Travel Smart : Stay Online and Connected in Japan with Mobile WiFi Rental

Are you planning a trip to Japan and feeling stressed out by the thought of navigating through unfamiliar streets and public transportation with limited to no available data from your cell phone provider? Well, I’ve got great news for you! Renting a mobile WiFi device in Japan can make your travel experience a breeze.

Imagine being able to easily access the internet anywhere you go in Japan, and use various travel-related apps to find your way around, order food, and even book tickets for popular attractions.

Plus, staying connected with your loved ones back home and sharing your amazing experiences through photos or on social media has never been easier.

Let me show you what a pocket WiFi (mobile WiFi device) is, where you can easily rent it, where to pick it up or how to have it delivered to your hotel in Japan, how to use it to get connected to the internet in Japan, and when you are all good and ready to leave Japan, how to conveniently return it at the end of your trip. And other crucial questions you might have regarding a WiFi. So let’s dive in!

What Is a Pocket WiFi?

A pocket WiFi, also called a mobile WiFi device, is a fantastic and small portable device, which easily fits in your pocket or backpack, that lets you stay connected to the internet, even when you’re on the move. It’s like having a mini wireless router with you, and it’s super easy and convenient to use!

When you rent a mobile WiFi in Japan, you’ll receive a small gadget that connects to the local cellular network and creates a WiFi signal. This signal can be used by multiple devices, such as your smartphone, tablet and laptop.

With it, you can access the internet without worrying about expensive roaming charges or searching for public WiFi hotspots. It’s an easy, convenient, and amazing way to stay connected to the internet wherever you go in Japan.

Why Do I Need a Pocket WiFi While Traveling in Tokyo and Japan ?

• Although public WiFi is available in train and metro stations and some cafes, it is not widely available in public and can be difficult to rely on if you’re on the move a lot throughout the day.

• With a pocket WiFi, you get to enjoy the freedom and convenience of not having to constantly look for public WiFi every time you need to use the internet.

• Have Instant and constant access to the internet in order to look up attraction addresses and operating hours, and figure out the best directions and public transport option to get to where you need to go —whether by train, metro, or foot.

• Get connected to a private high-speed internet network wherever you go in Japan

• Stay connected with friends and family back home through photos and video calls,

• Streaming movies and videos fast and without issues

• Save money and reduce your overall travel expenses, because renting them is usually cheaper than purchasing international data plans from your own country to use in Japan

• Feel safe knowing your personal data is protected every time you access the internet

• Able to connect multiple devices to the internet all at once, for example your smartphone, tablet, and laptop. It is particularly cost-effective for families or groups traveling together – everyone in your group can connect their phones to the same pocket WiFi, and use the same WiFi network.

How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Pocket WiFi ?

When traveling to Japan, the cost of renting a pocket WiFi or mobile WiFi device can vary depending on the rental company, your rental period, and the rental plan or package you choose.

On average, rental costs range from 570 to 1,200 yen per day, or approximately 4.30 to 9 USD. However, many rental companies offer discounts for longer rental periods, like 7 days or more, or weekly and monthly rentals.

This is a very inexpensive option, compared to the cost of adding an international data plan from your own country, which usually costs anywhere between 10 to 20 USD per day, or more. Oh yes, and the roaming charges on top of that.

Keep in mind that there may be additional fees or charges associated with renting a pocket WiFi device, such as shipping fee, insurance fee, or late return fees. Before making a reservation, make sure you read the rental terms and conditions carefully.

Although renting a pocket WiFi device in Japan may seem like an added expense, it’s definitely worth the investment for the convenience and peace of mind it provides while exploring Japan, where public WiFi is not widely available.

What Are Included in a Typical Pocket WiFi Rental Package?

These items are typically included in most pocket WiFi rental packages :

• Good WiFi connection in Japan
• 1 complimentary (free) power bank
• 1 charger for your pocket WiFi device
• 1 USB cable for Pocket WiFi-to-power bank connection
• 1 ready-to-go prepaid return envelope
• Quick 1-to-2-day delivery service to any airport or hotel in Japan
• English-speaking customer service by phone or email if any issues.

How Do I Order a Pocket WiFi Device for My Japan Trip?

There are many Japanese companies offering mobile wifi rental for visitors to Japan. You can rent from them online, at the airports, or major train stations after your arrival in Japan.

How to Order a Mobile WiFi Device Before Going to Japan

You can order a pocket WiFi rental online in advance, and either pick it up at the airport, or have it delivered to your hotel.

