Renting a Pocket Wifi Router in Japan: The Best Options

[@vguy488]

This. This is one of the videos I so desperately needed to finish prep work for my Japan trip in October 2023. Thank you very much. I was planning on renting from softbank, but felt their rates were a little high, so I'm thinking of either going with Ninja or Japan Wireless after watching this. Truth be told, it was pretty hard finding such a simple explanation after navigating so many websites and second-hand information. Cheers and safe travels everyone!

[@tokyocheapo]

Thank you for watching! Glad it was helpful. Hope you have a great trip in October!

[@Opai081]

your trip is coming fast!

[@rei__tv]

How was your trip?! I'm here because I'm going soon. So excited.

[@vguy488]

@@rei__tv in a word: amazing. Just some quick tips: * Always carry your passport around. You'll need it. * Lots of stores offer tax free shopping for purchases over 5.5k yen. You'll need your passport for this of course. * Always carry around at least 10k yen in cash. 80% of places don't take credit cards at all. * Google maps is your best friend. Japan's public transport system is so precise maps will actually tell you if somethibg will be even a minute late. * Get an IC card as soon as you can (ICOCA, Pasmo, Suica). These are used for most public transport and are rechargable at most stations. Don't know if the shortage is now over, but if you can, just get one. * Most stations (automated kiosks) offer an english menu on the screen, usually on a top corner. Great for buying tickets. * Carry around a portable cellphone charger. You'll need it. * Buy an umbrella. Weather can change pretty quickly in Japan. * Wear comfy shoes. I walked an average of 10k per day. * Brush up on your japanese. Some places have english speakig staff, but most don't, so it's good to know at least a little of the language. In any case, download the offline version of google translate ASAP. * Have fun!

[@chepe263]

how did the trip go?

[@oceansideDOODS]

Short but sweet video. Very informative and no random info. Best video I’ve seen on pocket Wi-Fi in Japan.

[@tokyocheapo]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks so much for watching!

[@Juggalo972]

These come in handy so much! I first visited in 2019 of November and, it made navigation SO MUCH EASIER!

[@klaudiusz6233]

AAAAAAAAARGHHH I am going to Japan next week on Tuesday and booked everything just an hour ago. Your videos really REALLY helped me with about everything

[@threeelancer]

Thanks. Used your link. I went with the unlimited. One thing to note, you have to order a few days in advanced. I tried to get one same day while already here and that was a no no for some reason.

[@Jenrushesin]

If you don't mind me asking, was the service for ninja wifi reliable for most of your trip? No breaks or outages? Thank you!

[@Mrs.CandHim]

Loved the simplicity and easy-to-follow instructions. This was a really great little video. I’m off to cd Japan for the medium pocket WiFi. Thank you 🙏

[@conza1989]

Ok so, buying with a JR Pass, the pocket Wifi is approximately 13520 yen for 15 days and has unlimited data, that seems like an obvious choice to include here?

[@jaevfia]

i saved so much for wi-fi cost because of this video! thank you so much

[@mokisan]

Thanks for making the great video! I am glad you listened to my request. This is very helpful!

[@francisforsey4305]

Thank you for your help and your discount code :) Both are much appreciated!

[@tokyocheapo]

Glad to hear they were helpful! Thanks for watching 😊

[@a5tro25]

Hope the gentleman in the video was well rewarded for his time

[@sandiegocyclingnutz]

Thank you for the information and the discount! I have just reserved our pocket wifi!

[@tokyocheapo]

Glad it was useful! Have a wonderful trip 😊

[@patrickschrautemeier514]

This is a wild request, but what is the brand of jacket the guy in the video is wearing? I NEED it! Thank you for your amazing videos. I've subscribed!

[@tokyocheapo]

It's from a small store called YMC in Soho, London. Here's their instagram instagram.com/ymclondon/

[@mdhishamhabib2905]

These short videos are soo good, would be Awsome if you could do some vids for people traveling with kids etc

[@spannaspinna]

I’m going in June with kids I’m just going to wing it 😂

[@mdhishamhabib2905]

Your Deff braver than me….I’m going during golden week (didn’t know when I booked) n stressing about finding toilets for them. C

[@spannaspinna]

@@mdhishamhabib2905 you’ll be fine

[@AzureStarline]

This is really helpful. I have Google Fi and am unsure whether that will cover it. I'll probably get a Pocket Wifi just in case.

