Ninja WiFi - Is Ninja Wi-Fi a good portable Wi-Fi option for visitors to Japan?

With pandemic restrictions on travel to Japan finally lifted as of October 11, 2022, now is the time to get planning for your trip to the Land of the Rising Sun. Whether you are a first-time traveler to the country or a repeat visitor who just can’t wait for your next adventure, having an easy and consistent connection to the internet will make navigation, communication, and tourist information much more accessible throughout your stay. One of the newest and cheapest options for travelers is Ninja Wi-Fi, which rents portable Wi-Fi routers (known as Pocket Wi-Fi in Japan) that you can carry around with you wherever your Japanese journey takes you. This article delves into the details of Ninja Wi-Fi in terms of the services, plans, and pickup/delivery options that it offers.

What is Ninja Wi-Fi and what services does it offer?

Ninja Wi-Fi was established in 2015 by Vision Inc. (a company originally set up to provide cheap portable Pocket Wi-Fi routers for Japanese travelers heading overseas) in response to the huge jump that occurred in tourism within Japan (up 28% from 2013 to 2014) and the consequent demand for mobile internet service among foreign visitors.

While it has become slightly easier to find free public Wi-Fi in Japan in recent years, many of these networks are not truly public, open only to residents of Japan who subscribe to certain mobile phone companies for service. Even those networks that are public may be difficult to find or access for visitors, as well as providing limited speed, time, and bandwidth.

Ninja Wi-Fi was created as a cheap and convenient alternative, providing rentals of portable Wi-Fi routers (known as “Pocket Wi-Fi” in Japan) that cater specifically to the needs and priorities of foreign visitors.

Applications can be completed easily online, as can payment. Customers can easily pick up their Pocket Wi-Fi routers at counters at the major international Japanese airports or at the Ninja Wi-Fi counter in Shinjuku, a major transportation hub in Tokyo. It is also possible to arrange for delivery to your hotel or the home of a friend in Japan (¥550, tax included). You can also return your router either at the counter or via the mail before you leave Japan.

Last but not least, Ninja Wi-Fi offers full customer service in English as well as an excellent website (in English) that makes registration and payment a breeze!

Along with weighing the advantages and disadvantages of Ninja Wi-Fi (or any rental Pocket Wi-Fi), you should also consider whether a Pocket Wi-Fi or data-only SIM card would best suit your needs.

Pocket Wi-Fi vs. Data-only SIM cards…which is the better option for travelers to Japan? The two main options for simple consistent access to the internet available to travelers in Japan are essentially either Pocket Wi-Fi routers such as those rented by Ninja Wi-Fi or data-only SIM cards that you can place directly into your mobile phone (some companies such as Mobal also have a SIM card that even gives travelers the ability to make and receive phone calls within Japan).

SIM cards have the obvious advantage of being smaller than Pocket Wi-Fi rentals, although these days a Pocket Wi-Fi router is no bigger than a mobile phone. They also do not have batteries that require recharging as Pocket Wi-Fi routers do, though a single charge lasts for many, many hours and you can use the routers while they are charging in your hotel. SIM cards are also much more difficult to lose or misplace in comparison to Pocket Wi-Fi as they are locked inside your phone (but you do need to be careful not to misplace your original SIM card from back home while using your temporary Japanese one!).

While SIM cards are generally (slightly) cheaper than Pocket Wi-Fi rentals, they obviously only provide internet to a single device (your mobile phone). If you are traveling in a group, sharing a Pocket Wi-Fi could actually be much cheaper than purchasing SIM cards for each member of your group.

Alternatively, if you are traveling alone but planning to use multiple devices such as a laptop or i-Pad as well as your mobile phone, Pocket Wi-Fi is a far more practical option for smoother and reliable internet.

How user-friendly is Ninja Wi-Fi for English speakers in Japan?

