Do you need 5GB, 10GB or 20GB for Japan?

Your phone is most useful in Japan when you are finding the right station exit, checking a Shinkansen platform, looking up a restaurant, or showing a hotel address to a taxi driver.

The simple rule: if you will use Google Maps all day, check train routes and translate menus, but will not upload much video, start with around 10GB.

Here is a quick guide.

Good if you mostly use:

• Google Maps and directions
• Messages
• Restaurant searches
• Google Translate
• Train times and booking confirmations

This is the best starting point for most one to two week Japan trips:

• Maps throughout the day
• Train routes and station exits
• Restaurant bookings and ticket information
• Social media and a few photo uploads

Choose more data if you plan to:

• Upload video or Reels every day
• Stream music or video
• Use a hotspot for a laptop
• Back up lots of photos and video while travelling

1. Download the areas where you are staying.
Offline maps are useful for basic orientation and walking around.

2. Screenshot train details before going underground.
Save the route, platform, final station and exit for big stations such as Tokyo Station, Shinjuku, Ueno and Osaka Station.

3. Download Japanese for offline use in Google Translate.
Also save your hotel and key restaurant addresses in Japanese, especially if you may need to show them to a taxi driver.

4. Download entertainment before a Shinkansen journey.
Use hotel Wi Fi before travel days instead of streaming on the train.

5. Turn off automatic photo backup.
Google Photos and iCloud can use far more data than Maps or translation. Back up your photos when you are back on hotel Wi Fi.

Before buying an eSIM, check that your phone supports eSIM and is unlocked.

This email is made in paid partnership with Airalo. I may earn a commission if you use the link below.

If you are buying your first Airalo eSIM, use code 1HOUR15 for 15% off.
If you are returning to Airalo, use code 1HOUR10 for 10% off.

You can also find my other useful Japan travel discounts on the Japan Discounts page.