One of the most important things to consider when traveling to Japan is having access to the Internet. Japan has limited availability and restrictions on free Wi-Fi, so it is essential to either purchase a SIM card or eSIM or rent a Pocket Wi-Fi for convenient communication during your stay.
eSIM is very convenient. It is a bit of a hassle to set up an eSIM, but it is really easy to purchase and has become very popular in recent years.
However, you are a wise man to have found this article.
Why is Pocket WiFi so popular in Japan, despite the hassle of returning it?
What is the difference between Pocket Wi-Fi and eSIM/SIM card in Japan?
You may think we are recommending Pocket Wi-Fi because we are in the Pocket Wi-Fi rental business, but we also sell eSIM Plans for travllers to Japan.
If you are interested in purchasing an eSIM, please take a look at our eSIM as well.
Accurate information is necessary to correctly determine what communication method is appropriate in Japan.
In this article, we will explain Pocket Wi-Fi and eSIM/SIM cards from an expert's point of view.
The prevalence of free Wi-Fi in Japan is notably low. Access often requires registration, and the time available is limited, resulting in unreliable communications. In addition, the speed is inconsistent and there are security concerns.
| Pros | Cons |
| Free to use Accessible to everyone |
Registration may be required to use Not available everywhere Unstable connection speeds Security concerns |
SIM cards and eSIMs are incredibly convenient. Especially eSIMs, you can purchase and set up anytime and anywhere in a Wi-Fi environment
If you have the latest smartphone that is compatible with Japan's frequencies, it's a good idea to purchase an eSIM or SIM card.
In Japan in 2024, there are plans available for eSIMs and SIM cards with large capacities like 30GB or 50GB, so data usage during your stay in Japan shouldn't be a problem.
We also offer high-capacity eSIM plans, so please take a look.
docomo eSIM Plans
SIM cards and eSIMs for travelers to Japan experience slower communication speeds at times when data usage increases dramatically across Japan. Speeds tend to drop between 12:00 and 13:00 in the afternoon and between 19:00 and 21:00 in the evening. This is not a SIM card or eSIM problem, nor is it a smartphone problem. It is an aspect of the Japanese telecom environment. Even if the communication speed slows down, it is not a problem if you are just browsing websites or social networking sites with your smartphone. When watching videos on smartphones, video playback often stalls during those time.
Since SIM cards and eSIMs are primarily designed for mobile usage, please be aware that if you share data with a laptop, you may experience slower speeds than expected.
If you're looking for stability in communication speed or need to use a large amount of data, We recommend to rent a Pocket Wi-Fi.
Some eSIM plans don’t deal well with tethering(HOTSPOT).
On the other hand, most physical SIM cards sold in Japan have no tethering restrictions.
Our eSIMs are sold at local Japanese prices and tethering is available.
Best eSIMs for Visiting Japan
SIM cards sold at the airport are rather expensive, so make a reservation before coming to Japan and pick one up at the airport post office or at the hotel where you will be staying!
| Pros | Cons |
| Low price Buy only the data capacity you need |
Setup can be complex Slower speeds during travel seasons or midday |
The SIM cards used for pocket wifis in Japan designed for long-term use and don't significantly degrade communication quality or speed with increased usage. Therefore, renting a Pocket Wi-Fi is recommended for those seeking stable communication in Japan. Especially for work-related communication, choosing a Pocket Wi-Fi over a prepaid SIM card or eSIM is advisable.
If you are traveling to Japan with family or friends, renting one Pocket Wi-Fi allows you to connect everyone's smartphones to the Internet and pay only one rental fee, making communication charges less expensive.
Renting a pocket Wi-Fi
| Pros | Cons |
| No complex setup; communication starts at power on Stable communication |
Requires return of device |
| Pocket WiFi | eSIM | SIM card | |
| Install and setting | No | Yes | Yes |
| Easy to Use | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Hotspot(Tethering) | Yes | Yes / No | Yes / No |
| Immediate delivery | No | Yes | No |
| Shipping costs | Yes | No | Yes |
| Fee in case of loss | Yes | No | Yes |
| Quality data communication | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ |
| Large Amount Data | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ |
Our eSIMs are sold at local Japanese prices and tethering is available.
Best eSIMs for Visiting Japan
If you only have one smartphone that needs to be connected, purchasing a SIM card or eSIM will suffice. You can also use your smartphone as a hotspot (tethering) and connect multiple devices to the Internet. However, you should purchase a high-capacity SIM card or eSIM, such as 30GB or 50GB.
Best eSIMs for Visiting Japan Our eSIM plans are over 30GB.
If you are traveling with family or friends, a Pocket Wi-Fi is a great way to share data, and Pocket Wi-Fi offers high-capacity plans such as 50GB and 100GB, so renting a Pocket Wi-Fi is recommended for multiple travelers in Japan. You can use your smartphone as a hotspot, but if you want to use the Internet on multiple devices, Pocket Wi-Fi is useful because it allows you to connect multiple devices to the Internet.
The work requires stable communication. International students will also have a hard time using the Internet while opening bank accounts and finding housing in Japan without a high-capacity, stable means of communication such as Pocket Wi-Fi. We recommend renting a Pocket Wi-Fi.
If your stay in Japan is for more than 30 days, you should rent a Wi-Fi with a long-term plan.
Long-term Pocket Wi-Fi in Japan
People who want an eSIM are looking for convenience.
It is convenient to be able to change it anytime, anywhere.
However, when buying an eSIM for Japan travel, be sure to pay attention to data capacity and communication stability as well.
Don't be fooled by the name "unlimited.
Are you thinking of buying a SIM card at the airport? There are vending machines at the airport, but SIM cards available at the airport are expensive. Before coming to Japan, make a reservation at an online store and pick one up at the airport post office. It is the cheapest way to purchase a SIM card, and since you only need to pick it up upon arrival at the airport, it does not take any extra time.
Rent Pocket Wi-Fi if you are traveling with family or friends, or if you want to use the Internet on multiple devices. With stable communication and connectivity anywhere in Japan, it is reliable and cost-effective.
Pocket Wi-Fi provides connectivity for multiple smartphones. Assess how much data you'll need per day and rent a Pocket Wi-Fi that offers the data capacity you need. Approximately 1GB per day should be sufficient for most needs. Please see more detail.
Choosing where to pick up your Pocket Wi-Fi in Japan is crucial. Rentals at airport locations tend to be expensive. It's best to book online before you arrive in Japan and pick it up at the airport post office, which is both convenient and cost effective. If your flight arrives late at night or early in the morning, consider having it sent to your hotel for pickup during check-in.
If you have the Pocket Wi-Fi delivered to the airport or hotel, consider the delivery time. While delivery typically takes 2-3 days, it's a good idea to reserve at least a week before your arrival in Japan to allow for possible stock shortages.
