Tag: Living in Japan

Getting mobile service in Japan can be surprisingly confusing for foreign residents. Should you choose a physical SIM or eSIM? Do you need a Japanese phone number, or is data-only enough? And should a student, worker, or short-term visitor choose the same type of plan?

This guide explains the main SIM and eSIM options available in Japan, what to check before signing up, and how to choose the right type of service for your situation.

Quick Answer: Which Type of SIM Do You Need?

The right choice depends mainly on how long you will stay in Japan, whether you need a Japanese phone number, and whether your device supports eSIM.

• Short-term visitor: A travel eSIM is usually the simplest option if your phone supports eSIM. It can be installed digitally without inserting a physical SIM. NTT DOCOMO defines eSIM as a SIM built into the device that can be remotely programmed, so there is no physical card to insert. 
• Student or long-term resident: Consider a Voice + Data SIM/eSIM if you want a Japanese mobile number for calls and SMS. Sakura Mobile’s current resident Voice + Data plans provide Japanese numbers beginning with 070, 080, or 090. 
• Already have a phone number: A data-only SIM/eSIM may be enough if you mainly need mobile internet and already have another way to make calls.
• Travelling with several devices or people: Pocket WiFi can be convenient because multiple phones, tablets, or laptops can connect to one device. Sakura Mobile’s current travel Pocket WiFi supports up to 15 connected devices. 

A travel eSIM is not automatically the best choice for everyone. For example, Sakura Mobile’s travel eSIM is data-only and does not include a Japanese phone number, while its long-term resident Voice + Data service does. 

Before purchasing any SIM or eSIM, also check that your phone supports the required network bands and is not restricted by a SIM lock. DOCOMO notes that devices used with another carrier may need to be SIM-unlocked, although many newer Japanese devices are sold without a SIM lock. 

Simple rule: if you are visiting Japan mainly for travel, start by looking at a travel eSIM or Pocket WiFi. If you are moving to Japan for study, work, or long-term residence, compare resident plans carefully and decide whether you need a real Japanese phone number.

SIM vs eSIM in Japan

An eSIM is a digital SIM built into a compatible phone, so you can activate a mobile plan without inserting a physical SIM card. Depending on the provider, activation may be completed digitally or by scanning a QR code. A traditional physical SIM is a removable card that you insert into your phone’s SIM tray. 

For everyday use, both can provide mobile data, and depending on the plan, calls and SMS. The bigger difference is how the service is installed and how easily you can move it between devices.

Choose an eSIM if:

• Your phone supports eSIM.
• You want to set up service without waiting for or collecting a physical card.
• You want to keep your existing physical SIM in the phone while adding a Japan mobile plan.
• You prefer a digital setup, especially before or shortly after arriving in Japan.

Apple notes that supported iPhones can use an eSIM without a physical nano-SIM, and compatible devices may also use Dual SIM configurations with an eSIM. 

Choose a physical SIM if:

• Your phone does not support eSIM.
• You prefer a removable SIM card.
• You expect to move the SIM between compatible phones.
• You are more comfortable with traditional SIM installation.

Before choosing either option, check device compatibility and whether your phone is carrier-unlocked. Having eSIM support does not automatically mean every phone will work with every Japanese mobile service. Apple, for example, states that an iPhone used with another carrier while travelling must be unlocked. 

For most users, eSIM is more convenient when the device supports it, but a physical SIM remains a perfectly practical choice. The network, data allowance, phone-number availability, support, and contract conditions matter more than whether the SIM itself is physical or digital.

Do You Need a Japanese Phone Number?

Not everyone in Japan needs a Japanese phone number. If you are visiting for a short period and mainly use WhatsApp, LINE, email, maps, and other internet-based services, a data-only SIM or eSIM may be enough.

For students, workers, and other long-term residents, however, having a standard Japanese mobile number can be much more practical.

Japanese mobile numbers normally begin with 070, 080, or 090. SoftBank’s official explanation identifies these prefixes as mobile-phone numbers, while numbers beginning with 050 are used for IP-based telephone services. 