Ninja Wi-Fi was created solely with the aim of providing service to foreign tourists visiting Japan, so the company’s website is available entirely in English. Explanations are kept short and simple so that even those travelers who speak English as a second language should find it highly accessible.

Can I apply/register in English?

Yes! And it is ridiculously simple. All you need to do is click the Get Yours button near the top of the Ninja Wi-Fi homepage which takes you to the first page of the easy four-step registration and payment procedure.

Finding Free Wi-Fi in Japan (...Do I Really Need Pocket Wi-Fi?) Free public Wi-Fi in Japan has become somewhat more widespread in recent years. The best places to find free Wi-Fi are coffee shops (especially large chains such as Starbucks or Tully’s), convenience stores (especially Family Mart and 7-Eleven), train stations and airports, museums, and some fast food restaurants (McDonald’s always has free 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 in Japan should note, however, that it can be difficult to find free Wi-Fi (or indeed, any Wi-Fi available to foreigners), especially in more rural parts of Japan. Many Wi-Fi networks that purport to be “free” (many, confusingly, with “free” in their names) are not accessible except for Japanese residents who are customers of certain mobile phone companies.

Even in a city like Tokyo where there are many cafes and convenience stores, the hassle of locating a place just to use the internet for a few seconds can be a pretty frustrating experience for travelers.

Renting a Pocket Wi-Fi from Ninja Wi-Fi means that you have the internet at your fingertips when you do need it so that you are free to focus on enjoying the sights and sounds (and delicious flavors…) of Japan and make the most of your trip.

Is English customer support available?

Yes!Ninja Wi-Fi provides full customer support in English via email (telephone support is no longer available. Emails are answered on business days (Monday-Friday excluding holidays).

Does Ninja Wi-Fi offer support in languages other than English? Yes! Ninja Wi-Fi also offers support in Chinese and Japanese. Their website can also be switched between Japanese, Chinese, and English at the very bottom of their homepage.

What Pocket Wi-Fi plans does Ninja Wi-Fi offer?

Ninja Wi-Fi offers two very straightforward Pocket Wi-Fi rental options:

 the Unlimited* Plan (Softbank)

• 9 hours of continuous internet usage
• Up to 5 simultaneously connected devices
• Maximum download speed = 187.35 Mbps

 the 1GB per day plan (Softbank)

• 1 GB/day of data
• Fast and reliable connection

What happens if I run out of data? Can I still use the internet? Yes! Your connection speed will slow down considerably, but you will still be able to use the internet. Your daily data limit resets at midnight each day.
_{*If you exceed 3GB in a single day with the Unlimited plan, your connection speed will fall and you may lose connection for a time}

Basic Plan Rates - how much does Ninja Wi-Fi cost?

Both of Ninja Wi-Fi’s two plans are charged at daily rates,:

Because Ninja Wi-Fi offers Pocket Wi-Fi rental plans at daily rates, it is extremely simple to work out how much your plan will cost. For example:

Ninja Wi-Fi charges NO additional fees for data transmission, setup, or credit card payments. All daily rates include tax. The price you see on their website is the only price you’ll pay!

What comes with a Ninja Wi-Fi rental?

Each Ninja Wi-Fi rental comes with:

• 1 portable Pocket Wi-Fi router
• 1 charging cable
• 1 carrying pouch
• 1 instruction manual

Additional Options

Ninja Wi-Fi also offers some additional options that might appeal to you depending on the kind of traveling you will be doing in Japan, the devices you will be using, and how many people you will be traveling with.

Insurance Plans

Ninja Wi-Fi also offers four different insurance plans for travelers in conjunction with their Pocket Wi-Fi rental plans.

Charges for Loss, Theft or Damages

The following charges will apply in the event that the following objects are lost, stolen or damaged if you do not have insurance.

You should report any lost or stolen item to both the Japanese police (and receive a report from them to show to Ninja Wi-Fi) and Ninja Wi-Fi immediately. Any damages should be reported to Ninja Wi-Fi immediately.

