Only Visiting Japan for 5 Days—Is an eSIM Worth It?

“I’m just going to Japan for five days. Do I really need to buy an eSIM?”

It’s a common question, especially for short-term travelers who want to save money and avoid unnecessary hassle.

But surprisingly, eSIMs are often the most convenient and cost-effective choice for short trips like this. They're easy to install, cheaper than you might think, and don’t require any extra devices or airport pickups.

Isn’t an eSIM expensive for just a few days?

Actually, not at all.

Let’s take CDJapan Rental’s Unlimited / 5-day eSIM plan as an example. It costs only ¥2,800—that’s less than 4 US dollars per day for unlimited, stable, high-speed data throughout Japan.

Now compare that to other common options:

• Pocket WiFi rental: Looks cheap at first, but when you add deposit fees, insurance, and the hassle of pickup/return, it often ends up costing over ¥4,000 for 5 days.
• International roaming: Many foreign carriers charge $10–15 USD per day. Five days can cost you $50+ easily.
• Buying a SIM at the airport: Not only are prices higher (often JPY ¥4,000+), but you also risk long lines or sold-out stock.

With an eSIM, there’s no pickup, no deposit, and no surprise fees. You pay once, activate when you land, and you’re good to go.

Why are eSIMs especially good for short-term trips?

You might assume eSIMs are better for long stays or heavy data users, but actually, they’re even more ideal for quick getaways like a 5-day trip. Here’s why:

• No device pickup or return—just land and connect
• No extra gadget to carry (unlike Pocket WiFi)
• No risk of losing rented devices or paying deposits
• Installation is easy—just scan a QR code before your flight or after your arrival

Basically, an eSIM is like a digital travel tool you set up in advance. The moment you land, it’s ready. You won’t waste time at the airport or worry about last-minute changes.

You probably don’t need as much data as you think

People often assume they need a full-month plan or massive data package. But unless you plan to work remotely or stream HD video, you’ll likely use far less data than you imagine.

Here’s a rough breakdown for 5 days in Japan:

• Maps, messaging, and browsing: ~1–2GB per day
• Light social media use (Instagram, TikTok): ~2–3GB per day

That means most travelers won’t need more than 10–15GB total. A 30GB eSIM is plenty—even generous—for a 5-day trip. You don’t need to overpay for a full-month plan you won’t use.

For instance, CDJapan Rental’s 30GB eSIM with an 8-day validity period is a cost-effective choice at just 3,200 yen. If you prefer unlimited data, CDJapan Rental also offers a 5-day unlimited eSIM plan for only 2,800 yen—both ideal for short-term travelers.

Click here to purchase these affordable eSIM plans and stay connected throughout your Japan trip!

Bottom line: eSIMs aren’t just affordable—they’re perfect for short trips

eSIMs aren’t about getting the lowest possible price per GB—they’re about saving you time, stress, and unnecessary effort. For short-term travelers, that’s worth a lot.

You don’t have to pick up or return a device, you won’t forget anything in your hotel, and you don’t risk paying a fee for lost equipment. Everything happens on your phone, and it just works.

Quick tip: It’s best to buy your eSIM before your flight and activate it after landing in Japan. That way, your plan won’t start too early, and you’ll be online the moment you need to be.

Visit CDJapan Rental now to get your Japan eSIM and connect to the world in just minutes!