Best Long-Term Pocket WiFi in Japan 2024

Looking for a long-term pocket WiFi solution in Japan?

Pocket WiFi is a popular choice because it works both at home and on the go. In this guide, we’ll share the top 5 pocket WiFi plans for foreigners living in Japan.

When choosing the right plan, it’s important to consider:

• Connection speeds
• Pricing
• Contract terms
• English support

We’ll break down these key points for each of the 5 recommended plans to help you make an informed decision.

In this article, we’ll cover:

1. What is pocket WiFi?
2. Top 5 Long-Term Pocket WiFi Plans in Japan: A Complete Comparison
3. Which pocket WiFi is better?
4. Recommended Unlimited Internet for Heavy Users
5. Pocket WiFi FAQ

1. What is pocket WiFi?

Pocket WiFi is a small device that gives you internet access anywhere you go. In Japan, it’s called “pocket WiFi,” but in other countries, it might be called “mobile WiFi router,” “mobile hotspot,” or “portable WiFi.”

Although fiber is the more common choice for home internet, pocket WiFi offers some key advantages such as:

• Portability
  It’s perfect for those who need a lot of data outside of the house when working remotely
  or streaming Netflix during commute.
• Fast setup
  Pocket WiFi is much easier to apply for than fiber internet, with delivery in just 2-3 days
  after application.
• Cost-effectiveness
  Can connect to multiple devices making the purchasing multiple data-plans
  unnecessary.

To foreigners in Japan, these factors make pocket WiFi a popular option, especially for those who need internet access right away.

How does pocket WiFi work?

Pocket WiFi connects to the internet using mobile networks, just like your smartphone. In Japan, the top four networks for pocket WiFi are docomo, au, SoftBank, and WiMAX.

These networks are known for their reliability and wide coverage, making them some of the best options for pocket WiFi in Japan.

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2. Top 5 Long-Term Pocket WiFi Plans in Japan: A Complete Comparison

In the table below, we compare the top 5 long-term pocket WiFi plans:

Scroll right for more →→

*All prices listed include tax
*Please contact us if you are interested in larger data options over 200 GB.
*For those who are looking to use unlimited data, we recommend Sakura Home Internet.

Next, we’ll dive into the important details of pocket WiFi, including pricing, connection speeds, contract terms, and more to help navigate you to your best choice.

What is good internet speed?

Many providers advertise maximum internet speeds like 1,237 Mbps or 988 Mbps on their websites. However, these are only theoretical top speeds.

In reality, pocket WiFi speeds depend on several factors, such as the time of day, your location, and potential interference. For the five providers listed in our table, the actual speeds range between 1 and 40 Mbps.

While you may want to choose the provider with the “fastest” internet, keep in mind that speeds fluctuate depending on your environment. So, the fastest provider on paper may not always deliver the highest speeds in practice.

Because of this, there’s not much difference in performance between the five providers when it comes to speed.

Since pocket WiFi relies on mobile networks, there will be times when the connection slows down. Activities like online conferences, streaming 4K videos, or playing online games may occasionally experience lag or disruptions.

However, for most users, streaming high-quality videos (1080p) should work smoothly without major issues.

If you need consistently fast and reliable internet, we recommend considering fiber internet.

Is Pocket Wifi Cheaper?

Pocket Wifi can’t connect to the internet without a router, so paying a device fee is typically required when starting a contract. While you own the router, it only works in Japan, which might feel like an unnecessary expense.

However, with Sakura Mobile, the router is provided for free as a rental. When your contract ends, simply return the device. This helps you avoid high device costs and the hassle of figuring out what to do with the router after your contract ends.

English support

As you may have noticed in the comparison chart, very few companies in Japan offer English support.

For some providers, “limited” means that while their websites are available in English, the actual contract must be signed in Japanese, or they may not offer English-speaking customer support. When using the internet long-term, you may face connection issues or even decide to change or cancel your current plan.

In these situations, it is important to have access to English-speaking support. This helps to simplify the troubleshooting experience and provides a higher level of understanding of terms and conditions.

