Staying connected in Japan can be tricky if you rely on airport SIM counters, pocket WiFi rentals, or unstable hotel WiFi. Many travelers want something simple: data that works the moment they land, without extra devices or long setup steps.
WG JAPAN eSIM (formerly RakuRaku JAPAN eSIM) is a Japan-only prepaid eSIM designed specifically for international tourists, backpackers, long-stay travelers, and people returning to Japan temporarily. It uses a major Japanese network and offers data plans for trips as short as one week to as long as one month.
In this review, you’ll learn:
- Whether WG JAPAN eSIM is reliable in real travel situations
- How it compares to other Japan travel eSIMs
- Which plan fits your itinerary
- What to expect during activation and usage
This article is written entirely from an international traveler’s perspective, covering real concerns like rural coverage, compatibility with foreign devices, and how much data you actually need for Japan.
Basic Information
This section summarizes the core specifications of WG JAPAN eSIM: plan types, supported devices, activation flow, network quality, and what makes it different from global eSIM brands like Airalo or Holafly.
Plan Comparison
Here’s a quick look at the main prepaid plans available. All plans work exclusively in Japan and use a stable domestic network.
2GB per Day Plans
- Validity: 8 days / 15 days
- Data: 2GB each day (resets daily)
- Price:
• 8-day — ¥2,800
• 15-day — ¥4,500
3GB Total Data (Light Users)
- Validity: 21 days
- Data: 3GB total
- Price: ¥1,980
100GB Heavy-Use Plan
- Validity: 31 days
- Data: 100GB
- Price: ¥8,000
Looking at all these plans… I kinda get lost. Which one makes sense for a normal trip?
It depends on your travel style. If you use mostly maps and messaging, a daily plan is enough. But if you stream videos or travel with family, the 100GB plan gives you peace of mind. Matching your data to your itinerary prevents surprises.
Advantages
Here are the key reasons travelers choose WG JAPAN eSIM over airport SIMs and global eSIM brands.
✔ 1. Uses a major Japanese network (strong coverage)
Most users report stable connectivity in:
- Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto
- Suburban areas
- Tourist attractions
- Trains and subways
For travelers concerned about rural Japan, this is a big plus.
✔ 2. Works immediately upon arrival
Since it’s an eSIM:
- No need to wait in line at airport SIM counters
- No device pickup
- No physical SIM swapping
- Installation is fast (usually under 3 minutes)
Perfect for late-night arrivals.
✔ 3. Good plan variety for both short and long stays
Travelers can choose according to their itinerary:
- 8- to 15-day trips → daily plans
- One-month stays → 100GB
- Minimal users → 3GB lite plan
✔ 4. Simple setup for most modern phones
Works well on:
- iPhone XR and newer
- Google Pixel
- Samsung Galaxy with eSIM support
Even for first-time eSIM users, the steps are straightforward.
Disadvantages
While it’s reliable overall, there are a few things foreign travelers often mention.
✖ 1. No voice/SMS — data only
Like most travel eSIMs, it cannot receive SMS or calls.
Apps like WhatsApp, LINE, Messenger, and FaceTime work fine.
✖ 2. High-data users may run out quickly on smaller plans
The 3GB total plan is very light.
If you:
- use Google Maps a lot
- upload photos
- watch videos
- hotspot for friends
then it may run out in a few days. Daily plans or 100GB are safer.
✖ 3. Behavior after using up data isn’t fully clear
The official page does not specify:
- whether speeds drop
- or whether data stops entirely
Light users won’t notice, but long-stay travelers may want to manage usage.
✖ 4. Activation requires a stable Wi-Fi connection
You must install the eSIM before using mobile data, so airport/hotel Wi-Fi is helpful.
So basically, it’s great for travel… but data-only means no SMS codes, right?
Correct. If you need SMS for banking apps, you should keep your home SIM active in another slot. WG JAPAN eSIM is perfect purely for data during your trip.
Good Review Trends
This section summarizes the common positive themes found across English-speaking travel blogs, user reports, and comparison sites.
Smooth experience right after landing
Many travelers say they could start using data:
- before leaving the airport gate
- without lining up for SIM cards
- even during late-night arrivals when counters are closed
This is especially appreciated at Narita, Haneda, Kansai Airport, where queues for SIM cards can be long.
