Traveling with a WiFi Router in Japan - May 2025

Currently, international travelers to Japan can have mobile phone Internet access through a pocket WiFi router or e-SIM (or physical SIM). In addition, some domestic plans include international service but may impose additional customer costs. We prefer using a pocket WiFi to SIM but both can work well. Here are a few reasons for our preference:

• Multiple mobile phones, laptops, tablets and game consoles can be connected to a pocket WiFi router, without additional cost.
• You can easily pickup a router from many Japan airports or, depending on the router service, your hotel in Japan.
• You can easily return a router at many Japan airports when you leave Japan, or depending on the router service, via a mail box or regional store.
• The pocket WiFi router has great connectivity in Japan.
• A pocket WiFi router is somewhat easier to configure on your mobile device than a secondary SIM.
• A shared SIM hotspot between multiple phones could exceed the SIM data limit for the host phone. 

For our recent six week Japan trip, we used NINJA WiFi. In full disclosure, NINJA provided a discounted rate for our use. NINJA is a full service provider, supporting pocket WiFi, e-SIM or SIM for travelers.

Source: NINJA WiFi

We made a reservation a few weeks in advance of our Narita arrival. Once we collected our luggage and passed through Terminal 2 security doors, the router counter was within view.  After providing our reservation number to counter staff, we received a package that included the router, wall charger and cable to connect the charger to the router. Connecting the router to our phones was simple as it only took entry of the WiFi network name and password. We noted that the router battery easily lasted a full day of travel, if not more.   

Throughout the trip, we had great Internet connectivity - though service was temporarily intermittent on remote mountainous roads away from towns and villages. Some of these areas would probably present challenges for SIM service, as well. We did note that if one of us with the pocket WiFi router in their purse or backpack drifted too far from the other, connectivity could be lost for the person not possessing the router. Thus, a pocket WiFi router could be best for couples or groups that travel together. 

As we departed Japan, we returned the router package to the NINJA service counter in Narita Terminal 2 Arrivals and then made our way to the JAL lounge. 

Overall, we found NINJA WiFi service a great way to have Internet connectivity when traveling in Japan. Of course, receiving a discounted rental fee was attractive, as well

Interested in Using NINJA WiFi for Your Upcoming Japan Travel?

NINJA WiFI provides a 20 percent rental fee discount to readers of this blog. If you are interested, please use THIS LINK and the Code "BobsTravels."  I receive no compensation from NINJA WiFi for your use of this service but am able to share this discount as a courtesy. I will acknowledge there are several pocket WiFi router providers to choose from and that NINJA provides a great service.