Updated: 2026-03-09 10:37:03
No more standing in line at the airport for a SIM card. With CDJapan's Instant eSIM, your plan is ready to use the moment you buy it — step off the plane and you're already online.
The moment you land at Narita or Haneda, you want to pull up Google Maps, check directions to your hotel, and get your bearings — immediately. But the SIM card counter at the airport is crowded, the options are confusing, and the last thing you want is to deal with that hassle after a long flight. Save that kind of crowd experience for Shibuya Crossing or Dotonbori — those are the kinds of bustling, vibrant scenes that make Japan worth visiting.
An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card built directly into your smartphone. There's no physical card to insert — just scan a QR code and you're connected. Install it on your home Wi-Fi before you leave, and all you have to do after landing in Japan is flip a switch.
One of the most common questions we get in 2026 is whether the iPhone 11 supports eSIM. It's an older model, but plenty of travelers are still rocking one — so it's a fair question.
The short answer: Yes, the iPhone 11 fully supports eSIM. Apple introduced eSIM support starting with the iPhone XS and XR, and every iPhone model from the 11 onward is compatible.
| Device | eSIM Support | 5G | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 11 | Supported | 4G LTE only | Dual SIM: nano-SIM + eSIM |
| iPhone 12 Series | Supported | 5G | First 5G-capable iPhone |
| iPhone 13 Series | Supported | 5G | First iPhone with dual eSIM support |
| iPhone 14 / 15 / 16 Series | Supported | 5G | 15 adds USB-C; 16 is the AI-generation |
| iPhone 17 / 17e | Supported | 5G | Current lineup, released 2025 |
| iPhone 18 (expected) | Expected | 5G | Anticipated release: Fall 2026 |
| Samsung Galaxy S21–S26 | Supported | 5G | eSIM standard from S21 onward |
| Google Pixel 6–10 | Supported | 5G | Highly reliable eSIM implementation |
| iPad Pro (M4) / Air (M2) and later | Supported | 5G | eSIM-only (no physical SIM slot) |
| iPad Pro (2020–2023) | Supported | Model dependent | Cellular models only. Physical SIM + eSIM |
| iPhone X / 8 or earlier | Not supported | — | Physical SIM required |
Travel eSIMs designed for tourists in Japan — including CDJapan's — are data-only plans. This is standard across the industry, not just CDJapan.
Head to the CDJapan eSIM page, choose your plan, and complete checkout with a credit card. Your eSIM information will appear in your My Page immediately after purchase.
We strongly recommend installing your eSIM profile before you leave home, while you're on a stable Wi-Fi connection.
On iPhone: Go to Settings → Cellular → Add Cellular Plan → scan the QR code.
On iOS 16 or later: Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM
On Android (Samsung / Pixel): Go to Settings → Connections → SIM Card Manager → Add Mobile Plan → scan the QR code.
Give the plan a recognizable label like "Japan eSIM." Once installed, you don't need to turn it on yet — leave it off until you land in Japan.
Once your plane touches down, follow these steps:
That's it. Open Google Maps and look up your destination — you're online in Japan.
Thousands of travelers skip the airport SIM line every year with CDJapan's eSIM.
Stable docomo coverage everywhere. Takes 1 minute to buy. Connected almost instantly after landing.
Run through these items before reaching out to support — they cover the most common setup issues.
