Sakura Mobile or Mobal: what changes the decision?
This comparison covers monthly Voice + Data plans for people moving to Japan. It is a two-provider comparison, not a ranking of every Japanese carrier. Prices were checked on 8 September 2026.
A 5GB example, with setup costs included
Both examples include a Japanese voice number and 5GB of monthly data. The subtotal adds one full monthly charge to the setup price. It is not a quote for your arrival month or a fixed 30-day package.
| Cost item, tax included | Sakura Mobile | Mobal physical Voice + Data SIM |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly plan, 5GB | ¥3,278 | ¥3,190 |
| One-time setup / SIM | ¥5,500 | ¥4,950 standard price |
| Setup + one full monthly charge | ¥8,778 | ¥8,140 |
| Offer shown when checked | No discount used in this example | SIM discounted to ¥4,455; subtotal ¥7,645 |
The standard-price difference in this example is ¥638. The monthly difference is only ¥88. A collection route you can actually use may matter more than that saving.
The subtotal excludes calls, SMS, delivery, deposits and any end-of-contract charges. Mobal describes first-month prorating, so your actual first bill can differ. Promotions can change. Use your dates in the provider's checkout before deciding.
Sources: Sakura's monthly price list and Mobal's physical SIM plans. The Mobal figures above are not eSIM prices.
Can you receive the plan you chose?
| Your situation | What to do next |
|---|---|
| Applying before entering Japan | Read the overseas collection route for the exact product. Ordering and activation are separate steps. |
| Already in Japan, using a passport | Compare passport-based pickup routes before paying. Do not assume an eSIM arrives by email. |
| You have accepted Japanese address documents | Check resident application routes as well; your options may be broader. |
| You need to pay cash | Check the cash route and the upfront deposit before comparing monthly prices. |
Read the passport and address-document guide or plan your arrival-day connection.
Cash payment needs a separate budget
Sakura's Smart Pit payment for monthly Voice + Data requires a ¥20,000 deposit in addition to registration fees. Its payment guide says the deposit is applied to the last two bills when the contract ends. It is money committed upfront, not simply another ¥20,000 service fee. Do not add it to a lifetime cost and then count the same bills again. Payment terms.
When this shortlist is too narrow
If you already have residence documents and an eligible credit card, include domestic resident plans in your search. IIJmio's guide for people from abroad distinguishes voice service from prepaid data and explains application requirements. We have not priced its plans against these two providers here, so this page cannot establish Japan's cheapest option.
If your school or employer arranges service, compare that offer first. If you only need maps and messaging, check roaming or a data-only product rather than paying for a number you do not need.
Our conclusion
For a newcomer, choose a workable document, payment and collection route first. Then compare the bill for your dates. The table above supports that decision; it does not justify naming one provider the winner for everyone.
These are ordinary source links, not affiliate links. We have not used or tested these services. Source record.