A Japanese mobile number is useful if you:

• Need to make and receive regular domestic phone calls.
• Need SMS for verification or account registration.
• Expect schools, employers, delivery companies, landlords, or other services in Japan to contact you by phone.
• Plan to stay in Japan long enough that a local contact number becomes part of everyday life.

Some Japanese services specifically ask for a telephone number that can be used in Japan. For example, Rakuten Bank’s current account application instructions require applicants to register a telephone number usable in Japan. Requirements vary by company and service, so having a Japanese mobile number does not guarantee eligibility for every bank, rental contract, or other application.

When data-only may be enough

A data-only SIM or eSIM can still be a good choice if:

• You are visiting Japan temporarily.
• You mainly communicate through internet-based apps.
• You already have another working phone number.
• You only need mobile internet for maps, messaging, browsing, and travel apps.
• The device is a tablet, secondary phone, or backup internet device.

The important distinction is that mobile data and a Japanese phone number are separate features. A plan can provide excellent internet access without giving you a domestic number.

070, 080, 090 vs 050

If you specifically want a normal Japanese mobile number, check the number type before signing up.

070 / 080 / 090
Standard Japanese mobile-phone number ranges. 

050
Used for IP telephone services that operate over an internet connection. 

These are not necessarily interchangeable for every registration or service, so long-term residents should check what type of number a provider actually includes.

Sakura Mobile’s current Voice + Data SIM/eSIM service provides standard Japanese numbers beginning with 070, 080, or 090. Its travel eSIM, by contrast, is data-only and does not include a Japanese phone number. 

Practical rule: if you are only travelling, a Japanese phone number may be unnecessary. If you are moving to Japan for study or work, a Voice + Data plan with a standard Japanese mobile number is usually worth considering.

Data-Only vs Voice + Data

A common mistake is assuming that eSIM means data-only and a physical SIM means voice service. That is not correct. SIM and eSIM describe how the mobile subscription is stored on your device, while the plan itself determines whether you receive data, voice calls, SMS, and a Japanese phone number. DOCOMO confirms that its eSIM technology can support voice calls, SMS, data communication, and emergency calls on supported lines. 

Choose Data-Only if:

• You mainly need internet access for maps, browsing, messaging apps, social media, or email.
• You already have another phone number you can continue using.
• You communicate mainly through LINE, WhatsApp, Messenger, FaceTime, or similar internet-based services.
• You are using a tablet, Pocket WiFi, secondary phone, or another device that does not need normal voice calling.
• Keeping monthly costs lower is more important than having a Japanese mobile number.

A data-only plan generally does not provide a standard Japanese 070, 080, or 090 mobile number. For example, Sakura Mobile’s current resident Data-Only SIM/eSIM plans are designed primarily for mobile internet and devices such as smartphones, tablets, Pocket WiFi, and MiFi. 

Choose Voice + Data if:

• You want a standard Japanese mobile number.
• You need to make or receive ordinary domestic phone calls.
• You need SMS capability.
• You are moving to Japan for study, work, or long-term residence.
• You expect to use your Japanese number for everyday communication with schools, employers, delivery companies, landlords, or other services.

For example, Sakura Mobile’s current resident Voice + Data plans include a Japanese phone number and are available as either a physical SIM or eSIM on the DOCOMO 5G/4G network. Calls and SMS are billed separately from the monthly plan price. 

The Difference at a Glance

Feature	Data-Only	Voice + Data
Mobile internet	Yes	Yes
Japanese mobile number	Usually no	Yes, depending on provider
Normal voice calls	No	Yes
SMS	Usually no	Yes
Best for	Travelers, secondary devices, tablets and internet-focused users	Students, workers, families and long-term residents

The important question is therefore not simply “SIM or eSIM?” It is:

“Do I need only internet access, or do I also need a real Japanese phone number, calls, and SMS?”

For many short-term visitors, data-only service is enough. For someone establishing everyday life in Japan, Voice + Data is often the more practical choice.

