Best Pocket WiFi for Long-Term Stays in Japan

Japan, a country that blends tradition and modernity, is not only a pioneer in technology and commerce but also an ideal destination for international students, professionals, and long-term travelers. Whether it’s for studies, work, or simply to enjoy a leisurely long vacation, Japan’s diverse culture, convenient infrastructure, and safe environment consistently attract people from all over the world to stay for extended periods.

For long-term travelers, having a stable and fast internet connection is an essential part of daily life. Nowadays, as many people choose remote work or spend their leisure time watching videos and attending online courses, the stability and speed of the internet become even more critical. While free WiFi is widely available in Japan’s cafes, train stations, and other public places, these public networks are often unreliable, with frequent disconnections or slow speeds. This not only affects work efficiency but also diminishes entertainment experiences. Therefore, if you plan to stay in Japan for over 30 days, choosing a high-performance and stable pocket WiFi solution will save you from internet-related troubles and allow you to enjoy a smooth online experience anytime, anywhere.

How to Choose a WiFi Plan for Traveling in Japan?

Consider Rental Duration and Price

Pocket WiFi rental plans typically follow the principle of “shorter plans cost more per day, while longer plans cost less per day.” In other words, the longer the rental period, the cheaper the daily cost.

If you’re coming to Japan for a long vacation of around 20 days, instead of choosing a rental plan that precisely matches the number of days (e.g., 23 or 27 days), it may be more cost-effective to opt for a one-month plan offered by some companies. Although it might seem like a few days will go unused, these long-term plans usually come with discounts. In some cases, renting for a whole month can even be cheaper than a 23-day rental plan.

If you plan to stay in Japan for a longer period, such as a three-month working holiday, studying abroad, or work assignments, you may consider plans with even longer durations.

Some companies offer subscription-based monthly plans that automatically renew. Although such plans may require a fixed contract period (e.g., three or six months), with penalties equivalent to one month’s fee for early termination, they often provide much lower prices than regular discounted monthly plans. These are highly suitable for exchange students, long-term professionals, or visitors staying with family.

Unlimited Data vs. Limited Data

If you are a heavy internet user, watching hours of YouTube or Netflix daily, or need to handle work tasks like online video conferencing or downloading large files, it’s important to check the data limit of the pocket WiFi plan you choose. For those with high video consumption needs, we recommend opting for an unlimited data plan—one of the most popular choices among our customers.

If your internet needs are lighter, such as uploading photos to social media during your trip, sharing travel pictures with friends, or basic tasks like checking maps, booking tickets, and using online translation tools, a pocket WiFi plan with limited data may be sufficient for your daily needs. Based on our research, travelers in Japan use an average of about 0.8GB of data per day. For a two-week trip, approximately 14GB (1GB/day) of data would be enough for basic activities.

Reference: How much data do you need when traveling in Japan?

Different Networks Provide Different Speeds

Generally, every portable WiFi rental company provides an estimate of their WiFi device’s maximum upload/download speeds. However, this is based on ideal conditions, such as good network communication and moderate numbers of connected users.

When these conditions cannot be met—for example, during New Year’s Eve at Shibuya Crossing, at the ever-crowded Tokyo Disneyland, or in a remote mountainous area of Japan—the network speeds you experience may not reach the maximum values stated. Therefore, when choosing a suitable pocket WiFi, maximum transmission speeds should only be considered as a reference, not as the sole standard for determining quality.

Japan is gradually rolling out 5G networks. While 5G coverage is not yet nationwide, it is widely available in urban areas like Tokyo and Osaka. CDJapan Rental’s 5G+WiMAX pocket WiFi can capture 5G signals and automatically switch to 4G when 5G is unavailable, ensuring high-speed internet while maintaining connectivity wherever you go in Japan.

CDJapan Rental's 5G+WiMAX Pocket WiFi Plan

Comparison of Long-Term Pocket WiFi Rental Plans in Japan

In Japan, some pocket WiFi rental companies offer discounted plans specifically for long-term rentals. Compared to standard daily rental plans, these options often come with discounts of 40% or even 50%. Below is a comparison of long-term plans from several pocket WiFi rental companies.

Some companies do not offer long-term rental plans. If you require an extended rental, you may need to calculate the total cost based on the number of days rented, which is the daily rate multiplied by the rental duration.

Conclusion and Suggestions: How to Choose the Best Pocket WiFi for Long-Term Stays in Japan?

For long-term stays in Japan, having stable and high-speed internet is essential. Here are some tips on how to choose the right pocket WiFi plan for your needs:

Stability and Cost-Effectiveness Are Key

If you value stable network coverage and unlimited data, opting for an unlimited plan is undoubtedly the best choice. For instance, CDJapan Rental’s WiMAX+5G plan costs just 5,500 JPY per month (calculated based on annual rental) and provides reliable and high-speed connectivity across Japan. Whether for remote work or streaming high-definition videos, this plan can meet your needs effortlessly.

Flexibility and Transparent Terms

Long-term plans usually offer better cost efficiency compared to short-term rentals, but planning ahead is crucial. Make sure to check the company’s terms, such as policies for lost or damaged devices and renewal options, to avoid unnecessary costs due to overlooked details.

Book in Advance for Peace of Mind

Pocket WiFi plans can run out during peak seasons, especially those offering high-speed 5G and unlimited data. Booking in advance ensures availability and helps avoid higher costs associated with last-minute rentals.

Pocket WiFi vs. SIM/eSIM: Why Pocket WiFi Is Better for Long-Term Stays?

For long-term users, pocket WiFi offers advantages in connecting multiple devices and providing ample data compared to SIM cards or eSIMs. With pocket WiFi, you can connect your phone, laptop, and tablet simultaneously without worrying about running out of data. In contrast, SIM cards or eSIMs, while convenient, often come with limited data and cannot be shared across multiple devices.

Additionally, many long-term pocket WiFi rental plans offer economical monthly rates. For example, certain unlimited 5G plans strike an excellent balance between cost and performance, catering to most travelers’ needs for stable internet. Furthermore, most rental companies provide user-friendly pickup and return processes, along with clear rental terms, making long-term use hassle-free.