Best Pocket WiFi Rentals for Japan

Having a reliable internet connection while traveling abroad can greatly enhance your travel experience.

With the help of your smartphone and an online connection, you can travel deeper. You no longer have to solely rely on tourist recommendations as you can wander freely in the urban jungles of Tokyo and Osaka and know you can use your smartphone to find your way back.

Additionally, language barriers become less of an issue as translation apps can assist you in deciphering menus in Japanese at small eateries and Izakaya’s.

There are several ways to stay connected in Japan. In this post, we will provide comprehensive information about renting a Pocket WiFi in Japan.

Overview

Here’s a quick summary of the most important aspects of the WiFi devices we cover in this article.

All plans offer unlimited data. In this table we show the amount of high-speed data included. Once that is used, your speed will be reduced.

We discuss these plans in detail but first here’s our quick guide.

Quick Guide

The Best Deal

Ninja WiFi is our winner for those looking for a solution for a short stay. The WiFi hotspots have a high-speed data allowance of 3GB/day (+/- 36 hours of browsing, streaming 600 songs, or watching 6 hours of standard-definition video.)

If you do need more data (maybe because you will be sharing your hotspot with friends or family) you can also choose a plan of 5GB or 10GB/day.

We have a special 20% discount that is automatically applied when you use our link.

For data-hungry users

2 WiFi hotspots offer an amazing 10 GB/day at 4G/LTE speeds. The theoretical maximum download speed is 187,5 Mbps.

10GB is enough for 6 hours of YouTube videos or 10 hours of Netflix.

The batteries of these devices last about 9-10 hours, probably less with intense use.

The H.I.S. Mobile hotspot is the cheapest. Ninja WiFi has the advantage that you can add a power bank that can fully charge your hotspot and extend its lifespan.

You get a special 20% discount at Ninja. This is automatically applied during the reservation process when you use our link.

For Longer Stays

For longer stays it is better to opt for 1 of the monthly plans offered by Mobal or Sakura Mobile. Mobal has a rather generous plan with 100 GB/data per month and maximum download speeds of up to 187,5 Mbps.

At Sakura Mobile you can choose between a plan of 10 or 30 GB/month with estimated download speeds of 40 Mbps.

The monthly subscription price at Sakura Mobile is lower, but they do charge a starting fee. Mobal has an early termination fee if you stop your plan in the first 3 months. As a result, Sakura Mobile’s plan of 10GB is cheaper for stays under 3 months. The price for the 30GB plan is really close to that of Mobal.

Japan Pocket WiFi Devices – The Details

Ninja WiFi

Ninja WiFi is a brand name of Vision Inc., a reputable Japanese company that specializes in WiFi devices, catering to the needs of individuals as well as businesses. Whether it’s for travel, remote work, or enhancing connectivity at home, Vision Inc. has a solution for reliable and high-speed internet connectivity.

Ninja focuses on devices for short-term visitors to Japan and gets consistently good reviews. They offer support in English and Japanese.

The Specifications

The Plans

This table shows the daily rates for the 3 different plans offered by Ninja WiFi. You can see the default price and the special discounted rate if you use our link.

	3GB/day	5GB/day	10GB/day
Price/Day	770 JPY	1.100 JPY	1.320 JPY
Discounted Price/Day	616 JPY	880 JPY	1.056 JPY

Once all high-speed data is consumed the speed will be limited to 128kbps.

Ninja WiFi hotspots can also be booked through these popular travel agencies albeit with some limitations.

Klook: No delivery options, you need to collect your device at one of Japan’s airports. You cannot add any extras (insurance, power bank, …)

Viator: Only the 3GB/day plan. Only for Haneda airport. You cannot add any extras but you get a free power bank.

H.I.S Mobile

H.I.S is a local travel agency. Apart from providing guided tours and activities, they also offer WiFi devices to visitors.

The devices can be picked up at their tourist information center in Harajuku, at the airport, or you can have them delivered to your hotel.

The device has received positive reviews from users, both for its performance and its battery life. In case any issues arise, you can rely on English-speaking support to assist you.

The Specifications

The Plans

H.I.S has only 1 plan. The device comes with unlimited data and connects to the 4G/LTE Softbank network. It is not mentioned anywhere, but when we asked, we were told that it includes 10GB of high-speed data per day.

