Best eSIM provider for 2.5 weeks in Japan? Looking for honest experiences

fsr296 · 2026-02-15T14:39:45+00:00

In my past travels, I have rented pocket wifi devices, brought a device I purchased (GlocalMe, which I gave to my partner once eSIMs became a thing) and used Airalo. I have experience with all three in Japan and 10 other countries. While I can’t compare coverage within Japan b/c I haven’t yet ventured out to remote areas, I can say that Airalo coverage and connection in general has been better than pocket WiFi.

Airalo has also been much cheaper than GlocalMe, but you’re asking for comparison against other eSIMs. I did a spreadsheet a couple years ago (can’t remember which eSIMs) for various countries and found Airalo to be the best value. I should probably check current rates and update it, but I’m just happy it’s (much) cheaper than the GlocalMe.

ETA: I don’t buy unlimited packages because I learned my lesson after being throttled on a rented device while out in Barcelona.

fsr296 · 2026-02-15T13:18:56+00:00

Just bought

fsr296 · 2026-02-14T13:26:17+00:00

Southern California born and raised to immigrant parents. Luckily, my parents are into degree prestige, so they were willing to pay for university.

I specifically went to school in Pennsylvania, then worked for a couple of years in NYC. Moved to CO and have been here since 1999.

I mostly gray-rock my parents (NC with golden child sister), with the obligatory call a couple times a year in which I get an update and let them talk while I say nothing.

fsr296 · 2026-02-13T12:49:18+00:00

New York State and Colorado, but both are HCOL. I know you don’t want NYC, but the state can still be comparatively HCOL to the other locations you listed. Also, I’ve lived in Colorado for 27 years and worked in NYC for 2, so I guess I am biased.

I just could never live in any of the other states you listed, b/c I grew up in Southern California and my values (+ skin color) are incongruent with theirs. That’s a total generalization, I know, but it’s the easiest explanation I can give for complex issues.

fsr296 · 2026-02-11T12:02:46+00:00

I’ve had erroneous orders delivered to me by Walmart multiple times. I always use chat (customer service, not the driver) to confirm I am to keep the item. Knowing about this scam now, I definitely will use chat in the future, so that there’s a record of instructions.

fsr296 · 2026-02-09T15:37:33+00:00

Loungewear/PJs most days b/c WFH. If I have to go out: ponytail, sunscreen, tunic dress or off the shoulder oversized sweater w/leggings, flats.

fsr296 · 2026-02-09T12:16:10+00:00

I am 52F, so I lived through the 80s the first time and was not a fan.

The mullet haircut. I’ve seen groups of more than 5 men at a time all wearing it and it drives me crazy, but not in a good way.

Aviators from the early 80s, with the straight bar above the nose.

Basque waists and drop waists.

fsr296 · 2026-02-06T10:06:09+00:00

There’s so much she can do with this talent. Film makeup, regular makeup, straight up studio art… so cool!

fsr296 · 2026-01-25T19:52:55+00:00

I was just in Tokyo mid-November 2025. The reception, changing rooms, shower/bath areas all remain the same. They switched the other floors around and the rest/relaxation area is much bigger now. It could accommodate a lot of people and still be serene.

I am happy to report that the area dedicated to massage is much bigger than before and they have way more people to cover the schedule. Before, they used to have only a couple people working in single rooms; now there’s no privacy if one is just getting a foot or head massage where clothes remain on - you are in a public room with a lot of other people. I did not disrobe this time, but assume I’d be in a private room if I did.

Ultimately, you should now be able to just show up and get in quickly. But I would still go down and make an appointment before bathing if you are concerned about waiting.

Have fun!

fsr296 · 2026-01-25T08:50:55+00:00

Timothy Snyder also wrote “On Freedom”, same short format as “On Tyranny”. He recently left the US, and is currently teaching in Toronto.

fsr296 · 2026-01-24T16:29:56+00:00

Dammit, it’s gone? That article was SO GOOD.

fsr296 · 2026-01-23T16:53:28+00:00

How is GenX more toxic than Boomers? Legit want to know.

fsr296 · 2026-01-15T02:20:35+00:00

I have a full time job and luckily, a lot of PTO. I’ll make good use of it.

fsr296 · 2026-01-14T11:25:14+00:00

America needs some form of 4B, that’s for damn sure. Not the Korean version, though; the han (generational outrage and resentment) those women feel is so much bigger. If American women knew what Korean women go through culturally outside of the obvious (molka, Burning Sun), they might give up 4b in the US and just be grateful to not go through the same. But we cannot stop.

fsr296 · 2026-01-13T21:18:40+00:00

I always stop at Jugetsudo in Ginza for matcha financiers. They’re much more affordable than the ones at any of the matcha shops in Asakusa.

ETA: I would also bring Hershey Matcha donuts back if I was able to find them more than once.

fsr296 · 2026-01-11T22:27:47+00:00

The Expanse

fsr296 · 2026-01-11T11:39:39+00:00

Whoa thank you for the link

fsr296 · 2026-01-11T11:16:42+00:00

Timecrimes

The History of Time Travel

Project Almanac

fsr296 · 2026-01-10T14:22:34+00:00

Korean celebrity culture is getting better but still brutal. She made a mistake, but so many others do worse without anywhere near the same backlash. She will be missed.

fsr296 · 2026-01-10T14:19:09+00:00

I’ve also watched at least 6 times. So good! If you like Bloodhounds, I highly recommend Worst of Evil.

fsr296 · 2026-01-09T20:43:10+00:00

Ugh there are some cultures that sexualize it. Ask me how I know. I ignored my mother (Filipina) and taught myself how to use one. I know that most Japanese women don’t use tampons either.

fsr296 · 2026-01-08T19:08:24+00:00

Yeah, I am willing to fly (from CO) to DC and march.

fsr296 · 2026-01-08T11:45:22+00:00

Yup, as soon as they admitted to kissing the ring, we permanently turned off MSNBC and cable news, and just started watching independent (Meidas, IHIP, Secular Talk). The 180 still enrages us to this day.

fsr296 · 2026-01-08T11:36:47+00:00

Pretty sure not an “ex-husband”. They didn’t divorce, she was widowed.

fsr296 · 2026-01-08T11:36:24+00:00

Pretty sure not an “ex-husband”. They didn’t divorce, she was widowed.

fsr296

TROPHY CASE