[@joelh90]

One of the things people should know is cost of the devices as well. Ur plan is cost A then ur device is cost be so its more expensive sometimes. That was the case with ninja anyway

[@outofofficetravels8374]

Very helpful, thank you 💯💯💯

[@JustJakeTravel]

You guys do great work thank you

[@timmarshall5381]

Your videos are extremely helpful!

[@christianhernannnnn]

What happens if i forget my accident to return the wifi pocket thing? Im from Mexico city and we are coming as a group so our time is limited, will i get finned? Or what happens if i take it to Mexico city with me if i forget or dont have time to return it?

[@olivilla6960]

I appreciate the info. I am getting ready for a trip in Nov. I am older and do not know the ins&outs of wifi. I have ATT carrier with unlimited data international. Do i still have to have a pocket wifi? or does my att plan hook up with any wifi in japan. soooo confused....

[@ps4club]

This video is very helpful...thank you! Ninja Wifi and Japan Wireless do not have pickup counters at Osaka Airport (ITM). Do you know which vendor has the counter at this airport?

[@Leonardo-cs9ij]

The 6600 unlimited and 5gb a day might be the best deal of all of them for trips 2 weeks or more.

[@patrickschrautemeier514]

Did you go through with this option? Considering it for my upcoming trip. Thanks

[@Leonardo-cs9ij]

@@patrickschrautemeier514 no my trip was only 8 days I did one through SIMcardgeek for like 23$ for 8 days

[@unknown_ing]

Great video. Short, but strong. When looking into this topic I saw sooooo many recommendations for sakura mobile. But when I looked into them and i saw i had to pay at least 3 months. For 2 weeks? No thank you.

[@tokyocheapo]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@3viecos920]

Great video and funny! Can you pick up the pocket wifi in Haneda and return at Osaka airport? We are flying in and out of different airports

[@ariestiongson783]

Hi guys. Hope someone can answer. I’m arriving in Narita airport terminal 1 at 21:00 and the wifi box office hours I see ends at 21:00 as well. Does anyone know if I can still pick it up like a vending machine? Or I need a provider that has their office open when I arrive? Which ones? Thanks

[@nobodynothing00000]

I ordered pocket wifi because it came with the power bank I can use for all my other stuff too. Do still need the VPN, I mean I will be signed into the pocket wifi

[@christianhernannnnn]

Make a video om how to exchange money when you get to Japan!!! Via DOLLARS, NOT debit card using atm like 7bank etc..

[@danielito3766]

How do i get to your link to rent pocket wifi

[@SuperMrhuey]

How many devices can be connected to 1 pocket WiFi?

[@diencai1812]

great video tips. ❤❤❤❤

[@tokyocheapo]

Glad you like them!

[@ventusfox]

I’m traveling to Japan in December, I wanted to know would I need an SimCard from Japan in order to use the Pocket WiFi? And also what if I’m ordering the pocket WiFi from JRPass website?

[@ChefNikuman]

How is the range on these devices, as in do they only work in the major cities or are they still reliable in more rural/remote areas of Japan?

[@tokyocheapo]

They go pretty well outside major cities. If you're in a really remote area outside any towns, they might not be as reliable but we've found even in small rural towns, we get decent service.

[@garygiles63]

Hi, looking for help and advice, I'm travelling Japan in a camper for 6 weeks. My work is on the Internet, which allows me to travel for long periods of time. The issue I am having is the 2gig a day fare usage limit. This seems to be on all travel data sim cards. This is totally messing up my trip, as I am constantly hitting the limit and having to find WiFi spots. Has anyone found a solution to please

[@dineshsubudhi8695]

Can we post/return the pocket wifi at any airport in Japan?

[@solomani5959]

Is global the only option for airport pickup in Osaka?

[@netsaim]

Just ordered using your affiliate link. 😊

[@chepe263]

now do a video for long stays, so i can use a 90 day pocket wifi plan

[@lucianoarrieta5786]

Thank you for the information! But what about digital sim cards? How do they compare?