Tourist, Student or Resident: What Changes?

The best mobile setup in Japan can be very different depending on whether you are visiting for a few weeks or building your everyday life here. A traveler may only need internet access, while a student or long-term resident may benefit much more from a Japanese phone number, SMS, and a continuing monthly plan.

If You Are a Tourist

For a short stay, convenience is usually the priority.

A travel eSIM is often the easiest choice when your phone supports eSIM because there is no physical card to collect or insert. A prepaid physical SIM is useful for phones without eSIM support, while Pocket WiFi can be convenient when several people or devices need internet access.

Sakura Mobile currently separates its travel services from its resident plans. Its travel lineup includes data-only SIM, eSIM, and Pocket WiFi options, with its travel eSIM intended for stays of up to 90 days and not including a Japanese phone number. 

For many tourists, that is enough because most everyday travel needs such as Google Maps, translation, messaging, train information, and reservations can be handled through mobile data.

If You Are a Student

Students staying in Japan for several months or years should think beyond simply getting internet access.

A Voice + Data SIM/eSIM can be more practical because it combines mobile internet with a standard Japanese phone number and SMS. This can be useful when communicating with your school, part-time employer, delivery companies, accommodation providers, and other services in Japan.

Students should also check whether a provider offers student-specific benefits. Sakura Mobile currently offers a student discount for its monthly SIM/eSIM and Pocket WiFi services when eligible students provide valid student documentation. Its current Voice + Data page lists an additional ¥1,100 discount on the activation fee for students. 

Do not choose a plan only because it has a student discount. Compare the actual monthly cost, data allowance, phone-number availability, cancellation conditions, and support.

If You Are a Worker or Long-Term Resident

For someone building daily life in Japan, a continuing Voice + Data plan is usually worth considering if you need a local mobile number.

Sakura Mobile’s current resident Voice + Data plans provide standard Japanese 070, 080, or 090 numbers and are available as physical SIM or eSIM. Its resident lineup also includes data-only SIM/eSIM, Pocket WiFi, and home internet options. 

A data-only plan can still make sense if you already have another Japanese number, use a second device, or only need additional internet access.

The Main Difference

A simple way to think about it is:

Tourist: Prioritize quick setup, short-term cost, and mobile data.

Student: Prioritize a usable Japanese number, reasonable monthly cost, enough data, and support you can understand.

Worker or long-term resident: Prioritize reliability, Japanese phone-number access, suitable data allowance, ongoing cost, and contract flexibility.

Your immigration status alone does not determine which SIM you must buy. The better question is what communication functions you will actually need during your time in Japan.

What to Check Before Choosing a Mobile Plan

Choosing a mobile plan in Japan should not be based only on the monthly price. A cheaper plan can become inconvenient if it does not provide the phone number, data allowance, device compatibility, payment method, or support you actually need.

Before signing up, check the following points.

1. Coverage and Network

First, check which mobile network the provider uses and whether coverage is suitable for the areas where you will live, study, work, or travel.

Coverage can vary by location, building, device, and network conditions. If you will spend significant time outside major cities, network coverage should be one of your main considerations rather than simply choosing the cheapest plan.

For example, Sakura Mobile’s current resident Voice + Data plans operate on the DOCOMO 5G/4G network, while its monthly Pocket WiFi service uses SoftBank 4G LTE. 

2. How Much Data Is Included?

Check the monthly data allowance and what happens after you reach the limit.

Think realistically about how you use your phone:

• Messaging and email use relatively little data.
• Maps, browsing, and social media use more.
• Video streaming, video calls, cloud backups, tethering, and frequent downloads can consume data quickly.

Do not automatically buy the largest plan available. We will estimate typical data needs in the next section.

3. Do You Need a Japanese Phone Number?

If you need a standard Japanese 070, 080, or 090 number, make sure the plan specifically includes one.

A data-only SIM or eSIM may provide internet access without any normal Japanese mobile number. Sakura Mobile, for example, separates its resident Data-Only plans from its Voice + Data plans, with the latter including a Japanese phone number. 

