Best eSIM for Japan With a Phone Number
Need internet in Japan and a phone number too? Be careful. Many travel eSIMs give you data only. They do not give you a Japanese mobile number. This guide shows the difference in simple terms.
Which Japan eSIM comes with a phone number?
If you need a real Japanese mobile number, Mobal is the clearest option in this comparison. Its Japan Voice + Data eSIM can include a Japanese 070, 080 or 090 number. You can use it for normal calls and SMS as well as mobile data.
Saily can add a phone number, but it is a US +1 number, not a Japanese number. aloSIM is mainly a data eSIM and may include a Hushed internet-based US or Canadian number with eligible packages. Nomad, Ubigi, Quibity, Bcengi and Breeze are better treated as data eSIMs, not Japanese phone-number services.
See Mobal Voice + Data eSIM →Japan eSIMs With and Without a Phone Number
The words “Japan eSIM” can be confusing. One plan may give you only internet. Another may also let you make normal mobile calls. A third may give you an app-based number from another country. Check the number type before you buy.
| Provider | Japan data | Phone number | Regular calls/SMS | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mobal | Yes | Japanese 070/080/090 | Yes | Travellers who need a real Japan number |
| Saily | Yes | Optional US +1 | Via phone-number option | Data plus a US number |
| aloSIM | Yes | Hushed number on eligible offers | Internet-based via Hushed | Travel data plus app calling |
| Nomad | Yes | No Japan number | No standard cellular voice/SMS on data-only plans | Simple travel data |
| Ubigi | Yes | No | No standard voice/SMS | Data-focused travel |
| Quibity | Yes | No | No standard number included | Japan data and top-ups |
| Bcengi | Yes | No | Data only | Pay-as-you-go data |
| Breeze | Yes | No | Data only | Easy tourist data |
Best eSIM Options for Japan Travellers
1. Mobal Japan Voice + Data eSIM
Mobal is different from most travel eSIMs on this page. Its Voice + Data service can give you a real Japanese mobile number. That matters if you want people in Japan to call you like a local mobile user.
You can make local calls and send texts. Incoming calls and SMS are free under the current service information. Outgoing use has separate charges. Data plans are available too. Mobal says its Voice + Data plans use real 070, 080 or 090 Japanese numbers.
This can make more sense for a student, worker, long-stay visitor or business traveller. It may also be useful when a Japanese contact asks for a local mobile number. You should still check the rules of any service that needs SMS verification. No phone number can be promised to work with every website or app.
Watch for: This is not the same type of simple prepaid data plan that many short-term tourists buy. Read the current monthly fees, usage charges, activation steps and cancellation details before ordering.
Check Mobal Japan eSIM →
2. Saily Japan eSIM
Saily is useful if your main need is mobile data in Japan. Its standard travel eSIM plans are data-focused. Saily now also offers an optional phone-number service. The important point is that this is a US +1 number. It is not a Japanese 070, 080 or 090 number.
The number can add calling and SMS to your travel setup. This may suit someone who wants one US number while moving between countries. It is less suitable if you specifically need a local Japanese mobile number.
See Saily Japan Plans →
3. aloSIM Japan eSIM
aloSIM's Japan eSIM is mainly for data. The eSIM itself is not tied to a normal mobile phone number. However, many eligible aloSIM packages can include a Hushed phone-number offer.
Hushed works over the internet. Current aloSIM information says the promotional number is generally a US or Canadian number, depending on the offer. You can use data or Wi-Fi to make calls and send texts through the app.
This is handy for travellers who want internet and an extra calling number. But do not confuse it with a Japanese mobile number.
See aloSIM Japan eSIM →
4. Nomad Japan eSIM
Nomad is a practical option when you mainly want internet during a trip. Data-only eSIMs do not give you a normal phone number for cellular calls and SMS. You can still use WhatsApp, FaceTime, LINE and other internet calling apps over your Nomad data.
If you must receive messages on your home number, you may be able to keep your main SIM active beside the travel eSIM. Check roaming costs with your normal carrier first.
See Nomad eSIM →
5. Ubigi Japan eSIM
Ubigi clearly states that its eSIM does not give you a new mobile phone number. It provides mobile data. Normal cellular calls and SMS are not included through the Ubigi line.
You can still use internet calling apps. That is enough for many tourists. If your trip is mostly Google Maps, train apps, translation, browsing and messaging, a data-only plan may be all you need.
See Ubigi Japan eSIM →
6. Quibity Japan eSIM
Quibity lists its Japan eSIM as an internet data plan. Its Japan product page currently marks the phone-number feature as “No.” It can therefore work for general travel data, but it is not the right choice if a Japanese phone number is your main reason for buying an eSIM.
See Quibity Japan eSIM →
7. Bcengi TravelPass for Japan
Bcengi TravelPass is another data-first choice. Its current Japan information describes the service as data-only, with no voice or SMS. The pay-as-you-go model can appeal to travellers who do not want a fixed data bundle.
It is useful for internet access. It does not solve the problem of getting a Japanese phone number.
