Pocket WiFi is a portable device that provides internet access by creating a private WiFi hotspot. It connects to a cellular network and allows multiple devices (like smartphones, tablets, and laptops) to access the internet simultaneously.
Japan is known for its advanced technology, but finding free public WiFi can be challenging, especially outside major cities. Many cafes, train stations, and hotels offer WiFi, but connections may be slow, limited, or require registration in Japanese. A pocket WiFi ensures you have fast and reliable internet anywhere, which means you can use maps, book reservations, and contact your loved ones to send photos of your travels.
In this guide, we’ll compare the best pocket WiFi options for Japan in 2025, looking at factors like speed, coverage, price, battery life, and rental convenience. Whether you’re a tourist, digital nomad, or business traveler, this will help you find the best option for you.
Japan is a highly connected country, but relying on public WiFi isn’t always the best option. Many networks require registration, have limited coverage, or slow speeds, especially in rural areas. Pocket WiFi, meanwhile, ensures that you have fast, uninterrupted internet throughout your trip.
Of course, there are other options, like local SIMs or international eSIMs. However, pocket WiFi is a great choice for these reasons:
Pocket WiFi is a popular choice for tourists in Japan because of its high-speed and reliable internet access, but like any technology, it has some drawbacks. Here are the pros and cons to help you decide whether pocket WiFi for traveling is the right choice for you.
| Pros | Cons |
| Reliable, high-speed internet: Enjoy fast 4G/5G speeds across Japan, even in rural areas. | Rental cost: Daily rental fees can add up, making some pocket WiFi rentals more expensive than other options. |
| Connect multiple devices: Perfect for groups, families, or even remote workers with multiple devices. | Needs charging: The device runs on battery, so you’ll need to carry a power bank for long days. |
| No SIM card swap required: Avoid the hassle of swapping SIM cards, and there’s no need to worry about losing your home SIM card. | Requires pickup/return: Many rental services require you to pick up and drop off the device at the airport or a designated location. |
| Works on locked phones: If your phone is carrier-locked, you can’t use a local SIM or an eSIM. But you can use pocket WiFi! | Extra item to carry: Unlike an eSIM or local SIM, you’ll need to carry the device with you. |
| Better security than public WiFi: Stay safe from cyber threats when using private networks instead of open networks. | Limited data plans: Some rental services have daily data limits or slower speeds after exceeding a certain usage. |
| Works on all devices: Connect laptop, tablets, and gaming devices that don’t support eSIM. | Risk of loss, theft, or damage: You may lose or damage the physical device, which often results in extra fees. |
Having reliable internet access is crucial for getting around and staying connected, but this only works if you get a good pocket WiFi system. Below is a comparison of the top pocket WiFi providers in Japan, considering essential factors like price and speed.
| Provider | Price (per day) | Max Speed | Data Allowance | Battery Life | Number of Devices | TrustPilot Rating |
| Japan Wireless | From $3.8 | 187 Mbps | Unlimited | 12-15 hours | Up to 10 | 3.4 / 5 (57 reviews) |
| Japan Rail Pass | From $5.02 | 150 Mbps | 10 GB per day | 8-10 hours | Up to 5 | 4.2 / 5 (425 reviews) |
| Mobal | From $0.99 | 150 Mbps | 300 GB per month | Up to 12 hours | Up to 10 | 3.9 / 5 (851 reviews) |
| NINJA WiFi | From $6.50 | Unknown | Unlimited | 10 hours | Up to 5 | 2.5 / 5 (21 reviews) |
| Sakura Mobile | From $1.98 | 4G LTE | Unlimited | 20 hours | Up to 15 | 4.5 / 5 (423 reviews) |
| JAL ABC | From $8.71 | 4G LTE | Unlimited | 10 hours | Up to 5 | N/A |
Each provider offers excellent coverage across Japan, but the precise features may vary. Let’s take a closer look at each of them.
Japan Wireless is one of the most popular pocket WiFi providers in Japan, known for high-speed connectivity, unlimited data, and a long battery life. They even provide a free battery pack so you can keep your device charged!
Key features:
Japan Wireless has two options for its plans:
| Feature | Business WiFi | Premium WiFi |
| Price | $3.8 per day for 28 days | $4.1 per day for 28 days |
| Data Usage | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Max Speed | 120 Mbps | 187 Mbps |
| Area | 99% coverage nationwide | 100% coverage nationwide |
These are very reasonable prices, and it means you can choose an option that best suits you.
