One of the most common questions we come across in many Japan travel forums is whether one should rent a portable WiFi device when travelling in Japan. While Japan SIM cards and Japan eSIMs are much cheaper than a small internet router, pocket WiFi can be the best option for your next Japan trip if you plan to travel in a group or have multiple devices that need an internet connection. But before you rush off and pre-order a pocket WiFi for your next exciting adventure, let us go through what you need to know about pocket WiFi rental in Japan. As you read on, you will also find information about the best Japan pocket WiFi providers for both short stay and long-term pocket WiFi for Japan.
Table of Contents
- What Is a Pocket WiFi?
- Is Pocket WiFi for Japan Worth It?
- When Not to Rent a Japan Portable WiFi?
- Rent a Portable WiFi for Your Next Japan Trip if You Fit into One of the Following Categories
- How to Rent a Japan Pocket WiFi?
- Why Do I Need to Pre-Book a Japan Pocket WiFi?
- Last Minute Japan Pocket WiFi Rental
- Japan Pocket WiFi Q&A
- Can I Pick Up My Pocket WiFi in One Place and Return It Somewhere Else?
- Recommended Japan Pocket WiFi Providers
- The Best Japan Pocket WiFi Providers and How Much Does Renting a Pocket WiFi Cost in Japan for Short-Term Travelers
- The Best Japan Pocket WiFi Providers for Long-Term Travelers
- The Reasons Affecting the Cost of Renting a Pocket WiFi
What Is a Pocket WiFi?
A pocket WiFi or portable WiFi is a pocket-sized mobile router that allows you to access an internet connection on the go. Most portable WiFi devices in Japan use 4G/5G signals from network providers to enable the connection.
The size of the pocket WiFi is smaller than a standard cell phone. Depending on your chosen Japan pocket WiFi provider, it can be only a little bit bigger than your credit card!
Is Pocket WiFi for Japan Worth It?
While renting a pocket WiFi is more expensive than buying a Japan SIM card or eSIM, there are several reasons why pocket WiFi will suit you best for your next Japan trip.
- The pocket WiFi allows multiple devices to be connected to the internet. Thus, if you have more than one device, you don’t need to rely on its hotspot function, which will drain the battery quickly.
- It is the best option if you need to work remotely.
- The internet connection of a pocket WiFi is generally faster and more stable.
- Easy setup. Advanced configuration of an APN on your phone isn’t required to use a pocket WiFi.
- You can connect a locked phone to the internet using a pocket WiFi in Japan.
- A pocket WiFi is compatible with any device.
When Not to Rent a Japan Portable WiFi?
Besides the many advantages of pocket WiFi, the mobile router also has a couple of drawbacks that you should be aware of.
- In most cases, pocket WiFi can only be rented instead of purchased. This means you need to pick it up and return it while you are in Japan.
- The queue for picking up a Japan pocket WiFi at the service provider’s airport counter may be long, wasting your valuable travel time if you need to wait in line.
- The rental cost of a pocket WiFi is higher than purchasing a Japan SIM card or eSIM, so renting a pocket WiFi wouldn’t be the most economical option if you only have one device.
- The devices that need to be connected to the internet must be close to the pocket WiFi. This means if you want to share the mobile router with a group of people, the group must travel together.
- If the pocket WiFi is lost or damaged, you will have to pay a substantial compensation fee.
- The pocket WiFi must be charged before use.
Tip: Even if you plan to travel in a group, some of you might want to be alone for a short period of time. As a safety net, download WAmazing app and apply for a free SIM Card that you can pick up from an airport in Japan. It comes with 500MB of data for 15 days free of charge. The WAmazing SIM Card operates on NTT DoCoMo’s 4G mobile network, which is considered the best network in Japan.
Please note that it can take up to 4 hours from account registration before you can pick up a SIM Card from the airport.
Rent a Portable WiFi for Your Next Japan Trip if You Fit into One of the Following Categories
- You plan to travel with a group of people.
