When traveling to remote areas in Japan, such as islands or mountain villages, many travelers wonder: Will my phone still work there?

In KDDI-au’s article “人口100人の島に基地局を 離島に電波を届ける工夫とは”, the company shares how it brought mobile coverage—including 4G LTE and future 5G support—to Kashima Island, a remote part of the Amami Islands with just around 100 residents.

This story shows the depth of KDDI-au’s commitment to expanding mobile access not just in cities, but across all of Japan—something that directly benefits travelers using eSIMs with unlimited data.

The Challenge: No Signal, No Safety

Kashima Island is located in Ehime Prefecture, far from the mainland. The southern part of the island had no signal at all—making it impossible for residents or visitors to make emergency calls or use mobile data.

This lack of connectivity wasn’t just inconvenient—it was a safety issue, especially for those traveling through the area by boat, car, or on foot.

KDDI-au’s Solution: Building a Base Station in the Middle of Nature

To solve this, KDDI-au:

• 🛶 Transported all equipment by sea, as no direct roads were available
• 🏞️ Carried base station parts by hand through steep terrain
• 🛠️ Built a weather-resistant antenna system tailored to the island’s climate
• 🤝 Worked closely with local residents and government for planning and support

Thanks to these efforts, the island now has reliable 4G LTE coverage, allowing both locals and visitors to stay connected.

What It Means for eSIM Users and Travelers

For those using an eSIM in Japan, this story highlights key benefits:

✅ Stay connected even in remote islands and rural areas
✅ Enjoy unlimited data while exploring nature, hiking, or boating
✅ Rely on your eSIM for safety and communication in hard-to-reach spots
✅ Travel with confidence, knowing the network won’t leave you stranded

Whether you’re researching wildlife, visiting small communities, or just seeking a quiet getaway, your eSIM powered by au ensures you stay online—even where you’d least expect it.

Conclusion

KDDI-au’s dedication to reaching places like Uke Island proves that their mobile network truly spans all corners of Japan—from urban centers to faraway shores. For international travelers using eSIMs, that means uninterrupted connectivity, safety, and convenience, no matter how far off the beaten path you go.

👉 Explore our Japan eSIM plans here and get connected—anytime, anywhere in Japan.