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Saily
5 GB · 30 days
$10.99$2.20/GB
See this planAiralo vs Saily for Japan (2026)
Airalo or Saily for Japan? We compared their published Japan plans for a typical trip of 10 days: price, network, hotspot and options. On today’s prices, Saily comes out ahead.
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 · 10 days
$34.50
See this planAiralo
5 GB · 15 days
$10.50$2.10/GB
See this planHead to head
| Airalo | Saily | |
|---|---|---|
| Plan for this page | 5 GB · 15 days · $10.50 | 5 GB · 30 days · $10.99 |
| Price/GB | $2.10/GB | $2.20/GB |
| Score | 9.3/10 | 9.5/10 |
| Networks | SoftBank, KDDI | KDDI, SoftBank |
| 5G | Yes | Yes |
| Hotspot | Not stated | Yes |
| Unlimited | Yes | Yes |
| Top-up | Yes | Not stated |
| Phone number | No | No |
| plans | 17 | 12 |
Our verdict by traveler type
Choose Airalo if…
Choose Airalo if its price for your trip length is lower: compare the plan shown for each profile.
- Solo Travelers
Choose Saily if…
Choose Saily if you need to share your connection with another device.
- Families
- Business Travel
- Students & Working Holiday
- JR Pass Road Trips
- Digital Nomads
Plans compared for this trip
Plan shown: the cheapest plan of each provider that covers at least 10 days and 5 GB. Tap a column header to sort.
What matters here
Airalo sells fixed and unlimited plans for Japan, while Saily sells fixed and unlimited plans for Japan. That difference drives most of the verdict below.
On networks, Airalo publishes SoftBank and KDDI and Saily KDDI and SoftBank. On hotspot, Airalo does not state its policy and Saily allows sharing.
The per-profile verdict is computed with the same score as the rest of the site, using each profile’s trip length and data need: that is why one provider can win for a family and lose for a solo traveler.
Prices move often. The table shows the plan each provider sells for the need of this page, at the price published on the date shown at the top.
Download offline maps of the areas on your route: they keep working when the signal drops in tunnels or remote valleys.
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
Which is cheaper for Japan, Airalo or Saily?
For 10 days with at least 5 GB, Airalo costs $10.50 and Saily costs $10.99, with prices checked on September 24, 2026.
Which is better for Japan, Airalo or Saily?
On our score Saily comes ahead of Airalo for a typical trip. The verdict by traveler type shows where the other one wins.
Do Airalo and Saily use the same network in Japan?
Airalo publishes SoftBank and KDDI; Saily publishes KDDI and SoftBank.
Can I switch from Airalo to Saily during my trip?
Yes. Most phones store several eSIMs; install the second one on Wi-Fi and select it as your data line. Only one line can usually carry data at a time.
How do I activate the eSIM when I arrive?
Select the eSIM as your mobile data line, turn on data roaming for it, and wait for a Japanese network name to appear. If nothing happens, restart the phone and check the APN settings shown by the provider.
Top pickSaily · $10.99See this plan