Introduction
Staying connected in Japan can be challenging for new residents, students, remote workers, and long-term travelers. Sakura Mobile has become one of the most trusted service providers for foreigners because of their English support, transparent pricing, flexible contracts, and fast nationwide LTE/5G coverage. This in-depth review explains how Sakura Mobile works, why it is suitable for foreigners, what sets it apart from major Japanese carriers, and how to choose the right plan.
What Is Sakura Mobile?
Sakura Mobile is a telecom provider specializing in services designed for foreigners in Japan, including prepaid SIMs, long-term SIMs, home internet, and pocket Wi-Fi. Unlike major Japanese carriers, Sakura Mobile focuses on English-friendly onboarding, customer support, and easy cancellation without hidden fees.
Who Is Sakura Mobile Best For?
Sakura Mobile is ideal for:
(1) New residents who need immediate connectivity with English support.
(2) Long-term students who want simple monthly plans.
(3) Remote workers needing stable LTE/5G and home internet options.
(4) Travelers needing pocket Wi-Fi for one–four weeks.
(5) Anyone who dislikes complicated paperwork from major Japanese carriers.
Key Features
• Full English signup & support
• Fast nationwide LTE/5G coverage
• No activation fees on most long-term plans
• Easy cancellation online
• Free delivery to hotels, airports, and apartments
• No Japanese credit card required
• Transparent pricing without hidden fees
Plan Types
Sakura Mobile offers four main categories:
(1) Long-term SIM Plans (voice + data)
(2) Data-only long-term SIMs
(3) Pocket Wi-Fi rental
(4) Home internet (fiber-optic)
Long-Term SIM Plans Explained
Long-term plans are perfect for residents staying more than 3–6 months. Options include 5GB, 10GB, 25GB, and 100GB monthly plans. All include LTE/5G access and English support. Voice plans include a Japanese phone number and optional unlimited calling add-ons.
Data-Only SIM Plans
Data-only SIMs are ideal for students, tablet users, and remote workers who rely primarily on apps such as LINE, WhatsApp, Skype, or Zoom. These plans provide flexible monthly data without the need for voice-service identity verification.
Pocket Wi-Fi Rental
Pocket Wi-Fi is recommended for:
• Travelers
• New arrivals waiting for residence cards
• Remote workers needing backup internet
• Renters without fiber-optic access
Plans range from daily rentals to monthly rentals with unlimited data packages.
Sakura Mobile vs Major Carriers
Sakura Mobile advantages:
• English customer support
• Simple pricing
• No long contracts
• Quick activation
• Better support for foreign credit cards
Major carriers disadvantages:
Complicated contracts, cancellation fees, Japanese-only customer support, and in-store procedures.
Coverage & Speed
Sakura Mobile uses major Japanese LTE/5G networks with strong coverage across Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Sapporo, Fukuoka, and rural regions. Users typically experience 30–80 Mbps download on LTE and even higher speeds on 5G.
Setup & Activation
SIM cards are delivered to the airport or your home. Activation takes 5–10 minutes using a simple English guide. Pocket Wi-Fi is plug-and-play.
Customer Support
Sakura Mobile is known for fast English support via email or phone. They provide detailed troubleshooting guides and flexible cancellation policies.
Pros & Cons
Pros: English support, flexible contracts, fast delivery, easy cancellation, strong LTE/5G network
Cons: Slightly higher price than low-cost MVNOs, limited physical store availability
Who Should Choose Sakura Mobile?
Choose Sakura Mobile if you want stress-free setup, reliable internet, and full English support. Best for foreigners staying 1 month–2 years.
Conclusion
Sakura Mobile remains one of the best connectivity choices for foreigners in Japan in 2025. With its simple onboarding, transparent pricing, and excellent support, it is ideal for both short-term visitors and long-term residents.