If you use more data your speed will be reduced.

The daily rate becomes cheaper the longer you rent. We recommend this device for rental periods of 2 weeks or longer.

Sakura Mobile

Sakura Mobile provides wireless services specifically tailored for those visiting Japan. They offer a range of affordable solutions to help you stay connected throughout your Japan trip. Both for short as well as longer journeys.

The devices have an impressive battery life of 15 to 20 hours and can handle up to 15 devices simultaneously.

Sakura Mobile has English-speaking support.

The Specifications

The Plans

	Short-term	Long-term: S Plan	Long-term: M Plan
Fair Usage Policy	3GB/day	10GB/Month	30GB/Month
Price	Starts at 329 JPY/day (for 90 days, for shorter plans the price/day is more expensive)	3,828 JPY/month + a one-time activation fee of 5,500 JPY	5,478 JPY/month + a one-time activation fee of 5,500 JPY

Once all high-speed data is consumed the speed will be limited to 200kbps.

Mobal

Mobal is an American/Japanese company specializing in communication solutions for international travelers to Japan. Thanks to their international footprint, with amongst others, offices in New York & UK, you’re sure to receive English support in case you need it.

In addition to various tourist SIM cards they also have a WiFi device that can be rented with a monthly plan.

This device offers the convenience of connecting to all three popular networks, Softbank, Docomo, and AU. This ensures that you can enjoy excellent coverage no matter where you are. Additionally, the battery life of this device extends up to 10 to 12 hours, providing long-lasting usage sufficient to cover an entire day.

The Specifications

The Plans

Mobal offers only 1 plan with a fixed rate of 4.980 JPY/month. The device comes with 100 GB of high-speed data/month. If you use more data the speed will be reduced to 384 kbps.

Mobal has a 3-month contract but you can terminate your plan earlier without any problems. If you stop the plan during the first 3 months you need to return the device and pay a termination fee of 3.000 JPY.

If you keep the plan for at least 3 months there’s no termination fee and the device is yours to keep.

Advantages of Pocket WiFi Devices

If you’re traveling with friends or family and want to share your internet connection, a pocket WiFi device, also known as a WiFi egg, is usually the simplest solution. Some of these devices allow up to 10 simultaneous connections.

Another advantage is that you can keep your existing phone number without having to make any changes to your phone settings.

There’s also no risk that your phone will not be able to access the internet.

Whereas you need to check if your phone is compatible with Japan’s network if you’re using a SIM there’s no need to do this here. All you have to do is connect to the WiFi network emitted by the device.

Lastly, because you don’t need to change any settings in your phone, you won’t encounter any connectivity problems when switching back to your home mobile network.

Disadvantages of Pocket WiFi Devices

Wouldn’t it be great if there were only benefits? Unfortunately, that is not the case. But there is actually only 1 real disadvantage.

We never use a hotspot if we know in advance that we are not going to share our connection.

Even though the device is small and light. It is one less thing that you have to take everywhere and it is also one less item that you have to charge every evening. (The battery of a hotspot usually only lasts 1 day with normal use.)

If you are not going to share your connection and your phone is compatible with the network in Japan, we think a tourist SIM card is more practical. Especially if your phone also supports eSIMs.

Alternative options to stay connected in Japan

Tourist SIM cards for Japan

In some cases, you may not need a pocket WiFi device but you’re better off with a tourist SIM card.

Tourist SIM cards come in 3 types:

• Regular data SIM cards: These are the SIM cards that we all know and need to be inserted into the phone. If you do not share your connection with others, this SIM card may be all you need. Then there is no need to carry around a pocket WiFi device. If you would rather not touch the settings of your phone, or if you want people to be able to call you on your known number, you are better off with a pocket WiFi device.
• Data eSIM cards: This may be your best option if your phone supports it. No fiddling around with your phone, your regular SIM stays in there. You can keep using your known number and at the same time browse the internet with your eSIM.
• Voice+Text+Data SIMs: If you want to make regular telephone calls at cheaper local rates, or need a local number for another reason, you have no choice but to opt for a SIM card.

