[Archived version] A complete guide to Japanese pocket Wi-Fi recommended for foreigners!
How to secure internet connection is an important issue when staying in Japan for traveling or studying abroad. The number of places where public Wi-Fi can be used is increasing in urban areas, but if you want a stress-free environment where you can use the Internet anytime, anywhere, we recommend pocket Wi-Fi. Unlike fiber-optic lines, it does not require construction work or long-term contracts, and can be easily carried around, making it convenient for short-term stays.
In this article, we will introduce in detail pocket Wi-Fi that is especially recommended for foreigners to make their stay in Japan more comfortable. Find the one that suits you best by considering the features, plans, prices, etc. of each.
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How much does pocket Wi-Fi cost in Japan?
Pocket Wi-Fi prices vary depending on the amount of data you can use and the contract period. If you have a monthly fee, a cheap company will charge you around 3,000 to 4,000 yen per month. For example, I will introduce later "Giga Wi-Fi"is available for 2,695 yen (tax included) per month.
Renting is around 500 yen to 900 yen for one day, and the longer you rent, the cheaper the per day fee will be. I'll introduce it later "Global Mobile"This company has a rental fee of 432 yen (tax included) per day.
Be sure to check the campaign at the time of the initial contract, the rental cost of the device, the speed after data restrictions, etc., as these are important points.
Which is better: pocket Wi-Fi or SIM card?
Pocket Wi-Fi and SIM cards both have their pros and cons. SIM cards are often slightly cheaper, but the advantage of pocket Wi-Fi is that it is easy to initialize and can be used on multiple devices. Also, when using a SIM card, you need to check compatibility with your mobile phone and data usage limits, and with pocket Wi-Fi, you need to consider battery life.
"WiFi Rental Dotcom"You can pick up a pocket WiFi at the airport, so you can start using it as soon as you arrive in Japan. on the other hand, "Lyprimo"is a prepaid SIM card that is easy to process, but it does require the hassle of changing the language settings on your smartphone to English or Japanese.
| item | Pocket Wi-Fi | SIM card |
|---|---|---|
| price | somewhat expensive | relatively cheap |
| Initial setting | easy | somewhat troublesome |
| Number of devices | Multiple connections possible | 1 device only |
| battery charging | Requires charging | Unnecessary |
| Communication area coverage | Provider dependent | Provider dependent |
| usage period | Rental/Monthly system | Prepaid/Monthly system |
| Foreigner support | by vendor | by vendor |
| Roaming across multiple countries | Not possible | Possible (depending on the vendor) |
People who are suitable for pocket Wi-Fi
Pocket Wi-Fi is suitable for people who are not good with machines and find it difficult to initialize SIM cards, people who want to use a smartphone and tablet at the same time, and people who want to use the Internet with family and friends.
- People who are new to technology and want to avoid changing SIM cards and initial setup
- People who want to connect multiple devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops to the Internet at the same time
- People who are traveling with family or friends and want to share the internet
- People who often work in a fixed location and rarely use the internet while on the move
- For example, it is convenient for working at your place of stay or using it at a cafe.
People for whom SIM cards are suitable
A SIM card may be suitable for people who want to pay less for usage fees, those who only need to connect their smartphone to the Internet, and those who don't want to carry around a mobile router.
- People traveling and staying for short periods of time and looking for the most cost-effective option.
- People who only need their smartphone to connect to the Internet
- People who are lightweight and want to minimize their luggage
- Does not get in the way, especially when sightseeing or doing active activities
- People who want to use roaming to use the same SIM card even after leaving Japan
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When choosing a pocket Wi-Fi, check the communication speed
Pocket Wi-Fi speeds can vary greatly depending on your area and the provider you use. When stable, the communication speed is generally 30 Mbps or more for downloading and 10 Mbps or more for uploading (downlink refers to the speed at which data is received from the Internet, and uplink refers to the speed at which data is sent to the Internet). However, speeds may decrease in crowded areas or inside buildings. The speeds provided vary by provider, so be sure to check the approximate communication speed and usage area before signing a contract.
Online games require 30Mbps or more
If it's 30Mbps or higher, it's pretty fast for a pocket Wi-Fi. When playing online games, especially competitive games, we recommend a speed of 30Mbps or higher to avoid delays.
Video viewing and web conferencing are about 10Mbps to 20Mbps
When using video viewing services such as Youtube or web conferencing services such as Zoom or Skype, a speed of 10Mbps to 20Mbps is sufficient for comfortable use.
Approximately 1Mbps is sufficient for viewing the site, email, and LINE.
Even if the speed is limited, browsing text-based websites, sending and receiving emails, chatting on LINE, etc. can be done relatively smoothly at 1Mbps.
