Posted on
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By
Clay Thomas
Sakura Mobile is a Japan-based mobile provider offering travel eSIMs, physical SIM cards, and pocket WiFi for international visitors. Its eSIM plans include daily high-speed data allowances and an unlimited option, with coverage across Japan's major mobile networks.
However, Sakura Mobile may not be the best option for every traveler. Depending on how long you're staying in Japan, how much data you need, and whether you plan to use your phone as a hotspot, another provider may offer more affordable plans, greater flexibility, or additional travel benefits.
In this guide, we'll explore seven of the best Sakura Mobile alternatives for Japan, starting with our own Journey Japan eSIM, and compare what each offers in terms of data plans, coverage, pricing, and hotspot support.
1. Journey Japan eSIM
Journey Japan eSIM is our Japan-focused eSIM service, founded by Chris Broad, creator of the Abroad in Japan YouTube channel.
We offer fixed-data and True Unlimited 5G plans for travelers who want reliable mobile connectivity throughout Japan without a physical SIM card or a Japanese phone number.
Our eSIMs connect directly to NTT Docomo and KDDI (au), two of Japan's major mobile networks, with coverage across all 47 prefectures.
Whether you're exploring Tokyo and Osaka, traveling between cities on the Shinkansen, or visiting smaller towns and rural destinations, our plans keep you connected throughout your trip.
Fixed-Data and True Unlimited 5G Plans
We offer three fixed-data plans with 10GB, 20GB, and 50GB of data, all valid for 30 days.
Unlike daily data plans that reduce your speeds after a certain allowance, our fixed-data plans let you use your entire allowance whenever you need it during your trip.
For travelers who expect to use more data, our True Unlimited 5G plans offer unrestricted high-speed mobile data without daily usage caps or fair-use throttling. These are available for 7, 15, and 30 days.
Here's a breakdown of our current plans and pricing:
Plan | Validity | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
10GB | 30 days | $19 |
20GB | 30 days | $29 |
50GB | 30 days | $49 |
True Unlimited 5G | 7 days | $29 |
True Unlimited 5G | 15 days | $49 |
True Unlimited 5G | 30 days | $79 |
Coverage and Real-World Speeds Across Japan
Our fixed-data plans use NTT Docomo, while our True Unlimited 5G plans connect through KDDI. Both support high-speed 5G and 4G/LTE connectivity wherever the network and your device support it.
We've also conducted our own speed tests across Japan to see how different eSIM providers perform in real travel conditions.
In our Japan eSIM speed test database, which includes more than 400 tests across 22 locations, Journey Japan eSIM recorded an average download speed of 301.2 Mbps, compared with 134.2 Mbps for Sakura Mobile.
We tested connections at popular destinations, including Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, as well as busy train stations and other locations where travelers frequently rely on mobile data.
Hotspot and Tethering Support
All our eSIM plans support hotspot and tethering, allowing you to share your connection with a laptop, tablet, or another device.
On fixed-data plans, hotspot usage comes from your regular data allowance, with no separate tethering limit.
Our True Unlimited plans include a separate hotspot allowance based on the plan duration:
7-day plan: 7GB of hotspot data
15-day plan: 15GB of hotspot data
30-day plan: 30GB of hotspot data
These allowances apply to the entire plan, not each day, so you can use more hotspot data on days when you need it. Your mobile data usage directly on your phone remains unlimited.
Easy Setup, 24/7 Support, and Japan Travel Benefits
You can purchase and install a Journey Japan eSIM before leaving for Japan. We email the QR code and installation instructions right after purchase, so you don't need to download an app, pick up a physical SIM card, or visit an airport counter.
We also provide 24/7 English-language customer support, with a Japan-based team available to help with installation, activation, or connectivity issues during your trip.
Beyond mobile data, every Journey Japan eSIM purchase gives you access to exclusive travel discounts and benefits across Japan. These currently include ¥500 off karaoke per person at Big Echo, ¥500 off your first cocktail or mocktail at LOST Bar Shibuya, 15% off Bounce luggage storage, and discounts at participating restaurants and attractions.
If you're looking for a Sakura Mobile alternative with flexible data allowances, strong local network coverage, and extra travel benefits, explore our Japan eSIM plans to find one that fits your trip.
2. Ubigi
Ubigi is another popular Sakura Mobile alternative, offering both fixed-data and unlimited eSIM plans for Japan.
Unlike Sakura Mobile, which focuses primarily on Japan, Ubigi offers eSIM coverage in more than 200 destinations, making it useful for travelers visiting multiple countries.
In Japan, Ubigi connects through major local networks, including NTT Docomo, KDDI, and SoftBank, with 4G and 5G connectivity available depending on your location and device.
