Japan SIM Card and Pocket Wi-Fi Rentals for Travel

WeXpats

2022/10/25

Internet access is very important when visiting a foreign country, whether it's to look up routes to your hotel, or checking restaurant reviews. In this article, we will introduce how to get internet access in Japan: SIM card, pocket wifi, and free Wi-Fi spots.

Table of Contents

Where to get a Japan SIM Card and Pocket Wi-Fi?
Places with Free Wi-Fi in Japan
Choosing a Japan SIM Card
Choosing a Pocket Wi-Fi
To Conclude

Where to get a Japan SIM Card and Pocket Wi-Fi?

SIM cards and pocket Wi-Fi can be rented or purchased. In Japan, there are many companies that offer pocket Wi-Fi rentals and sell SIM cards to foreign tourists visiting Japan, so be sure to check the price plan and data capacity in advance.

Here are some places you can easily find both.

Airport

Major airports in Japan have counters where you can rent pocket Wi-Fi. By the way, pocket Wi-Fi is called “mobile Wi-Fi (モバイルWiFi; mobairu WiFi)” or “pocket type WiFi (ポケット型WiFi; poketto kei WiFi)” in Japanese. Their numbers are limited, so reserve in advance if you need them. Some companies offer early bird discounts, so you may be able to rent one at a great price. Many companies have an easy returning process when you’re done using the pocket Wi-Fi, whether by mail or just putting it in a return box.

Some airports also have SIM card vending machines. For those who want to insert a prepaid SIM card into your phone or pocket Wi-Fi and start using immediately, you can purchase it easily, just look up the locations of the vending machines.

Airports’ websites have information about where pocket Wi-Fi rental counters and SIM card vending machines and sale locations are.

Konbini

Prepaid SIM cards can also be purchased at convenience stores. There aren't many types to choose from, but the appeal is that you can easily buy them anywhere. They are often in the same corner as gift cards.

For more about Japanese convenience stores and the services they offer, read Everything You Need to Know About Japanese Convenience Stores, Konbini.

Electronics Stores

Prepaid SIM cards and pocket Wi-Fis can also be found at home electronics retailers. In particular, stores in downtown areas and the city centre have many choices, so you can choose the type you like.

In addition to SIM cards sold by major Japanese mobile carriers, you can also buy cheaper SIM cards. Since there are different sizes of SIM cards, be careful to get the correct size that fits into your smartphone or mobile WI-FI. Since you are buying in-store, you can also request the shop’s staff to help you put it in and activate it if necessary.

If you plan to stay in Japan for a medium to long term period, we recommend buying a pocket Wi-Fi at an electronics store or online. If you get a pocket Wi-Fi without an existing SIM card plan, you are free to choose a plan with better rates.

When purchasing/renting a SIM card or SIM card ready pocket Wi-Fi, ask the store’s staff about the details including whether it can be used immediately on the same day (some mobile carriers can only begin service from the next day). If you want to rent a pocket Wi-Fi for a day or short term, we recommend using a specialised rental shop.

Online

Buying and renting pocket Wi-Fi and SIM card is also doable online. You can arrange for it to be delivered to your accommodation or be ready for pick up at the airport. Note that the former means you may have no internet connection until you reach your lodgings so look up how to get there beforehand or at a place with free Wi-Fi.

Writer's Pick

Places with Free Wi-Fi in Japan

Although Japan has relatively less free Wi-Fi service areas compared to major overseas countries, it is not completely unavailable. Here, we will introduce places with free Wi-Fi environments. Good to know if you have no internet connection and need emergency Wi-Fi.

Konbini

Yes, your local convenience store is here to save the day again. Some convenience stores offer free Wi-Fi, but to use it you’ll need to register your information. Actually, the majority of places offering free Wi-Fi require you to do this, and depending on the Wi-Fi service provider the registration procedure may differ. Please note that some convenience stores will no longer provide free Wi-Fi as of 2022.

Cafe

Most chain coffee shops and cafes offer free Wi-Fi. However, some cafes have restrictions on usage hours to alleviate congestion, so be sure to check in advance. The internet speed may also be slow if the network is congested. In many cases, instructions on how to join the Wi-Fi network and/or Wi-Fi password can be found posted on the wall or on a sticker pasted on the table.

Some tables may be near to power outlets so you can charge your electronic devices, which is why students studying and salaryman remote working are a common sight at coffee shops.

