Pocket Wi-Fi vs. eSIM for Japan: Which is best for your trip?

What is an eSIM for Japan?

An eSIM works just like a physical SIM card minus the actual card. When you opt for an eSIM, you can sort everything out from the comfort of your phone — there’s no need to search for a local SIM card in a store or order one online. All you need to do is download an eSIM app, choose a plan that works for you, install the eSIM (which takes seconds), activate your plan (another couple of seconds), and in a matter of minutes, you’ll be able to look up what nattō is and what makes it so slimy (BTW, don’t knock it ‘til you try it!). 

Nowadays, travelers are increasingly choosing eSIMs as an affordable mobile data solution over other options. Let’s see why by weighing the pros and cons of using an eSIM in Japan. 

Pros of an eSIM for Japan

• eSIMs tend to be more cost effective than local Japanese SIM cards.

• You can easily install and activate your eSIM on your device through an eSIM app. You won’t have to search around for a physical prepaid SIM card.  

• You won’t need to carry anything with you since eSIMs are embedded into your device. 

• You can’t lose, damage, or have an eSIM stolen (unless any of these happen to your device). 

• You can install and activate your eSIM before your trip so you’ll have mobile data the moment you land. 

• eSIMs are a plastic-free option!

Cons of an eSIM for Japan

• You’ll need a reliable internet connection to install an eSIM (however, you can do this before you land in Japan).

• Not all phones are eSIM compatible — only newer smartphones are.

• You may not have a stable connection in rural areas. 

What is pocket Wi-Fi for Japan?

Pocket Wi-Fi is a portable router, much like the one you have at home, that you can carry around with you. You can rent one of these routers from over 30 companies in Japan. Let’s weigh the pros and cons of renting pocket Wi-Fi for Japan and see if this widely available service is worth it. 

Pros of pocket Wi-Fi for Japan

• You can get internet access on multiple devices at once — sometimes up to 20 devices. 

• Pocket Wi-Fi is a good option for large groups of people to get access to the internet at once. 

• You have many Japanese pocket Wi-Fi companies to choose from, so you can shop around for the best deal. 

Cons of pocket Wi-Fi for Japan

• You can lose, damage, or have your portable Wi-Fi router stolen, leaving you with hefty fines from the rental company. 

• You’ll have to carry the router and, likely, a power bank around with you. 

• You will need to charge your portable Wi-Fi router because most routers have between 4-20 hours of battery life. 

• If you’re relying on a pocket Wi-Fi router in a group and the group splits up, some people will lose access to the internet. 

• You will need to set aside time to pick up and return the router. 

• You may lose connection in rural areas. 

An eSIM or pocket Wi-Fi for Japan: Which is more affordable and flexible? 

Though pocket Wi-Fi has its place in this world, buying an eSIM is our #1 choice for getting reliable internet access. 

When you’re trekking around Japan, you’ll want to keep the extra baggage to a minimum. This is why eSIMs are the perfect mobile data solution for travelers — all you need is your phone. No router, no power bank. 

However, if you’re traveling in Japan for a business trip and expect to have long video conferences, eSIMs may not be ideal. That being said, some pocket Wi-Fi companies specifically advise against long video conferences, streaming long videos, or downloading large files because you could encounter slower speeds. 

Nonetheless, due to the convenience, affordability, and flexibility of eSIMs, our recommendation is to get an eSIM for Japan and skip the logistical struggle of getting a router. However, to make it fair, let’s take one final look at why you may choose an eSIM over portable Wi-Fi in Japan or vice versa. 

Why choose pocket Wi-Fi over an eSIM?

1. Pocket Wi-Fi allows you to connect multiple devices to the internet at once, which may be a good option if you’re traveling in a group. However, keep in mind that if the group separates, some members won’t be able to connect and will lose access to the internet.

2. If your device doesn’t support eSIMs, pocket Wi-Fi may be a better option. That being said, most modern smartphones do support eSIMs. 

Why choose an eSIM over pocket Wi-Fi?

1. eSIMs tend to be far more cost effective than pocket Wi-Fi while offering the same network speed and coverage. 

2. You won’t have to keep a router or power bank with you. 

3. You won’t have to worry about charging a router.

4. You won’t have to pick up or return a router. Installing and activating an eSIM is done through an eSIM app on your phone. 

5. You won’t have to pay a deposit for a portable Wi-Fi router. 

6. You can install and activate an eSIM before you get to Japan, so you’ll have mobile data the moment you land.

If you’re still wondering whether you should get an eSIM or pocket Wi-Fi in Japan, we’ll give you one final push in the right direction and strongly recommend an eSIM. A quick scan of the pros and cons will show you that pocket Wi-Fi comes with far more cons that eSIMs. Not to mention, eSIMs are more affordable, flexible, and convenient than renting pocket Wi-Fi. 

Say sayōnara to costly mobile data and make sure to download an eSIM app for your trip to Japan!