Typical comments include:
- “I had data before reaching immigration.”
- “Great for first-timers in Japan.”
Strong stability reported across major travel areas
Because WG JAPAN eSIM uses a domestic Japanese network, many travelers report stable connectivity in:
- major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto
- trains, subway systems, and tourist zones
- suburban and semi-rural sightseeing spots
These reviews describe overall performance, not direct comparisons with specific global eSIM brands.
Good value for long stays (1–4 weeks)
Long-stay travelers like digital nomads and those visiting family mention:
- the 100GB plan lasts a whole month
- cheaper than many global eSIMs
- no need for topping up or switching SIMs
For backpackers staying across multiple cities, it simplifies planning.
Bad Review Trends
Even with solid performance, some aspects frustrate users.
Limited explainers for activation steps
Some beginners mention:
- APN settings weren’t explained in detail
- instructions are short and assume some tech familiarity
- screenshots or video guides would be helpful
If this is your first eSIM ever, installation may feel a little rushed.
Data consumption can feel fast for heavy users
The daily plan is generous, but:
- Google Maps navigation
- video calls
- browsing social media stories
- hotspotting
can eat through data quickly on small plans.
This isn’t a flaw of the service itself, but a common issue for new visitors who underestimate their daily data usage.
No top-up option
When data is gone, you must buy a new eSIM, not recharge the existing one.
For short trips this is fine, but for longer stays this might be inconvenient.
How to Purchase and Activate
This section walks through the exact steps from purchase to activation.
If your phone supports eSIM, the entire setup takes about 3 minutes.
Before You Buy
- Make sure your phone supports eSIM
- Ensure your device is unlocked
- Have access to Wi-Fi at the airport or hotel
- Keep your home SIM active if you need SMS verification (banking apps, etc.)
Device Compatibility
H4 Supported Devices (General Guidelines)
WG JAPAN eSIM typically works on:
- iPhone XR and newer
- Google Pixel 4+
- Samsung Galaxy with eSIM support
- Most modern Chinese and European Android models
Foreign devices vary by region. If unsure, check:
Settings → About → EID
If you see an EID number, your phone supports eSIM.
Purchase Steps
➊ Go to the WG JAPAN eSIM official website
➋ Choose your desired plan
➌ Enter your email and payment information
➍ Complete checkout
➎ Receive your QR code and activation details via email
Activation Steps
1⃣ Connect to Wi-Fi
2⃣ Scan the QR code received in your email
3⃣ Install the eSIM profile
4⃣ Enable it under Mobile Data settings
5⃣ Turn on roaming (if required)
6⃣ Restart your phone for best results
Setup is usually instant.
FAQ
Short and essential answers to common questions asked by travelers visiting Japan.
Does it support calls or SMS?
No, it’s data-only. Use WhatsApp, LINE, Messenger, or FaceTime for voice/video calls.
Will it work outside Japan?
No. WG JAPAN eSIM is Japan-only and does not include roaming.
Can I share data through hotspot/tethering?
Yes, tethering works on most supported devices.
Can I install it before flying to Japan?
Yes. You can set it up in advance and it will activate once you arrive.
What happens when I run out of data?
The behavior is not fully documented. Most travelers simply purchase another eSIM if needed.
Is it better than Airalo or Holafly?
For Japan-only travel, WG JAPAN eSIM often offers:
But Airalo is better for multi-country trips.
– more stable signal
– better suburban coverage
– lower long-stay cost
Summary
WG JAPAN eSIM (formerly RakuRaku JAPAN eSIM) is a strong choice for travelers who want fast, reliable, and simple mobile data in Japan.
It works immediately upon arrival, supports major tourist areas, and offers generous plans for both short and long stays.
While it doesn’t include SMS or voice service, it performs well for navigation, messaging, and social media throughout Japan.
Japan is fun but pretty spread out. Having stable data everywhere really helps, right?
Absolutely. If you’re visiting multiple cities or moving around often, an eSIM like this keeps things smooth. Just pick a plan that matches your data habits, and you’ll travel with confidence.
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