See Bcengi Japan eSIM →
8. Breeze eSIM for Japan
Breeze is built around travel data. Its Japan plan information says regular voice calls and SMS are not included. You can keep your normal SIM for calls or use apps over the Breeze data connection.
Current Japan information also lists hotspot support and activation when the eSIM first connects in Japan. This can make setup simple for a short trip. But again, there is no Japanese number included.
See Breeze Japan eSIM →What About Billion Connect?
Billion Connect
Billion Connect is another travel-connectivity option in your wider Japan eSIM shortlist. For this page, we would not describe it as a Japanese phone-number eSIM unless its current Japan plan clearly states that a local number is included. Check the exact plan before buying.
Check Billion Connect →Japanese Number vs US Number vs Data-Only eSIM
These three products can look similar on a sales page. They are not the same.
Real Japanese mobile number
A local mobile number normally starts with 070, 080 or 090. This is the type to look for when you want a Japanese mobile identity for normal calls and SMS.
US or app-based number
This can still be useful for calling and texting. But it does not become a Japanese number just because you are using it in Japan.
Data-only eSIM
You get internet access but no standard mobile number on that eSIM. Apps such as WhatsApp, LINE, FaceTime and Signal can still work over the data connection.
Your home SIM + Japan eSIM
Many travellers use a Japan eSIM for data and leave their home SIM active for important calls or texts. Check roaming charges before doing this.
Do You Really Need a Japanese Phone Number?
Not every visitor needs one. A tourist staying for a week may only need maps, train information, translation and messaging. A data-only eSIM can be simpler.
A Japanese number becomes more useful when you are staying longer. You may want local people to call you. You may need to give a number to a workplace, school, delivery service or accommodation. Some local services may also ask for a Japanese number.
How to Choose a Japan eSIM Before You Travel
Decide if you need a Japanese number
Do not pay for voice service if you only need Google Maps and WhatsApp.
Check your phone
Your phone must support eSIM. It normally also needs to be network-unlocked.
Check calls and SMS
“eSIM” does not automatically mean calls are included. Read the plan details.
Check the country of the number
A US +1 number is useful, but it is not a Japanese number.
Check data and validity
Think about how long you will stay and how much video, navigation and hotspot use you expect.
Install before you fly
Where the provider allows it, install the eSIM while you still have reliable Wi-Fi. Follow the provider's activation instructions carefully.
How Much Data Do You Need in Japan?
| Travel style | Typical use | Simple starting point |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Maps, messages, tickets, light browsing | Small data plan |
| Normal | Daily maps, social media, browsing, some video | Medium data plan |
| Heavy | Video, hotspot, remote work, frequent uploads | Large or high-data plan |
There is no perfect amount for everyone. Video and hotspot use can consume data quickly. Maps and messaging usually use much less. Check your normal monthly mobile usage before buying.
Can You Keep Your Normal Phone Number?
Usually, yes, if your phone supports dual SIM. You can use the Japan eSIM for mobile data and keep your home SIM in the phone. The exact setup depends on your phone and carrier.
Be careful with roaming. Turning off data roaming on your home SIM can help avoid mobile-data roaming, but calls and texts may still have carrier charges. Ask your home network what it charges in Japan.
Will a Japan eSIM Work for SMS Verification?
It depends on the eSIM and the service sending the code. A data-only eSIM cannot receive a normal SMS because it has no mobile number. An app-based or virtual number may work with some services and fail with others.
A real Japanese mobile number may be more suitable when a service expects a local mobile number. Even then, acceptance is controlled by the website, bank or app sending the code. Do not buy any eSIM only because you assume every verification code will work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best eSIM for Japan with a Japanese phone number?
For travellers who specifically need a real Japanese 070, 080 or 090 mobile number, Mobal Voice + Data is the clearest option in this comparison. Many other travel eSIMs are data-only.
Does a Japan eSIM automatically come with a phone number?
No. Many Japan travel eSIMs only provide mobile data. Always check whether voice, SMS and a phone number are included.
Does Saily give you a Japanese phone number?
No. Saily offers an optional US +1 phone number alongside its eSIM service. It is not a Japanese mobile number.
Does Ubigi give you a phone number?
No. Ubigi states that its eSIM provides mobile data and does not give you a new mobile phone number for standard calls or texts.
Can I use WhatsApp with a data-only Japan eSIM?
Yes. Internet messaging and calling apps can work over mobile data. Your app account and phone-number setup may depend on the app you use.
Can I buy a Japan eSIM before I arrive?
Many travel eSIMs can be bought and installed before departure. Activation rules differ, so follow the instructions for the provider you choose.
Do tourists need a Japanese phone number?
Not always. Short-term tourists often manage with mobile data and messaging apps. A Japanese number is more useful for longer stays, work, study or situations where local contacts and services need a local number.
Need a Real Japanese Number?
If your main goal is a local Japanese number for calls and SMS, start with a plan that clearly includes one. If you only need internet, a data-only eSIM gives you many more choices.
See Mobal Japan Voice + Data →Affiliate disclosure: VoIPCalling.com may earn a commission when you buy through some links on this page. This does not change the price you pay. Features, availability and pricing can change, so check the provider's latest plan details before purchase.