Japan Long-Term Stay Internet Guide: Essential eSIM Options for Working Holidaymakers and Students

"Just arrived in Japan and have no internet on your phone?" "Need a short-term data plan but don’t want to be locked into a contract?" "Can’t get a Japanese SIM card without a residence card or local guarantor?" — These are common issues faced by many working holiday travelers, exchange students, and short-term language school attendees. For those staying 1–3 months, finding a flexible and hassle-free internet solution is more important than anything else.

This article is your “non-contract internet guide”, with a special recommendation for an easy, stress-free option: Japanese local eSIM. No need to visit telecom stores, no automatic credit card charges or cancellation procedures — simply order online and get connected instantly.

Who should choose an eSIM instead of a phone contract?

If you fall into any of these categories, an eSIM will likely be the better option:

• Uncertain stay duration: Just arrived in Japan and unsure how long you’ll stay (working holiday, short-term job, or study abroad).
• Unable to get a SIM contract: No residence card, no Japanese guarantor, or you don’t want to deal with complicated paperwork.
• Avoiding long-term contracts: Don’t want to sign a two-year contract and prefer to switch plans after a few months.
• Need immediate internet access: Haven’t set up a bank account or phone contract yet, but need stable internet to manage daily tasks.

For these situations, an eSIM is the most flexible and quickest solution.

How much data do you need for a long stay in Japan?

Wondering how much data you’ll need per month? Start by thinking about your daily online habits. For example: Do you listen to music on YouTube during commutes? Do you frequently use Google Maps or translation apps? Are you into binge-watching shows or video chatting regularly?

• How much data do Google Maps and LINE consume each day?
• Do you watch YouTube or stream shows often?
• Will you need to share your hotspot with a laptop or tablet?

On average, 1 hour of YouTube uses about 300–500MB, a single episode of a TV show is roughly 1GB, and Google Maps navigation consumes 100–200MB per day. Adding LINE, Instagram, TikTok, or cloud photo backups, 30–50GB per month is sufficient for most users.
How Much Data Do You Need for Traveling in Japan?

However, if you plan to tether your laptop for work or frequently download large files or stream high-quality videos, we recommend the 135GB / 91-day plan. It averages 45GB per month, giving you more room to use, and it’s cheaper than buying separate plans each month.

Why is a local eSIM more convenient than renting WiFi?

Many visitors to Japan initially consider renting a Pocket WiFi, but for a 1–3 month stay, it’s not the best option. Besides the hassle of carrying it daily, there are other hidden inconveniences:

• No return required: eSIM has no physical device, so you don’t need to worry about losing or returning it.
• No extra batteries: Pocket WiFi has limited battery life and often needs a power bank. With eSIM, there’s no such concern.
• One-time setup for up to 3 months: eSIM plans can last up to 91 days without swapping cards or reconfiguring settings.
• Better security: Avoid public Wi-Fi risks and enjoy stable speeds without sharing bandwidth with other users.

For short-term students or working holiday makers, eSIM is lightweight and worry-free, allowing you to focus on your life and studies without worrying about returns, deposits, or battery issues.

Recommended: Japan 135GB / 91-Day Local eSIM

CDJapan Rental’s 135GB / 91-day eSIM is perfect for those staying in Japan for 1–3 months. With 45GB per month on average, it’s enough for streaming, navigation, real-time translation, and social media. Even occasional hotspot sharing for your laptop or tablet won’t be an issue.

The purchase process is simple: Order online → Get QR code via MyPage → Scan and install → Start browsing instantly. No need to visit stores, no paperwork, and no credit check required. Plus, multilingual customer support is available if you need assistance.

Conclusion: Stay connected without a contract

If you’re staying in Japan for only a few months, there’s no need to sign up for a mobile contract. Local eSIM plans are cost-effective and flexible, making them ideal for short-term students, working holiday travelers, or business stays.

Take a moment to evaluate your needs and choose the right long-term Japan eSIM plan, avoiding complicated procedures and rental hassles.

FAQ

• Q1: Can I transfer my eSIM to another phone after installation?
  No, once an eSIM is installed, it usually cannot be moved to another device. If deleted, it cannot be reinstalled. Please verify device compatibility before purchase.
• Q2: Can eSIM receive OTP or banking verification messages?
  CDJapan Rental’s eSIM is designed for data only and cannot receive SMS-based OTPs. However, most SNS or LINE verifications can still be done using your original international number.
• Q3: How do I continue using the service after 91 days?
  When the plan expires, simply purchase a new eSIM and scan the new QR code to install. To avoid downtime, prepare the next eSIM 1–2 days in advance.
• Q4: Is eSIM cheaper than Pocket WiFi?
  For stays of 1–3 months, eSIM is often more cost-effective than Pocket WiFi because there are no deposits, renewals, or shipping fees — you only pay for the data itself.