How Much is Pocket Wifi in Japan: A Comprehensive Guide

If you’re planning on visiting Japan, having internet access on the go is essential. You want to stay connected with your loved ones, check directions, and keep yourself entertained during long train rides. The best way to do this is by renting a pocket wifi. But the question is, how much is pocket wifi in Japan? In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about renting a pocket wifi in Japan, including the prices and where to book.

What is Pocket Wifi?

Before discussing the prices, it’s essential to understand what pocket wifi is. Pocket Wifi is a small portable device that creates a personal hotspot that you can connect up to ten devices to. You can use it to access the internet on your phone, tablet, or laptop. Pocket wifi in Japan is the most convenient way to stay connected when you’re on the go.

Cost of Pocket Wifi in Japan

The cost of pocket wifi in Japan varies depending on various factors such as the rental duration, the company you rent from, the data limit, and the type of pocket wifi you want. Here’s a breakdown of the cost of pocket wifi in Japan:

• Short-term Rentals: If you’re staying in Japan for up to two weeks, short-term rentals may be your best option. The cost of renting a pocket wifi for one week is around ¥3,500 to ¥5,000 ($34 to $49). If you’re staying for two weeks, you can expect to pay around ¥6,500 to ¥9,000 ($64 to $88).
• Long-term Rentals: If you’re staying in Japan for more than two weeks, long-term rentals might be a better option. The longer the rental period, the more affordable the daily rate becomes. You can expect to pay around ¥700 ($7) per day for a three-month rental. If you’re staying in Japan for six months or more, the daily rate drops to around ¥500 ($5).

Where to Rent Pocket Wifi in Japan

There are various ways to rent pocket wifi in Japan. Here’s a breakdown of where to rent them:

• Airport Rentals: You can rent pocket wifi at airports as soon as you arrive in Japan. The advantage of renting pocket wifi at the airport is that you can pick it up as soon as you arrive and drop it off when you leave. However, airport rentals tend to be more expensive than renting from other sources.
• Online Rentals: Renting pocket wifi online is convenient, and you can have the device delivered to your hotel or Airbnb in Japan. There are many online marketplaces where you can book a pocket wifi rental, including Japan Welcome SIM, Ninja Wifi, and Japan Wireless. These companies offer competitive prices, so you can compare and choose the one that suits your needs best.
• Direct Rentals: Some pocket wifi providers have brick-and-mortar stores in Japan where you can rent pocket wifi. Examples of such providers include SoftBank, Docomo, and Au. While this option is convenient, it might be more expensive than other rental sources.

Tips for Renting Pocket Wifi in Japan

Here are some tips to help you save money and get the best pocket wifi rental experience in Japan:

• Book in Advance: Booking your pocket wifi rental in advance gives you enough time to compare providers’ prices, consider their data limits, and check out their extra services.
• Choose a reliable company: You don’t want to end up with poor internet speed or a device that dies in the middle of the day. Always read reviews and choose a company with a good reputation.
• Check for Extra Services: Some companies offer extra services such as express delivery, extended battery life, and unlimited data for a slightly higher cost.
• Be mindful of your data usage: Even with unlimited data, you should be mindful of your data usage to prevent slow internet speed towards the end of your rental period.

Conclusion

Renting pocket wifi in Japan is a convenient and affordable way to stay connected while you’re on the go. The cost of pocket wifi in Japan depends on several factors and varies depending on rental duration and source. By following the tips mentioned above, you can save money and get the best pocket wifi rental experience in Japan.

An Insider’s Guide to Tokyo: Beyond the Tourist Spots

Tokyo is a city that captures the hearts of many visitors but there is more to it than just the famous tourist destinations. As an insider, let me share with you some of the city’s hidden yet fascinating places that locals love to explore.

Local Attractions: Discover Tokyo’s Hidden Gems

Tokyo is home to many unique attractions that don’t receive the same level of attention as popular tourist destinations like the Shibuya Crossing or Tsukiji Fish Market but are well worth a visit. One such place is The Ghibli Museum, a whimsical museum displaying Studio Ghibli’s animated works. The Omoide Yokocho aka “Piss Alley” is a narrow alley lined with various food stalls serving traditional Japanese Yakitori.

The Yanesen area is another hidden gem, located in the outskirts of Tokyo, this neighborhood offers an old-style showcase of Japanese architecture boasting retro shops, temples, and gardens.

Dining Spots: True Tokyo Cuisine

Tokyo offers a wide array of cuisines, from traditional Japanese food, street food, and local specialties. While sushi and ramen are well-known dishes, there is so much more to Tokyo’s culinary scene.

Trying Yakitori is a must – grilled chicken skewers served with a variety of dipping sauces. Don’t miss the chance to try Tonkatsu, a breaded and deep-fried pork cutlet served with rice and tonkatsu sauce.

Visit snack bars like Food and Bar Pierce in Shinjuku, where you can sit at the counter, order a drink, and choose some small dishes to share with friends or strangers. It’s a great place to experience Tokyo’s lively food culture up-close.

Cultural Experiences: Embrace Tokyo’s Traditions

Tokyo is a city with a vibrant cultural scene, given its unique blend of modern and traditional customs.

Watch a Sumo wrestling match, a Japanese national sport, at a local stadium. Visit the beautiful Sensoji Temple, one of the oldest temples in Tokyo and get a fortune-telling paper to divine your luck.

Partake in a tea ceremony, a traditional Japanese practice of drinking green tea gracefully.

Attend a performance of Kabuki, one of Japan’s oldest and most distinguished forms of theater. It features elaborate makeup, costumes, and storytelling.

Local History: Fascinating Stories from Tokyo’s Past

Tokyo has a rich history; its streets are filled with stories and legends waiting to be discovered.

Visit the Tokyo National Museum, which houses the world’s largest collection of Japanese art and artifacts, including many ancient works. Head to the Imperial Palace, where the emperor and empress of Japan reside and learn about its fascinating history.

Visit the infamous Yasukuni Shrine, an important Tokyo monument honoring Japan’s war dead, and walk around the surrounding Yushukan Museum to learn about Japan’s military past.

Off-the-beaten-path Suggestions: Tokyo’s Unique Experiences

Looking for something out of the ordinary? Explore the city with a bicycle tour, offered by local operators like Tokyo Bike Tours, where you can see Tokyo from a different perspective, visiting some lesser-known places as well.

Experience a traditional public bath or Sentou, a place that plays a unique and important cultural role in Japan. Sendagi Yu is a sento that features both indoor and outdoor baths, which offers a classic Onsen-like experience, accompanied by urban surroundings.

Finally, visit the Tokyo Skytree, a landmark and popular observation point, to view Tokyo from a bird’s eye perspective, especially if you are in Tokyo during the evening hours.

Tokyo has many hidden gems, exciting experiences, and cultural stories that make it a unique destination for tourists. Look beyond the typical tourist spots, explore the city’s alleyways and hidden teashops, and you will find plenty of reasons to fall in love with Tokyo.