Is Hotel WiFi in Japan Really Fast? Why You Need a Pocket WiFi Rental for a Comfortable Trip, and Our Recommendation for Hotel Pickup

Many travelers search "Do hotels in Japan have free WiFi?" before coming to Japan.   The answer is "YES." Most hotels, traditional inns (Ryokan), and some Airbnb accommodations in Japan offer free WiFi. But there's a serious problem. It's not about "whether WiFi is available," but "whether the WiFi is actually usable."
    In fact, many guests experience the following issues after checking in and feel stressed:
   

       
• The connection gets congested at night, causing videos to stop or fail to load.
       
• Video conferences are frequently interrupted.
       
• The signal is poor depending on the room's location.
   

    Complaints about unreliable and slow hotel WiFi connections are very common, and realizing this situation only after checking in can be extremely frustrating.
      

3 Reasons Why You Should Not Rely Solely on Free Hotel WiFi

    For a comfortable stay in Japan, we explain the three risks of why hotel WiFi can become unreliable.
   

1. Speed and Stability Issues

    WiFi in accommodations such as hotels shares a single line among all guests. The connection speed dramatically decreases between 7 PM and midnight, when many people return to their rooms and start using their smartphones and PCs.
    Not being able to use the internet for essential activities like watching YouTube or Netflix, or researching the next day's travel plans during your most valuable time, is devastating.
   

2. Security Risks

    The WiFi provided by hotels is a type of "public wireless LAN used by an unspecified large number of people." Security can sometimes be weak. There are risks involved in entering credit card information or handling confidential business data. With a rental Pocket WiFi, you can use the internet safely with encrypted communication.
   

3. No Internet Access When Outside (Mobility)

    Naturally, hotel WiFi only works inside the hotel. Step outside, and you lose access to Google Maps, translation apps, and train transfer information.
    If you have your own "Pocket WiFi" device, you can always enjoy your own dedicated high-speed internet, whether you are in your hotel room, out and about, or on a train.
     

Renting a Pocket WiFi

In many cases, the free WiFi provided by your accommodation is insufficient. To avoid being inconvenienced in such situations, it is crucial to purchase an eSIM or SIM card, or rent a Pocket WiFi in advance, for stable communication in Japan.
Pocket WiFi often offers larger data plans compared to SIM cards or eSIMs. Also, because it is a dedicated device for communication in Japan, the quality of communication is excellent, making it highly recommended for those who need internet for work. If you plan to use the internet for work, you should avoid staying at a hotel with the anxiety of "the internet might be too slow."
   

Pocket WiFi Can Be Picked Up at the Airport *and* at Your Hotel

You can apply for Pocket WiFi online and pick it up at the airport upon arrival in Japan. You can also pick it up at your accommodation.
Many people who are short on time at the airport or arrive early in the morning or late at night may not be able to pick up their Pocket WiFi there. In such cases, we can arrange for delivery to your accommodation. A significant number of CDJapan Rental customers choose hotel pickup.
   

Important Notes for Hotel Pickup of Your Pocket WiFi

    There are important things to note when booking your Pocket WiFi online and arranging for hotel pickup.
   

1. Pay Attention to the "Recipient Name" When Booking

    The "Recipient Name" in the order form must exactly match the "Booking Name" you used for your hotel reservation.
    If the hotel receives a package with a name that is not on their guest list, they may refuse to accept it and return it.
   

2. Enter the Hotel Address

    Please enter the address of your accommodation when booking.
   Even if you don't know the address in Japanese, rest assured that CDJapan Rental will identify the correct address and ship the package, provided you include the hotel's phone number or website URL.
   

3. Inform the Hotel in Advance

    It is recommended to inform the hotel in advance that "a package will be arriving addressed to me."
        For those who don't want to feel stressed by Japanese hotel WiFi
    Don't let an unstable internet connection ruin your precious trip to Japan.
    Book delivery to your accommodation now and secure fast, safe internet access from the moment you check in.