Mobile Internet

Pocket WiFi in Japan: Your Complete 2025 Guide

Visiting Japan in 2025? Pocket WiFi rentals are still one of the most popular ways to stay connected, with providers offering fast, reliable service for solo travelers and groups alike. If you’d rather skip carrying an extra device, eSIMs like Holafly (unlimited data), Ubigi (flexible bundles), and Nomad (budget plans) are strong alternatives. In this guide, we’ll cover the best Pocket WiFi options first, then compare eSIMs as a convenient backup.

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Written by Vukasin Petrovic

Updated: Oct 28, 2025
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Roami was founded to serve as a trusted resource for travelers in need of reliable internet solutions abroad. Our team, comprising avid travelers, provides comprehensive reviews and guidance on data SIM cards, eSIMs, pocket WiFi devices, and free WiFi apps, drawing from firsthand usage during our travels.

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Reliable WiFi in Japan is not just for essentials like checking maps or booking tickets. It also makes downtime more meaningful, whether you are streaming entertainment on a train ride or looking up quirky fun facts about Japan that give new context to what you see around you. 

Having your own connection means you are not tied to public hotspots or expensive roaming, which gives you more freedom and confidence as you explore. Pocket WiFi makes this possible by turning Japan’s mobile networks into your own private hotspot. Understanding how it works will help you see why it has become one of the most popular tools for travelers.

Top WiFi providers and prices in Japan

Choosing the right pocket WiFi in Japan can make a big difference in your travel experience. 

With so many providers offering different plans, speeds, and pickup options, it’s important to compare prices and features before you book. 

In this section, we prioritized the entry-level plans to give you a clear idea of the cheapest starting options. More extensive plans with higher data or added features can be found directly on each provider’s website.

1. Japan Wireless

  • Daily cost: ¥623.2 (based on a 28-day rental)
  • Data allowance: Unlimited
  • Network/speed: 4G/LTE
  • Device connections: Up to 5

Japan Wireless’ Business WiFi plan is designed for travelers who need dependable internet throughout their stay. 

The device offers a long battery life of about 18.5 hours and comes with a free power bank, ensuring you stay connected even on busy days. 

Delivery options are flexible, with same day service available to airports or hotels in certain areas and standard delivery to residences or hotels usually taking one to two days. 

Pick up is also possible at airport counters or post offices, giving you more convenience when starting your rental. 

Returning the device is simple since a prepaid envelope is provided and it can be dropped in any mailbox in Japan.

Japan Wireless also offers Premium WiFi options, which provide upgraded performance and added features for travelers who want more than the standard plan.

2. Ninja Wi-Fi

  • Daily cost: ¥440 
  • Data allowance: 1 GB per day
  • Network/speed: 4G
  • Device connections: Supports multiple users, exact number not stated

NINJA WiFi’s Unlimited Plan is designed for single device use and provides reliable connectivity across Japan through the SoftBank network. 

Delivery and pickup are flexible, with options at major airports, smart pickup locations, and direct hotel or accommodation delivery, while returns can be done at airports or designated counters. 

Battery life details are not specified, but the devices are compact and easy to carry for daily use. If you exceed the 1 GB daily limit, speeds are reduced for the rest of the day, then reset the next day. 

To enhance peace of mind, NINJA WiFi also offers a combined WiFi and medical insurance package that covers up to ¥10 million for ¥770 per day.

3. Sakura Mobile

  • Daily cost: ¥299
  • Data allowance: Unlimited
  • Network/speed: 4G/LTE 
  • Device connections: 15

Sakura Mobile’s Travel Pocket WiFi runs on docomo’s 4G/LTE network, providing strong coverage across Japan. The device offers a battery life of up to 20 hours, making it reliable for long travel days without frequent charging. 

Delivery and pickup are highly flexible, with options at major airports such as Narita, Haneda, Kansai, and Fukuoka, as well as hotels, residences including AirbnBs, and Sakura Mobile’s Shinjuku office. 

Returns are equally convenient thanks to a prepaid envelope that lets travelers drop the device in any Japan Post mailbox, including those at departure lobbies in airports. 

With long battery performance and easy delivery and return options, Sakura Mobile is a practical choice for visitors needing dependable WiFi in Japan.

4. eConnect

  • Daily cost: ¥231
  • Data allowance: 20 GB
  • Network/speed: 4G/LTE 
  • Device connections: 14

eConnect Japan’s Economy Plan offers reliable coverage through the SoftBank network, making it suitable for common travel needs like maps, browsing, and social media. 

The device has a battery life of about 8 hours of active use and up to 120 hours on standby, and it comes with a free power bank for longer days. Delivery is convenient, with options to hotels, airports, and private residences, and returns are handled with a prepaid envelope that can be dropped into any Japan Post mailbox. 