[@tokyocheapo]

Hello! We have a video on travel sim cards as well, with one e-sim option from a Japanese provider: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJeToKFnrqlkac0

[@shaunpierce4174]

I just looked on the cd japan website but couldn't see them there

[@paulallenpatriarca]

Can I get my pocket wifi without reservation

[@cabrita8118]

Is there any company that would let you pick up at osaka airport and drop off at tokyo airport?

[@KayGemzon]

Hello! I have a trip to Japan in September. Does your link for the 20% off discount have an expiration date? Thank you!

[@tokyocheapo]

The 20% discount link is still current 👍

[@videotravelsonline]

The information is very useful. Question - Ninja WIFI package Unlimited 3 GB per day. Why is the package named unlimited when there is a cap of 3 GB per day?

[@tokyocheapo]

Great question! Quite a lot of providers in Japan use this terminology. It's 'unlimited' in the sense that you'll still have internet after using 3GB in a day, but the speeds will be reduced.

[@desmonddawuniesq8721]

Thank you for a great video on pocket Wi-Fi. I do not see your 20% discount link in the video. Is is still active?

[@tokyocheapo]

Hi there! The 20% discount link is located in the video description and it's still active 😊

[@stephenc.2675]

Thank you for the information. I will use your link. I will be in Japan for 6 days. I see that Ninja also offers medical insurance, which seems to be very reasonable. Do you know anything about it? Are the facilities that accept this insurance... not as good as others. Is it accepted at University Hospitals? I appreciate you insight.

[@tokyocheapo]

Sorry we haven’t reviewed the medical insurance by Ninja wifi so we can’t say how it stacks up against other insurance plans. If you’d like more info on it, contacting Ninja directly might be your best option 😊

[@dacco]

I plan to rent the Ninja WiFi device for 7 days at the Narita Airport and return it by mail from the hotel on the last day. Can I mail out the pocket WIFI at the end of the 7th day or does it have to be in the morning of the 7th day?

[@tokyocheapo]

Hello! They don't specify a particular time on their website, so anytime that day should be fine. Please check here: ninjawifi.com/en/faq/ for more details.

[@fahadali5050]

how to book without credit card? i only have Chinese debit cards. 😢

[@InvestingWithAdamK]

If they charge $5 a day on average what is the advantage vs just using my phone? Most carriers cap out at $50 per month. Does it connect better than a phone?

[@tokyocheapo]

Using your phone with a roaming plan in Japan could be quite slow, pocket Wi-Fi is likely to be much faster

[@ElBandito1992]

Does anyone know how many devices you can connect to it?

[@aloi1822]

This is the first time I will be considering getting a pocket wifi, does this cover multiple devices? Thank you

[@tokyocheapo]

Hi there! Yes it does 😊

[@youngbear8927]

I recently rented the ninja Wi-Fi for an upcoming trip to Tokyo. I also rented the full insurance/external battery. Do you know if all their packages include a charger or do I need to bring my own? I can’t tell when I look over my order.

[@tokyocheapo]

Hi there! A charger for the pocket wifi is included in the rental.

[@LuciferMorningstar____]

So is the pocket wifi a guarantee of internet connection no matter where you go in Japan? Or does it depend on location and areas with strong service towers? And can you make phone calls via Whatsapp call using wifi?

[@tokyocheapo]

Pocket Wi-Fi has the same coverage as the mobile networks, which is pretty good across the country. And yes you can make what’s app calls.

[@LuciferMorningstar____]

@@tokyocheapothabkss!!

[@shannonluciano]

Your obviously don't know much about the technology if you think you can't make calls with data 😅

[@fabianosoriani]

You mention at 2:52 for over 30 days, there is a discount and it's over 30 days. I can only see up to 30 days (not option for more??) on the website linked in the description, and the discount doesn't apply... in fact it's more expensive than just the regular JP website.

[@tokyocheapo]

Thanks very much for bringing this to our attention. We're taking a look into the link so we can get it working properly again with the discount. Apologies for the issue!

[@CasparPaulus-ck7ov]

Hi guys - thanks a lot for this video - very helpful. Tried to use the Ninja Wi-Fi link - but don’t seem to be able to get the 20% discount when going to checkout - any idea why?

[@tokyocheapo]

Hmm that's a little strange, it seems to work when we use it. Once you fill in all fields such as the pick-up time and location, it should apply the discount. Let us know if you're still having trouble!

