Monthly SIM/eSIM Compatibility
To use SIM cards or eSIMs in Japan, please check following
SIM lock
Network
Device Compatibility
SIM lock
Your device has to be unlocked (SIM-free) to use our SIM cards.
Phones from most European and Asian countries are normally unlocked; however phones from the United States may be locked by your carrier. (You cannot use our SIMs if you have not paid off your phone yet.)
To check if your device is unlocked, please contact your cellphone company or check our FAQ.
If your phone is Carrier Locked and you cannot unlock it, our Pocket WiFi will work even with locked devices.
Network compatibility
Our SIM cards and eSIMs use NTT Docomo's 4G and 5G network signals.
Since 5G has a more limited coverage area compared to 4G, it is more important to ensure your device supports 4G frequency bands for use in Japan.
Generally, as long as your device supports 4G Band 1, you should not experience any issues.
4G network
The main frequency bands used for 4G are Band 1 and Band 19.
If your device supports Band 1 for 4G, you should be able to receive signal almost anywhere in Japan.
If you are in rural or mountainous areas and your device is not capable of receiving Band 19 signals, mobile reception may be weak.
Band 1 (2100MHz) : Most cities
Band 19 (800MHz) : rural areas, mountains, lakes, islands, suburbs of Kyoto, Nara, Hokkaido except Sapporo, North of Okinawa, and Takayama
- *iPhone models from the 5S onwards support Bands 1 & 19 for 4G.
5G network
The main frequency bands used for 5G are n78 and n79, with support bands n1 and n28.
Currently, 5G coverage is very limited and available only in certain urban areas and a few rural locations.
n78 (3.7GHz) / n79 (4.5GHz) : Main Frequency used for the 5G signal.
If you have any questions regarding the above, feel free to contact us through our web form or reach out via chat.
Device compatibility
Check monthly device compatibility
Check whether your device is compatible with Sakura Mobile monthly SIM and eSIM options before applying. Choose your device's brandThe China, Hong Kong and Macau version of Apple watches / iPhones. Please click here to check if your device is eSIM compatible. Please click here to check if your device is eSIM compatible.
You can still apply for a physical SIM card or a Pocket WiFi device to stay connected in Japan! Be noted that you cannot use hotspot on your device.
You can still apply for a Pocket WiFi device to use shareable internet and stay connected in Japan! The device must be SIM-free to be able to use our service. Please contact your operator to unlock your device. Read “How do I know if my phone is unlocked / SIM-free”
Alternatively, you can still apply for a Pocket WiFi device to stay connected in Japan! Be noted that your device is not compatible with SIM card or eSIM.
You can still apply for a Pocket WiFi device to stay connected in Japan! Be noted that your device is not compatible with SIM card!
You can still apply for a eSIM or a Pocket WiFi device to stay connected in Japan!
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