Cruises Around Japan: Keep your Internet Afloat on your Trip

Published on 2017-11-21 by Sakura Mobile

Japan is becoming more popular with different kinds of tourists from all over the world. While many people might prefer to be whisked around by planes and trains, there’s also something to be said for taking it slow and soaking in the beautiful blue of the Pacific ocean and experiencing a culture like no other. We’ll let you in on the awesomeness of cruises around Japan, highlight the perils of cruise ship connectivity and give you a few tips on how to keep your internet connection from being lost at sea.

Getting a Working Holiday Visa in Japan: A Simple Guide

Published on 2017-09-20 by Sakura Mobile

Wondering about getting a working holiday visa in Japan? Here’s everything you need to know, from what it means, how to apply and how to stay connected.

If you love Japan and would like to spend more time in the country to learn the language, experience the culture or simply travel, one of the best ways is via the working holiday program.

If your country has such an arrangement with Japan, and you’re anywhere from 18 to 30 years of age when you apply (or 18 to 25 years for Canada, Australia and Korea, with a possibility of extending the age limitation to 30 depending on the situation), this could be a life-changing step for you. From its many benefits to how to apply, here’s a simple guide to getting a working holiday visa in Japan.

Japan MVNO Carriers: Advantages and Disadvantages

Published on 2017-08-02 by Sakura Mobile

Japan is in the middle of a mobile phone revolution thanks to a set of recently introduced regulations.

It used to be impossible for mobile phone users in Japan to unlock their handsets, which meant that every phone was tied to a network with no possibility of using them elsewhere. This effectively locked customers into one of the big three service providers and stifled competition. This all changed when regulations were introduced in 2015, and it is now possible to use any unlocked handset with a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO).

The advent of Japan MVNO carriers is great news for those looking for a cheaper alternative to the traditionally lengthy and costly contracts available from the incumbent networks.

Docomo Coverage Makes Climbing and Hiking in Japan Easier

Published on 2017-07-06 by Sakura Mobile

Japan is a country of mountains. Nearly three quarters of the land is considered mountainous, and two thirds is forested. This makes Japan an excellent place to walk and hike, with trails for beginners and experts alike. Some of the popular locations have well-appointed cabins for overnight stays or extended rests, and will even offer the most Japanese of services – vending machines!

Despite these modern conveniences, hiking in Japan, not to mention mountain climbing there, still means planning your trip carefully and being able to keep in touch with civilization when necessary. Staying connected means packing the newest piece of hiking technology, your mobile phone.

Japan Mobile Network Guide for Travelers and Tourists

Published on 2017-05-26 by Sakura Mobile

Japan is known for its advanced mobile technology, offering fast and reliable connections that make it easy to stay connected no matter where you are. With a mix of 4G LTE and the growing presence of 5G, Japan’s mobile networks are among the best in the world, ensuring smooth connectivity throughout your trip.

For international travelers, choosing the right mobile solution is important. With options like physical SIM cards, eSIMs, and Pocket WiFi, it’s essential to understand how each option works so you can stay connected without any headaches. Whether you’re in Japan for a short visit or a longer stay, having the right plan will make your time here a lot more convenient.

Japan’s 5G network is rapidly expanding, offering even faster speeds and improved reliability. With this shift, travelers can enjoy quicker downloads and better overall performance when connecting on the go.

Internet in Japan for Tourists: Free WiFi and Beyond

Published on 2017-03-16 by Sakura Mobile

WiFi can be a lifeline for travelers around the world, but especially in Japan where your regular cellular service is not available or will cost you in high roaming fees. When planning your Japan adventure be sure to bring a WiFi-enabled mobile device to help you get around. Wifi access will help you get the best value food and shopping, as well as to discover popular tourist spots and hidden gems on the go. You will be able to use your mobile device in diverse locations including airports, convenience stores, and even on many of the super-fast Shinkansen bullet trains. Read below to successfully navigate the sometimes confusing array of WiFi options and get internet in Japan for an even more wonderful trip!

Tokyo Cherry Blossom Guide: The Best Sakura in the City

Published on 2017-01-05 by Sakura Mobile

Updated on 2025-01-14

When you think of Japan, what is the first image that comes to mind? For many, it is the picture of a geisha holding an umbrella. For some it is their favorite manga or anime. For those lucky enough to have visited Japan during Spring, the iconic view of hundreds of sakura trees in full bloom is hard to beat. This is hanami (“flower viewing”) season in Japan, and it is a highlight of the year for many people. While many might think that they can only see sakura in the country, Tokyo cherry blossom trees are just as beautiful! Don’t worry about where to see cherry blossoms in Tokyo–we’ll show you some of the best places around.

7 Hotels in Shinjuku: From High-Class to Highly Unique

Published on 2016-12-08 by Sakura Mobile

With two international airports, Tokyo is an obvious starting point for any visitor to Japan. At the heart of the city is Shinjuku, a place full of restaurants and bars with a few nightclubs, some karaoke and plenty of hidden treasures. Shinjuku also has one of the busiest transport hubs in Japan, connecting the city to the rest of the country with a dozen train lines moving millions of passengers daily.

With so much energy and so many people moving through for business and pleasure, it’s not at all surprising that there are just as many great hotels in Shinjuku to choose from. From homey hostels to theme hotels and surprisingly inexpensive high-class digs, here are 7 of our recommendations for the best Shinjuku accommodation out there. READ MORE

New Year in Japan: A Spiritual Time of Family, Food and Fun

Published on 2016-10-30 by Sakura Mobile

For many people, Christmas is the most important holiday of the year. It is a chance to meet family, eat amazing food and give presents to loved ones. In Japan New Year is the biggest holiday, with many people returning home to spend time with their extended families. The festive spirit is reflected throughout Japan, with events held from Hokkaido to Okinawa that anyone can enjoy.

Tokyo Train Guide: Public Transit in Japan’s Capital

Published on 2016-10-30 by Sakura Mobile

Last update on 2019-09-25
When some people think of transportation in Tokyo, they imagine the crazy looking maps they’ve seen of the subway lines. With so many stops covering such a large area, it seems like a daunting system. However, Tokyo train and subway lines are among the most extensive and convenient in the world. There a few other transit options as well but you’ll find them less attractive. The buses are difficult to learn and taxis or private cars are expensive. Rental cars can be convenient because there are many options near railway stations, making them easy to find but parking is a bit of a pain – not to mention expensive. Most tourists choose to use the train systems because they are cheap, fast and easy to use.

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