[@sarahipineda9399]

Same here,..

[@xxearthbull]

Am I able to get the ninja pocket Wi-Fi on arrival in Haneda or do I have to pre order it online?

[@tokyocheapo]

If they have some in stock, you can get one at Haneda. Sensible to pre-order if you’re coming during Spring or Fall (peak tourism times)

[@xxearthbull]

@@tokyocheapo I’m going in August around Obon.

[@bellywilly1628]

Hi, what is the time that I can pickup the device at Narita airport?

[@tokyocheapo]

Hi there! That will depend on which pocket wifi device you go with as the pickup times may change slightly depending on the company.

[@audreyq192]

Is 3G enough if I plan on using my phone mostly for Google maps? (Will the long train rides use up a lot of data)

[@salguodrolyat2594]

3G has been shut off in Japan now. Only 4G and 5G networks are available.

[@balot-tatadominguez3341]

Family of 3 going to Japan 1st week of June. How many pocket wifi should I rent? Do I need one for each? We will only be bringing our iPhones -no Ipads (Not very techy here😢)

[@tokyocheapo]

You can connect all your phones to one router, so as long as you’re all in the same place that’s fine. The other main concern is how much data you’ll use, so probably sensible to get one of the plans with a high data allowance

[@Kroylergracie]

If I have international plan with my current cellphone carrier is it necessary to get a pocket wifi or a sim card ?

[@tokyocheapo]

If you feel that your international plan is sufficient then there's no need. The Mobal sim card can be handy if you need a Japanese phone number and/or need to make calls for any reason.

[@limorrazon-kaye897]

Is it must to pre order online?, can’t i just go to desk in Narita airport?

[@tokyocheapo]

You can go to the desk, but you won’t get the 20% discount. There’s also a chance they will be out of stock on the day.

[@christineyip7814]

do you have to return the pocket wifi at the original location ? lets say i rent it in osaka , can i return it in tokyo ?

[@tokyocheapo]

Hi there! We would recommend checking the FAQ page for the specific pocket wifi you’re renting but a lot of them, such as Ninja Wifi, do allow returns at a different location.

[@shawncartwright]

Thank you for this information. We are there for just over two weeks. Would it best to get the WiFi rental rather than the Ninja as it works out better value for money? Can both be collected in Tokyo and returned in Osaka?

[@tokyocheapo]

Hi there! That sounds like a good plan - both can be collected in Tokyo and returned in Osaka.

[@Clausweet7]

Did you get the WiFi rental? If you did, could you please tell me if it's reliable website?

[@shawncartwright]

@@Clausweet7 we are going this week. When are you going?

[@Clausweet7]

@@shawncartwright I will arrive mid-April but I haven't been able to decide which pocket wifi I should get

[@shawncartwright]

@@Clausweet7 We bought the Ninja Wifi and it was excellent. Couldn't recommend it enough.

[@marcello_s]

Hi! Thanks for the video. I’ll be staying in Japan for more than 90days, would you recommend me to get a sim card or a pocket wifi ? And as I understood, it’s either sim card or pocket wifi from mobal or Sakura, which one from these two would you recommend ? Thank you!

[@miguelangelsanchez3427]

If your phone supports an esim, go that way.

[@marcello_s]

@@miguelangelsanchez3427 i saw some e sim alternative, but they don't seem to offer as much data on a monthly basis as the sakua or mobal ones. Any specific esim you would recommend ?

[@tokyocheapo]

Hi there! Depending on your needs, either a sim card or pocket wifi will do the job. If you don't want to carry around and charge the extra device, then a sim card is convenient. In this article we compare the different long-term sim card options: tokyocheapo.com/business/japan-sim-card-options-data-voice/ If, however, you're looking for a lot of data then pocket wifi would be the way to go. The Mobal plan offers 100GB while Sakura Mobile has a 30GB and more expensive unlimited plan.

[@marcello_s]

@@tokyocheapo Thank you very much. I was thinking on going with mobal, but didn't get any response from there support in a week. Sakura Mobile has always responded within 24h. Did you have any probelm with mobal ?

[@tokyocheapo]

It seems Mobal has been experiencing a large increase in enquiries recently so their response times are a little slower than usual.