5 Pocket Wi-Fi Recommended for Foreigners
Here, we will introduce five pocket Wi-Fi in Japan that are recommended for foreigners.
So here weGoandup PicksIntroducing carefully selected and recommended pocket Wi-Fi. We will explain in detail the features, plans, fees, and availability of support for foreigners, so be sure to find the one that best suits your needs!
1. NETAGE
"NETAGE"There are no troublesome two-year commitments or penalties. moreover, Initial costs and administrative fees are also free!You can easily apply online and can use it as early as the next day.
And the big attraction isRental possible from one dayThings. Pricing starts from a few dozen yen per day. Furthermore, we offer communication capacity ranging from 3GB per day to unlimited, and you can choose from a wide variety of Wi-Fi routers, including SoftBank, docomo, au, and Ymobile lines.
After use, you can easily return it by dropping it into a Japanese postbox!NETAGEis recommended for short-term stays in Japan, people returning to Japan temporarily, people who are planning to be hospitalized, people who are planning to move, people who are thinking about traveling within Japan, and also for business trips and events. is.
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Official website:Rental is OK even from 1 day! For extremely cheap Wi-Fi rental in Japan, go to [NETAGE]
2. Global Mobile
"Global Mobile"Now, you can enjoy SoftBank's 4G LTE pocket Wi-Fi with unlimited data usage. The rental fee per day is 432 yen (tax included), but if you use the monthly plan, you can get a surprising amount per day. 174 yen (tax included)It is available for use.
The biggest feature isUnlimited data usageis. Communication will never stop no matter how much you use it. Furthermore, a new model 802ZT has been added to the lineup that achieves a maximum download speed of 988Mbps, enabling approximately 12 hours of continuous communication. In addition, if you apply by 4:00 pm on the same day, it can be shipped the same day, and you will receive it by the morning of the next day at the earliest.
Ideal for use in a variety of situations, such as remote work, living alone, domestic travel, business trips, etc. It is especially recommended for those who are concerned about data usage when watching videos, etc., and it is also very popular among foreigners traveling to Japan as it can be easily rented. Global Mobileprovides an affordable internet environment for both short-term and long-term stays.
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Official website:SoftBank Pocket Wi-Fi 501HW
3. Giga Wi-Fi
"Giga Wi-Fi"is also a hot topic on TV,Industry's lowest gradeIt is attracting attention as a cloud pocket Wi-Fi. The best feature is its wide usage area. Surprisingly, not only within Japan, Can be used in 134 countries and regions around the world. This is a very convenient service for those who frequently travel overseas or on business trips. In addition, you can use Softbank, Docomo, and au lines with extremely high capacity, so you can enjoy a comfortable Internet life without worrying about communication.
Same-day shipping at the earliest, and no complicated construction required. There are no data limits that plague many Wi-Fi services, such as 1-day 3G limit or 3-day 10G limit. Therefore, it is especially recommended for those who are not satisfied with their current pocket Wi-Fi or those who are having trouble with data limitations.
Furthermore,Giga Wi-FiAs a bonus, you can read weekly magazines and manga as much as you like for free! This service is also attractive for those who want to use the Internet with peace of mind while enjoying Japanese culture and entertainment.
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Official website:The lowest price in the industry! Cloud pocket type Wi-Fi [Giga Wi-Fi]
4. WiFi revolution set
For foreigners who are planning to stay in Japan for a long time or those who are newly starting life in Japan,"WiFi Revolution Set"is recommended. The first month's fee is only 880 yen (tax included), and you can get a home router with unlimited capacity and pocket WiFi with 100GB. Available in a set of twoIt's a service.
It is especially suitable for people who need a stable internet environment even when they are out for online interviews or online classes, and for those who feel limited by the data usage with their Japanese smartphone plans. In addition, we also provide support to reimburse you for penalty fees and removal work costs incurred when switching from another company.
For foreigners residing in Japan, internet connectivity is essential for daily life and work. WiFi revolution setis a convenient service that allows you to use the Internet safely both at home and outdoors. Use two WiFis at the same time for a great deal and make communication and information gathering in Japan even more comfortable!
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Official website:\WiFi Revolution Set that allows you to use 2 WiFi devices for the price of 1 device/
5. WiFi Rental Dotcom
"WiFi Rental Dotcom"It is possible to rent from one day, and if you use the 30-night, 31-day plan, the price per day is very reasonable at a few tens of yen. You can choose from 5GB to unlimited capacity, so you can choose a plan that suits your purpose.
The number of airports where you can pick up and return is the largest in the industry!It is perfect for foreign tourists as you can receive WiFi and use the internet as soon as you arrive in Japan. What's more, you can pick it up at a convenience store and return it by post, making it easy to use.
moreover,WiFi Rental DotcomYou don't need to go through any troublesome procedures to extend your rental! This is especially recommended for those who want to rent for a short period of time but do not have a fixed number of days. In addition, there is no restriction on the period of use, and you can apply when you need it and return it when you no longer need it, making it suitable for long-term use.
