Are you searching for the best prepaid eSIM option in Japan? Or, maybe your weighing your options about eSIMs vs portable Wi-Fis.
Personally, I used to always carry a portable Wi-Fi device with me, whenever I travelled around Japan. However, words have started going around that prepaid eSIMs might be a better option.
This time, I tried out RakuRakuJapan eSIM. I heard it was a cost effective and solid network service, and during my own journey, I was pleasantly surprised throughout. It helped me stay well connected in Japan, a country notoriously known for its lack of public Wi-Fi services.
RakuRakuJapan eSIM is a solid option for staying connected in Japan
(source:RakuRakuJapan eSIM)
This time, I purchased an eSIM from RakuRakuJapan eSIM from their dedicated website (https://esim.minnano-rakuraku.com/). They accept credit cards and Google Pay as payment options.
The website is available in Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean, French, Spanish, Thai, and other languages, so you do not have to be an expert in Japanese to purchase one.
RakuRakuJapan eSIM offers a variety of plans, including 21-day plans for 3GB, 15GB, and 50GB, a 32-day 100GB plan, a 2GB-per-day plan for 8 or 15 days, and all other plans to accommodate all sorts of needs.
The vast array of plans gives you many choices to satisfy different needs.
I chose the 3GB 21-day plan, since I felt like that would be sufficient for me.
How to set up your eSIM
“RakuRakuJapan eSIM" also has a PDF of the setup guide, which was easier to set up than I thought it would be.
＜Flow of eSIM Setup in 3 easy steps
Step 1. Access the activation URL and click on the "issue an activation code" button. (*It usually takes about 15 minutes to issue the code.)
Step 2: Copy the activation code displayed on the screen and install it on your device.
Step 3: Enter the activation code and you are good to go!
The whole procedure is very simple and easy.
Below are the instructions for installing the activation code for iOS (iPhone) and Android, respectively.
*One thing to note when setting up your eSIM is that you will need to have an Internet connection to perform the initial setup. Please use free wifi spots, etc., in an environment where an Internet connection is available during the initial setup.
*Free Wi-Fi spots around Japan are introduced in the "Tips" article category, so please check it out if you have any trouble. (> Click here for a list of Tips free Wi-Fi articleshere)
Installation procedure for iOS
If you are using iOS (iPhone), please follow the steps below to install the eSIM activation code.
＜ eSIM installation procedure on iOS＞
1. Go to "Settings" > "Cellular" > "Add eSIM" > "Use QR Code" > "Enter Details Manually"
2. Enter the activation code that was issued
3. When "Add eSIM" is displayed, the connection is complete!
*Note that APN settings are required separately when using tethering. Follow the instructions included with the device and install the configuration profile on the device.
Installation procedure for Android
If you are using Android, please follow the procedure below to install the eSIM activation code.
< eSIM installation procedure on Android＞
1. Go to "Settings" > "Mobile Network" > "eSIM" > switch "On" > "Add eSIM" > "Next" > "Help" at the bottom of the screen > "Enter Manually".
2. Enter the activation code that was issued
3. Select "Download"
4. When "IIJ is active" is displayed, the connection is complete!
*Note that APN settings are required separately when using tethering. Follow the instructions included with the device and install the configuration profile on the device.
Stay connected hassle free in Japan with prepaid eSIMS!
Using a "Prepaid eSIM" allows you to use the Internet in Japan more easily and comfortably than using a rental wifi or physical SIM card.
The eSIM setup procedure introduced here is for setting up an eSIM by entering an activation code, but you can also connect by reading the QR code that appears on the screen instead of entering an activation code.
If you have a PC, tablet, or a second smartphone, reading the QR code is much easier to set up and will be easier to handle even if you are not good at operating machines.
Once you learn how to use the service, the benefits are great, such as being able to use the Internet immediately in about 30 minutes after application and saving money by purchasing only the amount of GBs you use each time you use the service.
RakuRakuJapan eSIM has a 3GB plan that can be purchased for less than 2,000 yen. I'd also recommend purchasing small plans first to test out if your device can use eSIMs, then move on to purchase bigger 50GB or 100GB plans depending on your needs.
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