[@ragemydream]

I'm trying to pay on the NInja Wifi, but it keeps saying error. Anyone else have this issue#?

[@chiyonie8557]

Can I pick up the pocket wifi in Tokyo and return it in Osaka? Since I'll be going to Osaka and returning home from there

[@tokyocheapo]

Hi there! Yes for Ninja Wifi that's no problem at all or for other services like Japan Wireless that require you to drop the device into a post office box, that's also fine.

[@JonLeung1]

If my trip begins in Osaka and ends in Tokyo, then I will be arriving and departing from different airports (obviously). If I rent a WiFi route at one airport, will I be able to return it at the other airport?

[@tokyocheapo]

Yes that’s usually no worries. For companies like Ninja Wifi, when making your booking online, just select your pickup and drop off locations for where you will be arriving and departing from.

[@JonLeung1]

@@tokyocheapo Thanks so much!

[@haiphu6584]

@Tokyo Cheapo - I’m in a similar situation. Will cdJapan be able to accommodate pickup/drop off at different airports?

[@aldoparise1224]

I am visiting Japan in May for a week. I will be visiting mostly amusement parks and not really sightseeing. I am also traveling alone. Is it necessary to purchase a pocket wifi?

[@tokyocheapo]

It’s really handy having internet access whilst in japan (maps, translation, looking things up on the internet etc), and so either a Japan SIM card or Wi-Fi rental is a good idea

[@aldoparise1224]

@@tokyocheapo thank you 🙂

[@irregularmana6216]

I will travel with my wife and our 2 kids. My wife and I will be doing some stuff separated for part of the day. Should we rent 2 pocket wifi? or get sim cards since we will both need internet access separately?

[@tokyocheapo]

Hello! You could do either - rent two pocket wifis or two SIM cards. Depending on how long you’re travelling for, pocket wifi may work out cheaper but SIM cards have the benefit of not needing to carry around and charge an extra device.

[@Jesuscalderon-z8v]

I wouldn’t recommend pokey wi-fi. I have AT&T and was charge 10 dollars a day which I had great reception and was easy to use google maps while using the JR lines and metro

[@peachreyes7394]

I can’t find the link for the discount for ninja wifi

[@tokyocheapo]

Hi there! The link is located in the video description 😊 Once you input all the details into the reservation fields, the discount will be applied.

[@ChocoParfaitFra]

What if I arrive in Tokyo but leave in Osaka? Can I drop the pocket Wi-Fi I got in Tokyo in Osaka?

[@tokyocheapo]

Hello there! Yes, generally, you can return a pocket Wi-Fi in a different city from where you initially picked it up. Many rental services offer nationwide drop-off locations, allowing you to return the device at a convenient spot, such as an airport or a designated office in your departure city, like Osaka in your case. Make sure to confirm the specific terms and conditions with the rental provider when you pick up the pocket Wi-Fi to ensure a smooth return process.

[@ChocoParfaitFra]

@@tokyocheapo ok thank you!

[@SuperMrhuey]

I clicked on the link and the price is still 770. I don’t see any discount. Do I need to complete the order to get the discount

[@tokyocheapo]

Hi there! Yes once you input your pick-up and return dates and method, the 20% discount should be applied in the price calculation table.

[@Iymarra]

A couple of times you mention an unlimited plan with (x) amount per day of high speed usage - what happens if you exceed that on the day, do you get slower speed but still unlimited usage?

[@tokyocheapo]

Hi there! That's correct - it will be at a slower speed but still unlimited usage.

[@mattyghost3409]

​@@tokyocheapoI don't need pocket wifi ...Google Fi is international and works everywhere....

[@timcheng8165]

I used your link, but it didn’t lead to any discount? Did I miss something?

[@tokyocheapo]

Hi there, sorry to hear that. May we ask which link you were trying to use? If it's for Wi-Fi Rental.com, we apologise, we're currently working out an issue with this link.

[@anuragmedidi1582]

Can multiple people use the same pocket wifi? If we're traveling in a group

[@tokyocheapo]

Hi there! Yes multiple people can use the same device, as long as you are altogether with it.

[@aytacuzun7019]

Hi, my trip is 10 days and which one is convenient; renting Wi-Fi or buying Sim card?

