Mobile Internet in Japan with Sakura Mobile

Sakura Mobile portable WiFi

7.780 JPY / week

4.7

Rating

4.7/5

Flyctory.com Pros

Very easy pick up and return
Good devices with handy wallets
Very nice connection speed

Flyctory.com Cons

No update after return

When my wife and I traveled to Japan in September 2023, one key issue we had to solve is the access to the internet. There are numerous free points around the country, but we felt still more comfortable with a constant option. As we needed access for two mobile phones and our German provider did not provide a suitable option for the country, we opted to share a mobile internet device. After some research, we opted for the provider Sakura Mobile. Here is my experience with them.

Sakura Mobile – Our Rental

We had a one week rental with Sakura mobile in late September 2024. The one week rental, including airport pick-up right at Haneda Airport (HND) was 7,780 JPY, roughly 47 Euro. This included the fees for the pick-up and return. In addition, we insured the device against damage or loss during the rental (10% self retain, 700 JPY) and also rented a mobile battery (1,400 JPY, 10000mAh) for the rental period.

The rental is branded as unlimited internet. If you use 10GB within a rolling three day period, your speed will be reduced, though.

Sakura Mobile – Pick-Up

Two days before the in-fact rental, I received an e-mail that the device was available in store for collection on the given rental day. We could grab the devices in a store by another mobile internet provider, JAL ABC. The store is located at the end of the arrivals corridor of Terminal 3 and opens daily from 4:00 to 1:00. After showing my passport and the rental number, I have been handed over the two fitted envelopes which included the items. JAL ABC is only working as a hand-over service, they cannot help you with the device. We felt that the pick-up went amazingly easy and smoothly. We could even skip the line of people, who wanted to rent / buy JAL ABC devices or SIM cards.

Alternatively, you may also pick up your device in one of the Sakura Mobile offices. Japanese residents may also opt for a delivery to their home. Sakura Mobile also delivers to hotels, so that you grab the item at check-in.

Sakura Mobile – The Devices & Functionality

The padded envelopes included two handy bags, one for the mobile internet device itself and one for the battery. Each came with the necessary cables and power adapters for charging. Both devices were quite full at rental, but needed some additional charging. The access data for the access device was printed on the back of it. Finally, we did not need the powerbank at all – the pocket WiFi had a capacity of some six hours and we switched it off when we did not need it.

The usage is very straightforward. Nonetheless, the packages came with instructions how to use them. Additionally, there was an envelope for the return of the two bags at the end of the rental. Using the device went very smooth. Even after being switched off, it connected to the network very quickly. The speed was very good, of course, depending on the local givens.

Sakura Mobile – Return

Returning the Sakura Mobile pocket WiFi was very easy: you simply put the bags into the envelope provided into a mailbox and it will be sent back to the provider by registered mail. Sakura Mobile also informed us where to find letterboxes at the airport terminal, which was very handy. You unfortunately did not get any receipt or confirmation that the device has been returned safely.

Sakura Mobile – My View

I really loved the rental with Sakura Mobile. The service is good and effective, the portable WiFi worked well and provided absolutely sufficient speed. On top of that, the fair usage policy by the company is absolutely generous. I would have loved to have a status update at the end of the rental, but this is just a minor on the negative side.