Sakura Mobile: www.sakuramobile.jp/joji808-top Japan Wireless: www.japan-wireless.com/?via=kenshoquest (SAVE 10% JWKENSHO) Ninja Wifi: ninjawifi.com/en (SAVE 10% KENSHO10) Mobal: www.mobal.com/japan-wifi/?source=3402 🌟We appreciate the commissions we earn when you shop through our affiliate links!
Our family has been using Japan Wireless in our Japan leisure trips. We are generally satisfied with their devices (pocket wifi and pocket translator). We used the Japan Wireless pocket wifi devices in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Kyoto, Kobe, and Fukuoka. We never had issues.
Used Japan Wireless, also using your discount code (Thanks !). It worked fantastic ! Set up a reservation ahead of time. Picked it up upon arrival at Haneda. 6 cities, 2 weeks, tons of trains all over Japan ... worked great. No issues. Used to navigate, all over. The spare battery pack was a bonus that most other pocket wifi companies di not offer, but we did not need it much. A tip to other families ... if you have teenagers, put them in charge of carrying it and MAKING SURE it get's charged EVERY night --- they WILL get it done, once they realize THEIR internet depends on that pocket wifi ! Lol. When leaving Japan, we slipped the Return mailing package into a Japan Post mailbox, BEFORE going through Security. 2 days later, we got a nice email from them, thanking us, and letting us know they received our unit back. Use them, it works great. About $76 for 16 days. Thanks again for your helpful videos !
Just came back from Tokyo yesterday. I tried Nija pocket wifi because docomo was reserved out at Haneda airport. Ninja wifi was useless, often roaming even in Tokyo (we stayed in Minato-ku) even though we rented unlimited 10g/day. We needed for direction use since most of places we've been to had strong free wifi. The device we rented did not last full day even though we charged to full every day. I hope this helps others to know. By the way, many of your youtube info were very useful. Thank you. Japan was amazing! We miss it already and we are going back next year...can't wait!
I'm sorry to hear about your experience but greatly appreciate you sharing your experience! Hopefully, your next trip will be better. So glad you had an amazing trip :)
I have the same experience. Never pocket wifi again. Had a slow 4G and nearly dead battery. Was a nightmare. Customer support was very nice though. When they finally answered.
@@karenalvarez7545 It was Japan Wifi. Very disappointed with their portable wifi. I was in Japan mainland and Okinawa recently and bought an eSIM for my iPhone which gave me both a real japanese phone number plus 4G on my phone. This worked perfectly all the time. The company is Mobal. I was very happy with this service and it is very practical to have a japanese phone number to share with people I met. Disclosure: I have no affiliation of any type with Mobal and purely speak of their service as a paying private customrr. If you have a modern iPhone this works really well. But remember that you must doenload a link with their eSim installer, after your eSim account has been activated by Mobal during business hours.
Finally an honest review! After spending the evening doing research on the topic you answered my questions. Ninja Wifi with the 10 gb package seems to be the best for us. Thanks and I'll make sure to use your code!
I've just returned from 2 weeks in Tokyo, Kyoto and Hiroshima and, after your recommendations, we rented pocket wifi from Japan Wireless. And it was excellent! Pick-up at Narita was so easy and return by mail also as there are mailboxes at Narita in departures next to the check-in desks. Coverage was super, too, and speeds were perfect for our use. Many Many thanks for your recommendations, which were so useful.
We found japan wireless to be the cheapest as well when we were comparing pocket wifi prices for our japan travel. Been using them since our first trip to Japan and now we’re on our 8th, never had any issues!
Nice video. We used Japan Wireless for our 3 weeks trip along the golden route last year. Ease of use and good connections and we never needed to use the extra battery; we only use it for Google Maps/Translate and some what'sapp calls. This year we'll probably take the Wifi Rental Store as it appears cheaper and adequate for our use.
We used Japan Wireless for our 2 week trip. It worked even on the slopes while skiing in Niseko, Hokkaido! Never gave us any problems and was easy to connect. Included power bank eliminated any power anxieties. Just be sure to charge it every night and bring it with you before leaving hotel. Included pouch made it easy to keep things together. Will be using it again next year.
I picked up two Sakura Mobile devices since one of our party will go off on separate ventures. Maybe I should've rented two different companies but really didn't want to get into the business of comparing. Great video and love the spreadsheet info.
I went to Tokyo Japan in May 2023 for 3 weeks. During that time, I opted in for a Sim Card. From my experience??? I'll never do that again. I'm not a huge data user... very very casual with checking and uploading status with some pics on Facebook only, no other social media, checked my email every once in a while, and made a free online phone call once a day back home to the USA. Within about 15 days of my 21 day stay, I ran out of gigs and had to purchase another sim card for more data for the last few days. Total cost was about $90 USD. I'm going to get a pocket wifi for this November when I go back for a 2 week vacation ❤ Thanks for the video! I'll probably go with Japan Wireless 😊
Seems like you didn't have the optimal data plan for your trip in the first place. I think in your case it's not an argument against sim cards per se but a reminder to check for what you actually need beforehand.
Yes, I thought I had purchased enough data but I guess I was wrong? Although like mentioned, all I did was get on my Facebook and use Google? Anyhow, I've purchased my pocket wifi this next go around so I'm hoping that should do it! I've learned alot from my past experiences in Japan so now I'm more equipped with both experiences and knowledge from UA-cam 😊😂❤
I'm in Japan now. Been here nearly 2 weeks. Got the Japan wireless hotspot. First one would not charge usb-c. Contacted them via web site. They replaced that night. Replacement device was different. It charged ok. Service was impeccable. It uses softbank I think. We were in Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Osaka. No issues at all. Awesome product and customer service. Even able to watch premier league soccer on it.
Watched most of your Japan videos, it has been really informative for me as this is our first time to Japan. I've taken down all your tips. Thanks for all your effort, insight and detailed comparison, you made it easier for us. Also, for the discount coupons, much appreciated.
I rented a pocket Wi Fi at Haneda airport . I believe it was a company called Global . It worked great . Small , lightweight , fit easily in my front pocket . Speed was good and only lost my connection once on the going back to Honshu from Shikoku . The battery life was also very good .
yep same experience as you. very good speed considering ive been using it for google maps, youtube, etc. Never had a dropped connection and the gps accuracy while using maps was very good going from tokyo, kyoto, and to hiroshima. Also I had it on for 12+ hours everyday and never had batter issues
I’ve been in Tokyo for the past week and using the Japan wireless and it’s been awesome. I got the eSIM and a mifi for the kids to use. It’s been great service. Thank you for the recommendation.
I’m going with Mobal because I need it for long term use and I think it’s the cheapest considering you’ll get to keep the device Thanks a lot it’s really helpful.
Hi. Informative video. For a 2-week trip as a solo traveller, do you think I should get both an e-sim (like that one you mentioned before that has the Japanese number) and a pocket wifi?
Hi, since you are solo it depends on how much data you need. If you don’t need a lot then the eSIM might be enough. I now always recommend getting the one with the Japanese number as it can be useful for reservations and if you have packages delivered, also good for security.
Hey dude Your videos are really well put together. I'm planning my 3rd trip to Japan, to tour my new album! This time I need some new information like pocket wi fi etc and your channel is really helping. I just wondered if you knew whether the mobal device could be used in other countries as that would be so useful! Or is it just for Japan?
Hey, so glad to know our videos have been helpful! Yes, Mobal's pocket WiFi should work fine in most countries. The only possible issue that I see is if a frequency is not compatible with the device. I haven't tested in Europe so if you want to be absolutely sure you can get the information from Mobal and compare it to a carrier that you may use in Europe. Also, remember that with Mobal it requires 90 day minimum contract to own the device. I hope this helps!
Owned a TP-Link CAT6 ACT1200 mobile wifi device. Popped in the Sakura Mobile simcard and configured the APN settings of the mobile device via their TP-Link app and it's ready to go. For the not so tech-savvy users, ask the Mobile Sakura staff at the booth to first help set up the APN on your phone. Just copy whatever is in the phone's APN settings in the TP-Link app and the device is ready to broadcast (I set up mine this way). It's good to use for repeated trips to Japan since it's a one-time setup (as long as the same service provider is used and that the APN settings are not erased later on). Best of all, it can be brought along for trips to other countries and you can set the device's wifi password to whatever you want.
I’m going to Tokyo for a week, from August 4-11. Part of that will be a day trip to Hiroshima, a day trip to Kyoto, and a day trip to Mount Fuji. My guess is that Japan Wireless will be the way to go. I’m just going to take lots of photos, a few videos, and do some light texting. I’m pretty much going to be a tourist and actually look at and enjoy Japan. Great comparisons!