Free WiFi in Japan

Free WiFi is widely available in locations such as coffee shops, metro stations from Tokyo Metro, and JR train stations.

In the past, connecting to these networks could be inconvenient as it required you to complete your information each time. However, a new app called Japan WiFi Auto-Connect has made this process much simpler.

This app automatically connects users to specific public WiFi hotspots at for example train and metro stations. It connects only to those managed by trusted corporations or public authorities for security reasons.

Although this is already a big improvement, it is still too limited, and hotspots become even scarcer once you leave the major cities.

If, like us, you use your mobile phone as a travel buddy and as a replacement for the traditional travel guide it is better to not rely solely on free WiFi hotspots.

It’s a matter of convenience, but for the small price of a pocket WiFi hotspot or tourist SIM card, it is absolutely worth it.

FAQ about Pocket WiFi Devices

How Does a Pocket WiFi Device Work?

A pocket WiFi device is really easy to operate. The only thing you need to do is switch it on and off. When it’s turned on it will broadcast a WiFi signal. Connect your phone to this network and that’s it.

We sometimes had times when the network dropped out. In that case, we only had to turn the device off and put it back on.
This can sometimes be due to overheating. In that case, it is best to let the device cool down before turning it back on.

Is a Pocket WiFi Device better than a Data SIM Card (Phone Data)?

Pocket WiFi Devices are built to do one thing, access the internet and handle multiple simultaneous connections. They are usually good at providing reliable and stable connections, but of course, their speed depends on several factors, especially your location.

Modern phones can do the same but it will quickly drain the battery. Phone batteries drain faster when using mobile data than WiFi and sharing your connection with your phone will drain the battery even more.

So yes, a pocket WiFi device is good for sharing the connection with others and extending the battery life of your phone.

Do I Need to Order a SIM Card as well?

All these devices come with a local SIM card. It’s already inserted in the device. The WiFi device is all you need.

What is the Pocket WiFi Insurance About?

The device and all accessories must be returned in good condition at the end of the rental. Most companies therefore have compensation fees that you need to pay if you break or lose something during your rental.
The fee for the router is usually around 25.000 – 30.000 JPY.

If you take out insurance, you can reduce these reimbursements or even eliminate them altogether.

Companies have different insurance plans that cover anything from 50 to 100% of the compensation fee.

Can I Collect my Pocket WiFi Device at One Place and Return it Somewhere Else?

Yes, most companies are very flexible and have counters at all major airports in Japan. You can indicate how you will pick up and return the device during your booking. Others will mail the device to your hotel.

You can usually also choose to mail the router back in a prepaid envelope.

Is it worth getting pocket WiFi in Japan?

Yes, being able to access the internet at any time in Japan is priceless and a pocket WiFi device makes it easy. The devices are also cheap to rent and are therefore absolutely worth their money.

Is it Safe to Use a Pocket WiFi Device to Surf the Web?

A Mobile Hotspot such as a Pocket WiFi Device uses encrypted data. This extra layer of security makes it considerably harder for somebody to access your data.

A Pocket WiFi Device is much safer than public WiFi hotspots that can be completely unsecured.

How Long Does the Battery Last on a Pocket WiFi Device?

Much will of course depend on your use. The more you use it, and the more devices connect to the hotspot, the faster its battery will drain.

We mention for each device how long the battery lasts. This is anywhere from 9 hours to 20 hours. This is with normal usage. Things like looking up your location with Google Maps, checking the train schedule, using Google Maps to walk to the next tourist sight, and translating the menu of the Izakaya. If you stream a lot of YouTube or do hour-long WhatsApp calls the battery may drain faster.

With some providers, you can add a power bank to your order for a small fee.

Conclusion

In conclusion, using a pocket WiFi device when visiting Japan offers numerous benefits. It provides you with a reliable and secure internet connection, allowing you to navigate unfamiliar streets, access useful travel apps, and stay connected with family and friends back home.

With a pocket WiFi device, you can take advantage of convenient online translation tools, explore Japan’s rich cultural heritage, and easily share your travel experiences on social media. Embrace the freedom and flexibility that a pocket WiFi device provides, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable travel experience in Japan.

Enjoy your trip to Japan!