Data figures checked Oct 13, 2026
How many GB of eSIM data do you need in Japan?
Pick your days and what you do outside. You get a GB range and the plan size to buy.
Buy a 5 GB plan
You will likely use 1.3 to 4 GB in 7 days.
Where the data goes
ICNext: which IC card to get for the trainsData use per hour
A week of maps, messaging and social feeds uses about 1.5 to 4 GB. Video is what makes the number grow.
| Activity | MB per hour | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Maps & navigation | 5–50 | Google Maps navigation about 5 MB/h, Street View about 50 MB/h. StarHub, App data usage (updated 2026-03-10) |
| Messaging & web | 60–100 | Web browsing about 100 MB/h; a web page about 1 MB. Vodafone Australia, Manage data; Verizon data usage guide |
| Social feeds & photos | 120–370 | Instagram feed about 120 MB/h; social media about 370 MB/h. StarHub; Vodafone Australia |
| Reels & TikTok | 360–840 | TikTok data saver about 360 MB/h, standard about 840 MB/h. StarHub, App data usage (updated 2026-03-10) |
| YouTube & streaming | 225–560 | YouTube 240p about 225 MB/h, 480p about 560 MB/h. StarHub, App data usage (updated 2026-03-10) |
| Video calls | 250–540 | WhatsApp 1:1 video about 250 MB/h; Zoom 1:1 at 600 kbps each way about 540 MB/h. StarHub; Zoom Support |
| Laptop hotspot | 100–300 | No official figure. Our estimate for light laptop browsing and email. Estimate |
We use phone carriers and app help pages, not eSIM sellers. Checked Oct 13, 2026. Plan sizes commonly sold for Japan: 1, 3, 5, 10, 20 GB and unlimited.
FAQ
How many GB of data do I need for 7 days in Japan?
For maps, messaging and some social media while you are out, about 1.5 to 4 GB for a week, so a 5 GB plan is usually enough. Add Reels, TikTok or video calls on mobile data and it can pass 10 GB. Travelers in one study used a median of 0.9 to 1.2 GB a day on trips under a week.
Is 1 GB a day too much?
Often, yes. Sellers commonly suggest 1 to 3 GB a day, but measured trips used about 0.6 to 1.2 GB a day. If you watch videos on hotel Wi-Fi, you need less.
Does Google Maps use a lot of data?
No. Navigation uses about 5 MB an hour. Street View and satellite view use much more (about 50 to 150 MB an hour).
Is there free Wi-Fi in Japan?
Yes, at airports, many stations and convenience stores. The Japan Wi-Fi auto-connect app helps you join. Connections can be slow, so most visitors still get an eSIM.