To be honest, I had never even heard of pocket WiFi before visiting Japan. When traveling abroad, I usually buy an international plan through my mobile phone company, which usually costs $10 per device per day, which is quite expensive.
To keep the high costs down, I usually just activate an international plan on one phone to get by, but when I heard about Japanese pocket WiFi I was intrigued and decided to check it out.
Like most people, we feel anxious about the unknown and hesitate to try new things. At first, the idea of using pocket WiFi didn’t even occur to me because my international plan was so convenient and I knew what to expect.
However, after further research we discovered that pocket WiFi could save us a significant amount of money, so we decided to pre-order the device to collect at the airport.
Before I get into the main topic, I want to say something. Pocket WiFi saves tourists a lot MoneyDon’t be afraid to try something you’ve never heard of before.
For just $60, we had instant access to high-speed internet during our nine-day stay in Japan. For reference, the same perk would cost $180 to get through your mobile phone company. That’s a savings of $120.
If this is your first time visiting Japan, we also recommend checking out this guide: An American’s Guide to Japan: 20 Things First-Time Visitors to Japan Should Know
Pocket WiFi is a very useful device for foreign tourists. To help you understand how easy it is to use, we have created a simple guide to pocket WiFi in Japan.
Pocket WiFi in Japan
What is Pocket WiFi?
- Pocket WiFi is a small wireless device that converts 4G signals into WiFi signals. Essentially, this device delivers WiFi from 4G signals across Japan directly to your phone.
- Frankly, I am not a “tech savvy person” so I am living proof that you don’t need to be tech savvy to use pocket WiFi in Japan.
How can I use pocket WiFi in Japan?
- I love a simple answer, but it couldn’t get any simpler than this: Once I picked up the device, all I had to do was connect my phone using the password provided, and it was connected from there. Really? Really.
How fast is the pocket Wifi?
- I purchased the high-speed internet option and it was fast enough to stream videos without any issues. I didn’t notice any difference in speed between Japan and the US.
What is the best pocket WiFi in Japan?
- With over 30 brands to choose from, it can be hard to narrow down the best option. We ordered our pocket WiFi through NinjaWiFi and are very happy with the service. We would highly recommend them to family and friends.
How much does Pocket WiFi cost?
- Pocket WiFi prices vary depending on the brand, rental period, and speed required. We paid $60 for nine days of high-speed service ($6.70 per day).
How to Buy Pocket WiFi in Japan
- Wireless pocket wifi device pre-ordered online (via NinjaWiFi). When I ordered, I had to choose a pick-up and return location. I chose to pick up/return at Narita Airport.
- I received a confirmation email after placing my order It will provide you with instructions on where to pick up your device.
- When you arrive at the airport, I simply went to the kiosk as instructed and gave my name to an employee, and the device was ready for me as soon as I arrived, with no issues whatsoever.
Do I need to reserve a pocket WiFi in advance?
TTechnically, no. You can purchase pocket WiFi directly at the airport, so there is no need to pre-order it. However, we do not recommend doing so for two reasons:
- If you visit during peak tourist season (cherry blossom or autumn leaves), the devices may be sold out.
- If you order online, you can save up to 20% by using an offer code (we did too).
Ordering a pocket WiFi in advance could have saved us a lot of time and money.
Picking up pocket WiFi at the airport
- Pick-up locations at the airport vary depending on the brand you purchase. We picked up our NinjaWiFi device at the QL Liner counter in Narita Airport Terminal 1 (see map below). Pocket WiFi can be picked up in all three terminals at Narita Airport.
- For a complete list of NinjaWiFi pickup locations, click here.
What is the battery life? Do I need to order an external battery?
- We usually turned on our pocket WiFi around 5am (due to jet lag) and the battery lasted until 6pm. Our pocket WiFi device’s battery life averaged 13-14 hours. Impressive, considering the device was in constant use.
- We purchased the external battery option for $1/day, and we highly recommend you do too. Just charge both the battery and the pocket WiFi device overnight and you’re ready to go the next day. When you can no longer connect to the internet, you will know that your pocket WiFi battery has run out.
Where should I return the pocket WiFi?
- Probably the exact same place you picked it up. We returned the pocket WiFi device in Terminal 2 (even though we picked it up in Terminal 1) and handed the device over to an employee.
- The employee checked our devices to make sure we hadn’t left anything behind and wished us a safe journey. For a full list of NinjaWiFi return locations, click here.
Very important to know: I need to return the device in front Go through customsOnce you clear customs, you will not be able to return the pocket WiFi and will be charged for any additional days of use. If you accidentally take the device home, you will have to send it back and will be charged for any additional days.
Just return the device first and you’re totally fine!
Is it worth using pocket WiFi in Japan?
- Yes, yes, yes! At the risk of sounding like a used car salesman, we loved using pocket WiFi in Japan. It’s super easy to use, just pre-order the device, pick it up at the airport, connect using the sticker on the device, use it during your trip, and return it to the airport when you’re done.
- Yay! This simple device saved me enough money for several meals!
We hope this quick guide on pocket WiFi in Japan helps you decide if this device is right for you. We were really glad to have it with us during our trip and would highly recommend it to friends and family who are planning to visit Japan. If you have any questions, let us know below.
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Enjoy your trip to beautiful Japan!
Antonina
