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Saily
5 GB · 30 days
$10.99$2.20/GB
See this planBest eSIM for Kyoto (2026)
An eSIM is the easiest way to stay connected in Kyoto: nothing to collect, nothing to return. For a 10-day trip with at least 5 GB, the cheapest published plan is Airalo at $10.50.
Updated September 24, 2026Prices checked September 24, 2026
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At a glance
Airalo
Unlimited · 10 days
$34.50
See this planAiralo
5 GB · 15 days
$10.50$2.10/GB
See this planPlans 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.
| Provider | Data | Validity | Price | Price/GB | Japanese network | 5G | Hotspot | Score | CTA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saily | 5 GB | 30 days | $10.99 | $2.20/GB | KDDI/SoftBank | Yes | Yes | 9.5 | View plan |
| Airalo | 5 GB | 15 days | $10.50 | $2.10/GB | SoftBank/KDDI | Yes | Not stated | 9.3 | View plan |
| Yesim | 5 GB | 30 days | $10.56 | $2.11/GB | KDDI | Yes | Yes | 9.3 | View plan |
| Holafly | Unlimited | 10 days | $36.50 | — | KDDI/SoftBank | Yes | Yes | 6.2 | View plan |
| Drimsim | 5 GB | Pay as you go | $69.84 | $13.97/GB | Not published | Not stated | Not stated | 3.3 | View plan |
Detailed ranking
- 1
Saily
Plan for this page: 5 GB · 30 days
9.5/10- 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
- 2
Airalo
Plan for this page: 5 GB · 15 days
9.3/10- Price
- $10.50
- Price/GB
- $2.10/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
- 3
Yesim
Plan for this page: 5 GB · 30 days
9.3/10- 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 · 10 days
6.2/10- Price
- $36.50
- Price/GB
- —
- Networks
- KDDI, SoftBank
- Hotspot
- Yes
Pros
- Unlimited plan available for Japan
- Hotspot allowed
- Two or more Japanese networks published
Cons
- Pricier than the page average
- Data only, no phone number
- 5
Drimsim
Plan for this page: 5 GB · Pay as you go
3.3/10- 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
Most visitors reach Kyoto through Kansai (KIX). From there the usual links are JR Haruka and Tokaido Shinkansen. Install your eSIM before the flight so you can check connections as soon as you land.
Coverage is rarely the issue in the city itself; what matters more is having data as soon as you land, for transfers and maps.
Kyoto belongs to the Kansai region, and the same eSIM keeps working when you move on to the next stop. Size the plan on the whole trip, not on Kyoto alone.
If you are travelling with several devices, look at the hotspot column before choosing: sharing one plan can be cheaper than buying two.
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.
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 eSIM is best for Kyoto?
For a typical trip of 10 days with at least 5 GB, Saily ranks first at $10.99. The same eSIM works everywhere in Japan, not just in Kyoto.
Where do I land to visit Kyoto?
The main arrival airports for Kyoto are Kansai (KIX). The usual onward links are JR Haruka and Tokaido Shinkansen.
Do I need a different eSIM for Kyoto?
No. Travel eSIMs for Japan are nationwide, so one plan covers every city and region on your route.
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.
eSIM or pocket Wi-Fi for this trip?
For one or two people with compatible phones, an eSIM is lighter and usually cheaper. A pocket Wi-Fi can suit a large group sharing one connection; our Pocket Wifi vs eSIM guide compares both.
Can I keep my own number while using the eSIM?
Yes. Most phones run two lines at once: keep your usual SIM for calls and texts and use the Japan eSIM for data. Turn off data roaming on your home line to avoid charges.
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 pickSaily · $10.99See this plan