These features make the Economy Plan a practical and affordable option for travelers. eConnect also provides other Pocket WiFi plans, including Premium, Monster, and Unlimited options for those who need more data or higher performance.

5. Mobal Japan

  • Cost:  ¥4,980 per month for base plan + device cost ¥6,980
  • Data allowance: 300 GB per month before speeds are reduced
  • Maximum speed: 4G/LTE
  • Device connections: Not specified

The Mobal Japan pocket WiFi is built with a 3,000 mAh battery that lasts up to 12 hours of continuous use when unplugged, making it suitable for a full day of travel. 

For digital nomads or long-term visitors, keeping the device connected via USB allows it to stay powered on indefinitely, providing a seamless shift between mobile and workstation use. Delivery within Japan is free, with shipping typically taking 2 to 5 business days after placing an order. 

For travelers arriving by air, same-day pickup is available at both Narita and Haneda airports. Since nationwide shipping is included at no extra cost, users don’t need to worry about hidden delivery fees. After your 3-month contract is complete, the Mobal pocket WiFi router is yours to keep, and you can even reactivate it if you return to Japan

6. Pupuru WiFi

  • Daily cost: ¥900
  • Data allowance: Unlimited
  • Network/speed: 4G/LTE 
  • Device connections: Up to 10

Pupuru’s pocket WiFi provides around 4 to 8 hours of battery life during normal use, though performance can vary depending on signal strength and the number of connected devices. 

Since the unit can drain quickly, Pupuru advises travelers to carry an extra mobile battery to extend usage time throughout the day. Standard delivery, including return shipping, costs ¥1,800 and applies nationwide, with higher fees for remote areas such as Okinawa and Hokkaido. 

Devices can be shipped directly to hotels, residences, or even Airbnb stays, but airport pickup is not available. Delivery times are flexible, with guaranteed arrival between 8:00 AM and 12:00 PM, plus alternative slots in the afternoon and evening to fit different schedules.

Comparison of pocket WiFi providers in Japan

Choosing the right pocket WiFi in Japan depends on factors like cost, battery life, delivery convenience, and return options. The table below compares six popular providers to help you quickly see which service best matches your travel needs.

ProviderDaily / Monthly CostData AllowanceNetwork / SpeedDevice ConnectionsBattery LifeDelivery & PickupReturns
Japan Wireless¥623.2/day (28-day rental)Unlimited4G/LTEUp to 5~18.5 hrs, free power bank includedSame-day to airports/hotels; 1–2 days standard to residencesPrepaid envelope, drop in any mailbox
Ninja WiFi¥440/day1 GB/day (reduced after limit)4GMultiple (not specified)Not specifiedMajor airports, smart pickup spots, hotels, residencesAt airports or designated counters
Sakura Mobile¥299/dayUnlimited4G/LTEUp to 15Up to 20 hrsAirports (Narita, Haneda, Kansai, Fukuoka), hotels, residences, Shinjuku officePrepaid envelope, drop in any Japan Post mailbox
eConnect Japan¥231/day20 GB4G/LTEUp to 14~8 hrs active, 120 hrs standby, free power bank includedDelivery to hotels, airports, residencesPrepaid envelope, drop in any Japan Post mailbox
Mobal Japan¥4,980/month (+ ¥6,980 device fee)300 GB/month (reduced after limit)4G/LTENot specified~12 hrs; unlimited use when plugged via USBFree nationwide shipping (2–5 days), same-day pickup at Narita & HanedaIncluded in free delivery, no extra cost
Pupuru WiFi¥900/dayUnlimited4G/LTEUp to 104–8 hrs (advised to carry extra battery)Nationwide delivery ¥1,800; to hotels, residences, Airbnb (no airport pickup)Return via prepaid envelope, flexible slots

What is pocket WiFi and how does it work?

A pocket WiFi is a small portable device that uses local mobile networks to create a personal WiFi hotspot. 

Pocket WiFi in Japan gives travelers a secure and reliable way to stay connected, whether they are navigating Tokyo’s busy streets, checking train schedules in Osaka, or exploring temples in Kyoto.

Key benefits of using a pocket WiFi in Japan:

  • Connect multiple devices at the same time, including phones, laptops, and tablets
  • Share one connection with family, friends, or coworkers traveling together
  • Avoid the limits of public WiFi and the cost of international roaming
  • Stay online for both practical needs like navigation and lighter activities like streaming or social media

With a pocket WiFi, you get flexibility, convenience, and reliable internet that keeps your trip running smoothly.

Pros and cons of using pocket WiFi in Japan

Using pocket WiFi in Japan can be a practical way to stay connected, but it comes with both advantages and drawbacks. Here are some of the most common pros and cons travelers should consider.