I used Sakura Mobile last year. I was in Japan for 10 weeks 8 weeks is enough for me. To pay for Sakura mobile. I extended my usage by 10 days and found out they charged just as much as 30 days. After the 10 days I sent it back and just used the hotel WiFi and Starbucks and McDonald’s. I have a VPN anyway. Next time I don’t even need pocket WiFi. I know my way around d Tokyo. If I want to chill and watch something. I’ll just use the hotel WiFi and plan my trips for the filling day with screenshots of train stops.
Hi, it really depends on your usage. For instance, my son plays games online and he can easily use up 5GB himself per day! But most will probably only use about 1GB/day. So if you watch a lot of videos or post media on social media then 10GB is a safe bet. Otherwise, 5Gb might be enough.
Thanks for the video. I was looking at Japan Wireless for 10 days as well, and it seems like their rate has gone up significantly (11,030Y) since your comparison.
Hi, I just checked on my side at it is showing ¥5966 for 10 days. Did you include add-ons? The price of ¥5966 for 10 days does not include any add-ons nor insurance.
@@KenshoQuest Hi Kensho, Great video! Thank you. I just checked. Now (6/28) the price for Premium 10-day package is ￥11530 (no any add-ons) in total before applying your discount code. Almost doubled. Do you have any idea? Or can you please let me know how you got that price (I understand it 3 weeks ago when you got the price but I think it's shouldn't been doubled in 3 weeks. I might have done something wrong when checking the price) Thanks. Ninja is ￥6160 in total now but I'm scared by the negative comments I read.
Hi, you can certainly do either or both. I cannot comment on TMobile since I have not tried it but I have heard from some that it works well while from others mixed. You can certainly bring your own MiFi as long as it is compatible with Japanese frequencies. Again, in most cases this will not be a problem.
If you have a cellphone with dual sim capability and can be use international...get a japan sim card. You can order it online and have it delivered to your hotel. I did and it was not only easy, but simple. You should be able to use it as a mobile hotspot. (I used a S23 Ultra) When you're done just throw away the sim and you don't need to worry about losing it.
Great video! Which of these would you recommend for visiting rural areas in Japan? I am leaning towards Japan wireless but your pricing is different from their site. Are you listing the price for the business or the premium Wifi? Your pricing looks closer to their offer for the business option.
Thank you, very helpful. Would you happen to know the dimensions/weight of the Japan Wireless pocket wifi? Couldn't find any information on their website.
Hi, I am not 100% but If you get one of the newer models then I believe it is the same size as Mobal's, which is 126 x 66 x 10mm (5” x 2.6” x 0.4”) The older ones are thicker but smaller. I show this in the video.
Hi. Thanks for all the information. I just have a question about Sakura mobile. You mentioned that you lost your signal when you were near Tokyo Disney. Were you able to use it inside DisneySea? How was your experience using it inside the park?
Hi, yes, lost signal nearby but once we were in Disney Sea and Disneyland the reception was much better. I thing there are some dead zones in the area so just move around if you have any issues.
Thank you for an in-depth and objective comparison among the providers. I would like to know if you were able to consume Mobal’s 100GB monthly cap? If so, did you experience a slow down of the speed? I read from one of the commenters here that Mobal has never capped their speeds. Would you know if this is true? Thank you so much!
Hi, we did not hit our cap with Mobal since we were testing multiple pocket WiFis simultaneously. However, while Mobal specifically told me you would be throttled, what matters more is probably up to the Network. With Mobal, it may switch between the big 3: DoCoMo, SoftBank and AU. This means if you are moving around you might be switching between these networks. So you probably would never be using a lot of data in large bursts with any particular network unless you stayed in the same place. So maybe, the networks don't consider you a burden on their system and don't throttle you. Now my experience with eSIM is once we did hit our limit our speeds were reduced.
Am scratching my head because the prices quoted on Sakura's website are lower than those quoted here. I've been looking to use Sakura and seeing those numbers had me thinking: "No! Another thing in Japan that has risen in price!" According to Sakura's website 8 July 24: 100/200 GB per month is 5478 JPY after tax 'Unlimited' is 329 JPY/day after tax (ie 9870 JPY for a month after tax) Elsewhere on the site I found 15 days on 'Unlimited' for 7150 JPY after tax and 30 days of 'Unlimited' for 9900 JPY after tax (did they just round-up by 30 yen?!) Is the website misrepresenting costs, is there fine print somewhere? It looks like they have seasonal sales too, so that could be a factor (that is a huge saving if the spreadsheet price was what they had 4 months ago!)
Hello, I wanted to know what Pocket Wifi should I get? I was thinking of getting the Ninja Wifi (Softbank) as I will be using the internet a lot. I will be in the Hokkaido area, would you say this brand is recommended? As I heard some areas only have good coverage for certain carriers.
Hi, we just spent a month in Hokkaido: Asahikawa, Sapporo, Otaru, Niseko, Hakodate. I have not tested Ninja Wifi in Hokkaido in a few years. But during our recent time in Hokkaido we were using both Japan Wireless and Mobal's pocket WiFi. While both worked really well, Japan Wireless usually had faster download speeds. It also uses Softbank and comes with a powerbank. So unless you need the guaranteed data allotment speeds with Ninja Wifi, I would go with Japan Wireless. We were never hit with any fair usage policy issues.
Great video! I have one question re: Ninja WiFi, I understand there is a limit of 5 devices at the same time but can we swap end devices? I have a family of 5 and we each have cell phones that will be connected most of the time but the kids will also need to do some homework on their laptops and my wife and I have tablets. Can we connect and disconnect cell phones, tablets, and laptops as needed as long as we have no more that 5 at the same time?
Hi, great question and yes, it can be any device and swappable, only a max of 5 at any one time. As a family, you might also consider getting either a SIM or eSIM for your phone as a backup.
Thank you so much for the video. My daughter is going to Tokyo Japan next week for 10 months for exchange student program. I already set up international T-Mobile 15gb per month plan but I don't think that would be enough so I was wondering which one of these do you think is better to serve as home wifi for her. Thank you
Hi, all of the pocket WiFi's discussed in this video have options for long-term. But if I was to choose one, since you already have a good T-Mobile plan, it would be Mobal, because it is the lowest cost per month and your daughter will own the device. Though keep in mind that it has a limit of 100GB of high speed data per month. Let me know if you have further questions.
Appreciate this tip. Until now it looked like Sakura would be the best for an 80 day trip later this year, starting in Kushiro, Hokkaido. Do you recommend ordering from Mobal about 7 to 10 days in advance, with shipping to my Kushiro hotel (with my arrival details, and telling hotel to expect a package)? Does Mobal ask you at some point if you want to end or continue the contract beyond 90 days, or do you have to remember to specify that end date as it approaches?
Hi, Sakura is a solid option but we have not tested it in Kushiro. Though overall in Hokkaido we have had pretty good reception. Yes, ordering in advance is a good idea and shipping to your hotel should not be an issue. Yes, inform your hotel and that will not be an issue either. As for canceling with Mobal, after 90 days your contract becomes month-to-month. You can cancel any time from your account page. You will be billed on the first of each month so just make sure you cancel before that. Please contact them for more details. Also of note, once your device is shipped it will automatically become active usually within 2 days. So if they ship immediately it will activate even before you pick it up.
Sensational, that seals the deal. Many thanks. Amongst others, I watched your hands-free luggage videos, and they clearly have a place in my travels too. @@KenshoQuest
This video is very helpful...thank you! Ninja Wifi and Japan Wireless do not have pickup counters at Osaka Airport (ITM). Do you know which vendor has the counter at this airport?
Hi, because ITM is not a popular international airport there aren't many options. Here is a link to the official site page that has some information. I do not know if Ninja is there www.osaka-airport.co.jp/en/service/internet/03.html
I will be staying at Okayama the longest. Will be in Japan for 18 days. Which one will have the best option for me? it's my first time going to Japan and your videos has helped. thank you!
Hi, reception in Oakayama should be good with all of the carriers mentioned. But we did use Sakura Mobile in that area last year with good success. but since they all should work well, it will depend on how much data you need and if you need a certain amount of high-speed data/day.
Sir, Your videos are amazing and very informative. I have one question - Is it necessary to carry the original passport to all the sightseeing spots or can I keep it back at the hotel? Is there any tourist place in Tokyo / Osaka that actually demands to see the original passport before allowing entrance? Thanks!
Japanese law requires carrying your passport with you while a tourist in Japan. However, the sites don’t ask to see it. If you make a duty-free purchase they will ask to see your passport. Or if you are picking up a train pass, you will need to show it.
Very informative video, thank you! Wanting to go with Japan wireless and would like to pick up at Haneda. They only have a pick up at Terminal 3 and we arrive in Terminal 2. We are traveling with a larger group so I don’t want to spend too much time traveling between terminals. We are not going to be at the same hotel for the duration of our trip but the drop/off pick up seems to be from the same hotel. Do you know if they have another pick up location in Terminal 2 or the option to drop off to one hotel and pick up in another? Thank you
HI, unfortunately, only Terminal 3. So you can have it sent to your hotel then when you are ready to return, you can just drop it off with Japan Post mail box which are easy to spot and find as they are bright red.
