Having a reliable Internet connection is very important for those traveling in Japan. While prepaid SIM cards and eSIMs are convenient, we believe that renting a Pocket Wi-Fi is the best option. It’s especially useful and cost-effective for those traveling with family or friends, or those with multiple devices. In this article, we would like to explain about a Pocket Wi-Fi in Japan.
What is Pocket Wifi?
Pocket Wi-Fi is a portable wireless router that provides internet connectivity. This device uses a mobile phone network to provide internet connectivity and generates a Wi-Fi signal. This allows Wi-Fi-enabled devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops to connect to the internet.
Pocket Wi-Fi is extremely convenient for internet connectivity while traveling or on the go. It is particularly ideal for travelers who want to avoid high data roaming charges in Japan and users who want to connect multiple devices to the internet simultaneously.
Pocket Wi-Fi is typically offered with a plan that sets a monthly data usage limit. It allows for large data communications and uses the network of major telecommunications companies, so the communication speed is faster and more stable compared to Prepaid SIM cards or eSIMs.
Unlike home broadband connections, Pocket Wi-Fi can provide internet connectivity anywhere. You can use the internet anywhere, such as at home, office, park, cafe, etc. Also, many are battery-operated and rechargeable, so they can be used for a long time even in places without power.
Where to rent a pocket WiFi for Japan travel?
Renting a Pocket Wi-Fi in Japan is very straightforward.
You can reserve one online before you come to Japan, or you can rent one at airports such as Narita Airport, Kansai International Airport, and Haneda Airport.
However, We strongly recommend that you make a reservation online before coming to Japan.
Disadvantages of Renting Pocket Wi-Fi at the Airport Without a Reservation
It takes time
Airports can be crowded, and it may take some time to rent a Pocket Wi-Fi.
Stock may be out
During the travel season, there may be long lines, and the desired plan may be out of stock or unavailable.
Airport rates are high
Companies that provide Pocket Wi-Fi at the airport can do so by paying high fees to the airport. Therefore, compared to general rates, the cost is higher.
Airport shops are not always open
Airport shops are not open 24 hours. If you arrive early in the morning or late at night, the Pocket Wi-Fi rental shop may not be open.
Advantages of Reserving Pocket Wi-Fi Before Coming to Japan
Rental fees are cheaper
Compared to the airport, the rental fees are cheaper.
A variety of plans
The Pocket Wi-Fi services at the airport are just a fraction of what’s available. Various companies offer various plans. The length of stay in Japan and the need for communication vary from person to person. It is possible to choose the optimal plan online.
Can be picked up at the airport
Most online Pocket Wi-Fi services deliver to the post office at the airport. Since the post office is a public institution and does not need to pay high fees to the airport, pickup at the post office is very reasonable. Also, pickup is very easy. You can pick it up right away.
Can also be delivered to your accommodation
If you reserve online, you can receive your Pocket Wi-Fi not only at the airport but also elsewhere. Most services will arrange for you to receive it when you check in at your hotel.
If you are considering using Pocket Wi-Fi, be sure to reserve a pocket Wi-Fi online before coming to Japan.
Two things to keep in mind when booking pocket Wi-Fi online
There are a few things to keep in mind when booking pocket wifi through online services. It is important to understand them, as they are common to all services.
1. If you cannot pick it up at the airport
If you reserve pocket Wi-Fi online and pick it up at the airport, there are two types of locations where you can pick it up. Airport post office and pickup counter.
Airport Post office
Airport post offices have fixed hours of operation, so if your flight is delayed, you may not be able to receive your mail.
Typical international airport post office hours are as follows
Narita Airport Post office
8:30 – 20:00 (All year round)
Haneda Airport Post office
9:00 – 17:00 (Weekdays only)
The pickup counter
The pickup counter is open for a relatively long time, but you may not be able to receive your package after hours.
The following services will forward the pocket wifi to a designated location or refund if you fail to receive it at the airport.
Lightpocket : Pocket Wifi
CDJapan Rental
2. Reservations must be made one week in advance
The average delivery time in Japan is about 3 days. When booking online, you need to take into account the time difference, so please make your reservation at least 4 days prior to your arrival in Japan.
Especially in September, December, March, and April, when many travelers come to Japan and pocket wi-fi rentals increase in Japan, many services run out of stock of pocket wi-fi, so it is advisable to make reservations one week before coming to Japan.
3 recommended services
While some pocket Wi-Fi rental services specialize in services for foreign travelers, we will introduce 3 services that are often used by Japanese as well.
LightPocket
As noted above, they are flexible and responsive to problems. Rental prices are also reasonable.
Ninja Wifi
The Ninja Wifi is not well known to Japanese, but it is a rental service for foreigners provided by the company that handles the most rental Wi-Fi in Japan. There are a variety of options available, so you can decide in advance on different pick-up and return methods.
Wi-Fi RENTAL Store
They are a long-established company in the rental WIFI industry. It can be delivered all over Japan and can be received at their offices.
I am Japanese and my nickname is Momo.
I have been working in the mobile telecommunications industry for about 7 years and am familiar with Japanese telecommunications services. Although my English is not very good, I would like to provide useful telecommunication-related information to those who stay in Japan as accurately as possible.
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