Ubigi offers several fixed-data packages, including 5GB for 15 days at $10 and 10GB for 30 days at $16.50. It also offers unlimited plans, though they come with fair-use restrictions. For example, its 15-day unlimited plan costs $39 and includes 30GB of full-speed data, after which speeds drop to 2 Mbps for the remainder of the plan.
Hotspot and tethering are supported, letting you share your connection with a laptop, tablet, or other device.
Ubigi also lets you keep the same eSIM installed and purchase additional plans through its app, so you don't need to install a new eSIM each time you travel.
3. Airalo
Airalo is one of the largest international eSIM providers, offering mobile data plans in more than 200 destinations. Its Japan eSIM, called Moshi Moshi, offers both fixed-data and unlimited options, plus regional Asia and global plans for travelers visiting multiple countries.
For Japan, Airalo uses SoftBank as its primary network, with additional local network access depending on the plan. Its fixed-data packages start at $4 for 1GB over three days, while larger options include 10GB for 30 days at $18 and 20GB for 30 days at $25.
Airalo also offers unlimited plans for trips ranging from three to 30 days. However, these plans include a daily high-speed allowance of 3GB; after that, speeds drop to 1 Mbps until the allowance resets. Hotspot and tethering are supported, although shared data also counts toward the daily high-speed allowance.
You can purchase, install, and manage your eSIM in the Airalo app, where you can monitor data usage and buy top-ups for eligible plans. Airalo also offers regional and global eSIM packages, which can be useful if you're visiting Japan alongside other destinations in Asia.
4. Nomad
Nomad is another international eSIM provider offering affordable fixed-data and unlimited plans for travelers visiting Japan. It also offers regional eSIM packages covering multiple Asian countries, making it convenient if your trip includes destinations outside Japan.
Nomad's Japan fixed-data plans start at $4 for 1GB over seven days and $7 for 3GB over 30 days. Larger packages include 10GB for $16 and 20GB for $23, both valid for 30 days. These plans give you a fixed allowance to use throughout your trip, with no daily data restriction.
Nomad also offers unlimited plans, including seven days for $25 and 14 days for $41. However, its unlimited plans generally include a daily high-speed allowance of 2GB, after which your connection speed drops until the allowance resets. Consider this if you plan to stream videos, upload large files, or use a lot of mobile data.
In Japan, Nomad connects through KDDI (au) and SoftBank, with 4G and 5G connectivity where available. It supports hotspot and tethering, and you can add data to eligible fixed-data plans without installing a new eSIM.
5. Holafly
Holafly is a popular travel eSIM provider known for its unlimited-data plans, with coverage in more than 200 destinations worldwide. Unlike providers that primarily sell fixed-data packages, Holafly focuses on unlimited mobile data with flexible plan durations.
In Japan, Holafly offers unlimited-data eSIMs for trips from 1 to 90 days. Its published prices include $27.50 for seven days, $50.50 for 15 days, and $73.90 for 30 days. You can also choose a custom duration to match your travel dates instead of buying a longer plan than you need.
Holafly connects through KDDI and SoftBank in Japan, supporting 4G and 5G connectivity where available. Although its plans provide unlimited mobile data, the local network operator may temporarily reduce speeds under its fair-use policy.
Hotspot and tethering are also supported, but Holafly limits data sharing to 1GB per day. For example, a seven-day plan includes up to 7GB of hotspot data, with a daily sharing limit. This may be enough for occasional laptop use or sharing your connection with another traveler, but it can be restrictive if you regularly work remotely.
Holafly also provides 24/7 customer support through live chat and email, and you can install your eSIM before departure using a QR code or the Holafly app.
6. Mobal
Mobal is another Japan-focused mobile provider offering travel eSIMs, physical SIM cards, and pocket WiFi.
Unlike most international eSIM providers, Mobal also offers plans with a real Japanese phone number, making it useful for travelers who need to make local calls, receive SMS messages, or stay in Japan for an extended period.
For travelers who only need mobile data, Mobal offers fixed-data and unlimited 5G eSIM plans. Its fixed-data options include 10GB for 31 days at ¥5,950 and 50GB for 31 days at ¥6,600. Unlimited plans are available for durations ranging from three to 31 days, including a 16-day plan priced at ¥7,400.
The unlimited plans use KDDI's network and include hotspot support. For example, the 16-day unlimited plan allows up to 15GB of hotspot data while providing unlimited mobile data directly on your phone.
Mobal also offers voice and data eSIMs that use NTT Docomo's network. These include monthly data allowances ranging from 1GB to 50GB, with a 10GB plan costing ¥3,630 per month, plus an upfront eSIM fee.
However, the voice-enabled plans require identity verification and the delivery or collection of a physical eSIM access code, so setup takes more preparation than a standard data-only eSIM.
