A guide to stay mobile in Japan: SIM card or Pocket Wi-Fi

Although Japan is known as one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world, finding a free Wi-Fi connection in Japan is like finding an oasis in a desert.
Indeed, free Wi-Fi connections are only available at café like Starbucks Coffee, and if you go to the outskirt of Tokyo, the possibility for you to find free Wi-Fi is almost zero.

However, in response to the increasing number of tourists coming to Japan, things are improving now because the government installed free Wi-Fi services in train cars, train stations, and major public facilities, but still, finding a free Wi-Fi connection is still such a pain in the ass.

The only thing you can do to stay mobile while traveling in Japan is either purchasing a data-only SIM card or renting a pocket Wi-Fi from internet providers in Japan, and this feature will talk about those two options, addressing the pro’s and con’s of each.

Data-only SIM

Data-only prepaid SIM card is perhaps the best option for you if you have a SIM free cellphone.

Can be purchased easily at the airports or any major electronic stores in Japan, finding the data-only SIM card is not a hassle.

Even if you don’t have time to purchase it at the airport, you can also get them from the nearest convenience stores like 7-Eleven.

If you’re interested in purchasing the data-only SIM card, make sure to do your research as much as you can, and also make sure the SIM card can be utilized to your phone.

Pro’s: easy to purchase, convenient, doesn’t take space in your bag

Con’s: data falls within the 2GB range, recharging data is usually expensive, doesn’t support tethering.

Pocket Wi-Fi

Other than data-only SIM card, renting a pocket Wi-Fi is another option you can choose to stay mobile while in Japan.

The pocket Wi-Fi units are priced on a set daily rental fee, and you can get it from any of the kiosks in major airports.

Returning the pocket Wi-Fi units is also easy; you just have to send it back to the company via post.

If you’re interested in renting pocket Wi-Fi for your trip in Japan, make sure to do your research on the plans each provider offers, because usually there are promotions and discounts for the rental.

Pro’s: unlimited data quota, supports tethering, good for families and groups

Con’s: economical only for short stays, needs charging from time to time, takes space in your bag