I’m a huge fan of using portable / pocket wifi in Japan and the main reason is… well actually there are a few reasons… but the main of the main reasons for me is that I believe that Japan is about exploring and allowing for beautiful spontaneous moments. It’s one of the delights of enjoying such a vastly different (culturally and just “whoooaaa that’s different!” kind of way) country that is also so safe. So, for me, reliable internet allows me to get off at the “wrong station” or wander down an alleyway without worrying if I’ll be able to find the next closest subway stop or the fastest route back to my accommodation.
Please note that this blog post contains a discount and affiliate link for my favourite portable wifi provider in Japan.
I receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you, when you click through and make a purchase via this link for a discount of 25%
Japan Wireless also have an option now for esims so you also don’t need to pick up or return a box at all – you just pay on their site and receive a QR code and off you go! Please use their “e-sims supported phones list” before making a purchase – the list is easily found on their homepage.
The other reason that comes to mind is the language barrier.
A phone connected to the world means you have google translate for menus, for getting where you need to go and also for emergencies. I’m also blown away daily how useful google maps is in Japan for helping you get around and planning train times and walking distances etc.
I write a bit more about this in my blog post on why you need internet in Japan.
I’ve tried just using international roaming from Telstra and Optus in Australia and it was more expensive and the coverage was so bad I couldn’t load even google maps directions in some spots in the centre of Tokyo!
So everyone knows I use Japan Wireless and recommend it highly.
I get the highest quality of wifi, the premium wifi, and then my children also connect to that one box too. The speed has been good enough for them to both watch Netflix at the same time while I’m also online. Which is pretty incredible – especially on a bullet train!
So how does it all work?
You order online and enter in your arrival and departure times and flight numbers.
You collect when you arrive at the airport and it comes in a pouch with a portable charger pack and an in-wall charger and an envelope for returning it at the end of the trip. *You can also have the pocket wifi box delivered to your hotel instead of collecting it at the airport.
I keep it in my purse and connect my children to the same box for their iPads too. iPhones and iPads connect to a wifi address and the provided password.
Then I walk around using internet like normal and charge it and the charger overnight .
I bring my own cord and I can also charge my iPhone using the portable charger too so that is extra piece of mind.
Then return inside the envelope just before going through the airport departure gates at the big red post box. Done !
It’s so convenient!
I do have a discount code for Japan Wireless when you use this link –and it’s a very generous discount too – 25%”!
Japan Wireless also have an option now for esims so you also don’t need to pick up or return a box at all – you just pay on their site and receive a QR code and off you go! Please use their “e-sims supported phones list” before making a purchase – the list is easily found on their homepage.
Want to do a double check that you haven’t forgotten anything else for your trip to Japan? I wrote a checklist!
