What is Pocket Wi-Fi? Why is it so popular with travelers to Japan?

What is Pocket Wi-Fi? Why is it so popular with travelers to Japan?

Updated : 2023-12-21 23:10:47
Looking at the results of several surveys, the top inconvenience for people traveling to Japan is the inability to have a stable Internet connection. While there are many free Wi-Fi spots in Japan, they are not always reliable. As a result, visitors to Japan have no choice but to either purchase a SIM card or eSIM or rent a Pocket Wi-Fi for a stable Internet connection. Especially as of December 2023, Pocket Wi-Fi has become the most reliable communication method in Japan and is gaining popularity among travelers as a highly reliable means of connectivity. In this article, we'll explain what Pocket Wi-Fi is and how it can help you connect to the Internet.

What is Pocket Wi-Fi?

pocket wifi Japan
Pocket Wi-Fi is a portable Wi-Fi router that makes it easy to connect to the Internet from anywhere in Japan. It functions similarly to traditional Wi-Fi routers found in homes or offices, but is designed to be very compact, small enough to fit in your pocket. Its portability and also stable data communications make it extremely popular with travelers to Japan.

How does Pocket Wi-Fi Connect to the Internet?

Pocket Wi-Fi contains a SIM card. It receives signals from the base station through the SIM card's network and converts these signals into Wi-Fi signals. Devices such as smartphones or computers with Wi-Fi capabilities can then access the Internet by receiving the Wi-Fi signals emitted by the Pocket Wi-Fi. This feature of converting signals to Wi-Fi allows multiple devices to connect to the Internet, which is a significant advantage.

5 Superior Aspects of Pocket Wi-Fi over Prepaid SIM Cards or eSIM

1. Connect to the Internet regardless of frequency bands

Pocket Wi-Fi converts signals into Wi-Fi, ensuring compatibility with various devices and stable connections. If your smartphone does not support the Japanese frequency band, you may not be able to communicate in some places in Japan. By using pocket Wi-Fi, you can use the Internet without worrying about frequency compatibility.

2. High-quality communication

The SIM cards used in Pocket Wi-Fi are continuously monitored and improved, similar to the networks commonly used by Japanese citizens, ensuring consistent and stable communication. Prepaid SIM cards (eSIMs), which are designed based on demand forecasts, tend to have slower transmission speeds because they are not designed to handle significant increases in transmission speeds during peak tourist periods or weekday daytime hours.

3. Security and greater data capacity

Pocket Wi-Fi's security features, including regular firmware updates and advanced encryption standards, make it a safe choice.

4. Large data capacity

Pocket Wi-Fi offers larger data communication capacities compared to prepaid SIM (eSIM). There are plans that allow for 50GB or even 100GB+ of data transmission.

Pocket Wi-Fi planMonthly data usage
Softbank Pocket Wi-Fi100GB/month
Cloud Pocket WiFi Rental200GB/month

5. Shared data connection

While smartphones can also be tethered to connect multiple devices to the Internet, Pocket Wi-Fi is specifically designed to connect multiple devices to the Internet. This makes it the ideal method for using the Internet when staying in Japan with family or friends, as it allows multiple devices to be connected simultaneously.


Aspects of Pocket Wi-Fi Description
1. Easy Connectivity Pocket Wi-Fi connects various devices reliably, avoiding issues with smartphone frequency compatibility in Japan.
2. Reliable Communication Offers stable and consistent communication similar to local networks, unlike Prepaid SIM Cards (eSIM) that may slow down during peak usage times.
3. Enhanced Security & More Data Provides improved security with regular updates
4. Data Capacity Pocket Wi-Fi provides larger data allowances than Prepaid SIM Cards or eSIM options, supporting extensive usage.
5. Multi-device Connectivity Tailored for multiple devices, making it perfect for families or groups traveling together, enabling several devices to connect simultaneously.
For more details on why Pocket Wi-Fi surpasses SIM cards, Please see below.
6 Reasons Why Pocket Wi-Fi is Superior to Prepaid SIM Card (eSIM) in Japan

How to Use Pocket Wi-Fi?

It's incredibly easy! Just like your home Wi-Fi or free Wi-Fi.

Turn on the Pocket Wi-Fi
Find the SSID and input the password
You can instantly access high-speed, reliable mobile internet.

Consider Renting Pocket Wi-Fi when Visiting Japan!

Pocket Wi-Fi offers significant advantages in ensuring internet access for visitors to Japan. Its wide coverage area, simplicity, and reliability outshine other options like SIM cards (eSIM) or roaming.
Are you considering a trip to Japan? Why not rent a Pocket Wi-Fi? It's available at the airport or can be delivered to your accommodation. Pocket Wi-Fi plans for visitors to Japan

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100GB/Month popular

Softbank


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300GB/Month

Multicarrier


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