Airalo Japan eSIM (2026): Plans, Prices and the 3GB-a-Day Limit
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In a hurry? Airalo for Japan at a glance:
- Plans: unlimited data for 3, 5, 7, 10, 15 or 30 days, or a fixed amount from 1GB to 20GB.
- Price: unlimited runs from $11.50 for 3 days to $69.00 for 30 days. Fixed data starts at $4.00 for 1GB, and 10GB for 7 days is $17.00.
- The limit on unlimited: after 3GB in a day, speed drops to 1 Mbps. All six unlimited plans state this.
- Network: SoftBank, KDDI and Rakuten. The plan’s days start counting when the eSIM connects to a network in Japan.
Airalo Japan eSIM plans come in two kinds: unlimited data for a set number of days, or a fixed amount of data. Both are data only, both can be topped up, and both start counting when your phone connects to a network in Japan. This guide lists every plan and price, explains what “unlimited” means in practice, and covers the rules on installing, topping up and refunds. The details come from Airalo’s own Japan page, package details and help center, checked in October 2026.
Airalo Japan eSIM: the details in one table
| Plan types | Unlimited (3, 5, 7, 10, 15 or 30 days) and fixed data (1GB to 20GB, valid 3, 7, 15 or 30 days) |
| Networks in Japan | SoftBank, KDDI and Rakuten |
| Service type | Data only |
| Coverage | All of Japan, including Okinawa and Hokkaido |
| When the plan starts | When the eSIM connects to a mobile network in Japan |
| Use-by date | Start using it within 365 days of purchase |
| Top-up | Available once the eSIM is installed |
| Speed limit on unlimited | 1 Mbps after 3GB of use per day |
Based on Airalo’s Japan eSIM page and package details in October 2026. Plans and prices change, so check the current details before you buy.
Unlimited plans: six lengths from 3 to 30 days
Airalo sells unlimited data in six set lengths. These are the prices we saw in US dollars in October 2026; the amount shown in your country or currency may differ.
| Plan length | Unlimited plan price | Per day |
|---|---|---|
| 3 days | $11.50 | $3.83 |
| 5 days | $17.00 | $3.40 |
| 7 days | $26.50 | $3.79 |
| 10 days | $34.50 | $3.45 |
| 15 days | $48.00 | $3.20 |
| 30 days | $69.00 | $2.30 |
The daily cost doesn’t fall in a straight line. The 7-day plan works out at $3.79 a day, more than the 5-day plan ($3.40) and the 10-day plan ($3.45). The 30-day plan is the lowest at $2.30 a day.
What “unlimited” means on Airalo: 3GB a day, then 1 Mbps
Airalo states the limit in each plan’s package details: “Lower speed rate of 1 Mbps after 3 GB usage per day.” We opened the details for all six unlimited plans, and each one carries the same line.
That makes an unlimited plan a daily allowance of 3GB at full speed. Over 7 days that is up to 21GB, and over 15 days up to 45GB, if you used the full 3GB every day. The package details don’t say when the daily count resets.
Fixed-data plans: 1GB to 20GB
The fixed plans give you a set amount of data to use within a validity period of 3, 7, 15 or 30 days. Their package details list no daily speed limit, unlike the unlimited plans.
| Valid for | 1GB | 3GB | 5GB | 10GB | 20GB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 days | $4.00 | $7.50 | – | – | – |
| 7 days | – | $8.00 | $10.00 | $17.00 | – |
| 15 days | – | – | $10.50 | $17.50 | $24.00 |
| 30 days | – | – | $11.00 | $18.00 | $25.00 |
A longer validity period costs very little extra. 10GB is $17.00 for 7 days and $18.00 for 30 days, a difference of $1.00.
Unlimited or fixed: which Airalo plan to pick
Put the two tables side by side and the fixed plans are cheaper at every length where both exist.
- One week: 10GB for 7 days is $17.00, which is $9.50 less than 7 days of unlimited. 10GB over a week is about 1.4GB a day.
- 15 days: 20GB for 15 days is $24.00, half the price of 15 days of unlimited ($48.00).
- A month: 20GB for 30 days is $25.00, which is $44.00 less than 30 days of unlimited.
- Five days: the 5-day unlimited plan costs $17.00, the same as 10GB for 7 days, and allows up to 15GB at full speed (3GB a day).
We’d start with a fixed plan for most trips: 10GB for a week (about 1.4GB a day), or 20GB for 15 days or more. Both kinds of plan can be topped up, so running short isn’t the end of your data. Unlimited makes more sense if you expect to use close to 3GB most days.
When to install, and when the days start counting
Airalo says you can install the eSIM as soon as you like, as long as you have a stable internet connection. Installing at home doesn’t use up your plan. The package details say the validity period starts when the eSIM connects to a mobile network in its coverage area, and that if you install it outside the coverage area you can connect when you arrive. You have 365 days from purchase to start using it.
So you can buy and install before you fly, then turn the eSIM on for data when you land. Before you buy, Airalo asks you to confirm that your phone supports eSIM and is network-unlocked. On an iPhone, open Settings > General > About; next to Carrier Lock it should say “No SIM Restrictions”. Our eSIM setup guide goes through the installation screens.