4. Check Your Phone Compatibility

Before ordering, confirm that:

• Your phone supports the provider’s network.
• Your device supports eSIM if you plan to use an eSIM.
• Your phone is unlocked where required.
• The SIM size is correct if you are buying a physical SIM.

Do not assume that a phone purchased overseas will automatically work perfectly with every Japanese mobile provider.

5. Initial Fees and Monthly Charges

Look beyond the advertised monthly fee.

Possible costs can include:

• Activation or setup fees
• Monthly plan fee
• Voice-call charges
• SMS charges
• Additional data
• Optional services
• Device or Pocket WiFi rental charges

For example, Sakura Mobile’s current Voice + Data pricing starts from ¥2,980 per month before tax, while calls and SMS are charged separately. Its support page currently lists domestic outgoing calls at ¥16.5 per 30 seconds and outgoing SMS at ¥5.5 per 160 characters. 

Prices and fees can change, so always confirm the provider’s latest pricing before applying.

6. Contract Length and Cancellation

Check whether the plan requires a long-term contract and whether there are penalties or special procedures when you cancel.

This is particularly important for international students and workers because your stay in Japan may change unexpectedly.

Sakura Mobile currently states that its monthly service has a one-month minimum and allows customers to cancel by submitting a request before its monthly cancellation deadline. 

Do not assume all Japanese mobile providers follow the same policy.

7. Payment Methods

Some international residents arrive in Japan before they have opened a Japanese bank account or received a Japanese credit card.

Check what payment methods the provider accepts before beginning the application.

Sakura Mobile currently accepts international credit and debit cards for its resident services and also provides certain convenience-store payment options. 

The exact payment options can depend on the product, so confirm them for the specific plan you want.

8. Tethering and Multiple Devices

If you plan to use your phone’s connection with a laptop or tablet, check whether tethering is supported and whether there are restrictions.

If several people or devices regularly need internet access, a Pocket WiFi plan may be more practical than relying on one phone.

Sakura Mobile’s current monthly Pocket WiFi plans allow multiple devices to connect to one unit. 

9. English or Multilingual Support

For newcomers who are not confident in Japanese, customer support can be almost as important as the price.

Problems may arise during:

• application
• identity verification
• SIM activation
• APN setup
• eSIM installation
• billing
• cancellation
• device troubleshooting

Sakura Mobile currently markets its services specifically to international visitors and residents and provides English-language support across its travel and resident services. 

A Simple Pre-Purchase Checklist

Before paying for a SIM or eSIM, confirm:

• Network and coverage
• Monthly data allowance
• Japanese phone number availability
• Calls and SMS
• Device compatibility
• SIM or eSIM support
• Initial fees
• Monthly price
• Additional charges
• Contract and cancellation rules
• Payment methods
• Tethering
• Customer support

The best plan is not necessarily the cheapest one. It is the plan that gives you the features you actually need at a total cost and level of flexibility that make sense for your stay in Japan.

A Foreigner-Friendly Option: Sakura Mobile

Sakura Mobile is one option worth considering if you are an international student, worker, or resident who wants mobile service in Japan with English-language support.

Its current resident lineup includes Voice + Data SIM/eSIM, Data-Only SIM/eSIM, monthly Pocket WiFi, and home internet. The SIM/eSIM plans use the DOCOMO 5G/4G network. 

Why It May Be Convenient for Foreign Residents

Some features are particularly relevant for newcomers to Japan:

• Voice + Data plans include a standard Japanese 070, 080, or 090 phone number.
• Both physical SIM and eSIM options are available.
• Tethering is supported.
• Unused monthly data can roll over to the next month on eligible plans.
• Additional data can be topped up online.
• English-language support is available.
• Sakura Mobile states that its monthly services do not require a two-year commitment. 

For someone who is uncomfortable completing a Japanese-only mobile contract, the English application and support environment may be a significant advantage.