7. Japan Wireless
Japan Wireless is a Japan-based connectivity provider offering travel eSIMs and pocket WiFi rentals for international visitors. Like Sakura Mobile, it helps travelers stay connected throughout Japan, with several data options for different trip lengths and usage needs.
Its eSIM plans include fixed-data packages and unlimited 5G options. Fixed-data plans include 21GB for seven days at $27.16 and 30GB for 10 days at $33.64. For heavy data users, unlimited 5G plans start at $16.63 for two days, with seven-day and 30-day options at $35.35 and $83.19, respectively, before promotional discounts.
Japan Wireless uses KDDI's network for its 5G plans, providing coverage across major cities and many regional destinations. Its unlimited plans don't have a fixed overall data cap, though the network may temporarily manage speeds under its fair-use policy.
Hotspot and tethering are supported, with a separate high-speed sharing allowance on unlimited plans based on the duration. Once that allowance runs out, hotspot sharing remains available at reduced speeds.
Japan Wireless also rents portable pocket WiFi routers that can connect multiple devices simultaneously. Travelers can arrange airport pickup or delivery to their accommodation, but they must return rental devices at the end of the trip.
Japan Wireless delivers eSIMs digitally and provides English-language customer support seven days a week. The company also offers a pocket WiFi backup if a compatible eSIM cannot connect and its support team cannot resolve the issue.
What to Consider When Choosing a Sakura Mobile Alternative
Sakura Mobile offers several options for staying connected in Japan, but other providers may offer better pricing, more flexible data allowances, or different features depending on your travel plans.
Here are a few things to compare before choosing an alternative:
Data Allowances and Speed Restrictions
Not all eSIM plans handle data usage the same way. Some give you a fixed amount of data for your trip, while others offer daily high-speed allowances or unlimited data.
For example, Sakura Mobile's 3GB/day eSIM reduces your connection speed to 200 Kbps after you use your daily allowance. Its separate 5G unlimited plan doesn't cap daily data for use directly on your phone.
If you regularly stream videos, upload photos, or make video calls, check whether an unlimited plan has any fair-use restrictions. For lighter usage, such as maps, messaging, and translation, a fixed-data plan may be more affordable.
Network Coverage Across Japan
Most travel eSIM providers connect through one or more of Japan's major mobile networks, including NTT Docomo, KDDI (au), and SoftBank.
All three offer extensive coverage in major cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, but signal availability and connection speeds can vary in rural areas, mountainous regions, and smaller towns.
Some providers also use different networks depending on the plan you purchase. Check which network your specific eSIM uses, particularly if you plan to travel beyond the major tourist destinations.
Hotspot and Tethering Limits
If you plan to share your mobile connection with a laptop, tablet, or another traveler, check the provider's hotspot allowance before purchasing.
Even some truly unlimited eSIM plans set separate tethering limits. For example, Sakura Mobile's seven-day unlimited plan includes 6GB of hotspot data, while its 15-day plan includes 15GB.
Other providers may impose daily hotspot limits or allow you to share your entire fixed-data allowance.
If you expect to work remotely, attend video calls, or connect multiple devices during your trip, compare how much hotspot data you can use and whether the allowance resets daily or applies to the entire plan.
Plan Duration and Pricing
Japan eSIM plans range from single-day packages to options lasting 30 days or longer. Some providers let you choose an exact number of days, while others offer fixed durations such as seven, 15, or 30 days.
Compare the total cost for your intended trip rather than looking only at the advertised starting price. A cheaper plan may include less high-speed data, a shorter validity period, or restrictions that require you to purchase additional data.
Also check when the plan activates, whether unused data expires, and whether you can extend or top up your eSIM if your travel plans change.
Phone Numbers and Ease of Setup
Most travel eSIMs are data-only, meaning they don't include a Japanese phone number for traditional calls or SMS messages. You can still use internet-based services such as WhatsApp, FaceTime, and LINE to communicate.
If you need a Japanese number for local calls or SMS verification, consider providers such as Mobal that offer voice-enabled plans.
Before purchasing, make sure your phone supports eSIM technology and is carrier-unlocked.
Also check the provider's installation and activation instructions, since some eSIMs can be installed before departure, while others require you to wait until you arrive in Japan.
Find the Right eSIM for Your Japan Trip
Sakura Mobile offers several ways to stay connected in Japan, but the best alternative will depend on your data needs, trip duration, and budget.
If you're looking for a reliable Japan-focused eSIM, our Journey Japan eSIM offers fixed-data and True Unlimited 5G plans with coverage through NTT Docomo and KDDI.
We also provide hotspot support, 24/7 English-language customer service, and exclusive discounts at participating businesses across Japan.
Explore our Japan eSIM plans to find an option that suits your trip.