Simply go to the website of the pocket WiFi rental company, fill in the order form, and specify the address (in Japan) you want them to send your mobile WiFi device to. This could be the post office or pocket WiFi pickup counter at the airport, a train station, or your hotel.

Then, on the desired date, arrive at the same address and pick up your device. Make sure to present your passport to prove your identity.

How Do I Order a Mobile WiFi Device After Arriving in Japan

If you previously opted for using your international data phone plan, and so far the cellular signal you got from your phone company is way too slow and frustrating for you, it’s still not too late to rent a mobile WiFi device.

Ask your hotel staff to help order one for you, or rent one at the pocket WiFi counter at the airport or at a major train station.

Or you could simple go on the website of the WiFi rental company and order one to be shipped to your hotel in 1 or 2 days as well.

Where Do I Pick Up My Pocket WiFi Device After Arriving in Japan?

You could choose to pick up your pocket WiFi from anywhere in Japan. It could be at the post office in the airport, at a major train station, a hotel or ryokan you are staying at, or any address in Japan.

If you are having your pocket WiFi delivered to an AirBnB or apartment building, make sure you confirm with the staff there that they are OK with accepting it and holding it for you until your arrival.

How Do I Connect to the Internet Using a Mobile WiFi Device ? Are There Instructions in English Language ? (I Don’t Speak Japanese)

Using your pocket WiFi device is very simple. Within the package that the WiFi rental company sends you is a piece of paper with simple instructions on how to turn it on and connect your phone to it.

• English instructions are very simple and included in the package you receive with the pocket WiFi.

• Step 1 : Press on the Power button on the device to turn it on. The device screen will light up, and show you its WiFi network name and a password.

• Step 2 : Use your phone to look for the same WiFi network, and enter the password above to connect to it.

That’s it! You are now connected to the pocket WiFi and the internet. Go ahead and browse the web to your heart’s content!

How Long Does the Battery Last on a Pocket WiFi ? Does It Last an Entire Day When I Am Out and About? Should I Bring a Charger?

Many rental companies will state clearly on their website how long the battery of a pocket WiFi router will last. Some last 5 – 6 hours, others last 8 hours. I use Japan Wireless pocket WiFi, and their Premium device lasts a total of 20 hours straight on a full charge.

Should I Bring a Charger? As there are very few public places in Japan with wall outlets for you to charge your phone or pocket WiFi device, a wall charger might not be as useful when you are out and about. It is best to bring a power bank instead, so you don’t have to search for wall outlets.

Most WiFi rental companies will also include a free power bank along with a mobile WiFi device, in order to help extend the daily life of the device. Once you see the low-battery signal, just connect your mobile WiFi router to the power bank provided to you, which charges it, and continue your adventure.

Tip : It is best practice to also bring your own power bank with you to Japan, which is going be a great help for days which you plan to stay out and explore all day, and need to charge your phone or mobile WiFi router.

How Do I Return My Pocket WiFi at the End of My Japan Vacation?

When you’re ready to go home, simply return the mobile WiFi by putting the device, charger, and any other applicable items into the prepaid envelope previously provided for you, and seal it.

Either ask your hotel staff to help mail the envelope for you, or drop it off at any 7-11 convenience store or any mailbox you see.

You could also drop it off before your flight at the airport mailbox, right before going through security. Convenient, huh?

What Happens If I Return My Mobile WiFi Device Late or Way Past the Rental Period?

Most companies will let you continue to use the mobile WiFi device past the rental period. However, you will be charged a late-return fee along with the extra days of usage.

It is recommended that you contact the pocket WiFi rental company and inform them if you plan to extend your rental period. They will also be able to provide you of the total extra charges incurred.

What Happens If I Damaged or Lost My Pocket WiFi?

If you happen to damage or lose your device, please email or have your hotel call the rental company to inform them of the issue.

There is a lost/damage fee you must pay, which are stated at the time you rent the device, and will be deducted from your credit card. This could range from 1,000 yen to 40,000 yen, depending on the damage or the lost item. So make sure to read the terms very carefully before you rent.

To avoid such incidents or reduce the fines, at the time of rental, you could also opt to add insurance to your package. This is often around 88 to 440 yen per day (approximately 0.65 to 3.30 USD per day), depending on the company and rental package.

What Happens If I Was Unable to Pick Up My Mobile WiFi at the Originally Chosen Address?

If due to some issues you were unable to pick up your device ( such as delayed flights leading to pickup counters at the airport already closed when you arrive, or sudden hotel changes at the last minutes), please email or have your hotel call the rental company as soon as possible to inform them of the issue.

No worry – they will most often ship you another device, or have your device re-routed to your new location.