- You have multiple devices that need to be connected to the internet when you are in Japan.
- You need to work remotely.
- You want to save the hassle of configuring an APN on your phone.
- You have a locked phone that needs to be connected to the internet.
How to Rent a Japan Pocket WiFi?
- Make an order online.
- Pick up the pocket WiFi from the chosen venue, such as Haneda Airport, Narita Airport, a post office, or a hotel.
- You can pick up a Sakura Mobile pocket WiFi at Haneda Airport from 4 am to 1 am. The company is the best option for those who arrives late at night or early in the morning.
- You can return the pocket WiFi to a collection point, such as an airport.
- You can also mail it back to the service providers. However, a shipping fee may be incurred with this method if you choose a cheaper provider.
Tips:
☛ If this is your first time renting a pocket WiFi, it is best to pick up the device from the airport. Staff at the airport counter can answer any questions you might have, and if there is anything wrong with the device, they can fix it for you on the spot.
☛ If you plan to visit Taiwan before Japan, you can pick up your Japan pocket WiFi in Taiwan. Refer to HERE for more details!
Why Do I Need to Pre-Book a Japan Pocket WiFi?
Of course, you can also rent a Pocket WiFi upon arrival. But this isn’t recommended for the following reasons:
- Reserving your Pocket WiFi before arrival is usually cheaper.
- You only need to pick up your device upon arrival. No time is wasted on deciding which company to rent from and which rental plan to go for.
- During the peak season, Pocket WiFi rental companies can run out of devices, limiting your choices.
- By getting your Pocket WiFi posted to a post office or your hotel/accommodation, you avoid the long queue at the airport’s Pocket WiFi counter!
Last Minute Japan Pocket WiFi Rental
Most Japan pocket WiFi rental companies would require customers to place an order at least 3 days in advance. This is because they need shipping time to ensure your device is ready to be picked up from your chosen venue.
Tips:
☛ Sakura Mobile accepts same-day orders if you can pick up the pocket WiFi from their Shinjuku Office.
☛ Japan Wireless may be able to accept your order within 3 days from the pick-up date if you contact their customer service team.
☛ Ninja-WiFi accepts orders up to 1 day before the desired pick-up date.
Japan Pocket WiFi Q&A
Below are some frequently asked questions about pocket WiFi rental in Japan.
Can I Pick Up My Pocket WiFi for Japan in One Place and Return It Somewhere Else?
Most Japan pocket WiFi service providers allow you to pick up your mobile router in one location and return it in another. In fact, most of them provide a prepaid envelope for you to return the device. This gives you the maximum flexibility to decide where and when to return your pocket WiFi.
So, you can definitely collect your portable WiFi from Haneda Airport or Narita Airport in Tokyo and return it to Kansai International Airport in Osaka, or vice versa.
Do I Need Insurance for Renting a Pocket WiFi in Japan?
If you are worried that the rented pocket WiFi for Japan will be lost or broken during the rental period, consider purchasing insurance while ordering.
The Best Japan Pocket WiFi Providers
- Sakura Mobile: Suitable for longer travel periods of 1 week or more, or last-minute bookings.
- Japan Wireless: Suitable for shorter travel periods.
- NINJA WiFi: Suitable for a travel period of 1 week or less.
- Japan WiFi Rental: Suitable for those with a strict budget.
- Mobal: Suitable for newly arrived residents and expats.
Tip: While cost is a significant factor when choosing a Japan pocket WiFi provider, also consider the pocket WiFi’s battery capacity. The larger the number specified, the longer it will last.
Sakura Mobile
Sakura Mobile is an internet service provider for international visitors. In addition to short-term pocket WiFi plans, it also has long-term Japan pocket WiFi plans.
All of Sakura Mobile pocket Wifi plans are for unlimited internet usage. Depending on the rental period, the per-day charges change.
If you want a pocket WiFi for more than 7 days, the converted daily rate is cheaper than NINJA WiFi. The longer the rental period, the cheaper the daily charges become.
