The 3 Best Pocket Wifi Japan Has to Offer and More

Worried about staying connected while in Japan? While you've heard about a prepaid SIM card, have you considered using a pocket wifi?

Wondering what that is? We will go over everything you need to know about the best pocket wifi Japan can provide.

Why do I need pocket wifi in Japan?

A pocket wifi device is a portable and wireless modem that allows your phones, laptops, and tables to connect to the internet.

Before looking at the best pocket wifi in Japan, let's see four main reasons why you would carry a pocket wifi:

1. Navigation

Navigating a Japanese city, especially Tokyo, can be overwhelming. I've gotten lost trying to find an exit at Shibuya and Shinjuku station. While there is free city wifi to use, most lasts an hour and disconnects easily. And what happens if you want to explore outside the city?

With a pocket wifi, you will have fast connection speed with any navigation or map apps. So you will easily find your way around no matter where you are and never have to worry about waiting for your maps to load ever again.

2. Translation

While most tourist places in Japan will offer an English translation, not all places do. Especially in more suburban and rural areas. 

A pocket wifi with any translation app will help you communicate via text or speech. Whether it’s finding a hotel or station, translating a menu, asking about a specific product, or wanting to chat with a Japanese local, you don’t have to wait for the translation to ever load again.

3. Information

While on the go, you can look up information about nearby attractions, restaurants, and cultural insights. Constant internet access allows you to know the store's business hours, if you need to make reservations, or if you need to buy tickets ahead of time.

4. Social media

Being in another country means wanting to share your experiences with your friends and family.

While you can use your phone's data plan, the connection may be slow or you may experience uploading error problems. But with a pocket wifi, you can post any updates on social media immediately without much wait time. 

How does pocket WiFi in Japan work?

It’s weird to think that a box can provide you with internet without an outlet, cables, sockets, or antennas.

In Japan, pocket wifi devices connect to well-known cellular networks like Docomo, AU, and Softbank through a SIM card that is inside of them.

Essentially, they act as a bridge between the local mobile network and any WiFi-enabled devices, such as smartphones, laptops, and tablets, allowing you to have internet no matter where you are.

The 3 best pocket wifi to use in Japan 

There are many pocket wifi devices to use, but here are the main 3 services that I’ve heard a lot about. 

1. Japan Wireless

Japan Wireless website

Japan Wireless is known for being convenient and reliable. With many data plans, English support, and 100% coverage all over Japan, their pocket wifi is a great choice for travelers or those traveling for work in Japan.

A friend of mine used this pocket wifi while she was here, and she said it was great for her. She had no problem staying connected with her pocket wifi while rural autumn hiking in Japan and even used it to stay connected on her laptop with no issues with streaming and downloading.

The pick-up and return process is super simple. Order online, wait one day, and then you can start using it. For returns, there is a prepaid envelope for you to use to send back the device when you are done.

Summary of the most popular plan:

• Price: $4.1/day if rented for 28 days

• Data usage: unlimited

• English customer service: yes

• Number of device: Up to 10 simultaneously

• Battery life: 20 hours

• Data speed: 187Mbps

2. Sakura Mobile

Sakura Mobile website

Sakura Mobile offers a pocket wifi router that is small and compact making it super portable when traveling. They partner with DOCOMO for unlimited data.

My workplace uses Sakura Mobile’s pocket wifi for any business travel, and we’ve had no issues staying connected and using it. 

One thing to note is that you need to place an order 3 days before you pick it up at an airport, hotel, post office, or your accommodation address. Their instruction guide will give you details about rental extensions and how to contact support if you are having trouble with their pocket wifi.

Summary (for the unlimited plan):

• Price: 299¥/DAY

• Data usage: unlimited

• Number of device: Up to 15 simultaneously

• Battery life: 20 hours

• Area: 99% of Japan's populated areas are covered

• English customer service: yes

3. Ninja WiFi: 

NINJA WiFi's website

NINJA WiFi's pocket wifi uses Softbank as their cellular network choice. They offer three different unlimited plans depending on your data usage, and the overall price includes the wifi router, a charging cable, the instruction manual, and a storage bag.

NINJA WiFi also offers insurance plans, spare batteries, and translation devices for an additional price.

Overall summary:

• Price: ¥770/DAY

• Data usage: unlimited

• Number of device: Up to 10 simultaneously

• Battery life: 20 hours

• Area: 99% of Japan's populated areas are covered

• English customer service: yes

Pocket wifi vs. SIM cards

Pocket wifi and SIM cards are common ways to stay connected when traveling abroad. Both have their advantages and disadvantages depending on what you are looking for.

Think of pocket wifi as a portable hotspot that you, your friends', and your family's devices can connect to. Most offer an unlimited data option, have great coverage, and have fast data speed for your laptop or tablet.

On the other hand, SIM cards only allow one device to connect to the internet at a time. It’s great for solo travelers as it’s relatively cheaper and has about the same coverage as a pocket wifi. Just be sure to have your devices unlocked before switching SIM cards so that they are not tied to a specific carrier.

Frequently asked questions

What is pocket wifi in Japan?

Pocket wifi has multiple names such as portable wireless modem or mobile hotspot. Many wifi rental companies use the local mobile telephone network so that you can connect to the internet through the pocket wifi. They are powerful and compact, allowing many devices to connect for high-speed reliable internet.

Is it worth getting pocket WiFi in Japan?

Yes, a pocket wifi is a great option, especially if you are traveling around Japan. While many Japanese cities offer free wifi, it is not always guaranteed, especially in rural areas. They are perfect for large groups of travelers, but that doesn't mean solo travelers can't use them as well.

In closing

What do you think of these best pocket wifi in Japan?

Any one of these is a great way to ensure that you will always have an internet connection. From my experience, while a SIM card is great if you are a solo traveler, I’ve experienced slow load time. But when using my friend's pocket wifi, there was no trouble at all. She even used that pocket wifi to connect her laptop instead of using an internet provider in Japan, and there were no issues at all!

So if you have the chance, consider getting a pocket wifi device. Especially if you are traveling for work or bringing some work with you.