ESIM JAPAN · PUBLISHED PRICES COMPARED

Drimsim vs Holafly for Japan (2026)

Drimsim or Holafly for Japan? We compared their published Japan plans for a typical trip of 10 days: price, network, hotspot and options. On today’s prices, Holafly comes out ahead.

Updated September 24, 2026Prices checked September 24, 2026

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At a glance

Head to head

DrimsimHolafly
Plan for this page5 GB · Pay as you go · $69.84Unlimited · 10 days · $36.50
Price/GB$13.97/GB—
Score5.1/109.8/10
NetworksNot publishedKDDI, SoftBank
5GNot statedYes
HotspotNot statedYes
UnlimitedNoYes
Top-upNot statedNot stated
Phone numberNot statedNo
plans106

Our verdict by traveler type

Choose Drimsim if…

Choose Drimsim if you use very little data and prefer paying by use; compare its current per-MB rate on its site.

    Read the Drimsim review

    Choose Holafly if…

    Choose Holafly if you want unlimited data without comparing volumes, and accept a higher price than a fixed plan.

    • Families
    • Solo Travelers
    • Business Travel
    • Students & Working Holiday
    • JR Pass Road Trips
    • Digital Nomads
    Read the Holafly review

    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.

    ProviderDataValidityPricePrice/GBJapanese network5GHotspotScoreCTA
    HolaflyUnlimited10 days$36.50—KDDI/SoftBankYesYes9.8View plan
    Drimsim5 GBPay as you go$69.84$13.97/GBNot publishedNot statedNot stated5.1View plan

    What matters here

    Drimsim charges data by use instead of selling fixed plans, with prices in euros, while Holafly only sells unlimited plans for Japan. That difference drives most of the verdict below.

    On networks, Drimsim publishes no partner network and Holafly KDDI and SoftBank. On hotspot, Drimsim does not state its policy and Holafly 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.

    If you carry a second phone or a tablet, look at the hotspot column: sharing one plan can cost less than buying two.

    How much data do you need?

    Pick your trip length and how you use your phone. The assumptions are visible and editable.

    Usage
    Assumptions (MB per day)
    Estimated data—Plan that covers it

    —

    Install your eSIM in 4 steps

    1. 1

      Buy the plan before you leave and keep the QR code or the app handy.

    2. 2

      Install the eSIM at home on Wi-Fi. Most plans only start the validity period once the eSIM connects in Japan.

    3. 3

      On landing, switch the eSIM on for mobile data and keep your home SIM for calls and texts if you need them.

    4. 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, Drimsim or Holafly?

    For 10 days with at least 5 GB, Drimsim costs $69.84 and Holafly costs $36.50, with prices checked on September 24, 2026.

    Which is better for Japan, Drimsim or Holafly?

    On our score Holafly comes ahead of Drimsim for a typical trip. The verdict by traveler type shows where the other one wins.

    Do Drimsim and Holafly use the same network in Japan?

    Drimsim publishes no partner network; Holafly publishes KDDI and SoftBank.

    Can I switch from Drimsim to Holafly 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.

    When should I install the eSIM?

    Install it at home on Wi-Fi a day or two before you fly, then switch it on for mobile data when you land. With most providers the validity only starts once the eSIM connects to a Japanese network.