For many travelers, students, and business people visiting Japan, the only way to have stable communication in Japan is to purchase a SIM card or eSIM, or to rent a Pocket Wi-Fi.
Among these, Pocket Wi-Fi is very popular due to its stable communication, large data capacity, and ease of use.
This page introduces the Pocket Wi-Fi available for rental at Narita Airport.
We also explain how to rent high-quality Pocket Wi-Fi at a reasonable price from the viewpoint of an expert in the telecommunications industry.
What is Pocket WiFi better than an eSIM or SIM card?
Pocket Wi-Fi is very popular in Japan.
SIM cards and eSIMs are convenient because you don’t have to return them.
It is easier than renting Pocket Wi-Fi, especially since you can buy an eSIM anytime.
So why is pocket Wi-Fi so popular?
There are five reasons.
1. Stable communication
SIM cards and eSIMs often use the networks of MVNOs, which means that during times when many people are communicating, the speed slows down.
In contrast, Pocket Wi-Fi uses the network of a major telecommunications company, so communication is stable and of high quality.
2. Large data capacity
Since Pocket Wi-Fi is a device for use with multiple devices, there are many plans with large data capacities, such as 50GB and 100GB.
You may think that you can buy a SIM card or eSIM and use your smartphone as a hotspot, but SIM cards and eSIMs are designed to be used with a single device, so sharing communication with multiple devices will result in slower speeds.
3. Stay connected all over Japan
When you buy a SIM card or eSIM to communicate in Japan, your smartphone must be compatible with Japanese frequencies.
Some smartphones are not compatible with all frequencies in Japan, so you may have problems connecting to the Internet in places like Tokyo or Osaka, but when you go to the countryside, you may have trouble connecting to the Internet.
Pocket Wi-Fi is a device for use in Japan, so there are no such problems.
4. Easy to use
Pocket Wi-Fi does not require any additional settings. You can connect to the Internet as soon as you turn it on.
5.Cost Effective
If you are traveling with friends or family, or if you want to use the Internet with multiple devices, you need to buy SIM cards or eSIMs for the number of devices you need, It is a great value for money.
Pocket Wi-Fi is very popular among those who consider it advantageous in terms of stable communication, ease of use, and cost.
Pocket WiFi vs eSIM which one is better for Traveling Japan?
we will explain how you can rent a high-quality and low-cost Pocket Wi-Fi at Narita Airport.
Rental rates for pocket Wi-Fi that can be received at post offices at Narita Airport tend to be low
It’s important to understand some basics about Pocket Wi-Fi rental rates at Narita airport.
There are only a few stores where you can rent pocket Wi-Fi at Narita Airport.
Although there is some price competition among the stores in the airport, the high airport fees will inevitably increase the rental price of Pocket Wi-Fi.
On the other hand, other companies allow customers to receive Pocket Wi-Fi at post offices in Narita Airport.
the post office is for the public service, and every company can use them fairly.
Since there is price competition and rental rates for Pocket Wi-Fi tend to go down. In fact, rental rates are considerably lower than those at airport stores.
In other words, for the same quality Pocket Wi-Fi, choosing a service that allows you to pick it up at a post office will lower the rental price because of the lower cost required than at an airport store.
When you arrive at Narita Airport, you can simply go to the post office and show your passport to pick up the Pocket Wi-Fi.
Narita Airport Post Office Information
At Narita Airport, there are several shops where you can rent Pocket Wi-Fi. While renting it directly at the store might seem like a good option if you haven’t reserved one before coming to Japan, it’s worth noting that as of January 2024, the Narita Airport Post Office operates from 8:30 to 20:00, almost the same as the rental shop hours.
Is it really necessary to spend time and extra money renting the same quality Pocket Wi-Fi from a shop? Most services can arrange for you to pick up Pocket Wi-Fi at the Narita Airport Post Office.
Getting your Pocket Wi-Fi at the Narita Airport Post Office is quick and easy. If you’re planning to rent Pocket Wi-Fi, make an online reservation and pick it up at the Narita Airport Post Office.
Narita Airport has three terminals, and the post offices are located in Terminals 1 and 2. As Terminal 3 is connected by a walkway to Terminal 2, you can easily walk or use the free shuttle service. If you arrive at Terminal 3, consider picking up your Pocket Wi-Fi at the post office in Terminal 2.
Terminal 1
8:30 – 20:00 (All year round) | Terminal 1, 4th Floor (Departure Lobby)
Terminal 2
8:30 – 20:00 (All year round) | 3rd Floor (Departure Lobby)
Terminal 3
Terminal 3 is connected by a walkway to Terminal 2.
The post office is open from 08:30 AM to 8 PM.
Isn’t that sufficient?
If you are arriving at Narita Airport outside of these hours, why not consider renting Pocket Wi-Fi from a store at Narita Airport?
Comparison of rental rates between online companies and companies with stores at Narita Airport
This is a comparison of rental prices between online companies and companies with Narita stores.
For comparison, we looked at a company that offers Pocket Wi-Fi, which has similar functionality.
