Japan Wireless: Portable Wi-Fi, SIM Cards, and eSIM Rentals for Tourists in Japan

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Japan Wireless offers rentals of portable Wi-Fi routers (called “Pocket Wi-Fi” in Japan), prepaid SIM cards, and eSIMs to tourists visiting Japan. As well as some of the cheapest rates around, Japan Wireless also provides convenient pick-up, delivery, and return options. This article reviews Japan Wireless for prospective users.

Does Japan Wireless offer the best mobile internet service for tourists who want to stay connected in Japan?

Whether you have long dreamed of visiting Japan or are eagerly planning your return to the country for more unforgettable adventures, there has never been a better time than right now. To make the most of your time in Japan and stay connected with friends and family at home (gotta show them how much fun you’re having!), you’ll want to ensure that you have a consistent and reliable internet connection for the full duration of your trip. Founded in 2015, Japan Wireless is one of the leading providers of portable Wi-Fi routers (called “Pocket Wi-Fi” in Japan), prepaid SIM cards, and eSIMs to tourists visiting Japan. This article explains these three Japan Wireless internet service options in detail, including information on Japan Wireless’s rates and plans, English customer service, and pickup and delivery procedures.

 

What is Japan Wireless? What internet services does Japan Wireless offer to tourists in Japan?

Japan Wireless was established in 2015 in response to the huge surge in inbound tourists coming to Japan and the need to provide visitors with reliable mobile internet service while in the country. With tourist numbers rebounding again in the 2020s following the end of the COVID pandemic, Japan Wireless has emerged as one of the leading providers of the best internet for tourists in Japan.

While finding free public Wi-Fi in Japan has become slightly easier in recent years, many public Wi-Fi networks are available only to residents of Japan who subscribe to certain local mobile phone companies. Public networks available to tourists can be difficult to find or access and are limited in terms of speed, time, and bandwidth. Worst of all, such public Wi-Fi networks are rarely available when you are out and about, just when you need internet access the most.

Japan Wireless was created to provide a cheap and convenient alternative to this constant search for Wi-Fi, providing rentals of portable Wi-Fi routers (known as “Pocket Wi-Fi” in Japan), prepaid SIM cards, and eSIMS to foreign visitors in Japan. With these three internet options for foreigners in Japan, Japan Wireless can cater to the unique needs and priorities of different travelers in Japan.

Getting internet service through Japan Wireless couldn’t be simpler. You can handle every step of the process online in English, from the application to payment to arranging for pickup and return. Japan Wireless also offers same-day delivery of Pocket WiFi and prepaid SIM cards to the airport where you will arrive or the hotel where you will stay.

Advantages of Choosing Japan Wireless for Visitors to Japan

  • Nationwide coverage - connect to the internet anywhere in Japan
  • Use your own devices - bring your own devices from home, traveling with you, and connect seamlessly to Japanese networks throughout your stay
  • Unlimited data - enjoy unlimited data with all three options via Japan Wireless (pocket WiFi, prepaid SIM, e-SIM)
  • Quick and easy setup - access the internet within just a few minutes of your arrival, all set to make the most of your trip in Japan
  • Easy pickup/return - experience fast and efficient delivery to the airport or hotel of your choice
  • English support - communicate in English if you have any problems or questions. Japan Wireless offers full customer service in English, and their informative website explains their services in English as well as several other languages.

While all three options offered by Japan Wireless – pocket WiFi, prepaid SIM, e-SIM – offer cheap and reliable internet for tourists in Japan at reasonable prices, you may be wondering, of course, which options would work best for you. Read on!

Pocket Wi-Fi vs. prepaid SIM vs. e-SIM: which is the best option for visitors to Japan?

Because all three internet options that Japan Wireless offers for tourists in Japan (pocket WiFi, prepaid SIM, e-SIM) provide nationwide mobile internet coverage and unlimited data throughout your stay, you might be wondering why there are three options at all. Essentially, this comes down to several factors regarding you and the nature of your trip to Japan.

For those of you who simply want to use your own smartphone while in Japan to access the internet for communication, navigation, information, and fun, a Japan Wireless SIM card is probably your best option. All you need to do to install a prepaid SIM card from Japan Wireless is to simply slip this new SIM card into the existing SIM card slot of your phone and bam—your phone will connect to the Japanese mobile network.

For an even simpler option that requires nothing mechanical at all, you can instead opt for a Japan Wireless e-SIM. An e-SIM requires no installation of a physical SIM card at all, requiring you only to scan the QR code or input the Activation code right after purchase to connect to Japanese mobile internet networks. The only caveat is that not all devices are compatible with e-SIM (older devices especially), so be sure to check with Japan Wireless first before ordering this service.

