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My first trip to Japan was amazing, but staying connected cost me a fortune in roaming charges. Not prepared for this expense, I decided to try a pocket wifi on my second visit. It turned out to be a game-changer!
In this article, I will share how a pocket wifi transformed my travel by keeping me connected without breaking the bank. Plus, I will provide you with the top 5 best pocket wifi in Japan to enhance your experience. If you have ever faced the dilemma of staying connected abroad without burning a hole in your pocket, this article is a must-read.
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Do I need pocket wifi in Japan?
Absolutely! Having pocket wifi in Japan can greatly enhance your travel experience. While Japan boasts an efficient public Wi-Fi infrastructure in urban areas, the connectivity may be less reliable in rural or less frequented places. A pocket wifi device ensures you have a consistent and strong internet connection throughout your journey, enabling you to navigate, communicate, and access essential information effortlessly.
It is particularly useful for real-time translation, map navigation, and staying in touch with friends and family. Moreover, relying on mobile data from your home country can result in exorbitant roaming charges. With a pocket wifi, you can enjoy unlimited data at a fixed cost, avoiding unexpected expenses.
Whether you are a tourist exploring bustling cities or venturing into more remote areas, having a pocket wifi in Japan ensures you stay connected, informed, and make the most of your travel experience.
Best pocket wifi in Japan: Top 5 to trust
Choosing the perfect pocket wifi rental for your Japanese adventure can be overwhelming with so many options. To help you out, I have compiled reviews of the top 5 contenders based on factors like coverage, speed, price, and customer service:
1. NINJA wifi
NINJA wifi is undoubtedly the best pocket wifi in Japan, thanks to its convenient airport pick-up/drop-off locations, user-friendly devices, and reliable coverage.
First, it boasts excellent signal strength in major cities and popular tourist destinations like Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hokkaido. You will likely have uninterrupted connectivity for browsing, mapping, and social media usage.
Second, this pocket wifi router is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around. It is simple to set up and connect multiple devices simultaneously (typically up to 5 depending on the plan).
The device’s battery life is around 5 hours on average, which might be insufficient for heavy users or full-day outings. So, this pocket wifi is suitable for moderate users. If you mainly use the internet for browsing, maps, and social media, the data plans should suffice.
Another great point is that you can rest assured with its 24/7 customer support in English and Japanese. If you encounter any issues with the device or connectivity, you can easily reach out for assistance.
Best for: Short trips (1-3 weeks)
What I like:
- Excellent coverage in major cities and popular tourist areas
- User-friendly device
- 24/7 customer support
- Multiple data plans
- Affordable rates.
What I don’t like:
- Limited battery life (around 5 hours)
- Data throttling after exceeding fair usage limit
- Can be expensive for longer trips
2. Japan Wireless
Japan Wireless is a prominent player in the Japanese pocket wifi rental scene. Unlike some competitors that throttle speeds after exceeding a fair usage limit, Japan Wireless truly delivers unrestricted data usage. You can stream, download, and video call to your heart’s content without worrying about slowdowns.
Boasting up to 18 hours of runtime on a single charge, the Japan Wireless device outlasts many competitors, making it ideal for day trips and prolonged use.
Enjoy reliable connectivity throughout Japan, even in rural areas where some other providers might struggle. This comes in handy for venturing beyond the bustling cities. All of these features make me find it the best pocket wifi in Japan to opt for when I travel here.
Best for: Long stays (over 3 weeks)
What I like:
- Unlimited data with no throttling
- Excellent customer service with local English support
- Long battery life (up to 18 hours)
- Various data plans and add-ons
What I don’t like:
- Coverage might be slightly weaker in remote areas
- Slightly higher price point
3. Sakura Mobile
Sakura Mobile offers plans with data allowances ranging from 1GB to unlimited, so you can find one that’s right for you. They also have plans with different speeds, so you can choose one that’s fast enough for your needs.
It uses Docomo’s network, which is one of the largest and most reliable in Japan. You can expect to have good coverage in most areas, even in rural areas.
However, the battery life of this pocket wifi devices can vary, but they typically last for around 5-8 hours on a single charge. This may not be enough for a full day of sightseeing, so you may need to carry a power bank with you.
Best for: Budget-conscious travelers
What I like:
- Unlimited data with a fair usage policy
- Good coverage in urban areas
- Easy pick-up and return at major airports
What I don’t like:
- Data throttling after exceeding fair usage limit
- Heavier than other pocket wifi
- Shorter battery life (around 8 hours)
4. Pupuru wifi
Pupuru wifi stands out as the best pocket wifi in Japan for its unique feature to connect devices simultaneously. Up to 10 devices can connect simultaneously, perfect for group trips, families, or those with multiple gadgets. No more fighting over limited connections!