Pros:
Cons:
The Japan Rail Pass (or JRail Pass) pocket WiFi is a convenient option for travelers. It offers high-speed internet for up to 5 devices, and it’s available to buy at the same time as you pick up your train tickets.
Key features:
Travelers can rent the pocket WiFi device for any amount of time between 5 and 30 days. THe cost per day decreases with the rental period. So, a 5-day rental costs $54.79 (almost $11 per day), while a 30-day rental costs $150.55 ($5.02 per day). This isn’t the cheapest option, especially for short rental periods.
Pros:
Cons:
Mobal is a great provider for travelers to get service in Japan, and the pocket WiFi is just one of the options available. It offers tons of great features that set it apart from its competitors.
Key features:
There are several options available for pocket WiFi allowances. Notably, you’ll need to sign a three-month contract to use any of them. The prices on the website are in Japanese Yen; the currency conversion is accurate at the time of writing.
| Data | Cost per month | Note |
| 100 GB | ¥4,980 ($33.05) | 10% off for Mobal SIM/eSIM users |
| 200 GB | ¥5980 ($39.69) | 10% off for Mobal SIM/eSIM users |
| 300 GB | ¥6980 ($46.32) | 10% off for Mobal SIM/eSIM users |
Pros
Cons:
NINJA WiFi is a popular provider, but it’s let down by its website, which is outdated, cluttered, and difficult to use. Still, it claims to have more than 21 million customers worldwide, and it offers frequent discounts that make it an affordable option.
Key features:
NINJA WiFi offers local SIMs, eSIMs, and pocket WiFi. The pocket WiFi has an unlimited data allowance and costs ¥1980 ($13.40) per day, which is much more expensive than other providers. It’s important to use the discounts available on the site to offset this.
Pros:
Cons:
Sakura Mobile is a highly-rated pocket WiFi provider that works for both travelers and residents. It’s renowned for its excellent, English-speaking customer support, catering to tourists and students. There are some generous features available, too.
Key features:
The price varies depending on the length of your rental, but starts at ¥299 ($1.98) per day.
Pros:
Cons:
Japan Airlines has its own pocket WiFi available, which you can pick up from Japan’s three main airports: Narita, Haneda, Kansai. Every ¥100 you spend earns you two JAL air miles, too, so there are added benefits here. However, this WiFi is more expensive than other options.
Key features:
The website is fairly difficult to use, so it’s unclear how much data is available or what the validity period is. Compared to other providers, the JAL pocket WiFi has fewer features, and it’s more expensive at ¥1313 per day for the 4G option or ¥1980 ($13) per day for 4G/5G.
Pros:
Cons:
When selecting a pocket WiFi for your trip to Japan (or even if you’re traveling elsewhere and need pocket WiFi for Europe), you need to consider factors like your coverage, data allowance, and so on. Check these features:
When traveling, one of the common decisions travelers face is whether to use a pocket WiFi or an eSIM for their internet connection. Both options have pros and cons, catering to different travel needs.
| Feature | Pocket WiFi | eSIM |
| Convenience | Requires picking up and returning the device | Activated digitally and remotely |
| Coverage | Usually offers strong coverage, but varies by provider | Usually offers strong coverage, but varies by provider |
| Speed | High-speed internet, typically 4G or 5G | Speed depends on the eSIM provider |
| Cost | Rental fees and potential penalties for loss or damage | Pay-as-you-go, usually offers better rates for short trips |
| Battery life | Requires charging; 8-10 hours | No external device to charge |
| Number of devices | Can support multiple devices | Typically one device per eSIM, but some providers support hotspotting |
You can rent pocket WiFI in Japan at various locations including airports and by using online services before your trip. Many rental companies also offer delivery services to your hotel or a pickup location nearby.
The cost of renting pocket WiFi in Japan varies depending on the provider, the duration of the rental, and the type of plan. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere between $5 and $10 per day.
To use pocket WiFi in Japan, you simply need to pick up your device, then connect your phone or device to the WiFi network. Then, you just enjoy internet access! Return the device at the end of your rental period.
The best pocket WiFi in Japan depends on your specific needs. Japan Wireless, Mobal, and Sakura Mobile are some of the top options worth exploring.
Our mission is simple: to make sure you never have to ask, “What’s the WiFi password?” again. All our tips come straight from personal experience — because we’d never recommend something we haven’t put to the test ourselves.
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