Japan eSIM for Indian Travellers (2026)
Short answer: a Japan eSIM bought in India costs ₹380 for 1 GB / 7 days or ₹1,045 for 5 GB / 30 days, against Jio's ₹599 and ₹2,999 data packs. Indians apply for Japan's eVISA through VFS, and the fee is ₹500 from 1 Jul 2026. Prices checked 28 Oct 2026.
Your three options, in rupees
| Option | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Simnity Japan eSIM | ₹205 | 500 MB, 7 days |
| Simnity Japan eSIM | ₹380 | 1 GB, 7 days |
| Simnity Japan eSIM | ₹760 | 3 GB, 30 days |
| Simnity Japan eSIM | ₹1,045 | 5 GB, 30 days |
| Simnity Japan eSIM | ₹1,710 | 10 GB, 30 days |
| Simnity Japan eSIM | ₹2,375 | 20 GB, 30 days |
| Jio roaming pack | ₹599 | 1 GB, 7 days (data only) |
| Jio roaming pack | ₹2,999 | 5 GB, 7 days (data only) |
| Jio roaming pack | ₹951 | 4 GB, 10 days + 100 min out + 100 min in + 25 SMS |
| Jio roaming pack | ₹2,851 | 12 GB, 30 days + 150 min out + 150 min in + 100 SMS |
| Airtel roaming pack | ₹698 | 1 GB, 1 day + 100 min + 10 SMS |
| Airtel roaming pack | ₹2,998 | 10 GB, 30 days + 300 min + 20 SMS |
Prices checked 28 Oct 2026: Simnity plans from the live simnity.com catalogue (data only); Jio packs from jio.com; Airtel packs from airtel.in. Operator packs include calls and SMS on your Indian number where listed.
How much data for Japan?
- Tokyo–Kyoto–Osaka in 7–10 days with Google Maps and train apps: 5 GB (₹1,045, 30 days).
- Heavy video and social posting: 10 GB (₹1,710) or 20 GB (₹2,375).
- Calls to India on your own number: Jio's ₹951 pack (4 GB + 100 min out + 100 min in, 10 days).
Before you fly from India
- Visa: Indians apply for the JAPAN eVISA (single-entry tourism, up to 90 days) through VFS Global. The fee is ₹500 from 1 Jul 2026, plus the VFS service fee. Source: Embassy of Japan in India.
- Important: at the airport you must show the eVISA issuance notice on a phone with internet access; screenshots and printouts are not accepted (Embassy of Japan). Install the eSIM before you fly so you are online when you land.
- Visit Japan Web is linked by the embassy as a useful service, not a mandatory form.
- Japan Visitor Hotline (JNTO): 050-3816-2787, 24 hours.
Entry rules checked 22 Oct 2026 on official government sites. Rules change, so confirm before you travel.
Keeping your Indian number for bank and UPI OTPs
- Keep your Indian SIM switched on as the second line, with its mobile data off. Use the eSIM line for data.
- Jio says incoming SMS are free while roaming. Prepaid users must buy an IR pack at least once to switch roaming on, so check it is active before you fly.
- Airtel prepaid offers a ₹118 roaming activation, valid 28 days, with unlimited incoming SMS (an active domestic plan is needed; calls and data are then charged at standard rates).
Full comparison: Jio vs Airtel roaming vs eSIM.
Set it up before you leave India
- Check your phone supports eSIM: device list.
- Buy the Japan eSIM and install it at home on Wi-Fi (install guide).
- When you land, switch on the eSIM line and turn on data roaming for that line only.
- Keep your Indian SIM on for calls and SMS, with its data off.
Not sure how much data you need? See how much data for travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best SIM for Indian tourists in Japan?
For data, a Japan eSIM bought in India: ₹1,045 for 5 GB / 30 days (checked 28 Oct 2026). It also keeps you online at the airport, where you must show your eVISA notice on a connected phone.
Does Jio work in Japan?
Yes, on a Jio international roaming pack, from ₹599 for 1 GB / 7 days (data only).
Do Indians need a visa for Japan?
Yes. Indians apply for the JAPAN eVISA through VFS Global; the fee is ₹500 from 1 Jul 2026 plus the VFS fee (Embassy of Japan in India).
Will my Indian bank OTPs work in Japan?
Yes, if your Indian SIM stays switched on as the second line while the eSIM handles data.