How do I register for Ninja Wi-Fi?

It really couldn’t be simpler. A simple Google search will easily land you on Ninja Wi-Fi’s homepage, where you can read about their services, plans, rates, and pick-up/return arrangements, as well as instructions on how to use their devices.

When you are ready to register for a Ninja Wi-Fi router rental, simply click the Get Yours button to the right at the top of the homepage. This takes you to the first page of an easy 4-step registration process:

1. Service Selection - just choose your pick-up and return dates, data plan (Unlimited or 1GB per day), pick-up/return methods, and whether you want insurance or any additional devices (external spare battery, etc.).
2. Customer Information - on this page, new customers can click Register Now to input basic personal information and create a new account. Existing customers can simply Log in to their account with their email and password to skip the need to enter their details all over again.
3. Payment - enter your credit card information.
4. Complete - a screen confirming your order. You will also be sent a confirmation email.

Don’t forget to switch off Cellular Data on your mobile phone… Having a Pocket Wi-Fi allows you to access the internet through connecting your mobile phone to the Wi-Fi network generated by the router. Therefore, you do not need your Cellular Data switched on, so make sure that it stays turned off throughout your visit to Japan to avoid being charged any steep roaming charges by your mobile phone company back home (this may vary depending on your home country and your particular mobile phone company).

With Pocket Wi-Fi, there is no need to use cellular data and incur expensive roaming charges.

And…that’s it! Getting set up to be connected during your trip to Japan is just this quick and easy with Ninja Wi-Fi.

How does payment for Ninja Wi-Fi work?

Payment is made using your credit card via the Ninja Wi-Fi website when you register. Payment is Step 3 of the quick registration/payment process accessed via clicking Get Yours on the main Ninja Wi-Fi homepage.

How do I pick up and return my Ninja Wi-Fi router?

One of the main benefits of using Ninja Wi-Fi for your internet needs while in Japan is that you don’t need to spend your valuable holiday time searching the streets for a store and then struggling to communicate with sales staff.

This is because Ninja Wi-Fi offers convenient pick-up and return at all major international airports in Japan, as well as at the Shinjuku office in Tokyo. When you register an order for a Ninja Wi-Fi rental, all you need to do is choose your pick-up and delivery locations (these can be the same or can be different).

If picking up (or returning) your router at an airport, you will do so at the designated service counter. For Narita Airport, be aware that there are two counters, one in Terminal 1 and one in Terminal 2, so check your terminal before you choose your counter (the terminals are connected, so it’s not the end of the world if you choose the wrong one, just less convenient after or before a long flight!).

Your Pocket Wi-Fi router will be waiting for you at the counter as long as you book it at least 1 day before you will be arriving.

Don’t forget to return your Pocket Wi-Fi router BEFORE you clear customs!! If you forget to return your Pocket Wi-Fi router BEFORE you clear customs, you will not be able to return the device in the airport and will have to send it via the mail when you get home and late charges will apply (¥1,617/day for routers, standard daily rate for all other items).

All items must be returned inside the original pouch you receive with the router.

Ninja Wi-Fi even has maps of each airport available from this page on their website so that you can easily find the right service counter.

Ninja Wi-Fi Service Counters - Operating Hours You must check, however, whether you will be arriving while the Ninja Wi-Fi service counters are open! If you will be arriving outside these hours, you will need to arrange for your router to be delivered to your hotel (or residence of a friend in Japan, etc.).

Ninja Wi-Fi Service Counters - Operating Hours

• Haneda Airport T3 2F (Tokyo-HND): 6:30-18:00
• Haneda Airport T3 3F JAL ABC (Tokyo-HND): 6:00-9:00, 18:00-22:00
• Narita Airport T1 (Tokyo-NRT): 9:00-18:00
• Narita Airport T2 (Tokyo-NRT): 10:00-21:00
• Chubu Centrair Airport T1 (Nagoya-NGO): 8:00-17:00
• Kansai Intl. Airport T1 (Osaka-KIX): 8:00-21:00
• Asahikawa Airport (AKJ): 8:00-20:20
• New Chitose Airport Domestic T (Sapporo-CTS): 7:30-20:00
• Fukuoka Airport (FUK): 8:00-17:00
• Komatsu Airport (KMQ): 7:20-19:30

  Shinjuku office hours: 10:00-18:00 (weekdays only)

Prefer to have your Ninja Wi-Fi router delivered?