Thank you for the reply. Is there a Japan Post box in terminal 2 and will the device come with an envelope? Just would like to clarify because the website did not have a drop off to hotel with the option to droop off at post box. It seems that will drop off and pick up at same hotel so I am confused. Thanks.@@KenshoQuest
Hi thanks for the videos, they’ve been great! I have a question. Is there a way to test your eSIM to make sure it’s unlocked and ready to go before you arrive in Japan? I talked to my carrier and they said my phone is unlocked. I just want to double check.
Hi, if you can check this. yourself. Go into your phone settings. If you see an option to add an eSIM, try it. If it gives you the option to set up a new eSIM or scan a QR Code then your phone is definitely unlocked. If you want further proof, you can purchase a cheap international SIM for a couple of bucks and test it in your home country. So if you are in the U.S. purchase an international U.S. eSIM. If you wanna test that here is a video that has links to some other eSIMs that are good and you can get one in your home country to test: ua-cam.com/video/H2ZQ6c_jA9U/v-deo.html
Hi, I think either Japan Wireless or Sakura Mobile will serve you well. You might want to check out their coverage areas if you might be visiting some remote places. Japan Wireless uses SoftBank and Sakura uses DoCoMo. Also to throw into the mix, if you need to stay connected and if your phone is eSIM capable you might want to get one in addition to the pocket WiFi. If you do, then I recommend getting one that uses a network other than the one for the pocket Wifi. So if you choose Sakura for your pocket WiFi, since they use DoCoMo, then I would also get an eSIM that uses a different network like AU or SoftBank. This gives a little assurance that if one network doesn't have coverage,hopefully the other does. This tactic has worked well for us.
Kensho san, thanks for the information. regarding the Mobal pocket wif, can i pay for the whole 3 months and keep the device even though i will in Japan for 30days? thanks for your reply.
Hi ! Trying to decide between Sakura & Japan Wireless for this years trip, would you know which network is stronger, Docomo or Softbank in more rural remote areas?
Hi, this is a tough question. we have used both extensively now in urban and some rural areas of Hokkaido and Okayama area with good success. But if I had to choose one, I am currently leaning towards Japan Wireless since recently, their connection has been stronger and faster.
@@KenshoQuest Thank you for the reply I appreciate it! So it seems like Softbank has gotten much better since last year there. We had no problems with Sakura on Docomos network, but will maybe try out Japan Wireless this year & see how Softbank goes. We’ll be staying with family in the Aomori area mostly & I’ll come back to update after our trip! Thanks again!!
Hi. Here are our top recommendations for eSIM for Japan. These are affiliate links, meaning we earn a small commission if you purchase through the link. DATA eSIM: www.japan-wireless.com/esim?coupon=ESIMKENSHO&via=kensho 🌟 Save 15% with our link! PHONE NUMBER + DATA eSIM: www.mobal.com/japan-esims/?source=3402
Hi, if you want to get a pocket WiFi it is best to reserve in advance as it will be hard to rent one on the spot and will most likely be more expensive. If you want to get an eSIM or SIM card you can get these on the spot, but again I recommend you purchase in advance to be sure you get one that meets your needs. Best eSIMs: ua-cam.com/video/H2ZQ6c_jA9U/v-deo.html
Hi, I will be swinging by Tokyo for 1 night's stay, but will return back to Tokyo in 7 days. I will need data to check emails and map out some stuff online. I will also have my family with me(4 of us), so would you recommend we just rent a pocket wifi for 1 day, and then when we do return to Tokyo after 7 days, should we just rent an eSim with data for each user? Just curious what you would recommend. The hotel we are staying at for 1 night apparently offers free WiFi and reviews state that it's decent. I am only considering a pocket WiFi at this point because it's literally just for one afternoon when we arrive and maybe a couple of hours of use in the evening while going out for dinner and walking around the local area. The rest of the evening will be spent in the hotel and they will have WiFi anyway. Also, I'm not sure if these providers rent a pocket wifi or esim for just 1 day. Just want to see if you think this is an efficient use of resource, or cost-effective at the least? Thanks for your feedback. I will use your link to purchase the Mobal eSim service for the 4 phones we are bringing in.
Hi, I don't think it is worth the trouble to rent a pocket WiFi for just one day. You can instead just get an eSIM for the entire time ( even though you wont be there ) as it will be more cost effective and easier since you wont need to return anything. Mobal is a great option with great support but you might also want to check out Japan Wireless. I have a link and coupon for them as well. Also very good and usually cheaper for short terms.
@@KenshoQuest thanks for the reply. Just some extra insight.... We arrive in Japan for one night, but we are actually departing for another country for 7 days before we come back to Japan for the start of our Japan vacation. Originally, I was going to purchase the 16-day eSim option for the 4 of us as our Japan vacation segment is about 14 days before we head off elsewhere. So if I were to start the eSim activation on the day of our first stopover arrival, I think that would start the clock on the 16-day use. Going with your suggestion I could go with the 31 day plan, and that would increase my total cost by Y4500, which I guess would be the cost of convenience. Let me ask you another question. Let's say if I go with the 31 day eSim plan (100GB option) and I'm only in Japan for 14 days. If I divide 100GB by 14 days, it's roughly about 7GB per day. Would I be able to use about 7GB per day without getting throttled? Let me know if you have any technical insight on that. Thanks @KenshoQuest!
I’m currently in the very early stages of organising my first journey to Japan for January, as a Solo Traveller, lasting around two weeks ish. Because I endeavour to set my smartphones up with their own eSIMS [Mobal Voice + 30GB iPhone & Airalo 10GB Samsung], the main device I would be connecting to a Pocket Wifi would be my LTE enabled iPad. Personally, rather than rent a mobile hotspot that is another thing to remember, carry & power, I was considering simply acquiring a large data allotment eSIM/SIM for the tablet, currently Mobal 50GB but could change if I find a bigger data bucket. I figure that, if I did need to hookup another device, my iPad could activate Wireless Tethering & share its connection. Are there any potential pitfalls that you can see in my strategy that I’m missing?
Hi, I think your planning is one of the most well thought out I've ever come across. Choosing both Airalo and Mobal is a good idea since they use different networks and cover the big three: SoftBank, DoCoMo and KDDI (au). If you need more data, it is pretty easy to get on the spot. Currently, I have not come across a better deal than Mobal's 50GB plan. At least not from a reputable company. I'll make an update later in the year as I get more information. Since you have time, I'm betting that we will see more offerings later this year due to the competition.
I need to receive and make outgoing calls from and to the USA. I also need to be on Zoom meetings, what options do you recommend in order to stay connected while in Japan.
Hi, for receiving and making calls I recommend Mobal eSIM. But if who you need to call uses WhatsApp then you can save with that. mobal esim with a Japanese number: ua-cam.com/video/aQU42wIbDtU/v-deo.html For zoom meetings your best options are pocket WiFis either Japan Wireless or Sakura mobile. I've used them both for zoom without issues. However, do keep in mind the fair usage policy can come into effect.
I am taking a 10 day Japanese cruise end of this month and go to 8 Japanese ports and one port in Korea( Busan). I will stay for another 7 days in Tokyo- Kyoto area. I’m using Narita airport for flights to and from the USA. Can you recommend a Wi-Fi solution for my trip?
Hi, if you do not require a dedicated large amount of data per day then both Sakura mobile and Japan Wireless are good choices, with Japan wireless the lower cost and also includes a powerbank. The networks have great coverage throughout Japan too but I do not know how if ( if at all ) your connect will be while on your cruise. Let me know if you have specific concerns or if you prefer an eSIM please watch this video: ua-cam.com/video/H2ZQ6c_jA9U/v-deo.html
Hi, yes, I think Japan Wireless is a solid choice for your itinerary. But do note, some areas in the mountains near Fuji, connection and speeds can be slow with any company.
Hello Heidi, I wanted to express my gratitude for your previous response to my comment on UA-cam. I am hoping to gather some information and recommendations for my upcoming trip to Tokyo in three weeks. My family and I will be starting our itinerary in Tokyo and plan to stay there for a few days while visiting the local sites. Following that, we plan to travel to Kyoto and stay at Hakone for one night before continuing on to Kyoto. We will be spending a few days in Kyoto and then traveling to Osaka for our final leg. We have also planned a day trip to Hiroshima from Osaka. I am curious about the best way to travel to Hakone. Is it possible to purchase a Shinkansen ticket to Kyoto and then hop off at Odawara to continue on to Hakone, and then use the same ticket to get to Kyoto on the following day? Additionally, we will be traveling with children and may have a couple of large suitcases. Would buses in Japan be able to accommodate these large suitcases, as we would prefer not to forward our luggage to our destination beforehand? Any assistance or recommendations you could provide would be greatly appreciated.
