If you are planning to stay in Japan for a long period of time, rent a pocket Wi-Fi!

update date 2024/05/22

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When foreigners come to Japan, they often have trouble finding Wi-Fi. Overseas, Wi-Fi is often available in most cafes, restaurants, shopping malls, and other facilities. On the other hand, in Japan, Wi-Fi-free facilities are increasing, but they are still not sufficient. Especially for long-term stays, Wi-Fi in hotels and apartments is not enough.

In this issue, we will introduce ways to comfortably use the Wi-Fi environment, which is indispensable for long-term stays in Japan, whether for business or pleasure. By renting pocket Wi-Fi, you can access the Internet anytime, anywhere, making it very convenient for work, study, or private information gathering. This article will help you choose the best pocket Wi-Fi for you.

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- This page introduces services for foreigners who wish to study in Japan or improve their Japanese language skills to learn Japanese online.
Goandup Salon" community for foreigners living in Japan
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Where can I buy a prepaid SIM in Japan? Recommended SIM cards for foreigners are also introduced.
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The Complete Guide to Pocket Wi-Fi in Japan for Foreigners!
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The Complete Guide to Finding a Job in Japan! Finding a job, changing jobs, and part-time work for foreigners
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How to use the Internet when staying in Japan for an extended period of time

There are two main ways to use the Internet for long periods of time in Japan: SIM cards and pocket Wi-Fi (portable Wi-Fi routers).

A SIM card is a type of SIM card that is attached to a smartphone, while Pocket Wi-Fi is a small Wi-Fi router that is carried separately from a smartphone. There are two types of SIM cards: one is a SIM card with an expiration date, and the other is a prepaid SIM card that is used only once.

The choice between the two is up to the individual, but if you want to use the Internet on your computer or tablet, or share Wi-Fi with multiple devices, pocket Wi-Fi is the way to go. In the next section, we will explain the advantages of pocket Wi-Fi in detail.

Pocket Wi-Fi Recommendations

When using pocket Wi-Fi, some may find it inconvenient to carry a Wi-Fi router in addition to a smartphone, which increases the amount of luggage they need to carry. However, pocket Wi-Fi offers the following advantages, making it ideal for long-term stays.

Easy to start using

One of the most frequently heard problems with the use of SIM cards is that some models do not set up properly after installation. On the other hand, Pocket Wi-Fi is very easy to start using because all you have to do is connect by entering the ID and password listed on the card.

Can be used on PCs and tablet devices.

One of the great attractions of pocket Wi-Fi is that it can be used not only with smartphones, but also with PCs and tablet devices by entering the same ID and password. For those who often use computers for work or study, this is a very welcome feature. You can use the Internet comfortably on business trips or at cafes.

Can be used as a router if a cradle is attached.

Some Pocket Wi-Fi come with a base called a cradle. With this, the Pocket Wi-Fi can be used as a wired/wireless LAN router. In other words, it is useful when you want to create a stable Wi-Fi environment in a specific location, such as at your lodging or work. If a cradle is included, it will further expand the uses of the Pocket Wi-Fi.

If you would like to know more about pocket Wi-Fi services for foreigners, we also recommend this article.
▶︎ A must-see for foreigners! 5 Unlimited Pocket Wi-Fi Services Available for Rent in Japan

Recommended pocket Wi-Fi information for long-term rental

Let us introduce you to information on pocket Wi-Fi suitable for long-term stays in Japan. Please compare and contrast the recommended pocket Wi-Fi rental services carefully selected by our company Goandup.

Basic information and price range by service

The table below provides basic information and price ranges for the recommended pocket Wi-Fi rental services. For more information, please see the descriptions of each service that follow the table.

service name	plan	Charge
(1) NETAGE	Daily Plan (from 1 day) Fixed price plan (Flat rate for 31 days)	From 495 yen per day From 1,980 yen/month (fixed fee for 31 days)
Global Mobile	Short-term Daily Plan (from 1 day) Medium- to Long-term Monthly Plan (1 month, 3 months, 6 months)	From 480 yen per day From 6,000 yen per month
WiFi Rental Service	From 1 day	From 496 yen per day
4) Cloud WiFi	20GB Plan 50GB Plan 100GB Plan	2,580 yen per month 2,980 yen/month 3,718 yen per month
5) ZEUS WiFi	Standard Plan free plan	From 980 yen/month From 3168 yen/month

Rental fees for pocket Wi-Fi range from approximately 4,000 yen to 6,500 yen/month for an unlimited usage plan. The unlimited plan is recommended for those who want to use without worrying about communication capacity, but those who use Wi-Fi in hotels and apartments in combination and use it infrequently while away from home may choose a plan starting at 5 GB.

(1) NETAGE

This is an attractive rental service that allows you to rent by the day, with rates starting at a few tens of yen per day. You can choose from 3GB to unlimited capacity per day, and we have Wi-Fi routers that use the lines of various carriers. The convenience of returning the router after use by simply dropping it in a mailbox is also appealing.

For more information: ▶︎ Rental is OK even from 1 day! For amazingly low-cost Wi-Fi rental in Japan,【NETAGE】is the place to go!

Global Mobile

This rental service is popular for its unlimited plans using SoftBank lines. Monthly plans are available at the surprisingly low price of 174 yen per day (tax included). The new 802ZT model offers high-speed communication at up to 988Mbps downlink. Same-day shipping is also available for applications received by 4:00 p.m. on the same day.

For more information: ▶︎ SoftBank Pocket Wi-Fi 501HW

WiFi Rental Service

You can rent from 1 day to 31 days and 30 nights for only a few tens of yen per day. 5GB to unlimited plans are available, and you can easily pick up and return your phone at the airport, convenience store, or mailbox. There are no restrictions on usage periods, making it ideal for long-term use.

For more information: ▶︎ Wifi Rental Dotcom

4) Cloud WiFi

There are no contract term restrictions and no cancellation fees, and the generous support that offers free replacement in the event of terminal failure or loss is appealing. The service is also available for long-term stays and business trips in Japan and abroad, and can meet a wide range of needs from short stays to long stays.

For more information: ▶︎ Rent Cloud Wi-Fi for 135 countries worldwide with same-day shipping!

5) ZEUS WiFi

The current campaign offers substantial discounts for up to 24 months, and the actual monthly fee for two years of use starts at 980 yen, making it a cost-effective option for those who are considering long-term use.

For more information: ▶︎ One of the lowest prices in the industry! Available from 980 yen/month! ZEUS WiFi

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summary

How was your experience? Renting a pocket Wi-Fi is a great way to ensure a comfortable Internet environment during an extended stay in Japan.

Each of the services introduced has its own characteristics and can be selected according to usage scenarios and budget; choose the pocket Wi-Fi that best suits your needs, such as a service that allows rental by the day, a plan with low monthly fees, or a service with excellent support for foreign languages.

For longer stays, it is possible to use the service in conjunction with Wi-Fi in hotels and apartments to reduce communication costs. Some services can also be extended or re-signed as needed after the rental period ends.

During your stay in Japan, please make sure that you have access to the Internet anytime, anywhere, so that you can spend your days fulfilling both your work and private life.