No problem. You can have your rental Ninja Wi-Fi router and all other accessories delivered to any hotel, office, or residence of your choosing within Japan. This is really your only option if you are departing from the airport outside the operating hours of the designated counter at your airport.

Your Pocket Wi-Fi router will be delivered to your designated location at the time and date of your choosing, as long as you book it at least 3 days before your arrival.

Delivery costs ¥550.

Return Delivery Services

Return delivery (i.e. sending your rental Ninja Wi-Fi router and all other accessories back via the mail) is actually a pretty convenient option and will be your only option if you are departing from the airport outside the operating hours of the designated counter at your airport.

You simply use the Yamato Transport form that is enclosed with your rental kit. Fill this out and take it with your router and all accessories (make sure they are inside the pouch) to any convenience store (7-Eleven, Lawson, Family Mart, etc.) that handles Yamato Transport deliveries.

Return delivery costs ¥550.

How do I use my Ninja Wi-Fi router? How does it actually work?

Once you have picked up your Ninja Wi-Fi router, it won’t take more than seconds before you are online. All you need to do is:

1. Switch the router ON.
2. Switch your device (mobile phone, laptop, etc.) ON.
3. Connect to the WI-FI network generated by your Ninja Wi-Fi router.
4. Enter your password.
5. Start using the internet.

Connection speeds - what can I do online with my Pocket Wi-Fi?

While Ninja Wi-Fi uses high-speed 4G LTE networks that provide relatively fast connections, stability and speed can vary depending on your location, the weather, and other factors. Maximum download speeds for the unlimited plan are listed at 187.35 Mbps, but in reality such maximum speeds are rarely reached, ranging more commonly between 1-40 Mbps.

Now, if you’re like me and not too sure what Mbps speeds actually mean in reality, here is a chart to help you understand the speeds that common online activities generally require.

In other words, Pocket Wi-Fi from Ninja Wi-Fi will be perfectly sufficient for most travelers in Japan apart from those who require particularly large amounts of data or extra fast and stable connections (perhaps if traveling to the country for work or study).

Pocket Wi-Fi is also a good choice for multiple users or those using multiple devices as you can connect simultaneously.

Review: is Ninja Wi-Fi the right choice for you?

While the cost of renting a Pocket Wi-Fi router to provide you with internet throughout your visit to Japan might seem more expensive than a SIM card, if you are traveling in a group or want to use multiple devices, it might actually save you money. Unlike some other companies that offer Pocket Wi-Fi units, Ninja Wi-Fi has a very clear and simple pricing structure with no hidden extra setup or startup fees.

Because free Wi-Fi can be tricky to find and access in Japan, having the internet right there in your pocket as you travel is a convenient way to make the most out of your trip. Because Ninja offers easy airport pick-up and return options as well as delivery/return via the mail, you also won’t have to waste your valuable time in Japan on searching for certain stores and struggling to communicate with store staff.

Ninja Wi-Fi is also one of the few companies out there that offers full customer service, information, and registration all in English. While one of the joys of visiting Japan is the Japanese language itself and everyone who visits Japan should feel encouraged to try their best to speak it, for mundane practical tasks like setting up your internet, it will be far quicker and easier to do so in English.

Overall, Ninja Wi-Fi seems a good option for travelers to Japan who want consistent hassle-free access to the internet at an affordable price throughout their stay.

And you’ve got to love the name. Anyone who visits Japan must have some desire to be a ninja, if only for a few days.