eSIM Japan or Pocket WiFi? How to Stay Connected in Japan

Staying connected while traveling in Japan is essential! There are many ways to get online, but the two most popular options are eSIM and Pocket WiFi. With so many choices, which one is right for you?

If you prefer hassle-free internet access without carrying extra devices, eSIM for Japan is the fastest and most convenient solution. However, if you're traveling with a group and need to share internet, renting a Pocket WiFi might be the better option.

Still unsure? Let's compare eSIM and Pocket WiFi across six key aspects!

eSIM vs. Pocket WiFi: Which One is Better for Your Japan Trip?

When choosing the best internet option for your trip to Japan, consider these six factors: device compatibility, convenience, setup & ease of use, cost, data speed & limits, and whether you need multi-device sharing. Let's break them down one by one!

1. Device Compatibility: Does Your Phone Support eSIM?

⚠ eSIM: Works only if your phone supports eSIM. If not, eSIM is not an option for you.
✅ Pocket WiFi: Works with any device that connects to WiFi, even if your phone is carrier-locked. However, it requires carrying an extra device, which may not be ideal for travelers who prefer to pack light.

💡 Best for eSIM: Travelers with iPhone 11 or later, Samsung Galaxy S20 or later, Google Pixel 4 or later, and carrier-unlocked devices.

What if My Phone Doesn’t Support eSIM but I Don’t Want Extra Luggage Weight?

If your phone doesn’t support eSIM but you don’t want to rent a WiFi device and risk losing it or carrying extra weight in your luggage, there’s a great solution: you can buy a prepaid physical SIM card. First, make sure your phone is not locked to a specific carrier (if it is, you’ll need to rent WiFi or pay a high price for international roaming). Also, your phone needs to have a SIM card slot (so iPhones bought in the U.S., for example, might not work with a physical SIM card).

When using a physical SIM card, you’ll need to remove your original SIM card and replace it with the one you bought, so be careful not to lose your original SIM card.

📌 Click here to check out the suggested prepaid SIM cards for your Japan trip

2. Convenience: Pocket WiFi Needs Charging, eSIM Works Anytime!

✅ eSIM: Activation takes just 5 minutes. No extra device, no charging—just connect and go.
❌ Pocket WiFi: Requires charging and carrying the device with you. Battery life is usually 8-15 hours, meaning if the battery runs out, you lose internet access.

💡 Best for eSIM: Travelers who want a hassle-free internet solution without extra devices or charging worries.

3. Setup & Ease of Use: eSIM Requires No SIM Swap, Pocket WiFi Needs Pickup & Return

✅ eSIM: Purchase online, receive a QR code, scan and activate instantly. No need to swap SIM cards or return any device.
❌ Pocket WiFi: Requires advance reservation, pickup at the airport/post office/hotel, and returning the device after use—potentially with extra fees for late returns or lost devices.

💡 Best for eSIM: Travelers who don’t want to deal with SIM swaps, pickups, or rental returns.

4. Cost Comparison: eSIM is Usually Cheaper in Japan

✅ eSIM: Transparent pricing with no rental fees. Usually more affordable than Pocket WiFi.
❌ Pocket WiFi: Higher rental costs, some providers require a security deposit, and loss fees can be expensive.

💡 Best for eSIM: Budget-conscious travelers looking for a cost-effective and convenient internet solution.

5. Data Speed & Limits: Pocket WiFi Offers Unlimited Data, eSIM Has Flexible Plans

✅ eSIM: Reliable speeds for everyday browsing. Plans include fixed data, or unlimited data from providers. For example, CDJapan Rental provides 30GB, 50GB, 135GB data plans and unlimited plans.
✅ Pocket WiFi: Usually offers unlimited data (CDJapan Rental also provides 100GB, 150GB, and 200GB monthly plans), but some providers enforce a Fair Usage Policy (FUP), which may slow down speeds after excessive data use.

What is Fair Usage Policy (FUP)?

Because the internet is invisible, many people might not realize that internet bandwidth is a limited resource. If you use too much, there’s less left for others. If someone uses a lot of data in a short time, it could affect the internet speed and experience for other users. To prevent this unfair situation, many countries limit the internet speed for users who use too much data quickly, so that others can still have a smooth internet experience.

This limit is called the Fair Usage Policy, or FUP. This rule doesn’t only apply in Japan, but in many other countries and regions as well.

Please note, some SIM cards or WiFi devices, even if they were ordered in your home country, use foreign networks when you’re abroad, so they are still subject to the FUP rules.

💡 Best for eSIM: Tourists, business travelers, and short-term visitors who need fast and reliable internet.
💡 Best for Pocket WiFi: Heavy data users streaming HD videos or live streaming frequently.

6. Multi-Device Sharing: Pocket WiFi is Better for Groups

✅ eSIM: Each phone needs its own eSIM, making it difficult to share data.
✅ Pocket WiFi: Allows 5-10 devices to connect at the same time, perfect for families or groups.

💡 Best for eSIM: Solo travelers or business travelers.
💡 Best for Pocket WiFi: Families, groups, and anyone needing shared internet access.