Hi. No, a single-journey Shinkansen ticket will only take you from point A to point B. No hopping off and using it the following day. I would recommend buying a ticket on the Romancecar Limited Express train from Shinjuku Station in Tokyo to Hakone-Yumoto Station. You can use a Hakone Free Pass to explore Hakone for a day. See: ua-cam.com/video/XpuGU_2zNuQ/v-deo.html Separately you can buy a Shinkansen ticket from Odawara Station to Kyoto. Local buses will not be able to accommodate large suitcases, but long-distance highway buses may be able to. Here's our video on traveling with luggage in Japan: ua-cam.com/video/w0KnobpyfSI/v-deo.html I recommend packing as light as possible for Japan. We even overpacked for our current trip! 🌸 Heidi
Hi, yes, all the devices discussed in the video can be used for WiFi calling. We haven't had any big issues. Sometimes, the call can temporarily get choppy but overall we've had good experiences. Our son uses this to call his cousin in the US regularly.
Hi, sorry, we have tried them so cannot give you any feedback. However, take into consideration the things discussed in the video, such as FUP, network and amount of data you need. This will help you make a decision.
@@KenshoQuest Thank you for the response. My further research showed Japan Wifi's max download speed is 75Mbps. I guess i'll use Japan Wireless due to the higher speed, and of course your recommendation. We are visiting Japan in 2 weeks, thanks for your videos they are very helpful.
Hi Ken I will fly in Haneda then on to Osaka on 11/7/24. Will stay for 3 weeks. I will get Japan Wireless . Can I order one now? Thank you from California. 9/17/24 🍁🙏
I m your fan. Can you tell me which web is relisble for searching flight and hotel infos in for japan trip. Which hotel is cheap and close to subway? My buget is under 200 cad.
Hi, for hotels: Hotel MyStays and APA are good options and are usually near stations. They also have good breakfast options. We prefer to use Expedia here: expedia.com/affiliate/xVQ9hEf For searching flights we use both skyscanner.com and www.google.com/travel/flights
Hard to choose because none of them are as good as equivalents in India and Cambodia. For one, Japanese companies leave you to do it yourself. There are no sweet extras.
Hi, every company is different but in general, yes you can drop off at KIX. Please check the website of the company you plan to rent from. Actually during checkout you can choose your pick up and drop off points.
HI, this is certainly possible. But to be sure you may want to check with the carrier to see if they know of any issues with your model of pocket wifi/router
I’m trying to reserve Ninja WiFi. But do I need to reserve it in advance or can I just get it when I arrive in the airport? Also I have a connecting flight so I got two flight numbers. When it asks for flight number, does it matter which of the two I put in?
Hi, you can rent one upon arrival but I don't recommend this for a couple of reasons. 1) they may not have any when you arrive, 2) it might be busy and you might have to wait a while. As for flight number, it should be the one for where you intend to pickup. So if you are arriving in Tokyo first and that is where you intend to pickup your pocket wifi then that is the flight number to use.
Hi, if you are just looking for a physical SIM card or eSIM I highly recommend either Mobal, Japan Wireless or Sakura Mobile. The coupons in the description of the video are valid for SIMs, eSIMs and pocket wifis.
Hi, I will be traveling in Japan/HK/Taipei. Any suggestion of e-sim or SIM card or pocket Wi-Fi to work at all 3 countries? My phone is unlocked. Thank you
Hi, I recommend both Ubigi and Airalo. They have plans that cover many asian nations including the ones you will be visiting. They also allow you to use the eSIM as a hotspot. (aff links) Ubigi: few.cellulardata.ubigi.com/?P512C3F57DA13131 Airalo: airalo.pxf.io/ZQJnJQ Here is a video with more info: ua-cam.com/video/H2ZQ6c_jA9U/v-deo.html
Do you have any recommendations for a wifi for a 2 week stay throughout all around japan? Idk if i should get a pocket wifi or just call my carrier and have an international service.
Hi, I think japan wireless is a solid option and will most likely be a better price then your local carrier, but please check. Also, if you don't want to carry around a pocket wifi you might consider an eSIM that allows hotspots. Here is a link to our video on that: ua-cam.com/video/2fhdT0Ubxmo/v-deo.html
Used Sakura Mobile for my first trip using pocket wi-fi...I was given a unit that had no charge, lucky for me I had memorised the route to my hotel, and the unit needed to be rebooted every day for it to work...sigh...not a happy camper at all. My limit was 999gb over a 16 day period. When it did work, it was wonderful, but many a day I had to rely on local wifi and McDonalds...too unpredictable for my liking as I often went off the beaten track. So, no, I do not recommend Sakura Mobile pocket wifi at all. My phone is unlocked, so I might go the esim way next trip this October/November...
@@KenshoQuest that’s good to know, thank you! The cruise stops at several places all around Japan, does the pocket wifi work everywhere in Japan or is it just Tokyo?
@@kylek.4239 Yes, pocket wifis in the review will work almost everywhere in Japan except the most remote places and sometimes you could be blocked by interference.
Sakura Mobile: www.sakuramobile.jp/joji808-top
Japan Wireless: www.japan-wireless.com/?via=kenshoquest (SAVE 10% JWKENSHO)
Ninja Wifi: ninjawifi.com/en (SAVE 10% KENSHO10)
Mobal: www.mobal.com/japan-wifi/?source=3402
🌟We appreciate the commissions we earn when you shop through our affiliate links!
How long do these savings last?
We’re going in late an October and don’t want to buy them too early.
But I also want to support you.
I'm coming for 29 days. Ordered mobal esim through you as I needed a loc phone number. Do you think I should get the pocket wifi as well?
Since I ordered my mobal esim could I also order japan wifi as well? Or should I keep the same esim and pocket wifi with the same company?
Ordered Japan Wireless. Thanks for the coupon code!
Thanks! 3 Japan Wireless Pocket reserved for next May.They applied your 10% + 1 free e-Sim also as unexpected treat! :-)
Our family has been using Japan Wireless in our Japan leisure trips. We are generally satisfied with their devices (pocket wifi and pocket translator). We used the Japan Wireless pocket wifi devices in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Kyoto, Kobe, and Fukuoka. We never had issues.
Thank you for sharing your experience! It helps a lot!
Used Japan Wireless, also using your discount code (Thanks !). It worked fantastic ! Set up a reservation ahead of time. Picked it up upon arrival at Haneda. 6 cities, 2 weeks, tons of trains all over Japan ... worked great. No issues. Used to navigate, all over. The spare battery pack was a bonus that most other pocket wifi companies di not offer, but we did not need it much.
A tip to other families ... if you have teenagers, put them in charge of carrying it and MAKING SURE it get's charged EVERY night --- they WILL get it done, once they realize THEIR internet depends on that pocket wifi ! Lol. When leaving Japan, we slipped the Return mailing package into a Japan Post mailbox, BEFORE going through Security. 2 days later, we got a nice email from them, thanking us, and letting us know they received our unit back.
Use them, it works great. About $76 for 16 days.
Thanks again for your helpful videos !
Thanks for sharing your experience and your tips!
Just came back from Tokyo yesterday. I tried Nija pocket wifi because docomo was reserved out at Haneda airport. Ninja wifi was useless, often roaming even in Tokyo (we stayed in Minato-ku) even though we rented unlimited 10g/day. We needed for direction use since most of places we've been to had strong free wifi. The device we rented did not last full day even though we charged to full every day. I hope this helps others to know. By the way, many of your youtube info were very useful. Thank you. Japan was amazing! We miss it already and we are going back next year...can't wait!
I'm sorry to hear about your experience but greatly appreciate you sharing your experience! Hopefully, your next trip will be better. So glad you had an amazing trip :)
I have the same experience. Never pocket wifi again. Had a slow 4G and nearly dead battery. Was a nightmare. Customer support was very nice though. When they finally answered.
@@Mr.Monta77which company?
@@karenalvarez7545 It was Japan Wifi. Very disappointed with their portable wifi. I was in Japan mainland and Okinawa recently and bought an eSIM for my iPhone which gave me both a real japanese phone number plus 4G on my phone. This worked perfectly all the time. The company is Mobal. I was very happy with this service and it is very practical to have a japanese phone number to share with people I met.
Disclosure: I have no affiliation of any type with Mobal and purely speak of their service as a paying private customrr. If you have a modern iPhone this works really well. But remember that you must doenload a link with their eSim installer, after your eSim account has been activated by Mobal during business hours.
Thanks for the video, we used Japan Wireless and it has been seamless so far!
Thanks for letting us know!
Finally an honest review! After spending the evening doing research on the topic you answered my questions. Ninja Wifi with the 10 gb package seems to be the best for us. Thanks and I'll make sure to use your code!
Glad to have helped!
