The Best Pocket WiFi in Japan: Top 11 Services in Comparison for 2 weeks use
Ensuring access to the internet in Japan is as essential as booking your accommodations. While eSIMs and prepaid SIM cards are convenient options, Pocket WiFi stands out for its reliability and large data capacity, especially when stable communication is critical. Many Japanese residents also choose to rent Pocket WiFi when traveling domestically or moving within the country. In this article, we will introduce the pricing, plans, and features of Pocket WiFi based on our research.
Japan Pocket WiFi Renal
What is the best Pocket WiFi for your stay in Japan?
The best Pocket WiFi, as we define it, should ensure comfortable internet access during your stay in Japan. Additionally, it should be easy to receive and return the device. On top of that, affordable rental prices would make it an even better choice.
- High-quality communication (speed and data capacity).
- Easy pickup and return.
- Affordable rental fees.
Comparison of 14-day plans
Here, we compare plans that meet the criteria for the best Pocket WiFi. For data capacity, we selected large-capacity plans considering the possibility of sharing the device among multiple users or devices. Since most travelers rent Pocket WiFi for about 14 days, we’ve focused on 14-day plans from each service provider.
| Service | Network | Price | Data | 5G | 4G/LTE | Airport Pickup |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CDJapan Rental | WiMAX+5G | ¥7,200 | UNLIMITED Data | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| CDJapan Rental | SoftBank | ¥7,200 | UNLIMITED Data | ✕ | ✓ | ✓ |
| AnyFone | WiMAX+5G | ¥12,340 | UNLIMITED Data | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Japan Wireless | SoftBank* | ¥11,930 | UNLIMITED Data | ✕ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Sakura Mobile | WiMAX+5G | ¥11,500 | UNLIMITED Data | ✕ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Ninja WIFI | SoftBank* | ¥25,200 | UNLIMITED Data | ✕ | ✓ | ✓ |
| PuPuru WiFi | SoftBank | ¥12,600 | UNLIMITED Data | ✕ | ✓ | ✓ |
| WiFi Rental Store | docomo | ¥13,860 | UNLIMITED Data | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| GAC | WiMAX+5G | ¥17,063 | UNLIMITED Data | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| econnectJapan | SoftBank | ¥9,400 | 100GB/month | ✕ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Japan WiFi Rental | SoftBank | ¥6,020 | 50GB/month | ✕ | ✓ | ✓ |
Pocket WiFi compatible with 5G in Japan
Among the Pocket WiFi services available for travelers visiting Japan, as of December 2024, WiMAX + 5G and Docomo’s Pocket WiFi plans support 5G connectivity. While 5G coverage is not yet available nationwide, urban areas are increasingly providing access to 5G, allowing for high-speed connections. Pocket WiFi devices compatible with 5G automatically switch to 4G in areas where 5G networks are unavailable.Pocket WiFi Service Providers
Here are the features of various services offering 14-day Pocket WiFi rental plans:
CDJapan Rental
CDJapan Rental provides communication services for travelers visiting Japan, including Pocket WiFi, eSIMs, and prepaid SIM cards. They offer nationwide delivery and pickup at airports. Among the options listed, their unlimited Pocket WiFi rental is the most affordable.
AnyFone Japan
AnyFone Japan operates as a Japanese service under GSM Rentafone, headquartered in Australia. They offer comprehensive communication solutions, including WiFi, SIM, and phone rentals for both domestic and international users. With dedicated counters at major airports in Japan, travelers who didn’t reserve Pocket WiFi beforehand can rent one upon arrival.
Dedicated airport counters available.
Japan Wireless
Japan Wireless provides unlimited data plans for all their Pocket WiFi devices.- They primarily use Softbank’s network.
- Some plans utilize Cloud SIM technology for unlimited data. However, with Cloud SIM, users may need to restart the device if data usage exceeds certain thresholds. For a seamless experience, a SIM-card-based Pocket WiFi is recommended.
Sakura Mobile
Sakura Mobile offers Softbank unlimited plans with Pocket WiFi devices containing SIM cards, ensuring stable connections. They provide excellent customer support and handle issues flexibly and promptly.
Ninja WiFi
Ninja WiFi is one of Japan’s largest services catering to travelers.- They have dedicated airport counters with ample stock.
- Though slightly pricier, the service is reliable and offers strong support.
- Ideal for those wanting to rent Pocket WiFi directly at the airport without prior reservations.
PuPuru WiFi
PuPuru WiFi provides unlimited data Pocket WiFi using Softbank’s network.- While they previously had airport counters, they now only offer delivery to hotels or other accommodations.
WiFi Rental Store
This service has a long history in Pocket WiFi rentals.- They offer unlimited Pocket WiFi using Docomo’s network, a rare feature.
- Due to frequent stock shortages, early reservations are recommended.
eConnect Japan
eConnect Japan offers Pocket WiFi using Softbank’s network.- Devices contain SIM cards, providing stable connections.
- After a company change in 2023, they began offering prepaid SIM cards and eSIMs.
Japan WiFi Rental
Japan WiFi Rental provides Pocket WiFi using Softbank’s network.- The plan includes 50GB of data per month, which may seem limited but is sufficient for short stays.
- Recommended for budget-conscious users.
Global Advanced Commnucaiton
GAC offers unlimited data Pocket WiFi using Softbank and WiMAX networks.- A unique feature of this service is its support for French, a rarity in Japan.
Renting Pocket WiFi at the Airport or Reserving in Advance
Narita, Kansai, and Haneda airports have counters for renting Pocket WiFi on the spot, even without reservations. However, there are some drawbacks to airport rentals:
- Limited stock availability
- Higher costs compared to reservations.
- Longer processing times.
- Potentially closed counters.
For those with fixed travel dates, advance reservations are recommended. If airport pickup is unavailable, devices can be delivered to your hotel.
Information About Japan Pocket WiFi
Stable Pocket WiFi Connectivity
SIM-card-based Pocket WiFi provides more stable connections than Cloud SIM devices. Cloud SIM technology may experience slower speeds or interruptions after heavy data usage, requiring a device restart to regain high-speed connectivity. For heavy data users, SIM-card-based devices are a better choice.
Average Daily Data Usage
Based on CDJapan Rental’s Pocket WiFi, users typically consume around 1GB of data per day on a smartphone. This serves as a general benchmark.