Current Resident Pricing

As of August 2026, Sakura Mobile’s Voice + Data plans start at:

5 GB: ¥3,278/month including tax

The current Voice + Data lineup also includes 15 GB, 30 GB, 40 GB, 60 GB, 80 GB, and 100 GB options. A standard ¥5,500 activation fee applies, and voice calls and SMS are charged separately. 

Its Data-Only plans currently start at:

5 GB: ¥2,728/month including tax

Data-Only options are available up to 100 GB and also support physical SIM or eSIM and tethering. 

Prices and promotions can change, so check the latest provider pricing before applying.

Student Discount

For monthly SIM/eSIM and Pocket WiFi services, Sakura Mobile currently offers eligible students an additional ¥1,100 discount on the activation fee. Applicants must provide valid evidence of student status, and Sakura instructs users to enter the coupon code studentdiscount if the student-discount option does not appear during the application process. 

This discount applies to Sakura’s monthly products. Sakura’s current support information says its short-term Travel SIM/eSIM/Pocket WiFi products do not have the same student discount. 

Application and Identification

Voice + Data services require identity verification.

For residents applying in Japan, Sakura Mobile currently accepts a valid Residence Card or My Number Card with a registered Japanese address for online verification. Depending on the application and pickup method, a valid passport may also be used. 

Before ordering, you should also check whether your device is compatible and unlocked.

Points to Consider

Sakura Mobile will not automatically be the right choice for everyone.

Consider these points:

• The monthly price may be higher than some low-cost Japanese MVNO alternatives.
• Voice calls and SMS are not included in the basic Voice + Data monthly price.
• There is an activation fee.
• You still need a compatible device.
• Heavy-data users should compare the total cost of larger plans.
• People comfortable applying in Japanese may find additional low-cost carrier options worth comparing.

AIC Japan therefore does not recommend choosing Sakura Mobile simply because it is foreigner-friendly. Compare price, data allowance, Japanese phone-number needs, support, contract flexibility, and device compatibility before deciding.

Who Sakura Mobile May Suit Best

Sakura Mobile may be particularly suitable for:

• International students arriving in Japan
• Foreign workers and new residents
• People who want a standard Japanese mobile number
• Users who prefer English-language support
• People who do not want a conventional two-year carrier commitment
• People who want to arrange service before or soon after arriving in Japan

For a short-term tourist who only needs internet access, Sakura’s separate travel eSIM, SIM, or Pocket WiFi products may be more appropriate than a resident monthly plan.

How Much Mobile Data Do You Really Need?

Choosing the right data allowance can save money. Many people either buy far more data than they actually use or choose a small plan and then repeatedly pay for additional data.

Your ideal monthly allowance depends mainly on how much time you spend on WiFi and what you do on your phone when you are outside.

Light Use: Around 5 GB

A smaller plan may be enough if you mainly use mobile data for:

• Messaging apps
• Email
• Google Maps
• Occasional web browsing
• Train and navigation apps
• Light social media use

If you have reliable WiFi at home, school, university, or work, a 5 GB plan may be sufficient for relatively light mobile use.

Moderate Use: Around 10 to 20 GB

This range can suit people who regularly use:

• Social media
• Music streaming
• Maps and navigation
• Browsing
• Messaging
• Occasional video calls
• Some video streaming

For many students and workers who also have WiFi at home, this can be a practical middle ground.

Heavy Use: 30 GB or More

Consider a larger allowance if you frequently:

• Watch YouTube, Netflix, or other video services using mobile data
• Make long video calls
• Upload or download large files
• Use cloud storage heavily
• Use your phone as a hotspot for a laptop or tablet
• Travel frequently without reliable WiFi

Video is usually one of the biggest sources of mobile-data consumption, so even a large plan can disappear quickly if you regularly stream at high quality.

Do Not Choose by Data Size Alone

Before selecting a larger plan, also compare:

• Monthly price
• What happens after your allowance is used
• Whether unused data rolls over
• Cost of additional data
• Tethering rules
• Network speed
• Contract flexibility

For example, Sakura Mobile currently offers resident SIM/eSIM plans ranging from 5 GB up to 100 GB, and eligible unused monthly data can roll over to the following month. (sakuramobile.jp)

A Practical Starting Point

If you are unsure, it is often better to start with a moderate plan rather than immediately choosing the largest available option.