Is the Pocket WiFi Better than My International Data Plan Purchased from My Country?

Yes. If you’re planning to use the internet in Japan, a pocket WiFi device is the way to go. This is because your international phone plan usually results in slow data speeds and limited coverage, which can be quite frustrating.

On the other hand, a pocket WiFi device offers a dedicated and private WiFi signal that’s optimized for fast and reliable internet access. This ensures that you have uninterrupted access to the internet, travel-related apps, and can stay connected with your loved ones.

Moreover, using a pocket WiFi device eliminates the risk of expensive roaming charges.

What About a SIM Card? Could I Buy a SIM Card in Japan instead of Renting a Mobile WiFi Device?

Absolutely. SIM card is a cheaper alternative compared to a pocket WiFi. However, remember that a SIM card comes with a set amount of data, such as 5 GB or 10 GB max per card.

Once you reach the maximum data limit on the SIM card, you will no longer have data for your phone. You will need to get another SIM card to get more data.

Therefore, depending on how long or short your Japan vacation is, and how much data you use per day, if you are only planning to use very little data for maps and public transport directions, you will be fine with a SIM card.

Another thing about using a SIM card is that your phone must be completely unlocked to accept the Japanese SIM card. Depending on your phone model, most phone companies can help you unlock your phone. But this must be done before you arrive in Japan. Meanwhile, with a pocket WiFi, you don’t need to do anything with your phone : Just turn on the pocket WiFi, connect your phone to your private WiFi network, and BAM, you’re good to go!

For those who utilize their phones a lot more for calls and video calls, sending many photos to family, posting on social media, and streaming many videos and movies on the go, a SIM card is not the ideal choice. In this case, choose a mobile WiFi device instead, and you will be happy you did.

Which Mobile WiFi Router Company Should I Choose from?

There are many companies which rent out pocket WiFi to visitors to Japan. Some of the popular and know companies are Sakura Mobile, Ninja WiFi, Japan Wireless, Modal, e-Connect, Wifi-Rental, Softbank, and more.

I have used several pocket WiFi providers from Japan, and personally, Japan Wireless is my reliable go-to for all of my recent Japan trips. (*I am not being paid by Japan Wireless; I am sharing because their products are amazing, and that I want you to have as good experience as I did*). Their consistently excellent WiFi signal, long-lasting battery, great WiFi coverage across Japan, and prompt and efficient customer service won me over time and again.

Will I be Able to Use a Pocket WiFi Device Outside of Major Cities in Japan?

Yes. Most rental companies display information on the WiFi coverage of their devices on their websites, which often is about 90 to 100% coverage of all areas of Japan. If you plan to go adventuring in rural areas, make sure you check on the WiFi coverage before renting a WiFi router.

I use Japan Wireless pocket WiFi, and they have 100% coverage nationwide. So wherever I go explore in Japan in the past, either in major cities or in more remote areas, I know I have no issue getting connected to the internet.

How Much Data Can I Use per Day, and What Happens If I Go Over My Data Limit?

How much data you are allowed to use per day depends on the rental company and your rental plan.

See some examples below :

Ninja WiFi

• This company offers multiple plans, the cheapest one is “Unlimited Plan (Softbank) 3GB per day package for 770 yen/day“.

• If you choose this plan, you will have unlimited data to use everyday of the rental period, however only the first 3 GB data of each day is high-speed internet.

• Once you reach the 3 GB data limit for that day, you will still be able to use the internet, however the speed will be very slow, way below 128kbps.

• Your maps and web browsing would still work at the slow internet speed, however expect to have some lag time.

Japan Wireless

• This company offers multiple plans as well, and if you are interested in a short-term rental plan (30 days or less), the cheapest mobile WiFi plan is called “Business WiFi”, costs about 623 to 985 yen per day (4.60 to 7.30 USD per day, depending on the rental period)

• It includes 99% coverage of all of Japan, unlimited data per day, constant high speed (95Mbps), with no daily data limit and no speed limitations.

• Some other nice perks are that their pocket WiFis last 18.5 hours on a single charge, and a power bank is also included free of charge for your use.

• This means you have access to their WiFi on 99% of all areas in Japan, with constant high speed internet, and you can use as much data as you need (sending photos and videos, streaming music and movies, heavy downloads, gaming, etc.). No worry about hitting a daily data limit or reduced speed.

If you have any questions or just want to share your own travel stories, I’d love to hear from you! Please feel free to reach out to me at evelyn@japanoncloudnine.com, and let’s chat. Thank you for taking the time to read my blog post, and happy travel!

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