Sakura Mobile eSIM – Review & Full Test 2026

Item: Sakura Mobile
Rating: 4.7
Author: MyBestSim

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Countries covered

1 countries

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Starting at

2,81 €

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Network

5G

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Data

Unlimited

✅

Calls/SMS

Yes

Exceptional coverage at 99% of the Japanese population via docomo 4G and au 5G networks.

Ultra-flexible plans from 1 to 90 days for travelers, with unlimited data and hotspot included.

24/7 English customer support, simple app installation, and immediate activation on arrival.

Portable Pocket WiFi rentals for situations where the phone is not compatible or roaming is unavailable.

Competitive pricing with no hidden fees, much cheaper than standard international roaming.

Physical SIM, digital eSIM, and voice + data options for all traveler profiles.

Official ratings

Online reviews

4,8 /5

1 193 reviews

Destinations & coverage

By region

Key points

✅

Advantages

✓ Extremely reliable network coverage (99% of Japan) thanks to docomo and au partners.
✓ Ultra-fast installation via eSIM or physical SIM, directly from the app before/after arrival.
✓ Responsive English-speaking customer support, crucial for non-Japanese-speaking tourists.
✓ Very flexible plans from very short duration (1 day) to 90 days, ideal for all types of stays.
✓ Unlimited data with no hard cap (soft FUP of 3GB/day for 4G), hotspot allowed.
✓ Optional portable Pocket WiFi for travelers with non-compatible phones.
✓ Low and transparent pricing, no subscription, no minimum contract.

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Disadvantages

✗ Coverage limited to Japan only, not applicable for multi-country trips.
✗ 4G plans have a soft 3GB/day limit after which speed is reduced to 1Mbps.
✗ eSIM activations sometimes difficult in some countries before arrival (recommended to activate in Japan).
✗ Few discounts for long stays compared to classic resident monthly plans.
✗ Limited app availability (no full web access, mobile app required).
✗ Rural and mountainous areas potentially affected despite claimed coverage.

Customer reviews

✓ Verified traveler

5/5

“

Easy, fast, and reliable installation. I highly recommend it for travel to Japan.

March 1, 2026

✓ Verified traveler

5/5

“

The process to install my SIM card was super easy. The kiosk staff was very informative and fast to set up. So far, my plan works efficiently with no issues. I'm very satisfied!

March 1, 2026

✓ Verified traveler

5/5

“

Amazing service from Sakura Mobile. I bought the unlimited data SIM and it worked everywhere in Japan, even deep underground. Highly recommend!

March 1, 2026

✓ Verified traveler

4/5

“

Very fast WiFi everywhere and easy to use. Sakura Mobile helps quickly and courteously when questions arise. Highly recommend.

March 1, 2026

✓ Verified traveler

4/5

“

Response by mail was a bit slow the first time, but the second person who helped me replied quickly and all my requests for WiFi and eSIM rental were resolved.

March 1, 2026

Description

Sakura Mobile provides complete and flexible connectivity solutions for travelers and residents in Japan: physical SIMs, digital eSIMs, and portable Pocket WiFi, all with unlimited data access using docomo (4G/LTE) and au (5G) high-speed networks. Travelers can choose from various durations (1 to 90 days for short plans, up to monthly resident plans) at economical rates. The service includes 24/7 English customer support, easy installation via mobile app, 99% coverage of the Japanese population, and the ability to share the connection. Ideal for tourists, foreign students, and expatriates looking for an alternative to high roaming fees.

How it works

1

Download the Sakura Mobile app

Install the Sakura Mobile app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android) on your eSIM or regular SIM compatible phone.

2

Create your account

Sign up with your email address, passport number, and payment information. Quick verification by email.

3

Select your plan

Choose between physical SIM, eSIM, or Pocket WiFi, then select your duration (1-90 days) and plan type (unlimited 4G, unlimited 5G/4G, or fixed data).

4

Complete your purchase

Confirm your order and pay using the offered methods (cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay).

5

Receive installation instructions

For eSIM: you will receive a QR code to scan via the app. For physical SIM: it will be delivered or picked up at the airport/pickup points.

6

Activate the plan on arrival

Upon arrival in Japan, activate your eSIM/SIM from network settings and configure data access type (local non-roaming).

7

Test your connection

Once activated, check reception and test internet, calls, and SMS according to your plan (data only or voice + data).

⚠️ If it fails

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Cannot activate eSIM before arriving in Japan

✅ This is normal. Sakura recommends waiting until in Japan to activate. Do not try from abroad (this can block the eSIM). Once at Tokyo or other airports, activate from the phone’s network settings.

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No network after activation

✅ Check that the eSIM/SIM is selected for mobile data, that international roaming is OFF (local mode), and restart the phone. Manually change the network (docomo for 4G, au for 5G) via settings.

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Reduced speed after 3GB consumed on 4G

✅ This is the FUP (Fair Usage Policy) of unlimited 4G plans: limited to 1Mbps after 3GB/day. Resets daily. For constant speed, choose the unlimited 5G/4G plan.

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App issue or payment error

✅ Contact English support via chat/email 24/7. Have your order number and passport ready. Usually resolved within a few hours.

Alternatives

Pearky eSIM

TraveleSIM

GlobaleSIM

FAQ

Which Sakura Mobile plan to choose for a 7-day trip to Japan?

For one week, choose a 7-day eSIM or 5G/4G unlimited SIM plan. This duration corresponds to an optimal value. Be sure to check exact arrival/departure dates and choose the 5G version if your phone supports it (iPhone 12+, Galaxy S20+, etc.) for best speeds.

Can I use hotspot/tethering with Sakura Mobile?

Yes, hotspot is allowed on most Sakura Mobile plans. However, on unlimited 4G plans, after 3GB of hotspot per day, speed is limited. Unlimited 5G/4G plans offer a higher limit (up to 30GB for 30 days).

Is my phone compatible with Sakura Mobile?

Most recent smartphones are compatible (iPhone 6s+, Samsung Galaxy S5+, Google Pixel 3+, etc.). Check the full list by brand/model on the Sakura Mobile site before purchase, especially for eSIM. Pocket WiFi works with any WiFi-enabled device.

Can I keep my French phone number with Sakura Mobile?

No, Sakura Mobile provides a new Japanese number only (required for calls/SMS). You can keep your French number using a secondary local or VoIP eSIM.

What is Sakura Mobile's refund policy?

Prepaid plans are generally non-refundable once activated. Check the general terms of the chosen plan for exact details on refunds, changes, and cancellations.

Can I buy in advance and receive my SIM/eSIM before traveling?

Yes, you can order via the app or website. Physical SIMs are delivered or picked up at Tokyo airport or other hubs. eSIMs are instant but it's recommended to wait to be in Japan for activation.

How long does my plan last once activated?

Duration starts at activation (1, 7, 15, 30, 90 days, etc.). It expires at midnight on the last day. You can extend or buy a new plan directly via the app before expiration.

Does Sakura Mobile offer discounts for groups or long stays?

For short trips (< 90 days), discounts may apply on multi-day plans (46 and 93 days). For longer stays (residents), check specific monthly plans. No official group discount visible currently.

Company info

Legal name: Sakura Mobile

Address: Tokyo, Japan

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://sakuramobile.jp

Support

24/7

Accepted payments

Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay