Pocket Wi-Fi vs. eSIM (SIM Card) : Which is Better for Traveling in Japan?
For travelers visiting Japan, it is essential to have internet access to look up places or restaurants, check transportation information, and stay connected during their trip. While the number of free Wi-Fi spots in Japan is increasing, they are often limited to specific times or locations, making them less convenient.
Popular options for internet access among travelers in Japan include pocket Wi-Fi, eSIMs, and prepaid SIM cards.
This article introduces and compares each option, helping you decide which one will be most convenient for your internet needs during your stay in Japan.
Features of Pocket WiFi, eSIM, and Physical SIM Cards
Pocket WiFi, eSIM, and physical SIM cards are common options for internet access in Japan. While plans and pricing are important factors, their key characteristics can be summarized as follows:
Pocket WiFi
Pocket WiFi allows multiple devices to connect to the internet simultaneously.
For smartphones from countries outside Japan, there may be compatibility issues with Japanese mobile network frequencies. However, Pocket WiFi eliminates these concerns entirely.
As a device designed to support multiple connections, it is especially convenient for travelers using multiple devices or those traveling with family or friends. With one Pocket WiFi device, everyone can stay connected, and this option can sometimes be more cost-effective.
Advantages
Multi-device connectivity: Enables simultaneous internet access for multiple devices and users.
Easy setup: Simply power on the device and connect using the provided SSID and password.
High-speed, high-capacity: Provides stable, fast internet suitable for heavy data usage.
Disadvantages
Mandatory return: As a rental device, it must be returned after use.
Advance reservation required: Generally, Pocket WiFi needs to be reserved in advance.
Pocket Wifi Japan
eSIM
An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM directly integrated into your device, activated easily via a QR code.
Advantages
Convenience: Can be purchased at any time and activated instantly.
Disadvantages
Device compatibility: Not all devices support eSIM. Verify compatibility in advance. Single-device use: An eSIM can only be installed on one device.
Japan tourist eSIMs have no tethering limitations, so they are suitable for sharing the connection without concerns.
Physical SIM Card (Prepaid SIM Card)
Most smartphones are compatible with physical SIM cards, making them a popular choice among travelers. There are a wide variety of plans available. Large airports in Japan even have vending machines that sell SIM cards. Although slightly more expensive, SIM cards are also available at convenience stores in urban areas.
Advantages
No return required: Simply dispose of the SIM card after use.
Wide range of plans: Numerous options to fit your needs.
Widely available: Easy to find and purchase.
Disadvantages
More effort compared to eSIM: Physical SIM cards require manual swapping, which can be inconvenient.
Differences between Mobile Wi-Fi and Prepaid SIM Card (eSIM) in Japan
Communication Speed and Stability
In Japan, Mobile Wi-Fi primarily utilizes communication from major carriers, ensuring fast speeds and stable connectivity. On the other hand, Prepaid SIM Cards (eSIM), provided by MVNOs, may have slower speeds compared to Mobile Wi-Fi. However, using them with smartphones poses no issues. For activities like online business meetings, opting for Mobile Wi-Fi with faster and stable speeds is advisable.
Mobile Wi-Fi
Offers fast communication speeds and maintains stability even when multiple devices are connected simultaneously.
Prepaid SIM Card (eSIM)
Speeds may be inferior to Mobile Wi-Fi, but for smartphone usage, it remains problem-free.
Data Capacity
Mobile Wi-Fi often provides ample data capacity, with options exceeding 100GB. Prepaid SIM Cards (eSIM), designed with a short-term usage assumption, generally offer smaller data capacities. However, recently, Prepaid SIM Cards (eSIM) with around 50GB capacity have become available.
Usage Period
Mobile Wi-Fi
Suitable for short-term to long-term stays.
Prepaid SIM Card (eSIM)
Typically designed for a usage period of around 30 days.
Recommendation for Stays Over 30 Days in Japan
For stays exceeding 30 days in Japan, options like pocket Wi-Fi or rental SIM cards are recommended.| Category | Mobile Wi-Fi | Prepaid SIM Card (eSIM) |
|---|---|---|
| Communication Speed and Stability | Utilizes major carriers, ensuring fast speeds and stable connectivity. Prepaid SIM Cards (eSIM) from MVNOs may have slower speeds but pose no issues with smartphones. For activities like online business meetings, opting for Mobile Wi-Fi is advisable. | Offers fast communication speeds and maintains stability even with multiple connected devices. Speeds may be inferior to Mobile Wi-Fi, but for smartphone usage, it remains problem-free. |
| Data Capacity | Often provides ample data capacity, with options exceeding 100GB. | Generally offers smaller data capacities due to a short-term usage assumption. Recently, options with around 50GB capacity have become available. |
| Usage Period | Suitable for short-term to long-term stays. | Typically designed for a usage period of around 30 days. |
About Necessary Connection speed
When using a smartphone during travel, activities such as web browsing, messaging, and using Google Maps are likely to be the primary focus. In such cases, a communication speed of 3-5 Mbps should be sufficient. However, if your stay involves business-related communication through video or if you want to watch videos, you might need a bit more speed.
For reference, here is a data illustrating the ideal internet speeds needed for various activities.
| Activity | Necessary Speed | |
| Online Games | 25 Mbps | WiMAX |
| Online Meetings | 10 Mbps | Pocket Wi-Fi |
| Video Streaming (1080p) | 5 Mbps | Pocket Wi-Fi Prepaid SIM eSIM |
| Video Streaming (720p) | 3 Mbps | Pocket Wi-Fi Prepaid SIM eSIM |
| Web /Emails | 1 Mbps | Pocket Wi-Fi Prepaid SIM eSIM |
Choosing Between Mobile Wi-Fi and Prepaid SIM Card (eSIM) for Your Travel Needs
Wondering which option is better for your travels - Mobile Wi-Fi or Prepaid SIM Card (eSIM)? Let's explore the ideal use cases for each.
Mobile Wi-Fi
Best for group travels or scenarios with multiple devices, as it allows connecting and communicating with several devices simultaneously.
Offers abundant data capacity.
Suited for group trips where multiple devices are expected. However, the drawback is the requirement for device return.
Prepaid SIM Card (eSIM)
Ideal for solo travelers or those emphasizing smartphone and tablet usage.
Cost-effective, especially for short-term stays, as there's no need for device return.
A hassle-free option due to the absence of return requirements.
Comparison of Costs Between Mobile Wi-Fi and Prepaid SIM Card (eSIM)
Mobile Wi-Fi
Higher costs compared to Prepaid SIM Card due to the rental of the device. Cost becomes more reasonable when shared among multiple people.
Prepaid SIM Card (eSIM)
Once purchased, can be used continuously, making it more cost-effective than renting Mobile Wi-Fi. Suitable for short-term stays and individual trips.
Mobile Wi-Fi: Recommended for group travels or extended stays.
SIM Card: Optimal for individual trips or short-term stays.
Considering these points will help travelers make informed choices about their communication needs during their journeys.
At CDJapan Rental, we offer high school students visiting Japan options like Prepaid SIM cards and eSIMs with large data capacities and fast communication capabilities. Additionally, we provide Pocket Wi-Fi for short to long-term rentals. Many people from different countries have used our services and left numerous positive reviews. Feel free to give it a try when you visit Japan!