As a side note,
We recommend docomo or Softbank for Network, as it will allow you to connect in many places in Japan. WiMAX and Rakuten Mobile have a large amount of data, but there are many places where you can’t connect, so If you’re going to various places, choose a pocket Wi-Fi that uses Softbank or Docomo network.
LightPocket(Online)
LightPocket is an online-exclusive Pocket Wi-Fi rental service. They provide Pocket Wi-Fi with SoftBank network, ensuring nationwide coverage in various locations in Japan.
One of their representative plans : SoftBank 100GB/month.
| 10 days | ¥4400 |
| 20 days | ¥6200 |
| 30 days | ¥7470 |
Ninja WiFi (Store)
Ninja wifi is the largest Pocket Wi-Fi provider in Japan, with stores at major airports and a website where you can make reservations.They provide Pocket Wi-Fi with SoftBank network.
One of their representative plans : Softbank 3GB/day
| 10 days | ¥7,700 |
| 20 days | ¥15,400 |
| 30 days | ¥23,100 |
| LightPocket | Ninja Wi-Fi | |
| 10 days | ¥4,400 | ¥7,700 |
| 20 days | ¥6,200 | ¥15,400 |
| 30 days | ¥7,470 | ¥23,100 |
Having a storefront means higher costs compared to an online company, including operating costs, airport usage fees, and labor costs.
These costs are inevitably connected to the rental price, which tends to be higher.
However, for those who don’t know which ones to rent, it is very helpful to have a store and people to help them.
Online Pocket Wi-Fi Rental Service
At airport rental stores, you may have to wait a long time for your rental, or the rental may be out of stock. But with online rental services, you can get your Pocket Wi-Fi without waiting at the airport. And the price is relatively low. This section covers Pocket WiFi rental services used by many Japanese people.
LightPocket
If you make a reservation at least 4 days prior to your arrival at the airport, you can be sure that it will be delivered to the airport. They offer low rental prices and high-capacity pocket WiFi. They deliver not only to airports, but also to hotels, companies, hospitals, and many other places.
If you want to pick up your Pocket Wi-Fi at the airport, simply select the airport where you want to pick it up when ordering, no need to enter an address.
If you are unable to receive your Pocket Wi-Fi at the airport, they also offer a service to transfer it to your hotel.
Wi-Fi RENTAL Store
There is a store in Akihabara, and you can pick up your order at the store.Pickup at the airport is also available.
JAPAN WiFi Rental
This service offers pocket Wi-Fi with various plans for Japanese people. For non-Japanese, there is only one plan, perhaps because it is limited to travelers. However, It is very simple and easy to understand.
eConnect Japan
They have been providing online rental services for a long time. More recently, they have been known for their eSIM and data capacity comparison services for Japanese customers. There are three data usage plans from 10 GB to 100 GB with 4G in eConnect Japan. The WiFi connection allows you to use the 4G Internet for 10 GB, 50 GB or 100 GB during your renral.
Ninja Wifi
Ninja Wifi is not well known to Japanese people, but it is one of the rental services for foreigners provided by the company that handles the most rental Wi-Fi in Japan. It is perhaps the most well-known service for foreigners. Ninja wifi is a specialized service for foreigners and offers a variety of options and convenience.
Japan wireless
Japan Wireless is a long-established online service for Pocket WIFI rentals. Although the rental fee is somewhat high, it is possible to receive your device either at an airport counter or a post office. This company puts a lot of emphasis on marketing, so I believe anyone who has travelled to Japan and researched about Pocket WIFI rentals would have come across this company at least once.
Sakura Mobile
Sakura Mobile is specializing in providing mobile phone services to foreign visitors and residents in Japan. They offer prepaid SIM card plans with no contracts, and their plans include data, voice and SMS services. They also provide rental pocket WiFi devices.
Risk of renting Pocket Wi-Fi at the airport without reservation
When renting a Pocket Wi-Fi at the airport counter, there are some important considerations if you choose to rent without a reservation. Here are the key points to keep in mind:
Wait time
The application process can take some time, so there may be a wait.
Limited Stock
During peak seasons, the Pocket Wi-Fi plan you want may be out of stock.
Higher rental fees
Airport Pocket Wi-Fi rental kiosks tend to have higher rental fees compared to obtaining the service at the Narita Airport post office.
Limited hours
Airport Pocket Wi-Fi rental kiosks may not be open around the clock. If you arrive early in the morning or late at night, Pocket Wi-Fi rental may not be available.
To avoid these problems, it is recommended that you reserve your Pocket Wi-Fi before you arrive in Japan. By doing so, you will not only avoid the problems mentioned above, but also secure a more affordable rental rate. If you can’t pick it up at Narita airport, many services offer delivery to your hotel address during your stay.
Until February 2021, many Pocket Wi-Fi services offered unlimited data usage. However, as the term “unlimited data” became popular, the number of users increased significantly. This caused problems as some services couldn’t support unlimited communications. Under the guidance of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, as of February 2021, most pocket Wi-Fi services in Japan have discontinued unlimited plans and started to specify the maximum data capacity that can be used.
In 2024, while there are services that claim to be unlimited, it’s important to note that there may be some restrictions.
Japan Best Pocket Wi-Fi Rental in 2024 Recommended plan for comfortable networking
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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