I've just returned from 2 weeks in Tokyo, Kyoto and Hiroshima and, after your recommendations, we rented pocket wifi from Japan Wireless. And it was excellent! Pick-up at Narita was so easy and return by mail also as there are mailboxes at Narita in departures next to the check-in desks. Coverage was super, too, and speeds were perfect for our use. Many Many thanks for your recommendations, which were so useful.
Hi, thank you for sharing your experience with Japan Wireless. The more we use them the more we like them :)
We found japan wireless to be the cheapest as well when we were comparing pocket wifi prices for our japan travel. Been using them since our first trip to Japan and now we’re on our 8th, never had any issues!
😊
Thanks for sharing your experience, it's out first time to Japan and thinking of renting Japan wireless.
Where did you go to buy the official one I want to be safe to avoid being scammed
Nice video. We used Japan Wireless for our 3 weeks trip along the golden route last year. Ease of use and good connections and we never needed to use the extra battery; we only use it for Google Maps/Translate and some what'sapp calls. This year we'll probably take the Wifi Rental Store as it appears cheaper and adequate for our use.
Thanks for sharing!
We used Japan Wireless for our 2 week trip. It worked even on the slopes while skiing in Niseko, Hokkaido! Never gave us any problems and was easy to connect. Included power bank eliminated any power anxieties. Just be sure to charge it every night and bring it with you before leaving hotel. Included pouch made it easy to keep things together. Will be using it again next year.
I picked up two Sakura Mobile devices since one of our party will go off on separate ventures. Maybe I should've rented two different companies but really didn't want to get into the business of comparing. Great video and love the spreadsheet info.
I went to Tokyo Japan in May 2023 for 3 weeks. During that time, I opted in for a Sim Card. From my experience??? I'll never do that again. I'm not a huge data user... very very casual with checking and uploading status with some pics on Facebook only, no other social media, checked my email every once in a while, and made a free online phone call once a day back home to the USA. Within about 15 days of my 21 day stay, I ran out of gigs and had to purchase another sim card for more data for the last few days. Total cost was about $90 USD. I'm going to get a pocket wifi for this November when I go back for a 2 week vacation ❤ Thanks for the video! I'll probably go with Japan Wireless 😊
Thanks for sharing your experience. Very helpful!
Seems like you didn't have the optimal data plan for your trip in the first place. I think in your case it's not an argument against sim cards per se but a reminder to check for what you actually need beforehand.
Yes, I thought I had purchased enough data but I guess I was wrong? Although like mentioned, all I did was get on my Facebook and use Google? Anyhow, I've purchased my pocket wifi this next go around so I'm hoping that should do it! I've learned alot from my past experiences in Japan so now I'm more equipped with both experiences and knowledge from UA-cam 😊😂❤
I'm in Japan now. Been here nearly 2 weeks. Got the Japan wireless hotspot.
First one would not charge usb-c.
Contacted them via web site.
They replaced that night. Replacement device was different.
It charged ok.
Service was impeccable.
It uses softbank I think. We were in Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Osaka. No issues at all.
Awesome product and customer service.
Even able to watch premier league soccer on it.
Thanks for sharing your experience!
What a brilliant video. UA-cam at its best. Thank you. I’ve just ordered with Japan Wireless for our forthcoming 23 day holiday. 😊🙏
Thank you so much for the kind words!
Watched most of your Japan videos, it has been really informative for me as this is our first time to Japan. I've taken down all your tips. Thanks for all your effort, insight and detailed comparison, you made it easier for us. Also, for the discount coupons, much appreciated.
Great to hear! Let us know if you have questions. Have a great trip!
Thinking of doing Ninja! Thanks for the super helpful video!
I rented a pocket Wi Fi at Haneda airport . I believe it was a company called Global . It worked great . Small , lightweight , fit easily in my front pocket . Speed was good and only lost my connection once on the going back to Honshu from Shikoku . The battery life was also very good .
Thanks for sharing your experience. If you rented a tourist pocket WiFi from Global then it would be Ninja WiFi.
yep same experience as you. very good speed considering ive been using it for google maps, youtube, etc. Never had a dropped connection and the gps accuracy while using maps was very good going from tokyo, kyoto, and to hiroshima. Also I had it on for 12+ hours everyday and never had batter issues
Thanks, this is very helpful. Your videos demystified this topic for me. I’m going to Japan for the first time later this year.
Awesome! We have tons of videos to help with your travel but do let us know if you have further questions.
Excellent, informative video. Probably one of the best I've seen on YT.
Wow, thanks!
I’ve been in Tokyo for the past week and using the Japan wireless and it’s been awesome. I got the eSIM and a mifi for the kids to use. It’s been great service. Thank you for the recommendation.
Great to hear! Thanks for sharing :)
I’m going with Mobal because I need it for long term use and I think it’s the cheapest considering you’ll get to keep the device Thanks a lot it’s really helpful.
Jalabc was great poker WiFi, I rented there when I was in Tokyo in May/07/2024.
Thanks for sharing!
Very helpful information. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
Hi. Informative video. For a 2-week trip as a solo traveller, do you think I should get both an e-sim (like that one you mentioned before that has the Japanese number) and a pocket wifi?
Hi, since you are solo it depends on how much data you need. If you don’t need a lot then the eSIM might be enough. I now always recommend getting the one with the Japanese number as it can be useful for reservations and if you have packages delivered, also good for security.
Hey dude
Your videos are really well put together. I'm planning my 3rd trip to Japan, to tour my new album! This time I need some new information like pocket wi fi etc and your channel is really helping.
I just wondered if you knew whether the mobal device could be used in other countries as that would be so useful! Or is it just for Japan?
Hey, so glad to know our videos have been helpful! Yes, Mobal's pocket WiFi should work fine in most countries. The only possible issue that I see is if a frequency is not compatible with the device. I haven't tested in Europe so if you want to be absolutely sure you can get the information from Mobal and compare it to a carrier that you may use in Europe. Also, remember that with Mobal it requires 90 day minimum contract to own the device. I hope this helps!
nice, now I know what to chose on my incoming trip 😉
Thanks . I’m thinking the Ninja plan would be good. I just gotta see if the have a 14 day plan.
Owned a TP-Link CAT6 ACT1200 mobile wifi device. Popped in the Sakura Mobile simcard and configured the APN settings of the mobile device via their TP-Link app and it's ready to go.
For the not so tech-savvy users, ask the Mobile Sakura staff at the booth to first help set up the APN on your phone. Just copy whatever is in the phone's APN settings in the TP-Link app and the device is ready to broadcast (I set up mine this way). It's good to use for repeated trips to Japan since it's a one-time setup (as long as the same service provider is used and that the APN settings are not erased later on). Best of all, it can be brought along for trips to other countries and you can set the device's wifi password to whatever you want.
I’m going to Tokyo for a week, from August 4-11. Part of that will be a day trip to Hiroshima, a day trip to Kyoto, and a day trip to Mount Fuji. My guess is that Japan Wireless will be the way to go. I’m just going to take lots of photos, a few videos, and do some light texting. I’m pretty much going to be a tourist and actually look at and enjoy Japan. Great comparisons!
Hi, yes Japan Wireless should work great for you. Enjoy your trip, your itinerary is going to be fast paced :)
Solid review 💯💯💯
Super helpful. Thank you. Wondering if you (or any reader here) has used CDJapan for Pocket WIFI???
very helpful for 1st timer. thank you!
You're welcome. Glad it was helpful!
Thank you. That was very helpful 😊
Thank you so much for making this video, it really helped a lot!
You're welcome!
I used Sakura Mobile last year.
I was in Japan for 10 weeks
8 weeks is enough for me. To pay for Sakura mobile. I extended my usage by 10 days and found out they charged just as much as 30 days. After the 10 days I sent it back and just used the hotel WiFi and Starbucks and McDonald’s. I have a VPN anyway. Next time I don’t even need pocket WiFi. I know my way around d Tokyo. If I want to chill and watch something. I’ll just use the hotel WiFi and plan my trips for the filling day with screenshots of train stops.
Thanks for sharing your experience, it helps everyone make a more informed decision.
Just to let you know as I work with MOBAL as a partner they do NOT come under fair use policy so their speed is never capped
Surely?
I just checked this, and their WiFi does have fair usage policy BUT their eSIMs do not.
Thanks. Super helpful. I’m leaning towards Ninja but do you recommend 5 or 10 GB plan for a family of four?
Hi, it really depends on your usage. For instance, my son plays games online and he can easily use up 5GB himself per day! But most will probably only use about 1GB/day. So if you watch a lot of videos or post media on social media then 10GB is a safe bet. Otherwise, 5Gb might be enough.
Thank you, a lot good informations, I will be in Japan for 30 days!
You’re welcome! Enjoy Japan.
Thanks for the video. I was looking at Japan Wireless for 10 days as well, and it seems like their rate has gone up significantly (11,030Y) since your comparison.