[@tokyocheapo]

They are both about the same, but WiFi is useful if you want to use several devices at once

[@aytacuzun7019]

@@tokyocheapo Thank you. So which one is the cheapest way for 10 days according to your experience?

[@aytacuzun7019]

@@tokyocheapo I only use my cell phone not another device I have

[@ivanteo1973]

I used SIM Geek

[@danielito3766]

Where is your link?

[@tokyocheapo]

You may refer these links: Ninja Wifi 20% Discount Link: tokyocheapo.com/yt/ninja-wifi Wi-Fi Rental.com Discount Link: tokyocheapo.com/yt/wi-firental

[@walkinmr.sunshine809]

I love all the animal-transitions throughout this video, they r silly xDDD

[@dannynguyen76]

Hello, I click on your Ninja wifi and it only give 10% discount, not 20% discount. So, is it 10% or 20% discount?

[@tokyocheapo]

Thanks for the message! Please try again on Monday afternoon (May 13th), they will be restoring the 20% discount then. (It was changed recently, but we’ve been in contact with them and they are putting it back to 20% on Monday)

[@dannynguyen76]

@@tokyocheapo Hello, it's still give only 10% discount, not 20% Tokyo Cheapo 10% OFF WiFi Router Rental Fees -1,320 yen -1,320 yen

[@jacklynstclair8267]

Will I be able to make calls using pocket wifi?

[@tokyocheapo]

You can't make phone calls using pocket wifi. You can of course use facetime/whatsapp/skype etc for voice/video calls over the internet.

[@Jesuscalderon-z8v]

If anyone travels to Japan 1 dollar is 155 yen currently

[@bobabrod7144]

Hello, I am an American senior undergrad student that is applying to study at The University of Tokyo next year in March/April for a whole 5-6 months. What do you recommend I do? Is there any way for me to use my own cellphone and get a long term plan? Do I need to order a pre-paid sim before I leave for Japan? Also, do you have a guide for setting up a train pass on a iphone? Is there a way that I can use my phone as my train pass, or should I just stick with the physical card? Any advice would be very helpful.

[@tokyocheapo]

Hi there! If you're staying for over 3 months, we have an article about the best sim card plans in Japan: tokyocheapo.com/business/japan-sim-card-options-data-voice/ For the train pass, we have a video about Tokyo's Suica card: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pIaYk41_fLuYd9E It doesn't go into depth about using it on your phone, but you can try adding Suica to your Apple Wallet before coming to Japan 😊

[@flyingskydonkey]

What if we dont return the pocket wifi?

[@tokyocheapo]

The price varies by company, but you will be charged a replacement fee of around 40 000 yen.

[@kenjidrake7809]

Should I get insurance with it?

[@tokyocheapo]

Worth it perhaps if you like peace of mind, but it’s ultimately up to you!

[@williamchou6972]

we are portable wifi router and cloud sim solution provider,Our cloud sim solution will take much convenience to travel/gaming/live streaming/outdoor working/interent backup/remote area broadband replacement industy. Freedom of Location/High-Speed Internet/Flexibility & Versatility/Better Cost Effectiveness/Enhanced internet Security

[@machado5765]

There are way cheaper options for mobile wifi in Japan. These are not good at all.

[@Altair.1187]

Usanatori

[@samgold9151]

Can you provide? On February 8, 2026 High Quality Services In Japanese Language In USA American English Language In Your Languages Wifi Internet Services Locations in Japan For Tokyo Japan Kyoto Japan Okinawa City Japan More throughout Japan

[@charreese8180]

Pocket wifi is trash for connecting multiple items and trash for holding charge and their aren’t places to charge

[@tedkleinman56]

Nija WiFi sucks. They throttle you at 3Gb then this video doesn't show you. When you arrive in Japan the airport looks like an old bomb shelter you can walk from one end to the other on about ten minutes. That's where you pick up the ninja WiFi. When you leave Japan the airport is like a mall. Now you have to drop of the WiFi before checking in. If you don't like me you will have to mail it back from the USA because you are not allowed through immigration once in 24 hrs. So fing the Ninja WiFi before you check in.

[@daromirr]

Has anyone tried cdjapan rental ? They are suprisingly cheap when compared to other options and I'm wondering wheres the catch