Sakura Mobile is a trusted provider of portable pocket Wi-Fi rentals in Japan, known for its reliable service, English-language support, and flexible plans. It is a popular choice among tourists, students, and business travelers seeking hassle-free internet access across the country.
Plans and pricing
Sakura Mobile offers a combination of short- and long-term pocket Wi-Fi rental plans.
Short-term plans are available from ¥329 per day with unlimited data, and cheaper prices are available for longer rental periods. Routers support up to 15 devices simultaneously and offer fast data on Docomo’s 4G/LTE network. The short-term unlimited plan boasts no cut-offs or hidden fees.
Monthly plans for long-term use are available at 100 GB for ¥5,478 per month and 200 GB per month for ¥7,128 on the Softbank network.
About Sakura Mobile Pocket WiFi
Founded in 2014, Sakura Mobile specializes in mobile internet solutions for English-speaking visitors and residents in Japan. The company is recognized for its outstanding English customer support and transparent service, catering especially to tourists, students, and foreign residents. Sakura Mobile offers pocket Wi-Fi, SIM cards, and eSIMs, with a focus on reliability and ease of use.
Highlights
- Reliable local 4G/LTE networks: Reliable coverage and stable connectivity on both short- and long-term plans on the Softbank and Docomo networks.
- English support: Comprehensive English-language customer service and instructions.
- Flexible pickup and return: Airport, hotel, office, or home delivery; easy return via mail or airport drop-off.
- Transparent pricing: No hidden fees or complicated contracts.
Download and upload speeds
- Download speed: Up to 187.5 Mbps.
- Upload speed: Fast enough for video calls and file uploads (exact figures not always stated, but consistent with LTE standards).
Network provider
Sakura Mobile’s pocket Wi-Fi monthly fixed-data plans operate on the Docomo 4G/LTE network, which covers 99% of Japan’s population and is renowned for its reliability, even in rural and remote areas. The short-term travel Wi-Fi unlimited data plans run on the equally reliable Softbank network.
Pickup and delivery options
- Airport pickup/return: Available at major airports, including Haneda, Narita, Fukuoka, and Kansai.
- Hotel delivery: Devices can be delivered to your hotel for convenient pickup at check-in.
- Home/office delivery: Available for residents and long-term visitors.
- Easy return: Prepaid envelope included for mailbox return.
Sakura Mobile Pocket WiFi is recommended for
- Tourists: Reliable internet for navigation, translation, and sharing experiences.
- Business travelers: Stable connection for emails, video calls, and cloud access.
- Groups/families: Connect up to 15 devices simultaneously.
- Students: Affordable, long-term plans with student discounts.
- Remote workers: Consistent speeds and long battery life for work on the go.
User reviews
Sakura is typically rated for:
- Reliability and coverage: Strong, stable connection throughout Japan on the Softbank and Docomo networks.
- Ease of use: Straightforward setup and clear English instructions.
- Customer support: Responsive and helpful English-language service.
- Battery life: Long-lasting battery; some users report up to 20 hours, though 8–10 hours is typical, depending on the device.
- Fair usage policy: Generous data limits, though some users note speed reductions after heavy use on certain plans.
Alternatives to Sakura Mobile Pocket WiFi
If you’d like to compare providers, head to our dedicated rental Wi-Fi article. Some of the providers out there include:
Provider and Plan | Price | Delivery Fee | Download Speed/Data Limits | Good For |
---|---|---|---|---|
Ninja Wifi Unlimited Plan | ¥440/day (*¥352/day 20% off for Tokyo Cheapo readers) | Free airport pick-up/¥500 | Up to 187 Mbps/1GB per day – truly unlimited (in principle) | Short and medium-length trips, unlimited data |
Wi-FiRental.com | ¥6,600/month | ¥1,100 | Up to 187.5 Mbps/3GB a day | Long trips (30+ days) |
Mobal Wifi | ¥4,980/month | Free | Up to 150 Mbps/100GB a month | Long trips (90+ days) |
Japan Wireless Business Wifi | ¥2,780 for the first day, plus about ¥770 for each extra day | Free (except for same day) | Up to 120 Mbps/Unlimited (in principle) | Unlimited data |
SIM Cards/eSIMs: For those who prefer using their own device’s data plan, various short-term SIM and eSIM options are available in Japan. We have a dedicated page for eSIMs here.
FAQ
How many devices can connect at once?
Up to 15 devices can connect simultaneously.
How long does the battery last?
Up to 20 hours, depending on usage and device model.
Is English support available?
Yes, Sakura Mobile is known for its reliable English-language customer service.
Is there a student discount?
Yes, student discounts are available for long-term plans.
While we do our best to ensure the information here is correct, it is subject to change.