2025 Best Pocket WiFi Rental Japan: Cost Comparison and Features
For those planning a trip to Japan, having a smooth communication environment is essential. Whether you're looking up sightseeing information, navigating with Google Maps, or sharing your experiences on Instagram, social media becomes indispensable during travel. However, data usage during international travel can be costly. For those using smartphones that do not support eSIM or those who find SIM card settings confusing, establishing a reliable communication environment can be particularly challenging. This is where renting a Pocket WiFi becomes incredibly handy. Japan offers a variety of services that provide Pocket WiFi rentals for travelers. In this article, we have investigated the prices and features of these services to help you make an informed choice.
Research Highlights
We conducted a study on Pocket WiFi rental services that allow travelers to use the internet freely during their stay in Japan. To ensure a worry-free rental experience and smooth communication, we focused on the following two points:
Unlimited Data Usage
With a Pocket WiFi plan that offers unlimited data, you can enjoy streaming videos, using map apps, and updating social media without any stress. Additionally, you can connect multiple devices, making it possible for friends and family to share a single Pocket WiFi device for internet access.
Easy Pick-up
Travelers to Japan visit various destinations. While many use Narita or Kansai airports, a significant number arrive at regional airports. Since some regional airports may not have Pocket WiFi rental shops, services that offer direct delivery to hotels, in addition to airport pick-up, are particularly convenient.
Cost Comparison of Pocket Wifi Rental Services
Unlimited Data Usage : The data usage for Pocket WiFi plans is unlimited.
Available for Airport Pickup : You can pick up the WiFi at international airports such as Narita, Haneda, and Kansai airports.
Delivery to Hotels and Accommodations : The service offers delivery to various locations, including hotels, schools, and workplaces.
7-day rental prices
| Provider | Network | 7 days | 5G | 4G/LTE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CDJapan Rental | WiMAX | ¥5,500 | ◯ | ◯ |
| CDJapan Rental | SoftBank | ¥5,500 | X | ◯ |
| AnyFone | WiMAX | ¥6,020 | ◯ | ◯ |
| Japan Wireless | SoftBank/Cloud | ¥8,600 | X | ◯ |
| Sakura Mobile | SoftBank | ¥8,558 | X | ◯ |
| Ninja WIFI | SoftBank/Cloud | ¥12,600 | X | ◯ |
| PuPuru WiFI | SoftBank | ¥7,000 | X | ◯ |
| WiFi Rental Store | docomo | ¥6,930 | ◯ | ◯ |
| GAC | WiMAX | ¥11,200 | ◯ | ◯ |
| WiFi Box | Cloud | ¥8,848 | X | ◯ |
14-day rental prices
| Provider | Network | 14 days | 5G | 4G/LTE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CDJapan Rental | WiMAX | ¥7,200 | ◯ | ◯ |
| CDJapan Rental | SoftBank | ¥7,200 | X | ◯ |
| AnyFone | WiMAX | ¥12,340 | ◯ | ◯ |
| Japan Wireless | SoftBank/Cloud | ¥11,930 | X | ◯ |
| Sakura Mobile | SoftBank | ¥10,560 | X | ◯ |
| Ninja WIFI | SoftBank/Cloud | ¥25,200 | X | ◯ |
| PuPuru WiFI | SoftBank | ¥12,600 | X | ◯ |
| WiFi Rental Store | docomo | ¥13,860 | ◯ | ◯ |
| GAC | WiMAX | ¥17,063 | ◯ | ◯ |
| WiFi Box | Cloud | ¥19,460 | X | ◯ |
21-day rental prices
| Provider | Network | 21 days | 5G | 4G/LTE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CDJapan Rental | WiMAX | ¥9,100 | ◯ | ◯ |
| CDJapan Rental | SoftBank | ¥9,100 | X | ◯ |
| AnyFone | WiMAX | ¥18,060 | ◯ | ◯ |
| Japan Wireless | SoftBank/Cloud | ¥15,280 | X | ◯ |
| Sakura Mobile | SoftBank | ¥14,619 | X | ◯ |
| Ninja WIFI | SoftBank/Cloud | ¥37,800 | X | ◯ |
| PuPuru WiFI | SoftBank | ¥21,000 | X | ◯ |
| WiFi Rental Store | docomo | ¥14,850 | ◯ | ◯ |
| GAC | WiMAX | ¥16,800 | ◯ | ◯ |
| WiFi Box | Cloud | ¥29,190 | X | ◯ |
31-day rental prices
| Provider | Network | 30 days | 5G | 4G/LTE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CDJapan Rental | WiMAX | ¥11,180 | ◯ | ◯ |
| CDJapan Rental | SoftBank | ¥11,180 | X | ◯ |
| AnyFone | WiMAX | ¥20,480 | ◯ | ◯ |
| Japan Wireless | SoftBank/Cloud | ¥15,180 | X | ◯ |
| Sakura Mobile | SoftBank | ¥18,619 | X | ◯ |
| Ninja WIFI | SoftBank/Cloud | ¥50,400 | X | ◯ |
| PuPuru WiFI | SoftBank | ¥28,000 | X | ◯ |
| WiFi Rental Store | docomo | ¥19,800 | ◯ | ◯ |
| GAC | WiMAX | ¥22,400 | ◯ | ◯ |
| WiFi Box | Cloud | ¥38,930 | X | ◯ |
There is a significant difference in prices, which tends to be higher if the service has its own store at the airport. The communication quality of cheaper services generally does not differ much. What matters most for communication quality is which network is being used.
Prices vary depending on the time of year and availability. Each provider also has its own discount plans, so please check the website for the correct price.
Pocket WiFi Network Types
The plans we reviewed use four different network types. Here is a brief explanation of each:
SoftBank
Pocket WiFi devices using SIM cards on the SoftBank network offer broad coverage and high-speed connections.
WiMAX
WiMAX is part of the major telecommunications company KDDI, and it also uses KDDI's network. Known for its 5G service, WiMAX offers fast connection speeds and unlimited data, making it popular among Japanese users.
docomo
Docomo boasts the largest network in Japan, offering fast connection speeds and extensive coverage. However, there are limited plans that offer unlimited data on docomo's 5G network.
Cloud SIM Technology
Cloud SIM technology manages multiple carriers' SIM cards in the cloud, automatically switching to the best SIM card depending on data usage and location. However, the switch may not always be automatic, often requiring a device restart. This is something to be aware of for heavy data users or frequent travelers.
Pocket WiFi Connectivity
Pocket WiFi devices available for rent in Japan come in two types: those with a physical SIM card and those managed via cloud SIM technology.
Connection Stability
Pocket WiFi using cloud SIM technology may experience significant slowdowns or disconnections after using a certain amount of data or when switching coverage areas. This is due to the need for SIM card switching rather than a device malfunction. Restarting the device often resolves these issues by switching to a more stable SIM card in the cloud. For those seeking long-term stable connections, a Pocket WiFi with a physical SIM card is recommended.
Network Dependency on Pocket WiFi Quality
Pocket WiFi relies on networks provided by telecom companies, not the rental providers themselves. This means that communication quality depends on the telecom company’s network, not the rental service provider. Understanding the network type and selecting the best plan will ensure a comfortable communication experience during your stay in Japan.