As Sakura Mobile uses NTT DoCoMo’s network, the reception is exceptional!
Refer to Sakura Mobile’s website HERE for more information.
Important: Orders must be put through at least 3 days in advance. However, if you choose to pick it up at Narita Airport, they can accept orders up to a day in advance.
Tip: You can also visit their Shinjuku Office if you want to do same-day pick-up. However, please note that you must place your order through their website.
Japan Wireless
Japan Wireless is operated by Inbound Platform, a company specialising in providing services to international tourists, including camping cars, pocket WiFi, and medical information. Like Sakura Mobile, it is a better option if you rent a pocket WiFi for more than 7 days.
While the daily rates to rent a Japan Wireless pocket WiFi are slightly higher than Sakura Mobile, the add-on charges (insurance) are cheaper.
While you can’t order a Japan Wireless pocket WiFi on its website for pick up within three days, you can contact their customer service directly by email: [email protected].
Refer to Japan Wireless’s website HERE for more information and to order your Japan pocket WiFi.
Important: Japan Wireless still require the order to be put through at least 1 day in advance.
NINJA WiFi
NINJA WiFi has been a trusted brand since its founding in 1995. With 990 yen a day, you can enjoy unlimited internet data at a maximum download speed of 150Mbps.
In addition, compared to other service providers, NINJA WiFi has more pickup counters where you can collect your NINJA pocket WiFi for free. They even have a service counter at Shinjuku!
- If the pickup location is Narita Airport, Haneda Airport, Kansai International Airport, or Naha Airport, you can reserve your NINJA WiFi pocket WiFi device by 3 pm Japan Time (JST) the day before.
- If you order your pocket WiFi at least 4 days in advance, the pickup locations are extended to 11 airports in Japan!
NINJA WiFi provides its customers with many add-on options, including a real-time translator and medical insurance/support, to ensure your Japan trip is hassle-free!
Refer to NINJA WiFi’s website HERE for more information and to order your Japan pocket WiFi.
Tip: You can pick up your pocket WiFi on the day from NINJA WiFi’s service counter at Shinjuku if you order by 3 pm.
Japan WiFi Rental
If you want to rent a pocket WiFi at the lowest cost, Japan WiFi Rental is the provider you might want to consider. The company rents out pocket Wifi at an extremely low rate of 430 yen per day. But your internet download speed will be restricted if the company considers your usage extensive.
Another con in renting from Japan WiFi Rental is the limited number of pickup points. 1,100 yen is charged for shipping if you prefer your pocket WiFi to be sent to a desired location. In addition, you must return/post the rented pocket WiFi by 10 am on your scheduled return date.
Refer to Japan WiFi Rental’s website HERE for more information.
Mobal
If you plan to stay in Japan for more than 3 months and are seeking an alternative to installing broadband, rent a Mobal WiFi device. The company’s WiFi router is a cloud device that utilizes Japan’s three main networks (Softbank, DoCoMo, and au), providing the best possible coverage in Japan.
The standard package gives you 100GB per month, more than enough for an average internet user.
The great news is that no long-term contract is required to sign up for Mobal’s WiFi service. You can terminate the service anytime after 3 months by clicking the “Cancel service” button on the portal.
HERE is our review on Mobal WiFi device when we traveled in Japan’s rural areas for two weeks.
If you are interested, refer to the official website HERE and order!
The Best Japan Pocket WiFi Providers and How Much Does Renting a Pocket WiFi Cost in Japan for Short-Term Travelers
Sakura Mobile and Japan Wireless are Japan’s top two pocket WiFi providers. Each provider’s pricing differs slightly because the level of services they provide isn’t the same. The best Japan pocket WiFi company for you depends on your type of traveller and your internet usage pattern. So, refer to the table below to find the Japan pocket WiFi provider you should use.