Pros:

  • Reliable coverage across Japan, including rural areas, since pocket WiFi devices connect to major local networks.
  • Multiple devices can connect at once, making it cost-effective for groups or families traveling together.
  • Long battery options (some lasting 18–20 hours) and free power banks from certain providers ensure steady internet throughout the day.

Cons

  • Daily rental costs often fall between ¥600 and ¥900, which can exceed the flat price of many Japan eSIM plans starting around ¥2,000–¥4,000 for 7 to 10 days.
  • Carrying an extra device and sometimes an additional power bank can be inconvenient compared to the simplicity of an eSIM.
  • Returns require mailing back or dropping the unit at an airport, whereas eSIMs deactivate automatically without the need for returns.

Alternatives to pocket WiFi in Japan

If you don’t want to carry an extra device, eSIMs are a convenient alternative to pocket WiFi in Japan. They activate instantly on compatible phones, often cost less than daily WiFi rentals, and provide reliable coverage through major local networks.

1. Holafly - Best for unlimited data

Holafly offers prepaid eSIM plans for travelers to Japan with unlimited data on 4G/LTE, with fallback to 3G or 5G where available. You receive a QR code after purchase to install the eSIM directly on your phone before arrival. Their plans vary by duration such as 5, 10, or 15 days rather than fixed data caps. Hotspot and tethering may be limited to about 500 MB per day based on user reports. The service costs ¥990 per day for unlimited data.

2. Ubigi - Best for flexible bundles

Ubigi provides flexible prepaid eSIM data plans for Japan. They offer a one-off unlimited data plan for ¥4,100 that lasts 7 days. The eSIM is data-only with no voice or SMS, and setup is done through a QR code or the Ubigi app. It uses Japanese networks like Docomo to provide robust coverage, especially in rural areas.

3. Nomad - Best for budget travelers

Nomad’s Japan eSIM plans are data-only and include both fixed data and unlimited-style daily capped plans. They offer a 7-day unlimited data plan for ¥3,403. Their eSIM supports 4G and 5G speeds in Japan with wide coverage through major local networks like KDDI and SoftBank. Nomad is often praised for its flexibility and easy-to-use app.

ProviderData Type / StylePrice / Plan ExampleBest ForTrustpilot Rating
HolaflyUnlimited by duration (5, 10, 15 days)¥990 per day, unlimited dataHeavy data users who want simplicity and unlimited browsing4.5 / 5
UbigiUnlimited (one-off plan)¥4,100 for 7 days unlimitedTravelers needing strong rural coverage with a one-off short plan4.1 / 5
NomadUnlimited-style daily capped plans¥3,403 for 7 days unlimitedBudget-conscious users who want flexible plans and app-based setup4.4 / 5

Holafly stands out as the best option because it offers true unlimited data without worrying about daily caps or running out mid-trip. Its simple setup and fixed daily pricing make it the most convenient choice for travelers who want stress-free connectivity in Japan. Having reliable internet ensures you get the best experience during your visit, whether that means exploring top attractions or planning around the best time to visit Japan.

Pocket WiFi in Japan FAQ

Is pocket WiFi worth it in Japan?

Yes, pocket WiFi is worth it if you want reliable internet for multiple devices and group travel. It helps avoid expensive roaming charges and unreliable public WiFi.

Can I use pocket WiFi in Japan?

Yes, travelers can rent pocket WiFi devices from providers like Japan Wireless, NINJA WiFi, and Sakura Mobile. These devices connect to local networks and create a personal hotspot you can use anywhere in Japan.

How much does portable WiFi cost in Japan?

Prices usually range from about ¥231 to ¥900 per day depending on the provider and plan. Monthly options like Mobal Japan start at ¥4,980 plus a one-time device fee.

Is it cheaper to get an eSIM or pocket WiFi in Japan?

An eSIM is often cheaper for solo travelers since plans start around ¥2,000–¥4,000 for a week. Pocket WiFi can be more cost-effective for groups because one device can support several users.

What’s the best pocket WiFi in Japan?

Sakura Mobile and Japan Wireless are top choices thanks to long battery life, flexible delivery, and reliable coverage. The “best” depends on whether you prefer unlimited data, low daily cost, or premium features.

Can two people use pocket WiFi in Japan?

Yes, pocket WiFi devices allow multiple connections at the same time, so two people can easily share one unit. Some providers support up to 10 or even 15 devices simultaneously.

How many GB per day does pocket WiFi in Japan provide?

Many providers advertise unlimited data, but some like NINJA WiFi enforce a 1 GB daily limit before speed reduction. Others, such as eConnect, set fixed allowances like 20 GB per plan.

Vukasin Petrovic is an experienced content specialist and copywriter with expertise in digital marketing, on-page SEO, and inbound lead generation. With a degree in English and a master's in creative writing, he creates compelling content that delivers measurable results for businesses.

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