Best pocket WiFi for Japan: Costs and requirements
Pocket WiFi in Japan offers a reliable way to get online during your stay. Learn more about the top options, as well as alternatives to consider.
Using pocket WiFi in Japan is one of the most popular ways for tourists to stay connected. However, it’s also fairly expensive and not as convenient as some other options.
In this article, we’ll cover the price of pocket WiFi in Japan, the top available options, and alternatives to consider, such as the Holafly travel eSIM, offering unlimited data and hotspot sharing without the need for extra devices.

How much does pocket WiFi cost in Japan?
The price for pocket WiFi in Japan depends on if you rent or purchase the pocket WiFi device itself. Rentals typically cost around$50 USD per week, which doesn’t include delivery fees or insurance. Buying a device can cost anywhere from $100 or less to $400 or more, plus the price for data plans.
Best pocket WiFi in Japan
There are quite a few pocket WiFi providers available in Japan, each offering different pricing, unique pocket WiFi devices, and other perks. Let’s take a look at some of the top options.
Sakura Mobile
Sakura Mobile is one of the most popular pocket WiFi rental options in Japan. The rental costs around $57 per week, which includes unlimited 4G data, supports up to 15 simultaneous connections, and a device with a 20-hour battery life.
You can order your WiFi router online and pick it up at Sakura Mobile locations in international airports, have it delivered to your residence or hotel, or pick it up at the Shinjuku office.
If you break or damage the device during the rental period, you’ll have to compensate for the damage, which can cost up to $200. Alternatively, you can buy travel insurance for ~$0.75 per day, which covers 90% of the damages if an accident were to happen.
TravelWifi
TravelWifi is an international pocket WiFi router provider, offering internet access in over 130 countries. Rentals cost from $8.50 to $15.50 per day, depending on how much data you need. Data limits range from 1 GB per day to unlimited data. Alternatively, you can buy a TravelWifi router for $149, then only buy data plans whenever you travel abroad.
The rental device allows up to five simultaneous connections at 4G speeds and has a long-lasting battery, though the company doesn’t specify the exact battery life. The delivery can add up to $30 to the total bill, depending on where the device needs to be delivered.
Ninja WiFi
Ninja WiFi offers both 4G and 5G pocket WiFi options, with prices ranging from $3.30 per day for 1 GB of 4G data to $15 per day for unlimited 5G data without speed restrictions.
You can also get insurance for $2.20 per day, which covers all damages to rented devices and accessories. If you don’t get insurance and damage the device, you may need to pay uop to $270 to the company.
You can order your device online and pick it up at airport counters at most international airports in Japan, arrange smart pick up, or have it delivered to your residence in Japan.
Japan Wireless
Japan Wireless is another popular Japan pocket WiFi provider, offering a variety of plans and multiple device options. The prices range from $52 to $60 a week, depending on the device you choose.
The business WiFi device is slightly cheaper and offers an 18.5-hour battery life and allows you to connect up to five devices. The Premium WiFi router is more expensive, but has a 20-hour battery life and supports up to 10 simultaneous connections.
All plans also include a portable charger at no extra fee, making it easy to keep your device charged. Japan Wireless offers device insurance at $2.70 per day. If you don’t get insurance, you may need to pay up to $270 if the device is lost or damaged during the rental period.
Want to compare Japan Wireless to Ninja WiFi? Check out our in-depth Japan Wireless vs. Ninja WiFi review.
Holafly Plans: Unlimited sharing without additional devices
Holafly Plans is an eSIM subscription service that allows you to enjoy the perks of pocket WiFi without actually having to rent or buy additional devices. Delivery is instant, and you can get online within minutes, no matter where you are.
Simply choose a plan that suits your needs and enjoy a reliable connection in Japan with the ability to connect multiple devices with hotspot sharing. Plans start at $49.90 a month and include coverage in 170+ destinations worldwide, so you can stay connected pretty much wherever you go.
Holafly Plans doesn’t require any long-term contract or commitments, so you can use it to stay online for as long as you need and cancel the plan anytime without any cancellation fees.
Where to get a pocket WiFi in Japan?
There are multiple options for getting a portable WiFi device in Japan. You can make a reservation for one online and pick it up at the airport once you arrive. Even if you forget the reservation, you might get lucky and find available rental devices at pocket WiFi provider stands at Japan’s international airports or offices in the country.
Alternatively, you can order your pocket WiFi to be delivered to your residence or hotel in Japan, or even get one sent to your home address before your trip. Keep in mind that delivery may take a few days and you’ll need to return pocket WiFi via mail after you’re done using it.
Pocket WiFi alternatives
Renting a pocket WiFi isn’t your only option for reliable mobile internet in Japan. Let’s take a quick look at some of the most popular alternatives to consider.
- Travel SIM cards: If you mainly need data on your phone, you can get a tourist SIM card for Japan and use your phone without worrying about high roaming fees in Japan. These cards are typically available at all international airports, as well as shops throughout the country.
- Free WiFi: There are free WiFi hotspots available in Japan, which offer a way to quickly get online. However, they won’t keep you connected on the go and are known to be cybersecurity threats. Use it only if you have no other option or to get an eSIM plan for a more reliable connection.
- Travel eSIM: Using an eSIM for Japan is one of the top options for staying connected. It allows you to use your phone in Japan without having to replace SIM cards or get additional devices. Delivery is instant, and activation typically only takes a couple of minutes, allowing you to get online quickly, no matter where you are.
Pocket WiFi Japan: Is it worth it?
In general, pocket WiFi in Japan is a solid option if you need to maintain multiple device connections at all times. However, it’s also one of the most expensive options for staying connected, so you really need to consider your data usage and the number of people using the device.
Comparing pocket WiFi to eSIM in Japan, you’ll find that eSIMs often offer similar perks at a better price point. The Holafly eSIM for Japan offers unlimited data and up to 500 MB of data sharing daily, enough to keep your travel buddies connected for Google Maps or basic social media use. All at a price of $1.55 to $3.90 per day, depending on the duration of your plan.
If you’re planning a longer stay or need to share more data, Holafly Plans offers an eSIM subscription service with unlimited data and unlimited hotspot sharing for $64.90/month. This allows you to turn your phone into a WiFi hotspot and share as much data as you like, all while being cheaper than pocket WiFi and without additional devices.
If you are traveling further from Japan, these destinations also offer Pocket WiFi options to keep you connected.