The third popular Japan travel internet option from Japan Wireless is Pocket WiFi rental, which is the common name in Japan for a portable WiFi router (whether you actually keep it in your pocket or not is entirely up to you). While Pocket WiFi has the slight drawback of requiring you to carry something around with you (albeit small and light), it has the considerable advantage of allowing connectivity for multiple devices. So if you are thinking of bringing along a laptop, i-Pad, or other electronic device to Japan that you would like to connect to the internet or if you are traveling as a family or group, Pocket WiFi could be a cheaper and more convenient option. Just be sure to keep your router charged (most have a charge lasting well over a day) and don’t leave it behind in your hotel room!

As for price, all three options offer various affordable pricing plans based on the length of your stay and your personal internet needs while in Japan. Prices for the three options from Japan Wireless are relatively similar, so in general, it is best to choose the option that suits your devices and your internet needs.

How user-friendly is Japan Wireless for English speakers?

Japan Wireless was launched in 2015 with the aim of improving access to mobile internet service for the increasing number of foreign tourists visiting Japan each year. For this reason, the company’s website is written entirely in English with the option to select translation into other languages as well.

 

Can I apply/register for the Japan Wireless mobile internet service in English?

Yes! And registration for Japan Wireless is oh-so-simple. Just select your preferred option from the Japan Wireless website and click on the plan that matches the length of your trip. Then, fill in a short form with your information, including your preferred time and location for pickup and return. (Note: if you choose e-SIM, you don’t even need to worry about pickup and return, of course, as it is all electronic!).

Finding Free Public Wi-Fi in Japan Can Be a Hassle

Finding free public Wi-Fi in Japan has become slightly easier in recent years, but doing so is still often something of a hassle. The more reliable places to find free Wi-Fi are probably coffee shops like Starbucks or Tully’s or fast food restaurants like McDonald’s, though obviously both come with the drawback of finding a seat amongst all the remote workers these days and being required to purchase something to sit there.

Train stations and airports, as well as some public buildings like museums, do tend to offer public Wi-Fi. The Shinkansen and some other train lines (and even bus lines) do have free Wi-Fi, but connections can be unreliable due to tunnels and other obstacles.

Travelers to Japan should be aware, however, that it can be much more difficult to find and access free Wi-Fi in more rural parts of Japan. And even in a city like Tokyo, the hassle of wandering around to find somewhere just to use the internet for a few minutes can be a pretty frustrating waste of time. Not how you want to spend your holiday!

That’s why renting a Pocket Wi-Fi from Japan Wireless or purchasing a prepaid SIM or e-SIM is well worth considering. With the internet constantly at your fingertips when you need it, you will be able to spend more of your precious time enjoying the incredible sights and sounds (and delicious food…) that Japan has to offer.

Is English customer support available for tourists in Japan using Japan Wireless mobile internet services?

Yes! Japan Wireless provides full customer support in English via email or the contact form on their website with English-speaking operators standing by.

Does Japan Wireless offer support in languages other than English?

Yes! Japan Wireless also offers support in Chinese and Japanese. Their website can also be switched between Japanese, Chinese, English, and various other languages via the language menu at the top right on their homepage.

What kind of mobile internet plans does Japan Wireless offer?

The mobile internet plans that Japan Wireless offers for tourists in Japan mostly vary based on your answers to two simple questions:

  • Which Japan Wireless service do you want to use?
    • Pocket WiFi
    • Prepaid SIM
    • e-SIM
  • How long is your trip to Japan?

All three services available from Japan Wireless offer plans that cater to different lengths of time in the country. For prepaid SIMs, plans are available for stays of 3, 7, 10, 15, or 30 days in Japan, while e-SIM plans offer a similar range of options at 3, 6, 9, 14, or 30-day durations. Pocket WiFi rentals from Japan Wireless can be short-term or long-term, with plans offering cheaper per-day rates for longer rental terms.

All three Japan Wireless services also offer a choice between Standard and Premium services, which differ slightly in terms of internet speed and connectivity (4G/5G).

How much does Japan Wireless cost? 

Japan Wireless offers extremely competitive rates that provide some of the cheapest mobile internet plans currently available to tourists visiting Japan. In general, rates get slightly cheaper (per day) for longer stays, and Standard services cost slightly less than their Premium services.

Japan Wireless charges no additional hidden fees for data transmission, setup, or credit card payments. All daily rates are inclusive of tax. The price you see on the website is the price you’ll actually pay!

Keep an eye out as well for special seasonal promotions from Japan Wireless, offering limited-time discounts.

How can I order mobile internet service from Japan Wireless online before arriving in Japan?

It really couldn’t be simpler.

First, get yourself to the Japan Wireless homepage, where you will find three buttons at the top of the page that you can click to access information about the company’s three main services: Pocket WiFi, Prepaid SIM Card, and eSIM.

When you have decided which service best fits your needs and preferences, click the Order Now button to access the Order Form. Choose the length of your stay along with your preference of Standard or Premium Plan, then enter your arrival and departure information as well as your preferences for pickup and delivery.

