Prepaid SIM vs. Pocket WiFi: Pros & Cons Explained

Photo of two hands holding a pocket wifi and SIM card in front of a beautiful Japanese temple.

Staying connected in Japan is important for navigation, translation, and finding places to visit. Unlike some countries, free WiFi isn’t always easy to find, even in big cities like Tokyo. Most travelers choose a prepaid SIM card (or eSIM) or a pocket WiFi rental to avoid the hassle of searching for public WiFi.

But which one is right for you?

READ MORE

Comparing the Best Deals for Haneda Airport WiFi Rentals (2022)

haneda-airport-wifi-rental

Last update on

Haneda International Airport continues to shed its image as Tokyo’s premier domestic airport, opting to schedule more arriving and departing international flights; and as it becomes more accessible to overseas tourists and business travelers, the airport continues to introduce services and amenities that can help you during your stay in Japan, like Pocket WiFi rentals and Data SIM Cards.
If you booked a plane ticket that will be arriving at Haneda, be sure to keep reading as we present the best deals for Haneda Airport WiFi rentals! READ MORE

Japanese Cell Phone Plans for Short and Long-term Students

Updated on January 30, 2025

Staying connected is important, especially when you’re a student living in another country like Japan. Whether you’re trying to find your way through streets covered in kanji, setting up a meet-up with friends at an izakaya, or sharing your Mount Fuji selfies with family, having a reliable phone plan makes life so much easier.

Luckily, Japan has plenty of options for both short-term and long-term students. Let’s break it all down so you can find the right one for your stay in Japan.
READ MORE

Japan Mobile Network Guide for Travelers and Tourists

Two women are on the phone, smiling and waiting for someone in front of Sky Tree in Tokyo

Japan is known for its advanced mobile technology, offering fast and reliable connections that make it easy to stay connected no matter where you are. With a mix of 4G LTE and the growing presence of 5G, Japan’s mobile networks are among the best in the world, ensuring smooth connectivity throughout your trip.

For international travelers, choosing the right mobile solution is important. With options like physical SIM cards, eSIMs, and Pocket WiFi, it’s essential to understand how each option works so you can stay connected without any headaches. Whether you’re in Japan for a short visit or a longer stay, having the right plan will make your time here a lot more convenient.

Japan’s 5G network is rapidly expanding, offering even faster speeds and improved reliability. With this shift, travelers can enjoy quicker downloads and better overall performance when connecting on the go.

READ MORE

Internet in Japan for Tourists: Free WiFi and Beyond

WiFi can be a lifeline for travelers around the world, but especially in Japan where your regular cellular service is not available or will cost you in high roaming fees. When planning your Japan adventure be sure to bring a WiFi-enabled mobile device to help you get around. Wifi access will help you get the best value food and shopping, as well as to discover popular tourist spots and hidden gems on the go. You will be able to use your mobile device in diverse locations including airports, convenience stores, and even on many of the super-fast Shinkansen bullet trains. Read below to successfully navigate the sometimes confusing array of WiFi options and get internet in Japan for an even more wonderful trip!

READ MORE

Japan Portable WiFi: How to Make Comparison Shopping Easy

Are you comparison shopping for Japan Portable WiFi? Be careful with making your decision on the rental price alone. By understanding the fine print, you can have a better understanding of what you’re getting before you turn on your WiFi in Japan. Keep reading to find out the 4 important things to consider when shopping around. READ MORE

Rent Pocket WiFi in Japan: Key Questions Answered

Staying connected in Japan isn’t always easy for visitors. While the country is well wired overall, getting reliable internet right after landing can be a challenge. Public WiFi spots are often slow, limited or require complicated sign-ins. Buying or renting a SIM card or eSIM can be confusing, especially if your phone isn’t unlocked or compatible.

That’s where pocket WiFi comes in. It offers fast, stable internet that works with any device, keeps you connected anywhere in Japan, and lets you avoid the hassle of phone settings or network issues. Whether you’re traveling alone or with family, a pocket WiFi rental is a simple way to stay online and enjoy your trip worry-free.
READ MORE

Japan Pocket WiFi Guide: Unlimited vs. Pay-as-You-Go Plans

With so many options on the market for Japan Pocket WiFi, trying to understand which WiFi device and data plan is right for your next trip can be a real headache. Should you go with:

  • WiFi router or a SIM card?
  • Unlimited or Pay-as-You-Go?

The more you compare competitors, the more you can get confused but look no further! Keep reading to find out what you need to know about Japan Pocket WiFi before you book.
READ MORE

Is Docomo Data SIM a Good Tourist Option for Voice+Data?

If you’re a tourist going to Japan and want to continue using your smartphone for surfing the web and making calls, you may already be considering going with a voice+data package. This type of plan seems straight forward, but what you may not know is that there is more than one option available for accessing your e-mails and calling your friends and family. If this sounds like what you need, be sure to read on and find out which voice+data option is best for you. READ MORE

Japan Phone Rental: 5 Options for Long-Term Stays

For foreigners moving to Japan or staying long term, getting portable data service through a smartphone is crucial to daily life yet signing up for a cell phone contract can be one of the biggest hurdles when you first arrive in the country. To help you choose the best Japan phone rental option to fit your needs, we broke down the most common methods foreigners use to stay connected during their long-term stay. READ MORE