Restaurant

Family restaurants and fast food restaurants also offer their own free Wi-Fi. Like cafes, many of these shops have Wi-Fi time limits in place to ease congestion, so be sure to check before using if you need it for a long time. In addition, depending on the restaurant, the Wi-Fi provided may be in partnership with a telecommunications company in which case you may have to register and set-up separately. There are also restaurants that have private Wi-Fis so you just need to login with the Wi-Fi password that’s posted somewhere in the shop.

Commercial Facility

Shopping complexes, outlet malls, etc. large shopping facilities may have introduced free Wi-Fi. Check the pamphlets or look around for “Free Wi-Fi” signages to see if they have free Wi-Fi.

Public Transportation

Particularly busy public transportation facilities (train stations, and even certain train routes) offer free Wi-Fi to their passengers. There’s no time limit and you can use it without a password, but of course once you get off the vehicle or leave the station you’ll lose access.

Airport

Free Wi-Fi is available at major airports. The network is named after the airport. Read and agree to the terms of use before using it. In addition, the free Wi-Fi at airports may not be encrypted, so we do not recommend sending and receiving personal and sensitive information. We recommend only using it as a temporary measure until getting a replacement Japan SIM card or a pocket Wi-Fi.

Downtown/Sightseeing Spots

Downtown areas and sightseeing spots with many tourists tend to have free Wi-Fi. It seems that many of these areas started introducing free Wi-Fi in an effort to revitalize the area and bring in more visitors. Like cafes and restaurants, there’s usage time limit and also number of times limit, but it is more than enough for checking maps and timetables.

Choosing a Japan SIM Card

You can either rent or buy a prepaid SIM card. There are SIM cards for “internet only (データ通信専用)”, “voice calls included (音声通話つき)”, “SMS included (SMSつき)”, and etc. Choose one that matches your budget and needs.

Rental SIM card

Depending on the store, SIM cards for smartphones and tablets can be rented on a daily basis. Some SIM cards use major carriers' connection lines, so you’ll have stable network access and can explore Japan stress-free. Regarding the fees, there are 2 main payment systems in place: paying the amount used after the rental period is over, or paying a fixed monthly fee. There are also services that let you rent a phone and SIM card as a set.

Rental SIM card services come with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. It is convenient to use the service, but at the same time the return procedure is troublesome.

Prepaid SIM Card

If you are using a SIM-free device, we recommend using a prepaid SIM card. If you have a credit card, you can buy a prepaid SIM online and pick it up at the airport counter. It can be used immediately by simply inserting it into your smartphone or tablet, so it is recommended for those who want to easily get internet access.

The contract will automatically expire when the purchased data capacity is used up or expiration date has passed, so there is no need to cancel any contract or complete any return procedure. However, prepaid SIM cards also have their drawbacks. For example, some overseas smartphones (especially those not available in Japan) may not be compatible with the SIM card. You can check on the SIM card selling website whether your device is supported. In addition, when using a SIM card other than from a carrier for the first time, it seems that you may have to set up an APN. If you have issues with the initial set-up, contact the shop or customer support.

Choosing a Pocket Wi-Fi

When picking a pocket Wi-Fi, consider the following factors:

Line (4G, 5G or LTE)
Speed
Data amount (unlimited data usually have daily cap after which speed is toggled)
How many devices can be connected
Signal strength
Weight and size
Battery usage time

Many contract plans are available, so choose one that suits your needs.

SIM-Free Pocket Wi-Fi

SIM-free pocket WI-FI does not require a contract to be made with a major carrier, so the advantage is that carrier charges can be reduced. Another advantage is flexibility as you are free to choose what data plan you want to match your budget, length of stay, and data count.

On the other hand, if you face any problems you will need to solve it yourself and internet speed may be slower if you don’t use a major carrier’s SIM card. You will also need to pick your data plan yourself which can be difficult since there are so many choices. It may be stressful for people who are not familiar with technology or have difficulty making decisions.

Pocket Wi-Fi and Data Set

A pocket Wi-Fi and prepaid SIM card set means you don’t need to hunt around looking for what carrier plan and SIM card you should get. Just browse the options available at a store and pick from them, less options means less stress over selection. When buying at a store, you can also simply ask for the staff’s recommendation based on your travel period and expected data usage per day. At large electronic stores in city centres and downtown areas, foreign language support may be available.

To Conclude

Free Wi-Fi is a rarity in Japan, so we recommend renting or purchasing a SIM card or pocket Wi-Fi when visiting Japan for travel or business. Having an internet connection whenever and wherever you are also lets you feel safe and assured if you ever get lost or need help. Choose a SIM card, pocket Wi-Fi and suitable internet plan to fit your needs.