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Official website:[Wifi Rental Dotcom]
6. Wi-Fi for everyone
"Wi-Fi for everyone"You can easily have a Wi-Fi environment without any screening or credit card. Anyone can sign a contract in their own name as long as they have an ID and a bank account. There is no limit to the amount of data used per day, and the communication area uses UQ WiMAX, so the connection is stable.
The biggest feature isNo review requiredTo be. This allows even those who had difficulty signing a contract with another company to set up a Wi-Fi environment immediately. In addition, no construction is required, and you can immediately use the Internet with just a few simple steps. This is a very convenient service for foreigners who have just arrived in Japan and those who do not have a credit card.
Furthermore, with the company's mobile service, you can have a smartphone in your own name without any verification.[Mobile for everyone]If you have a contract withWi-Fi for everyoneYou can contract. Please check them out as well.
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Official website:Unlimited WiFi [Wi-Fi for everyone]
7. Prepaid WiFi better than anywhere else
"Prepaid WiFi better than anywhere else"is an innovative prepaid WiFi service that allows you to specify the period of use and purchase data.No preliminary hearings or complicated procedures required. We also accept a wide range of payment methods, including direct debit, cash on delivery, deferred payment, and credit card.
You can choose a plan according to your usage, and there are no cancellation fees, so you can cancel whenever you like. Depending on your needs, we can also provide a pocket WiFi device or a prepaid SIM only. This service is ideal for those who want to avoid long-term contracts and use WiFi only for as long as they need it.
It is useful in a variety of situations, such as business trips, working from home, temporary WiFi needs while traveling or on the go, or as a backup for the main line. Even foreigners who have been hesitant about signing up for WiFi due to the contract period, cancellation fees, and credit card screening can use it with confidence. Prepaid WiFi better than anywhere elsesupports your WiFi life more freely and comfortably.
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Official website:Available from 98 yen per day! Prepaid WiFi better than anywhere else
8. Recharge WiFi
"Recharge WiFi"Also recommended as a one-time purchase. There are no complicated contracts or returns, and there are no monthly fees. Once you have used up your Giga, you can purchase it at the official store as needed. Additional Giga Charge can be purchased. Giga is valid for one year after purchase, so you can carry over any remaining Giga to the next year.
Furthermore, by purchasing an overseas charge plan, you can use the service in 30 countries overseas, and it will automatically switch to domestic communication after you return home. There are also a wide variety of payment methods, and you can choose from credit cards, convenience store payments, bank transfers, Amazon Pay, etc.
It is especially recommended for those who cannot use up their monthly data on a fixed-rate plan and have excess data.Recharge WiFiis flexible and has excellent cost performance.
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Official website:No complicated procedures! + [Recharge WiFi]
9. cloud wifi
"Cloud WiFi"With , you can comfortably enjoy the Internet up to the monthly data amount for each plan with no contract period and no cancellation fee.
The biggest feature is the device warranty. There are plans that allow free replacement in the event of a breakdown or submergence, as well as plans that cover all types of troubles such as loss, theft, battery deterioration, etc., making it perfect for those who are worried about problems while using the product.
Also, anywhere in Japan or overseascloud wifiIt can be completed with It is especially recommended for those who need a communication environment for long-term stays in Japan or overseas, business trips, etc., and can provide a secure internet environment in any situation, from short stays to long stays.
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Official website:Rent cloud Wi-Fi compatible with 135 countries around the world with same-day shipping!
10. ZEUS WiFi
"ZEUS WiFi"To commemorate the launch of the new plan, we are offering a significant price discount for up to 24 months from the first month. This campaign can be used for a monthly fee starting from 980 yen (there is a contract period), and the actual monthly fee when used for 2 years is a good cost performance compared to other companies, so you can think ``I think I will use it for 2 years!'' ” Recommended for foreigners.
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Official website:The lowest price in the industry! Available from 980 yen per month! [ZEUS WiFi]
summary
Some pocket Wi-Fi in Japan do not have foreign language support, but there are others, such as GTN MOBILE, that have extensive support for foreigners. For foreigners who are not good at Japanese, we recommend using these pocket Wi-Fi for foreigners.
A reliable and stable internet connection is very important during your stay in Japan, especially while traveling or studying abroad. Through this article, we introduced the price of pocket Wi-Fi in Japan, its benefits, the difference from SIM cards, and recommended pocket Wi-Fi for foreigners.
The pocket Wi-Fi you choose will depend on the length of your stay, the number of devices you use, your communication needs, etc. We hope that you will find this guide useful as information to make your stay in Japan more comfortable.