Head to the Checkout next and enter your payment information. Cancellation up to 3 days in advance is available for most products offered by Japan Wireless.

And that’s it—you’re done! Just remember to pick up your Japan Wireless portable Pocket WiFi or Prepaid SIM Card when you arrive (in the case of e-SIM, just set it up yourself when you like via the QR code or Access code).

If you do choose Pocket WiFi, don’t forget to switch off Cellular Data on your phone…

Having a Japan Wireless Pocket WiFi router allows you to access the internet anywhere in Japan via a WiFi network generated by the router itself. For this reason, you do not need your Cellular Data switched on. Therefore, make sure that your Cellular Data stays switched off to avoid steep roaming charges from your mobile phone company back home.

With Pocket WiFi, there is no need to use cellular data from your home country and incur expensive roaming charges.

How does payment for Japan Wireless work? 

Payment is made using your credit card via the Japan Wireless website when you register for your preferred Japan Wireless mobile internet service (on the Checkout page of their website).

How does pickup and return work with Japan Wireless? 

As a foreigner visiting Japan, you will discover that one of the major benefits of choosing Japan Wireless is that you don’t need to spend your valuable holiday time wandering the streets of Japan trying to find a certain mobile phone store and then struggling to communicate with sales staff who cannot speak English.

Because Japan Wireless offers convenient pick-up and return at major international airports in Japan, airport pickup of your Pocket WiFi router or prepaid SIM card is a convenient option for many travelers. Other alternatives include delivery of your item to a hotel or private residence in Japan.

Returning your Pocket WiFi router is even easier, as each router comes with a return envelope so that you can simply drop it off at any Japanese post office before leaving the country. There are also return counters at international airports (just be sure to return it before you clear customs and immigration!). There is no need to return a SIM card after you are finished with it.

All you need to do is fill in your preferences for pick-up/delivery and return when you order your preferred service from the Japan Wireless website. Should anything change, feel free to contact their customer service (in English) at any time for assistance.

If your mobile internet device is compatible with e-SIMs, you can opt for this service instead and skip the entire process of pickup/delivery and return entirely.

Japan Wireless Airport Service Counters - Operating Hours

Please check whether you will be arriving at the airport while the Japan Wireless service counters are open. If you will be arriving outside these hours, you will need to arrange for your router to be delivered to a hotel or private residence

  • Haneda Airport T3 (Tokyo-HND): 6:30-23:00
  • Narita Airport T1 and T2 (Tokyo-NRT): 6:30-late (1 hour after last flight)
  • Chubu Centrair Airport T1 (Nagoya-NGO): 6:30-22:00
  • Kansai Intl. Airport T1 (Osaka-KIX): 7:00-21:00
  • New Chitose Airport Domestic T (Sapporo-CTS): 8:00-18:00

For other smaller international airports, please check the Japan Wireless homepage.

Can I have my Japan Wireless router or prepaid SIM card delivered to a hotel or a friend’s house?

Absolutely. You can have your rental Japan Wireless router or prepaid SIM card delivered to any hotel or private residence within Japan (or post office, though this may be less convenient…).

Your Japan Wireless router or prepaid SIM card will be delivered to your designated location before your arrival, as long as you book it at least 3 days before you arrive.

Delivery costs ¥1,100.

Return Delivery Services (Pocket WiFi Only!)

While you can return your rental Japan Wireless router at the airport when you leave, return delivery is also a pretty convenient option, so that you don’t forget during the hustle and bustle of catching your flight.

Simply place your router and accompanying items (charger, etc.) into the envelope provided and take this to any Japanese post office or convenience store.

Return delivery costs ¥550 (returning the router at the airport is free).

Review: Is Japan Wireless the right choice for you? 

While some of us older folks may pine for the days of paper maps and Lonely Planet guidebooks, spending days or weeks without maps, Google searches, or translation apps when on a trip is pretty hard to imagine these days. All these things can save you time, after all, and make your visit to Japan even more interesting and enjoyable.

What’s more, having constant access to the internet during your trip to Japan will likely lead to experiences that you just might not have otherwise. You might end up chatting with local Japanese people who can lead you to some interesting spots or recommend delicious local restaurants. You could discover a gorgeous off-the-beaten route or look up and learn a fascinating new word in Japanese. And lots of signs in Japan these days utilize QR codes with translated information, so that can be a bonus too.

Although renting a Pocket WiFi router or purchasing a prepaid SIM card or e-SIM does incur additional costs, in the grand scheme of a trip to Japan, this is a cost well worth paying. Japan Wireless is one of the top companies out there right now that offers competitive prices without hidden fees as well as full customer service, information, and registration in English.

Overall, ordering a Pocket WiFi router or purchasing a prepaid SIM card or e-SIM from Japan Wireless to provide you with seamless, unlimited mobile internet service for your next trip to Japan seems a pretty good choice.