Reasons Why Pocket WiFi is Better Than eSIM When Staying in Japan with a Digital Nomad Visa and Recommended Plans
For those starting their life in Japan with a digital nomad visa, having a stable internet environment in Japan is extremely important. For digital nomads, who rely on remote work and online communication in their daily lives, reliable means of communication are essential. While eSIMs and SIM cards are good options, in Japan, Pocket WiFi is a must for stable high-speed communication. We have carefully selected Pocket WiFi options that can be used comfortably not only in major cities but also in rural areas of Japan, based on criteria such as speed, cost performance, and ease of use. We hope this will be helpful for those starting their digital nomad life in Japan.
Why Pocket WiFi is Recommended
Although there are free Wi-Fi options available in Japan, their communication speed and security levels are not reliable. Hotel Wi-Fi is available, but often the connection is unstable and may not be suitable for work. For short stays, Prepaid eSIMs or SIM cards are recommended, but there are not many plans available for more than one month, and data capacity tends to run out quickly, leading to higher costs.
Smartphones sold in countries other than Japan may not be compatible with Japanese frequencies, resulting in connection issues in rural areas, even if they work in major cities like Tokyo and Osaka.
Pocket WiFi is designed for communication in Japan and is fully compatible with Japanese frequencies, so there is no need to worry about connectivity issues. Additionally, Pocket WiFi provided by major carriers is more stable and faster compared to eSIMs and SIM cards. With ample data capacity, the risk of running out of data and experiencing reduced speeds is significantly lower. As a device that connects multiple devices to the internet, Pocket WiFi can provide stable connections for laptops, smartphones, and other devices simultaneously.
For those living and working in Japan, using Pocket WiFi is recommended over eSIMs or SIM cards.
| Item | Pocket WiFi | Free Wi-Fi | Hotel Wi-Fi | Prepaid eSIM/SIM Card | Overseas Smartphone |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speed | High and stable | Low and unstable | Often unstable | Good for short term | Good in cities, unstable in rural areas |
| Security | High | Low | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| Data Capacity | High | Limited | Limited | Few long-term plans, often insufficient capacity | Depends on the device |
| Frequency Compatibility | Fully compatible with Japanese frequencies | - | - | - | May not be compatible with Japanese frequencies |
| Multiple Device Connection | Possible | Limited | Limited | Limited | Depends on the device |
| Provider | Major carriers | Public | Hotels | Telecom operators | - |
| Recommendation | High | Low | Low | Recommended for short stays | Varies by device |
Reasons to Recommend Pocket WiFi
- Provides a stable and fast communication environment.
- Has a large data capacity.
- Allows stable connections for multiple devices.
Recommended Pocket WiFi Plans
For those staying in Japan for several months with a nomad visa, even if you stay in a hotel, the hotel's Wi-Fi may be unstable. There are various plans available, but here are two Pocket WiFi plans with physical SIMs provided by major carriers that allow large capacity communication.
WiMAX+5G UNLIMITED
This plan allows unlimited data communication and 5G connectivity in urban areas. It can be rented from three months, making it the most popular plan for those staying in Japan with a digital nomad visa.
Softbank UNLIMITED
This Wi-Fi uses the Softbank network for unlimited communication. It covers a wide area, making it ideal for those staying in rural cities or traveling to various regions. This plan is popular among those staying in rural cities in Japan with a digital nomad visa.
Cloud WiFi using Cloud SIM technology is also popular for its large capacity. Many companies offer Cloud WiFi. However, for those who need a lot of data, using more than 5GB per day, Cloud WiFi may become slow after reaching a certain data capacity, requiring SIM card switching. Restarting the device usually restores stable communication, but for work purposes, any downtime can be wasted time. If you use a lot of data, keep this in mind.
Japan is an ideal destination for digital nomads. It offers high-quality infrastructure with excellent public transportation, a safe and clean living environment, a unique culture that blends tradition and modernity, diverse Japanese cuisine, beautiful natural scenery through the four seasons, advanced technology and business opportunities, ample coworking spaces, and abundant tourism and leisure activities. These factors make Japan a highly attractive destination for digital nomads. Ensure a better experience during your stay by getting a stable Pocket WiFi.