While not as extensive as some competitors, Pupuru wifi offers reliable connection in most urban areas and even some rural locations. You can choose from different data plans to fit your needs and budget, even if you don’t need the full 10-device connectivity. Moreover, the best feature can count on its design. The device is small and easy to carry around, making it convenient for travel.
Best for: Group travelers (up to 10 devices)
What I like:
- Connects up to 10 devices simultaneously
- Unlimited data with no throttling
- Good coverage in major cities and some rural areas
- Multiple data plans
What I don’t like:
- Relatively bulky device
- Higher deposit required compared to other providers
- Customer support mainly in Japanese
5. Global Advanced Communications
My recent experience with Global Advanced Communications’ (GAC) pocket wifi in Japan revealed both strengths and limitations. GAC caters to users with specific data needs and a preference for high-speed connectivity, offering a variety of plans to suit different requirements. The availability of responsive customer support in English and Japanese adds to the overall convenience.
However, GAC comes with some drawbacks. It tends to be relatively expensive, especially for unlimited data plans or shorter trips. The device’s average battery life of around 7 hours may necessitate carrying a portable charger for extended usage, affecting its portability. While GAC provides reliable coverage in urban areas, signal strength in rural regions may be less consistent, limiting its suitability for off-the-beaten-path adventures.
GAC is best suited for tech-savvy travelers with specific data needs, especially those prioritizing high speeds for activities like streaming, gaming, or video calls. The reliable coverage in major cities enhances the experience for city-based journeys, ensuring a consistent internet connection.
Best for: Specific data needs (high-speed streaming)
What I like:
- Offers various data plans with different speeds
- Unlimited high-speed data plans are available
- Reliable customer support
What I don’t like:
- Can be expensive compared to other options
- Limited battery life (around 7 hours)
- Coverage might be weaker in rural areas
FAQs
1. Is pocket wifi worth it in Japan?
Yes, pocket wifi is generally worth it in Japan. It provides a stable and reliable internet connection, crucial for navigating and accessing online information, especially in rural or less touristy areas where public wifi may be limited.
It also allows multiple devices to connect simultaneously, making it convenient for groups or travelers with multiple gadgets. Rental services offer easy pickup and return options at airports or accommodations. Additionally, having your wifi eliminates the need to rely on potentially unsecured public networks, ensuring a safer online experience.
2. How to return pocket wifi in Japan?
Returning your pocket wifi in Japan is generally a straightforward process, but the specific steps may vary depending on the rental provider you chose. Typically, most providers include a prepaid and self-addressed envelope with your pocket wifi rental for easy return.
To complete the process, pack the device, battery, cables, and any accessories into the original packaging and seal the envelope. You can conveniently drop off the return envelope at any mailbox in Japan, or some providers have designated drop-off boxes at major airports or tourist information centers. It is crucial to adhere to the return deadline specified in your rental agreement, as late returns may incur penalty fees.
3. How to rent a pocket wifi in Japan?
Here is a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Research different pocket Wi-Fi rental companies and check online reviews from other travelers.
Step 2: Estimate your data usage and choose a plan accordingly, considering activities like streaming, downloading, and video calls.
Step 3: Most providers have websites to book your rental online. Specify arrival and departure dates, and choose preferred pick-up and return location (airport, hotel).
Step 4: Securely pay for your rental using your preferred payment method..
4. Is there any alternative to pocket wifi in Japan?
In addition to pocket wifi, there are alternative connectivity options in Japan. Travelers can choose local SIM cards for data on unlocked smartphones or rent smartphones with data plans. Hotels often offer complimentary wifi, and some may consider international roaming plans, though they can be expensive. Using smartphones as mobile hotspots is an option, though less cost-effective.
Internet cafés are prevalent, providing computer access with internet connectivity for shorter durations. However, I recommend using eSIM as the cost-effective and convenient option. With eSIM, you have access to the internet anytime and anywhere there is cellular coverage. Moreover, you can choose plans based on their specific data needs, potentially saving money in the long run.
Wrap up
To sum up, using pocket wifi in Japan offers several advantages for travellers, including convenience, staying connected and cost-effective as well. This article has provided you with the best pocket wifi in Japan for reliable providers here. So, when you travel to this country, you can choose pocket wifi from one of them to enjoy your whole trip.
Finally, don’t forget to like and share this article with your fellow travellers. Keep following me for more travel experiences!
