Updated: 2025-01-22 15:44:23
I am planning to stay in Hokkaido for about two weeks. I used Airalo’s eSIM in Tokyo before, but I’ve heard that Airalo’s signal can be unstable in rural areas of Hokkaido. If I use an eSIM on the Docomo network, will I be able to stay connected reliably?
We received this kind of inquiry.
Many people traveling to Hokkaido might be concerned about staying connected in such a vast area. In this article, we’ve gathered helpful information to ensure stable connectivity in Hokkaido.
There are four major mobile carriers in Japan. Below is a summary of the mobile network conditions in Hokkaido for these carriers.
| Mobile Carrier | Features | Urban Area | Rural & Mountain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rakuten Mobile | High population coverage and fast speeds in Sapporo City | High Quality | Signal may not reach rural or mountainous areas |
| NTT Docomo | Extensive coverage across Hokkaido with very high population coverage | Very Stable | Stable connection even in rural areas |
| au (KDDI) | High-quality connection in urban areas, 73% overall coverage, 68% in some areas | High Quality | Coverage may decrease in some areas |
| SoftBank | Expanding 5G coverage, exact coverage percentage not disclosed | Stable | Slightly weaker in rural areas compared to urban areas |
If you choose an eSIM that uses docomo's network, you can expect stable connectivity throughout Hokkaido.
If you're only staying in major cities like Sapporo, almost any network will suffice. However, many travelers to Hokkaido plan to explore the area by car, visiting different locations. For such travelers, an eSIM or pocket WiFi using docomo's network is recommended for stable connectivity.
docomo has the widest coverage area in Japan, so for those who want to visit various rural regions throughout the country, using an eSIM or SIM card that connects to Docomo's network is a great choice.
When traveling, especially when exploring the vast area of Hokkaido, eSIM services with large data plans are highly beneficial. Below, we’ll explain the advantages of large data plans and how to use them effectively during your trip.
By using an eSIM service with a large data plan, you can reduce communication stress during your Hokkaido trip and enjoy a more comfortable and fulfilling time.