Monitor your actual usage for the first month or two.

Then adjust if necessary.

For many people living in Japan with WiFi at home, school, or work, 10 to 20 GB can be a reasonable starting range. Heavy streamers, frequent travelers, and hotspot users may need considerably more.

What Documents and Payment Methods May Be Required?

Mobile-service application requirements in Japan vary by provider and by the type of plan you choose. A prepaid travel eSIM may require much less information than a long-term Voice + Data contract with a Japanese phone number.

For foreign residents, the two areas that most often need attention are identity verification and payment method.

Documents You May Need

Depending on the provider and service, you may be asked for one or more of the following:

• Residence Card
• My Number Card
• Passport
• Japanese address
• Email address
• Payment information
• Additional proof of address in some situations

Before applying, make sure your identification document is valid and that the address shown on it is current where an address is required.

Sakura Mobile Voice + Data Requirements

For Sakura Mobile’s current resident Voice + Data SIM/eSIM application, customers with a registered Japanese address can complete online identity verification using a valid Residence Card or My Number Card showing their current address. 

If you do not have documentation containing a registered Japanese address, Sakura Mobile currently allows passport verification for certain applications, but the available receiving method changes. Its application guide states that passport-based applications require pickup rather than normal home delivery. 

This is important for newly arriving students and workers. If you have just moved into Japan, updating the address on your Residence Card can make later administrative and service applications easier.

Credit and Debit Cards

Do not assume that every Japanese mobile provider will accept a foreign-issued card.

Sakura Mobile currently accepts Visa, Mastercard, JCB, American Express, Discover, and Diners credit or debit cards, including eligible cards issued outside Japan. Card approval still depends on the card issuer. 

Sakura Mobile states that it does not accept direct bank transfers, cash cards, or prepaid credit/debit cards for its monthly products. 

Paying in Cash at a Convenience Store

People who do not want to use a credit or debit card may have another option.

Sakura Mobile currently supports cash payment for monthly services through Smart Pit. Customers can make payments at:

• FamilyMart
• Lawson
• MiniStop

Its current support information states that Smart Pit is not available at 7-Eleven. 

The rules can differ depending on the product and payment method, so check the specific conditions before applying.

Delivery and Identity Verification Can Be Connected

Your payment method and identification documents can also affect where a product can be delivered.

For example, Sakura Mobile states that Voice + Data service packages may need to be delivered to the latest address shown on a Residence Card or another accepted government document in certain cases. 

For eSIM applications made from outside Japan, identity-verification procedures can also affect how the eSIM is received. Sakura Mobile currently states that some monthly eSIM applicants outside Japan must complete in-person ID verification when collecting the required package at an approved counter. 

Before You Apply

Prepare these things before starting a mobile-service application:

• A valid ID document
• Your current Japanese address, if required
• A working email address
• A supported payment method
• An unlocked and compatible phone
• Your desired SIM or eSIM type
• A clear idea of whether you need data-only or Voice + Data

If you have recently arrived in Japan, do not rush through the application simply because you need internet immediately. Check the identification, delivery, payment, and device requirements first.

Practical tip: if you are moving to Japan, updating your official address and preparing a usable payment method early can make getting a long-term phone plan considerably smoother.

Common Mistakes Foreigners Make When Choosing a SIM

Many mobile-plan problems in Japan come from choosing too quickly. The cheapest or fastest option is not always the right one, especially if you are planning to study, work, or live in Japan for a long time.

1. Buying a Data-Only Plan When You Actually Need a Japanese Number

A travel eSIM or data-only SIM may look attractive because setup is simple, but it may not include a standard Japanese mobile number.

If you expect to use your number for calls, SMS, work, school, deliveries, or other everyday services, check whether the plan provides a normal 070, 080, or 090 number. These prefixes are used for Japanese mobile-phone numbers. 