Hi, I just checked on my side at it is showing ¥5966 for 10 days. Did you include add-ons? The price of ¥5966 for 10 days does not include any add-ons nor insurance.
@@KenshoQuest Hi Kensho, Great video! Thank you. I just checked. Now (6/28) the price for Premium 10-day package is ￥11530 (no any add-ons) in total before applying your discount code. Almost doubled. Do you have any idea? Or can you please let me know how you got that price (I understand it 3 weeks ago when you got the price but I think it's shouldn't been doubled in 3 weeks. I might have done something wrong when checking the price) Thanks. Ninja is ￥6160 in total now but I'm scared by the negative comments I read.
Great Video! Thank you. What about TMobile since it’s included in my plan? Or my own MiFi device?
Hi, you can certainly do either or both. I cannot comment on TMobile since I have not tried it but I have heard from some that it works well while from others mixed. You can certainly bring your own MiFi as long as it is compatible with Japanese frequencies. Again, in most cases this will not be a problem.
If you have a cellphone with dual sim capability and can be use international...get a japan sim card.
You can order it online and have it delivered to your hotel.
I did and it was not only easy, but simple.
You should be able to use it as a mobile hotspot. (I used a S23 Ultra)
When you're done just throw away the sim and you don't need to worry about losing it.
Thank you for this very helpful information.
Glad it was helpful! thanks!
Great video!
Which of these would you recommend for visiting rural areas in Japan?
I am leaning towards Japan wireless but your pricing is different from their site. Are you listing the price for the business or the premium Wifi? Your pricing looks closer to their offer for the business option.
I also saw that Ninja Wifi is mostly softbank, I have not seen NTT docomo.
Thank you, very helpful. Would you happen to know the dimensions/weight of the Japan Wireless pocket wifi? Couldn't find any information on their website.
Hi, I am not 100% but If you get one of the newer models then I believe it is the same size as Mobal's, which is 126 x 66 x 10mm (5” x 2.6” x 0.4”)
The older ones are thicker but smaller. I show this in the video.
@@KenshoQuest Thank you!
Hi. Thanks for all the information. I just have a question about Sakura mobile. You mentioned that you lost your signal when you were near Tokyo Disney. Were you able to use it inside DisneySea? How was your experience using it inside the park?
Hi, yes, lost signal nearby but once we were in Disney Sea and Disneyland the reception was much better. I thing there are some dead zones in the area so just move around if you have any issues.
Thank you for an in-depth and objective comparison among the providers. I would like to know if you were able to consume Mobal’s 100GB monthly cap? If so, did you experience a slow down of the speed? I read from one of the commenters here that Mobal has never capped their speeds. Would you know if this is true? Thank you so much!
Hi, we did not hit our cap with Mobal since we were testing multiple pocket WiFis simultaneously. However, while Mobal specifically told me you would be throttled, what matters more is probably up to the Network. With Mobal, it may switch between the big 3: DoCoMo, SoftBank and AU. This means if you are moving around you might be switching between these networks. So you probably would never be using a lot of data in large bursts with any particular network unless you stayed in the same place. So maybe, the networks don't consider you a burden on their system and don't throttle you. Now my experience with eSIM is once we did hit our limit our speeds were reduced.
Am scratching my head because the prices quoted on Sakura's website are lower than those quoted here. I've been looking to use Sakura and seeing those numbers had me thinking: "No! Another thing in Japan that has risen in price!"
According to Sakura's website 8 July 24:
100/200 GB per month is 5478 JPY after tax
'Unlimited' is 329 JPY/day after tax (ie 9870 JPY for a month after tax)
Elsewhere on the site I found 15 days on 'Unlimited' for 7150 JPY after tax and 30 days of 'Unlimited' for 9900 JPY after tax (did they just round-up by 30 yen?!)
Is the website misrepresenting costs, is there fine print somewhere? It looks like they have seasonal sales too, so that could be a factor (that is a huge saving if the spreadsheet price was what they had 4 months ago!)
You are correct, they are having a sale! Thanks for sharing!
Possibly hotel wifi is interfering with router, same being close the Disney world.
Hello, I wanted to know what Pocket Wifi should I get? I was thinking of getting the Ninja Wifi (Softbank) as I will be using the internet a lot. I will be in the Hokkaido area, would you say this brand is recommended? As I heard some areas only have good coverage for certain carriers.
Hi, we just spent a month in Hokkaido: Asahikawa, Sapporo, Otaru, Niseko, Hakodate. I have not tested Ninja Wifi in Hokkaido in a few years. But during our recent time in Hokkaido we were using both Japan Wireless and Mobal's pocket WiFi. While both worked really well, Japan Wireless usually had faster download speeds. It also uses Softbank and comes with a powerbank. So unless you need the guaranteed data allotment speeds with Ninja Wifi, I would go with Japan Wireless. We were never hit with any fair usage policy issues.
Thank you! So helpful!
Great video! I have one question re: Ninja WiFi, I understand there is a limit of 5 devices at the same time but can we swap end devices? I have a family of 5 and we each have cell phones that will be connected most of the time but the kids will also need to do some homework on their laptops and my wife and I have tablets. Can we connect and disconnect cell phones, tablets, and laptops as needed as long as we have no more that 5 at the same time?
Hi, great question and yes, it can be any device and swappable, only a max of 5 at any one time. As a family, you might also consider getting either a SIM or eSIM for your phone as a backup.
Thank you so much for the video. My daughter is going to Tokyo Japan next week for 10 months for exchange student program. I already set up international T-Mobile 15gb per month plan but I don't think that would be enough so I was wondering which one of these do you think is better to serve as home wifi for her. Thank you
Hi, all of the pocket WiFi's discussed in this video have options for long-term. But if I was to choose one, since you already have a good T-Mobile plan, it would be Mobal, because it is the lowest cost per month and your daughter will own the device. Though keep in mind that it has a limit of 100GB of high speed data per month. Let me know if you have further questions.
Thank you, Mobal it is then :)@@KenshoQuest
Appreciate this tip. Until now it looked like Sakura would be the best for an 80 day trip later this year, starting in Kushiro, Hokkaido. Do you recommend ordering from Mobal about 7 to 10 days in advance, with shipping to my Kushiro hotel (with my arrival details, and telling hotel to expect a package)? Does Mobal ask you at some point if you want to end or continue the contract beyond 90 days, or do you have to remember to specify that end date as it approaches?
Hi, Sakura is a solid option but we have not tested it in Kushiro. Though overall in Hokkaido we have had pretty good reception. Yes, ordering in advance is a good idea and shipping to your hotel should not be an issue. Yes, inform your hotel and that will not be an issue either. As for canceling with Mobal, after 90 days your contract becomes month-to-month. You can cancel any time from your account page. You will be billed on the first of each month so just make sure you cancel before that. Please contact them for more details.
Also of note, once your device is shipped it will automatically become active usually within 2 days. So if they ship immediately it will activate even before you pick it up.
Sensational, that seals the deal. Many thanks. Amongst others, I watched your hands-free luggage videos, and they clearly have a place in my travels too. @@KenshoQuest
This video is very helpful...thank you! Ninja Wifi and Japan Wireless do not have pickup counters at Osaka Airport (ITM). Do you know which vendor has the counter at this airport?
Hi, because ITM is not a popular international airport there aren't many options. Here is a link to the official site page that has some information. I do not know if Ninja is there
www.osaka-airport.co.jp/en/service/internet/03.html
@@KenshoQuest thank you so much for the link!
I will be staying at Okayama the longest. Will be in Japan for 18 days. Which one will have the best option for me? it's my first time going to Japan and your videos has helped. thank you!
Hi, reception in Oakayama should be good with all of the carriers mentioned. But we did use Sakura Mobile in that area last year with good success. but since they all should work well, it will depend on how much data you need and if you need a certain amount of high-speed data/day.
@@KenshoQuest thank you so much for the response!
Sir, Your videos are amazing and very informative. I have one question - Is it necessary to carry the original passport to all the sightseeing spots or can I keep it back at the hotel? Is there any tourist place in Tokyo / Osaka that actually demands to see the original passport before allowing entrance? Thanks!
Japanese law requires carrying your passport with you while a tourist in Japan. However, the sites don’t ask to see it. If you make a duty-free purchase they will ask to see your passport. Or if you are picking up a train pass, you will need to show it.
@@KenshoQuest thanks for this info.
Very informative video, thank you! Wanting to go with Japan wireless and would like to pick up at Haneda. They only have a pick up at Terminal 3 and we arrive in Terminal 2. We are traveling with a larger group so I don’t want to spend too much time traveling between terminals. We are not going to be at the same hotel for the duration of our trip but the drop/off pick up seems to be from the same hotel. Do you know if they have another pick up location in Terminal 2 or the option to drop off to one hotel and pick up in another? Thank you
HI, unfortunately, only Terminal 3. So you can have it sent to your hotel then when you are ready to return, you can just drop it off with Japan Post mail box which are easy to spot and find as they are bright red.