Our favorite Japan pocket WiFi provider is Sakura Mobile. The company uses NTT DoCoMo’s network, the best network in Japan. This means the greatest coverage and the fastest speed. Their pickup counter at the airport also has long opening hours. The one at Haneda Airport is only closed from 1 am to 4 am, accommodating early and late arrival passengers.
| Japan Pocket WiFi Provider | Network Used | FUP (Fair Usage Policy) | Daily Cost for a 28-Day Rental | Number of Devices | Can I Return the Pocket WiFi at the Airport? | Need to Pay for the Postage of Returning the Device? |
| Sakura Mobile (click for more info) | NTT DoCoMo | 3GB, the speed may slow down after 3GB is used. | 632 Yen/Day | 15 | Yes | No |
| Japan Wireless (click for more info) | Softbank | Not provided, but confirmed that the speed will be limited if excessive data is used. | ☛ Business WiFi Plan: 577 Yen/Day ☛ Premium WiFi Plan (for data-heavy users): 615 Yen/Day | 10 | No | No |
| NINJA WiFi (click for more info) | Softbank | Depending on the plan you choose | ☛ 3GB High Speed: 770 Yen/Day ☛ 5GB High Speed: 1,100 Yen/Day ☛ 10GB High Speed: 1,320 Yen/Day ☛ Unlimited High Speed: 1,980 Yen/Day | 10 | Yes | No |
- Note that after the day’s FUP (Fair Usage Policy) threshold is met, you can still connect your devices to the internet, but at a low speed.
- While Japan Wireless’s website states the maximum download speed is 187Mbps, the actual speed is greatly affected by a number of factors. In Tokyo, the company has confirmed that the typical download speed for the premium plan is approximately between 20 and 40 Mbps.
The Best Long-Term Japan Pocket WiFi Providers
If you plan to stay in Japan for at least a month, you can rent a pocket WiFi at a discount. Again, depending on your internet usage pattern, the best Japan pocket WiFi company for you differs. Refer to the comparative table below to find the Japan pocket WiFi provider you should choose.
Our favorite is Mobal. The company uses all of Japan’s big network providers. This means consistent, smooth internet surfing. Breaking the 3-month contract also incurs a smaller fee compared to other companies.
Refer to our Mobal WiFi article for our experience using Mobal’s WiFi!
| Japan Pocket WiFi Provider | Network Used | Long-Term Pocket WiFi Rental Cost | Minimum Contractual Perod |
| Sakura Mobile (click for more info) | Softbank 4G/LTE (au 5G/WiMAX or NTT FLET’S Hikari for fiber unlimited internet) | ☛ 100GB Plan: 5,478 Yen/Month ☛ 200GB Plan: 7,128 Yen ☛ Unlimited Internet: 7,128 Yen | No |
| Japan Wireless | Softbank | ☛ 3-Month Plan: 6,600 Yen/Month ☛ 6-Month Plan: 6,000 Yen ☛ 12-Month Plan: 5,580 Yen | Depending on the plan of choice. The 3-month plan can be canceled early without incurring a penalty fee. However, refunds cannot be issued even if you return it early. |
| Mobal | A combination of Softbank, DoCoMo, and AU | 4,980 Yen/Month for 100GB | 3 Months, a small early termination will be incurred if you end the contract early |
The Reasons Affecting the Cost of Renting a Pocket WiFi
The cost of a pocket WiFi depends on several factors, such as:
- Data limit: A cheaper pocket WiFi rental plan usually means a lower data limit for high-speed internet.
- Number of days: The longer the rental period, the cheaper the per-day cost will be.
- Internet speed: The higher the speed, the more expensive the plan will be in most cases.
- Number of devices: The more devices that can connect to a pocket WiFi, the more expensive it will cost you.
SIM Card, eSIM, or Pocket WiFi: Which One to Use in Japan?
If Pocket WiFi doesn’t sound like the best internet solution for your next Japan trip, consider purchasing a SIM card or eSIM.
Refer to our SIM Card, eSIM, or Pocket WiFi: Which One to Use in Japan article that answers all your questions about how to stay connected to the internet when you are in Japan!