Sakura Mobile’s current Voice + Data service provides standard 070, 080, or 090 numbers, while its data-focused products are designed for users who primarily need internet access. 

2. Confusing SIM Type With Service Type

A physical SIM does not automatically mean Voice + Data, and an eSIM does not automatically mean data-only.

An eSIM is simply a SIM built into the device that can be remotely programmed. Depending on the plan, it can support phone-number information and telecommunications services without inserting a physical card. 

Always check what the actual plan includes.

3. Forgetting to Check Whether the Phone Is Unlocked

A compatible SIM is useless if your phone is still restricted to another carrier.

DOCOMO notes that some devices may need to have their SIM lock removed before another carrier’s SIM can be used. Many newer Japanese devices are sold without a SIM lock, but older devices may still require checking. 

Before ordering, confirm both:

• SIM-lock status
• Supported network frequencies/bands

4. Choosing Only by Monthly Price

A cheap monthly fee can be misleading if you later discover additional costs such as:

• Activation fees
• Voice-call charges
• SMS charges
• Extra data
• Device rental
• Optional services

Compare the total expected cost, not just the headline monthly price.

For example, Sakura Mobile currently charges Voice + Data calls separately from the monthly plan, with domestic outgoing calls priced at ¥16.5 per 30 seconds and outgoing SMS charged separately. 

5. Buying Much More Data Than You Need

Unlimited or very large data plans can sound reassuring, but they may be unnecessary if you have WiFi at home, university, school, or work.

Start by estimating your real usage. You can usually change plans later more easily than recovering months of unnecessary higher payments.

6. Ignoring Cancellation Rules

People coming to Japan for study or work sometimes assume they will stay for a fixed period, but plans can change.

Before signing up, check:

• Minimum contract length
• Cancellation procedure
• Cancellation deadline
• Final payment rules
• Whether the plan renews automatically

Sakura Mobile currently states that its monthly services do not have a formal one-year minimum contract, but the subscription continues month by month until a termination request is submitted. 

7. Assuming Every Japanese Phone Number Is the Same

A 050 number is an IP-telephone number, while 070, 080, and 090 ranges are standard Japanese mobile-number ranges. 

If a specific service requires a normal mobile number, check the type of number included before purchasing the plan.

8. Ignoring Customer Support

Mobile setup can involve:

• identity verification
• eSIM installation
• APN settings
• billing
• troubleshooting
• cancellation

If you are not comfortable dealing with these issues in Japanese, English or multilingual support may be worth paying slightly more for.

9. Buying Before Checking the Exact Device

Do not purchase an eSIM simply because your phone model generally supports eSIM.

Check the exact model, country version, carrier lock status, and network compatibility.

Phones with the same product name can sometimes have different specifications depending on where they were sold.

The Safest Approach

Before paying, answer these five questions:

1. Do I need a Japanese phone number?
2. Does my exact phone support this SIM/eSIM and network?
3. How much data will I realistically use?
4. What is the total cost, including fees and calls?
5. Can I cancel or change the plan easily if my situation changes?

If you can answer all five clearly, you are much less likely to choose the wrong mobile plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an eSIM and physical SIM at the same time?

Yes, on compatible devices. For example, Apple supports Dual SIM using a physical SIM and an eSIM on compatible iPhones, and newer models can also support two eSIMs. Device and carrier compatibility still matter. 

Can I get a Japanese phone number with an eSIM?

Yes, if the plan includes voice service and a Japanese number. Sakura Mobile’s current resident Voice + Data eSIM provides a standard Japanese mobile number, while its travel eSIM is data-only and does not include a phone number. 

Can I buy a Japan eSIM before arriving in Japan?

Yes. Sakura Mobile states that its travel eSIM can be purchased before or after arrival, and the activation information is delivered digitally. It recommends ordering a few days before you need it. 

Do I need a Japanese phone number as a tourist?