Thank you for the reply. Is there a Japan Post box in terminal 2 and will the device come with an envelope? Just would like to clarify because the website did not have a drop off to hotel with the option to droop off at post box. It seems that will drop off and pick up at same hotel so I am confused. Thanks.@@KenshoQuest
@@lisat4707 Yes, you should be able to find a post office drop box at the airport. Or drop it off before you head to the airport.
Thank you so much for the info! @@KenshoQuest
Best review & comparison 👏 🎉
Hi thanks for the videos, they’ve been great! I have a question. Is there a way to test your eSIM to make sure it’s unlocked and ready to go before you arrive in Japan? I talked to my carrier and they said my phone is unlocked. I just want to double check.
Hi, if you can check this. yourself. Go into your phone settings. If you see an option to add an eSIM, try it. If it gives you the option to set up a new eSIM or scan a QR Code then your phone is definitely unlocked. If you want further proof, you can purchase a cheap international SIM for a couple of bucks and test it in your home country. So if you are in the U.S. purchase an international U.S. eSIM. If you wanna test that here is a video that has links to some other eSIMs that are good and you can get one in your home country to test: ua-cam.com/video/H2ZQ6c_jA9U/v-deo.html
@@KenshoQuest great thank you. I’ll give it a try
Will be in japan for 18 days. Will be visiting fukuoka, hiroshima, Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe amd tokyo. I am a heavy data user. What will be your suggestion?
Hi, I think either Japan Wireless or Sakura Mobile will serve you well. You might want to check out their coverage areas if you might be visiting some remote places. Japan Wireless uses SoftBank and Sakura uses DoCoMo.
Also to throw into the mix, if you need to stay connected and if your phone is eSIM capable you might want to get one in addition to the pocket WiFi. If you do, then I recommend getting one that uses a network other than the one for the pocket Wifi. So if you choose Sakura for your pocket WiFi, since they use DoCoMo, then I would also get an eSIM that uses a different network like AU or SoftBank. This gives a little assurance that if one network doesn't have coverage,hopefully the other does. This tactic has worked well for us.
Kensho san, thanks for the information. regarding the Mobal pocket wif, can i pay for the whole 3 months and keep the device even though i will in Japan for 30days? thanks for your reply.
Hi, you're welcome! Yes, you can! However, you will be charged monthly for three months. Just be sure to cancel after your term.
@@KenshoQuest Kensho san, domo arigato.
what about a 14 day plan? im heading over for 13 nights and i been looking for something that would be good for a couple weeks
Hi, for 14 days both Japan Wireless and Sakura Mobile are solid options. But Japan Wireless is cheaper and comes with a power bank.
Thanks. super helpful
Glad it was helpful!
Japan Wireless it is. Thanks for your help!
Glad to have helped!
Hi ! Trying to decide between Sakura & Japan Wireless for this years trip, would you know which network is stronger, Docomo or Softbank in more rural remote areas?
Hi, this is a tough question. we have used both extensively now in urban and some rural areas of Hokkaido and Okayama area with good success. But if I had to choose one, I am currently leaning towards Japan Wireless since recently, their connection has been stronger and faster.
@@KenshoQuest Thank you for the reply I appreciate it! So it seems like Softbank has gotten much better since last year there. We had no problems with Sakura on Docomos network, but will maybe try out Japan Wireless this year & see how Softbank goes. We’ll be staying with family in the Aomori area mostly & I’ll come back to update after our trip! Thanks again!!
Can you please recommend an eSim please? Thank you :) I'm going to Japan in August.
Hi. Here are our top recommendations for eSIM for Japan. These are affiliate links, meaning we earn a small commission if you purchase through the link.
DATA eSIM: www.japan-wireless.com/esim?coupon=ESIMKENSHO&via=kensho
🌟 Save 15% with our link!
PHONE NUMBER + DATA eSIM: www.mobal.com/japan-esims/?source=3402
@@KenshoQuest thank you so much
Hi Kensho, Do I need to reserve any of these packet wifi before the trip? Can I just buy one from airport when we get there?
Hi, if you want to get a pocket WiFi it is best to reserve in advance as it will be hard to rent one on the spot and will most likely be more expensive. If you want to get an eSIM or SIM card you can get these on the spot, but again I recommend you purchase in advance to be sure you get one that meets your needs.
Best eSIMs: ua-cam.com/video/H2ZQ6c_jA9U/v-deo.html
Hi, I will be swinging by Tokyo for 1 night's stay, but will return back to Tokyo in 7 days. I will need data to check emails and map out some stuff online. I will also have my family with me(4 of us), so would you recommend we just rent a pocket wifi for 1 day, and then when we do return to Tokyo after 7 days, should we just rent an eSim with data for each user? Just curious what you would recommend. The hotel we are staying at for 1 night apparently offers free WiFi and reviews state that it's decent. I am only considering a pocket WiFi at this point because it's literally just for one afternoon when we arrive and maybe a couple of hours of use in the evening while going out for dinner and walking around the local area. The rest of the evening will be spent in the hotel and they will have WiFi anyway. Also, I'm not sure if these providers rent a pocket wifi or esim for just 1 day. Just want to see if you think this is an efficient use of resource, or cost-effective at the least? Thanks for your feedback. I will use your link to purchase the Mobal eSim service for the 4 phones we are bringing in.
Hi, I don't think it is worth the trouble to rent a pocket WiFi for just one day. You can instead just get an eSIM for the entire time ( even though you wont be there ) as it will be more cost effective and easier since you wont need to return anything. Mobal is a great option with great support but you might also want to check out Japan Wireless. I have a link and coupon for them as well. Also very good and usually cheaper for short terms.
@@KenshoQuest thanks for the reply. Just some extra insight.... We arrive in Japan for one night, but we are actually departing for another country for 7 days before we come back to Japan for the start of our Japan vacation. Originally, I was going to purchase the 16-day eSim option for the 4 of us as our Japan vacation segment is about 14 days before we head off elsewhere. So if I were to start the eSim activation on the day of our first stopover arrival, I think that would start the clock on the 16-day use. Going with your suggestion I could go with the 31 day plan, and that would increase my total cost by Y4500, which I guess would be the cost of convenience. Let me ask you another question. Let's say if I go with the 31 day eSim plan (100GB option) and I'm only in Japan for 14 days. If I divide 100GB by 14 days, it's roughly about 7GB per day. Would I be able to use about 7GB per day without getting throttled? Let me know if you have any technical insight on that. Thanks @KenshoQuest!
So will wifi calling work or not? If so then calls and text should be no different. Ill get a pocket wifi for that reason.
I’m currently in the very early stages of organising my first journey to Japan for January, as a Solo Traveller, lasting around two weeks ish. Because I endeavour to set my smartphones up with their own eSIMS [Mobal Voice + 30GB iPhone & Airalo 10GB Samsung], the main device I would be connecting to a Pocket Wifi would be my LTE enabled iPad. Personally, rather than rent a mobile hotspot that is another thing to remember, carry & power, I was considering simply acquiring a large data allotment eSIM/SIM for the tablet, currently Mobal 50GB but could change if I find a bigger data bucket. I figure that, if I did need to hookup another device, my iPad could activate Wireless Tethering & share its connection. Are there any potential pitfalls that you can see in my strategy that I’m missing?
Hi, I think your planning is one of the most well thought out I've ever come across. Choosing both Airalo and Mobal is a good idea since they use different networks and cover the big three: SoftBank, DoCoMo and KDDI (au). If you need more data, it is pretty easy to get on the spot. Currently, I have not come across a better deal than Mobal's 50GB plan. At least not from a reputable company. I'll make an update later in the year as I get more information. Since you have time, I'm betting that we will see more offerings later this year due to the competition.
I need to receive and make outgoing calls from and to the USA. I also need to be on Zoom meetings, what options do you recommend in order to stay connected while in Japan.
Hi, for receiving and making calls I recommend Mobal eSIM. But if who you need to call uses WhatsApp then you can save with that.
mobal esim with a Japanese number: ua-cam.com/video/aQU42wIbDtU/v-deo.html
For zoom meetings your best options are pocket WiFis either Japan Wireless or Sakura mobile. I've used them both for zoom without issues. However, do keep in mind the fair usage policy can come into effect.
I am taking a 10 day Japanese cruise end of this month and go to 8 Japanese ports and one port in Korea( Busan). I will stay for another 7 days in Tokyo- Kyoto area. I’m using Narita airport for flights to and from the USA. Can you recommend a Wi-Fi solution for my trip?
Hi, if you do not require a dedicated large amount of data per day then both Sakura mobile and Japan Wireless are good choices, with Japan wireless the lower cost and also includes a powerbank. The networks have great coverage throughout Japan too but I do not know how if ( if at all ) your connect will be while on your cruise. Let me know if you have specific concerns or if you prefer an eSIM please watch this video: ua-cam.com/video/H2ZQ6c_jA9U/v-deo.html
What's best for 5-days in Tokyo 1-day in Hakone/Mt Fuji viewing? Is it Japan Wireless? Will be using Unlocked Android Phones.