One warning from Airalo’s help center: don’t delete the eSIM while you still need it. An eSIM is tied to one device and typically can’t be reinstalled once it has been removed. If you want to stop using data for a while, turn the line off instead. The validity period keeps running while it is off.
Top-ups and renewals
Both kinds of plan can be topped up when your data or validity runs out, and top-ups become available once the eSIM is installed. You buy another package for the same eSIM, so there is nothing new to install. Airalo’s Japan page also describes a renewals setting, which renews your package automatically when 10% of your data is left; it can be turned on and off in the eSIM’s details. The fixed plans list it in their package details.
Networks, hotspot and calls
Airalo lists SoftBank as the primary network for its Japan eSIM, plus KDDI and Rakuten. When we first checked on October 6, 2026, the list had only SoftBank and KDDI; Rakuten was on it when we checked again on October 30. Airalo says the eSIM may switch between them based on availability and speed, and that you can adjust this in your phone’s settings. Coverage is listed as all of Japan, including Okinawa and Hokkaido.
On hotspot, Airalo’s help center says you can use personal hotspot with its eSIMs as long as your device and the network support it. That is a general answer for all Airalo eSIMs, and the Japan package details don’t mention hotspot either way.
The Japan plans are data only; Airalo’s Japan page shows no plans with calls or texts. Airalo says you can keep your regular SIM active for calls and texts while the eSIM handles data. Your home carrier may charge roaming fees for that, so check with them first.
Refunds
Airalo lets you request a refund from your account, under My eSIMs, for orders that are eligible. Expired or fully used eSIMs aren’t eligible. The reason you choose decides how you are paid back:
- “Wrong purchase” or “Plans changed”: the refund comes as Airmoney, Airalo’s in-app credit. That is the only option for these two reasons.
- “Installation issues” or “eSIM not working”: you can choose Airmoney or a credit back to your original payment method.
Airalo says Airmoney refunds are instant and refunds to the original payment method typically take 7 to 10 business days, or up to 30 days depending on your bank. If you haven’t installed the eSIM yet, Airalo says you can also share it with someone else by sending them the installation QR code.
How Airalo compares with Ubigi, Klook and Yesim
We compare these companies in detail elsewhere, so here are only the differences that affect a choice.
- Price against Ubigi: when we checked both on the same day in October 2026, Ubigi was cheaper on all six plans the two companies both sell. Our Airalo vs Ubigi comparison has the numbers.
- Short unlimited plans: Airalo sells unlimited for 3, 5, 7 and 10 days. Ubigi’s one-off unlimited plans are 8, 15 or 30 days.
- Unlimited limits: Airalo slows to 1 Mbps after 3GB a day. Klook states 10GB a day at full speed, then 128 kbps. Ubigi’s 8-day unlimited plan includes 5GB a day at full speed and its 15-day plan 30GB for the whole period, then 2 Mbps. Yesim doesn’t publish a number.
- Network: Airalo lists SoftBank, KDDI and Rakuten. Ubigi lists KDDI, NTT Docomo and SoftBank, and Yesim lists KDDI.
For the wider picture, see our comparison of Airalo, Ubigi and Klook.
Who Airalo suits
- You want unlimited data for a short trip: Airalo has 3, 5, 7 and 10-day unlimited plans.
- You want to install at home: the plan’s days don’t start until the eSIM connects to a network in Japan.
- You’re not sure how much data you’ll use: buy a smaller fixed plan and top up if you need more.
- You use a lot of data every day: the 3GB-a-day limit may get in your way. Klook’s stated limit is 10GB a day.
- You want the lowest price for the same plan: compare Ubigi before you buy.
See Airalo’s Japan eSIM prices →
Frequently asked questions
How much is an Airalo eSIM for Japan?
When we checked in October 2026, unlimited plans cost $11.50 for 3 days, $26.50 for 7 days, $48.00 for 15 days and $69.00 for 30 days. Fixed plans ran from $4.00 for 1GB (3 days) to $25.00 for 20GB (30 days).
Is Airalo’s unlimited plan really unlimited in Japan?
It has a speed limit. The package details of all six unlimited plans say the speed drops to 1 Mbps after 3GB of use per day.
Which network does Airalo use in Japan?
Airalo lists SoftBank as the primary network, plus KDDI and Rakuten. The eSIM may switch between them.
When does my Airalo Japan plan start?
The validity period starts when the eSIM connects to a mobile network in Japan, so installing it before your trip doesn’t start the clock. You have 365 days from purchase to start using it.
Can I add more data if I run out?
Yes. Airalo’s Japan plans can be topped up once the eSIM is installed, when your data or validity runs out.
Can I get a refund from Airalo?
You can request one from your account if the order is eligible; expired or fully used eSIMs aren’t. For a wrong purchase or a change of plans, the refund is paid as Airmoney credit.
Final thoughts
Airalo’s Japan eSIM is flexible about timing: you can install it at home, it starts when you connect in Japan, and you can top it up if you run short. The point to weigh is the unlimited plan, which slows to 1 Mbps after 3GB a day and costs well above the fixed plans. For most trips, we’d choose 10GB or 20GB of fixed data and top up only if needed.
Still comparing? Our Airalo vs Klook comparison puts the two side by side, and our Yesim eSIM for Japan guide covers a company that lets you pick any number of days from 1 to 30.