Usually not if you mainly need maps, messaging, reservations, and internet access. A data-only travel eSIM may be sufficient. Sakura Mobile’s current travel eSIM is specifically designed as a data-only service for stays of up to 90 days. 

For study, work, or long-term residence, a standard Japanese mobile number can be more useful for everyday communication.

Can I use hotspot or tethering?

Yes, depending on the plan and device. Sakura Mobile currently allows tethering on its monthly SIM/eSIM plans, and its support page says there is no additional restriction on the normal iOS or Android hotspot function. 

Can I change my data plan later?

With Sakura Mobile’s monthly SIM/eSIM service, customers can currently request a plan change through My Page and select a different available data allowance. 

This is useful if you discover after a month or two that you bought too much or too little data.

Do Sakura Mobile monthly plans require a long contract?

Sakura Mobile currently says there is no formal one-year minimum contract. Monthly contracts automatically renew each month until the customer submits a termination request. 

Always check the latest cancellation deadlines and conditions before subscribing.

Is eSIM always better than a physical SIM?

No.

eSIM is convenient because there is no physical card to insert, and compatible devices can support multiple SIM configurations. A physical SIM can still be preferable if your phone does not support eSIM or if you want a removable card that can be transferred more easily between compatible devices. 

The better choice depends on your device and how you intend to use the service.

Final Recommendation

There is no single SIM or eSIM plan that is best for every foreigner in Japan. The right choice depends on how long you will stay, whether you need a Japanese phone number, how much data you use, your device compatibility, and how comfortable you are dealing with Japanese-language support.

If You Are Visiting Japan

For a short trip, start with a travel eSIM, prepaid SIM, or Pocket WiFi rather than automatically signing up for a resident monthly plan.

A travel eSIM is particularly convenient if your phone supports eSIM and you mainly need mobile data. Sakura Mobile’s current travel eSIM is data-only, does not include a Japanese phone number, and is designed for travelers staying in Japan for up to 90 days. 

If You Are Moving to Japan for Study or Work

Think beyond internet access.

If you expect to make ordinary calls, receive SMS, and use a Japanese number as part of everyday life, a Voice + Data SIM/eSIM with a standard Japanese phone number is generally more practical than a travel data-only product.

Sakura Mobile’s current resident Voice + Data service provides a Japanese phone number and is available as both SIM and eSIM, while its monthly lineup also includes data-only and other internet options. 

If You Already Have a Japanese Number

You may not need another Voice + Data contract.

A data-only SIM/eSIM can make sense for:

• A secondary phone
• Tablet
• Additional mobile data
• Backup internet
• Tethering or travel use

In that situation, compare the data allowance and total monthly cost rather than paying for voice features you do not need.

If English Support Is Important to You

A foreigner-focused provider can be worth considering even if it is not always the cheapest option.

Sakura Mobile positions its travel and resident services specifically for international users and provides its product information and support environment in English. 

However, English support alone should not determine your decision.

Compare:

• Total monthly cost
• Initial fees
• Data allowance
• Japanese phone-number availability
• Voice and SMS charges
• Network and coverage
• Contract flexibility
• Payment methods
• Device compatibility
• Customer support

AIC Japan’s Practical Recommendation

For most newcomers, use this decision process:

Staying in Japan for a short trip?
Start by comparing travel eSIM, prepaid SIM, and Pocket WiFi.

Moving to Japan for study or work and need a Japanese number?
Compare resident Voice + Data SIM/eSIM plans.

Already have a Japanese number and mainly need internet?
Consider data-only plans.

Not sure how much data you need?
Start conservatively, monitor your actual usage, and change plans later if your provider allows it.

Do not choose a mobile service simply because it is advertised as the cheapest, fastest, or “best.”

Choose the service that provides the functions you actually need, on a compatible device, at a total cost you understand.

And before applying, always check the provider’s latest prices, conditions, coverage, and eligibility requirements because mobile plans and promotions can change.

For practical preparation beyond mobile service, read our newcomer guide to life in Japan. Students can also use our Study in Japan roadmap, and workers can review working in Japan rules and contracts before they arrive.