Mobal vs Sakura Mobile: Which Is Better for Japan?
Mobal and Sakura Mobile both offer Japan eSIM and SIM options, including services with a real Japanese 070, 080 or 090 phone number. This comparison looks at pricing, voice calls, SMS, data, setup and customer ratings so you can match the service to your trip or longer stay.
MobalVoice + Data • Data-Only • Japanese NumberMobal or Sakura Mobile?
If you need a Japanese phone number, both companies have qualifying voice plans that provide one. Mobal combines Japanese-number Voice + Data products with Data-Only travel choices. Sakura Mobile separates its tourist data products from its monthly Voice + Data service, which is built more directly around residents, students and longer stays.
Choose Mobal when...
- You want a real 070, 080 or 090 Japanese number.
- You need voice calls, SMS and data in one service.
- You want monthly data choices starting from 1GB.
- You are visiting Japan but still need a local voice number.
- You want Voice + Data and Data-Only choices.
Choose Sakura Mobile when...
- You are living, studying or staying in Japan longer term.
- You want a Japanese number on a monthly Voice + Data plan.
- You want docomo 5G/4G on the monthly voice service.
- You prefer larger monthly data tiers.
- English-language support is particularly important.
Mobal vs Sakura Mobile Features
This is the practical comparison for someone choosing mobile service in Japan.
| Feature | Mobal | Sakura Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| Japanese number | Yes — 070 / 080 / 090 on voice service | Yes — 070 / 080 / 090 on monthly Voice + Data |
| Voice + Data eSIM | Yes | Yes — monthly service |
| Data-only eSIM | Yes | Yes |
| Voice calls & SMS | Yes on voice products | Yes on monthly Voice + Data |
| Entry monthly voice plan | 1GB ¥1,650/month; upfront eSIM purchase applies | 5GB ¥3,278/month tax incl.; ¥5,500 activation fee |
| Network | Japanese mobile network; device requirements apply | docomo 5G/4G for monthly Voice + Data |
| Incoming calls | Free in Japan on voice service | Free in Japan on current monthly voice service |
| Hotspot / tethering | Supported subject to plan/device | Yes |
| Identity check | Required for Japanese voice-number service | ID requirements apply to monthly voice service |
| Best suited to | Visitors and longer-stay users wanting flexible voice/data and a Japanese number | Residents/students for monthly voice; travelers can use separate travel products |
Prices and product details checked September 2026 and can change.
Pricing Compared
Look beyond the monthly headline. Mobal has an upfront eSIM purchase price for Voice + Data, while Sakura Mobile charges a one-time activation fee on its monthly Voice + Data service.
*Promotional price observed on the Mobal page checked for this article. Mobal also lists later 100GB and 200GB upgrade options. Calls/SMS can add usage charges.
See Current Mobal Price →Tax-inclusive prices. Sakura also lists an 80GB tier. Calls and SMS are not included in the base monthly price.
What Actually Separates Them?
Japanese phone number
Both can provide a standard Japanese 070, 080 or 090 number on the relevant voice service. The key is choosing the right product, not assuming Sakura is data-only.
Trip length
Mobal is especially interesting when a visitor needs a local voice number. Sakura''s monthly product is strongly oriented toward residents and longer stays.
Activation
Mobal''s eSIM is digital, but its Japanese voice-number service has identity verification and an access-code process. Data-Only is digitally delivered.
Network
Sakura states its monthly Voice + Data service uses docomo 5G/4G. With either provider, verify your exact unlocked device before purchase.
Data choice
Mobal begins at 1GB and scales upward. Sakura''s monthly Voice + Data range starts at 5GB and currently extends to 100GB.
English support
Both serve international customers. Sakura particularly emphasizes English signup/support, while Mobal provides English ordering and activation guidance.
What Customers Say
These are customer-review snapshots from separate review platforms, not ratings created by VoIPCalling.com. They should not be treated as perfectly comparable scores.
Mobal vs Sakura Mobile Pros and Cons
- Real Japanese number
- Voice calls, SMS and data
- Small 1GB entry tier
- Voice + Data and Data-Only choices
- Works for different stay lengths
- Voice eSIM has ID/access-code steps
- Upfront eSIM purchase price
- Outgoing calls/SMS can add cost
- Real Japanese number on monthly Voice + Data
- docomo 5G/4G
- English-focused support
- Data rollover
- Large monthly data choices
- ¥5,500 activation fee
- Travel and monthly products differ
- Voice monthly plans start at 5GB
- Calls/SMS cost extra
Which One Fits You?
The Practical Difference
Mobal is particularly attractive when a real Japanese number is central to your trip or stay and you want flexible Voice + Data choices, including a low-data starting tier. Sakura Mobile is particularly well set up for longer-term users who want a resident-focused monthly Japanese-number service on docomo 5G/4G, data rollover and larger monthly data choices.
If you only need internet, compare the data-only products instead. If you need a Japanese number, compare total first-month cost, verification, data allowance and length of stay rather than only the advertised monthly price.
Mobal vs Sakura Mobile FAQs
Do both Mobal and Sakura Mobile offer a Japanese phone number?
Yes, on the relevant voice services. Mobal''s Japanese voice products and Sakura Mobile''s monthly Voice + Data SIM/eSIM can provide a standard 070, 080 or 090 Japanese phone number.
Which is cheaper, Mobal or Sakura Mobile?
It depends on your plan and stay length. Mobal''s monthly Voice + Data starts at ¥1,650 for 1GB but has an upfront eSIM purchase price. Sakura''s monthly Voice + Data starts at ¥3,278 tax included for 5GB and has a ¥5,500 activation fee.
Is Sakura Mobile only for data?
No. Sakura Mobile has monthly Voice + Data SIM/eSIM service with a real Japanese phone number, plus separate data-only products.
Is Mobal eSIM fully digital?
The eSIM itself is digital. Mobal''s Data-Only eSIM can be delivered digitally, while its Japanese voice-number service requires identity verification and an access-code process before activation.
Which has better customer ratings?
Both currently show strong ratings on different review platforms. Because the review sources, customer groups and methodologies differ, the scores should not be treated as a perfect head-to-head measurement.
Can I use these eSIMs on iPhone or Android?
You need an unlocked, compatible device for an eSIM plan. Check the exact model and provider network requirements before purchasing.
Editorial & affiliate disclosure: VoIPCalling.com may earn a commission if you purchase Mobal through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Sakura Mobile is included independently for comparison; its single external link is marked nofollow. Prices, ratings and product details were checked in September 2026 and may change.