Thanks
Hi, yes, I think Japan Wireless is a solid choice for your itinerary. But do note, some areas in the mountains near Fuji, connection and speeds can be slow with any company.
Hello Heidi,
I wanted to express my gratitude for your previous response to my comment on UA-cam. I am hoping to gather some information and recommendations for my upcoming trip to Tokyo in three weeks. My family and I will be starting our itinerary in Tokyo and plan to stay there for a few days while visiting the local sites. Following that, we plan to travel to Kyoto and stay at Hakone for one night before continuing on to Kyoto. We will be spending a few days in Kyoto and then traveling to Osaka for our final leg. We have also planned a day trip to Hiroshima from Osaka.
I am curious about the best way to travel to Hakone. Is it possible to purchase a Shinkansen ticket to Kyoto and then hop off at Odawara to continue on to Hakone, and then use the same ticket to get to Kyoto on the following day? Additionally, we will be traveling with children and may have a couple of large suitcases. Would buses in Japan be able to accommodate these large suitcases, as we would prefer not to forward our luggage to our destination beforehand?
Any assistance or recommendations you could provide would be greatly appreciated.
Hi. No, a single-journey Shinkansen ticket will only take you from point A to point B. No hopping off and using it the following day. I would recommend buying a ticket on the Romancecar Limited Express train from Shinjuku Station in Tokyo to Hakone-Yumoto Station. You can use a Hakone Free Pass to explore Hakone for a day. See: ua-cam.com/video/XpuGU_2zNuQ/v-deo.html Separately you can buy a Shinkansen ticket from Odawara Station to Kyoto.
Local buses will not be able to accommodate large suitcases, but long-distance highway buses may be able to. Here's our video on traveling with luggage in Japan: ua-cam.com/video/w0KnobpyfSI/v-deo.html I recommend packing as light as possible for Japan. We even overpacked for our current trip! 🌸 Heidi
Do these devices allow for Wi-Fi calling? If so, how was the clarity on the call? Thank you.
Hi, yes, all the devices discussed in the video can be used for WiFi calling. We haven't had any big issues. Sometimes, the call can temporarily get choppy but overall we've had good experiences. Our son uses this to call his cousin in the US regularly.
Gracias por los consejos yo creo que me iré por la primera opción Ninja wifi
How about Japan Wifi? it looks to be about half the price, but i don't see anything about them on youtube?
Hi, sorry, we have tried them so cannot give you any feedback. However, take into consideration the things discussed in the video, such as FUP, network and amount of data you need. This will help you make a decision.
@@KenshoQuest Thank you for the response. My further research showed Japan Wifi's max download speed is 75Mbps. I guess i'll use Japan Wireless due to the higher speed, and of course your recommendation.
We are visiting Japan in 2 weeks, thanks for your videos they are very helpful.
Hi Ken
I will fly in Haneda then on to Osaka on 11/7/24. Will stay for 3 weeks. I will get Japan Wireless . Can I order one now? Thank you from California.
9/17/24
🍁🙏
Hi, yes, I believe you can. When you place your order you set your pick up date at the airport or date of hotel delivery.
Anyone with T-Mobile, what’s your experience with International data usage and reception?
I m your fan. Can you tell me which web is relisble for searching flight and hotel infos in for japan trip. Which hotel is cheap and close to subway? My buget is under 200 cad.
Hi, for hotels: Hotel MyStays and APA are good options and are usually near stations. They also have good breakfast options. We prefer to use Expedia here:
expedia.com/affiliate/xVQ9hEf
For searching flights we use both skyscanner.com and www.google.com/travel/flights
Thank you very much for you help. I also would like to find out which hotels they allow smoking? Thank you in advance.
Hard to choose because none of them are as good as equivalents in India and Cambodia. For one, Japanese companies leave you to do it yourself. There are no sweet extras.
If I rent a pocket WiFi from Haneda airport can I drop it off at KIX airport? And if so do you know where the drop off would be?
Hi, every company is different but in general, yes you can drop off at KIX. Please check the website of the company you plan to rent from. Actually during checkout you can choose your pick up and drop off points.
Can I connect the pocket WiFi to two phones ? It’s two of us traveling to Japan and I didn’t know if we both needed to purchase individual devices.
Yes, you can connect multiple devices to one Pocket WiFi. However, if one person walks out of range they will lose their internet connection.
I was curious if you consider purchasing your own pocket router/wifi from your home country (USA) and pay for just the data in Japan?
HI, this is certainly possible. But to be sure you may want to check with the carrier to see if they know of any issues with your model of pocket wifi/router
Are these pocket wifi's secure enough for banking and other financial connections? Do they support VPN?
I highly recommend you use a VPN when connecting to any type of sensitive information. Yes, VPN compatible.
I’m trying to reserve Ninja WiFi. But do I need to reserve it in advance or can I just get it when I arrive in the airport? Also I have a connecting flight so I got two flight numbers. When it asks for flight number, does it matter which of the two I put in?
Hi, you can rent one upon arrival but I don't recommend this for a couple of reasons. 1) they may not have any when you arrive, 2) it might be busy and you might have to wait a while.
As for flight number, it should be the one for where you intend to pickup. So if you are arriving in Tokyo first and that is where you intend to pickup your pocket wifi then that is the flight number to use.
Liked, thank you
Thank you.
Who do you feel is the best if I just want to buy a SIM card? I have a GlocalMe Numen and I get a local sim when I travel
Hi, if you are just looking for a physical SIM card or eSIM I highly recommend either Mobal, Japan Wireless or Sakura Mobile. The coupons in the description of the video are valid for SIMs, eSIMs and pocket wifis.
Hi, I will be traveling in Japan/HK/Taipei. Any suggestion of e-sim or SIM card or pocket Wi-Fi to work at all 3 countries? My phone is unlocked. Thank you
Hi, I recommend both Ubigi and Airalo. They have plans that cover many asian nations including the ones you will be visiting. They also allow you to use the eSIM as a hotspot.
(aff links)
Ubigi: few.cellulardata.ubigi.com/?P512C3F57DA13131
Airalo: airalo.pxf.io/ZQJnJQ
Here is a video with more info: ua-cam.com/video/H2ZQ6c_jA9U/v-deo.html
Thanks
Happy to help, Thank you!!
Doesnt hotels and resturaunts have free wi fi? I was thinking of a e sim and i dont understand why i would need both?
If you are just one individual person and don't plan to use a lot of data, then an eSIM is probably sufficient.
Thank you so much ❤
Are the prices for rental the same with English version compared to the Japanese version for ninja wifi?
You can select a language under the settings on the Pocket WiFi.
Do you have any recommendations for a wifi for a 2 week stay throughout all around japan? Idk if i should get a pocket wifi or just call my carrier and have an international service.
Hi, I think japan wireless is a solid option and will most likely be a better price then your local carrier, but please check. Also, if you don't want to carry around a pocket wifi you might consider an eSIM that allows hotspots. Here is a link to our video on that: ua-cam.com/video/2fhdT0Ubxmo/v-deo.html
@@KenshoQuest Thank you so much!
Used Sakura Mobile for my first trip using pocket wi-fi...I was given a unit that had no charge, lucky for me I had memorised the route to my hotel, and the unit needed to be rebooted every day for it to work...sigh...not a happy camper at all. My limit was 999gb over a 16 day period. When it did work, it was wonderful, but many a day I had to rely on local wifi and McDonalds...too unpredictable for my liking as I often went off the beaten track. So, no, I do not recommend Sakura Mobile pocket wifi at all. My phone is unlocked, so I might go the esim way next trip this October/November...
Sorry to hear about your experience but appreciate you sharing so others can make a more informed decision. Hopefully, eSIM will work better for you!
Thanks!
Thank you!
I’m going to Tokyo for 10 days and will be on a cruise around Japan for a week, which company should I go with?
HI, all of these will work well in the Tokyo area but am not sure if they will work at all once you are out at sea...
@@KenshoQuest that’s good to know, thank you! The cruise stops at several places all around Japan, does the pocket wifi work everywhere in Japan or is it just Tokyo?
@@kylek.4239 Yes, pocket wifis in the review will work almost everywhere in Japan except the most remote places and sometimes you could be blocked by interference.
Can you charge the Ninji Wifi using your own power bank with standard USB?
Hi, yes, you can however depending on which model you get the pocket WiFi might have either a USB-C or micro USB connector.
hi
I use an iPhone and am wondering if you have to have a SIM card in your phone to use pocket wifi?
Hi, you do not need a SIM card for pocket WiFi to work, as long as your phone has WiFi capability is all you need
thank you@@KenshoQuest