a week of maps, messaging and social media. Heavy users who stream or share a hotspot should compare with the unlimited plans.
Does a Japan eSIM allow tethering?
It depends on the provider. The comparison table shows whether hotspot use is published as allowed, and some unlimited plans cap how much data you can share per day.
Can I set up the eSIM before leaving home?
Yes, and it is the easiest option: scan the QR code or use the provider’s app on Wi-Fi before departure. Most plans only start counting days when the eSIM first connects in Japan.
Is a pocket Wi-Fi better than an eSIM?
A pocket Wi-Fi shares one connection with several devices but must be collected, charged and returned. An eSIM lives in your phone, so there is nothing to carry or give back.
How we rank
We compare the plans each provider publishes for Japan. We do not rank on personal testing or user reviews. For each provider we take the cheapest plan that covers the need of this page, then compute a score out of 10:
- Price (50%): cheapest plan on the page ÷ this plan’s price × 10.
- Japanese network (20%): 10 if two or more networks are published, 8 for one, 5 if unknown.
- Hotspot (15%): 10 if tethering is allowed, 0 if not, 5 if unknown.
- Options (15%): app, top-up and an unlimited plan for Japan (10 each if yes, 0 if no, 5 if unknown).
At equal score, providers we have a partner link with are listed first. Prices change often, so check the final price on the provider’s site.
Top pickAiralo · $10.00See this plan