At Sakura Mobile, full English support is available seven days a week through both Native and near-native English speakers for the best customer experience.

Here are a few reviews taken from Sakura Mobile’s Trustpilot review page.

Merve
September 20, 2024
Signing up & coverage

The process for signing up for the pocket wifi service, and receiving it on the day was very smooth. I had good experience with coverage across Tokyo as well.

Matareva
August 15, 2024
Sakura Mobile is the best for foreigner
Sakura Mobile is the best for foreigner customers! They are very reactive and comprehensive… I wish I could find a Bank like this in Japan 😅
I would recommend Sakura Mobile to everyone traveling to Japan, pocket wifi or sim, they are the best.

MacKenzie
October 28, 2024
Easy and Convenient to Use
I was so confused on how I was going to be able to use Internet while studying abroad in Japan for year. But I saw Sakura Mobile recommended on Reddit and checked it out, and I’m so glad I did! I chose a mobile wifi device, and two months into my studying abroad and it’s been super convenient.
It was very easy to pick up at Haneda Airport, and there was basically no set up needed.
Definitely recommend!

 

Contract Duration

When choosing your pocket WiFi, the length of the contract is a key factor to consider as most plans in Japan require a minimum of 2 years.

These contracts automatically renew after two years, so if you want to cancel, you need to do so around the two-year mark. Canceling at any other time will result in a penalty fee.

This pattern repeats, so it’s important to plan your cancellation around these windows to avoid fees.

Although, not all companies follow the strict two-year contract rule. Both Sakura Mobile and SoftBank Pocket WiFi offer more flexible options for those who don’t want to be tied to a long-term commitment.

With these providers, you can cancel your contract at any time without worrying about penalties.

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3. Which pocket WiFi is better?

If you’re an international resident in Japan looking for pocket WiFi, you’d likely prefer to:

Sakura Mobile checks all these boxes, offering a hassle-free experience for international residents.

Sakura Mobile tops our list of long-term pocket WiFi providers because, unlike many other Japanese providers, it provides flexibility, allows device rental, and, most importantly, has year-round English customer support. If you’re not fluent in Japanese, this could be a make-or-break experience.

4. Need More Speed and Unlimited Data? Consider Home Internet

If you’re someone who needs fast internet with unlimited data, Sakura Mobile offers two home internet options: home WiFi and fiber internet.

Home WiFi is great for quick, reliable setup—just plug in the router, and you’re connected. It’s a flexible option for those who move frequently or live in temporary housing.

Fiber internet is ideal for gamers or anyone needing faster upload and download speeds. While pocket WiFi offers speeds of 1–40 Mbps, fiber internet can provide 100–700 Mbps, which ensures smooth online meetings and gaming sessions.

For these options, the Sakura Mobile team will assist in coordinating with property management to set up the installation. You won’t have to worry about needing to communicate in Japanese if you aren’t comfortable doing so.

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5. Pocket WiFi FAQ

Does pocket WiFi work anywhere?

The most widely used networks for pocket WiFi in Japan are docomo, SoftBank, and WiMAX.

These networks cover 99% of populated areas in Japan, so you should have reliable internet in most places. However, keep in mind that connections can sometimes drop in underground areas or buildings with thick walls.

You can check the coverage in your area using the following links:

• docomo coverage
• SoftBank coverage
• WiMAX coverage

(Note: These sites are in Japanese)

If you want to check the coverage for Sakura Mobile’s pocket WiFi plans, feel free to contact us!

Contact us here

How do I set up pocket WiFi?

The application process varies by provider, but you’ll usually have it with you within a few days.

For Sakura Mobile, the process is simple:

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Conclusion

In this article, we covered the pros and cons of pocket WiFi and compared some of the top options for international residents in Japan.

Do you feel more confident in choosing the right pocket WiFi for your needs?
Was there anything you wish we included? Please let us know.

Which Pocket WiFi Provider Should I Choose?

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