Pocket WiFi vs eSIM vs SIM – What’s Best for Tokyo?

A quick, no‑nonsense guide to staying online in Japan — compare pocket WiFi, eSIM, and SIM on cost, speed, setup, and family sharing.

What You Need to Know

All three options work well in Tokyo. Choose based on group size, device compatibility, and how much setup you want to do on arrival.

USD amounts are approximate for comparison.

Step‑by‑Step Guide

Pocket WiFi (shareable router)

Details:

  • Setup: Pick up at airport counter or hotel delivery
  • Cost: ~¥500–¥1,000 ($3.50–$7) per day depending on data
  • Pros: Share with 3–5 devices; simple; solid coverage
  • Cons: Another device to charge; late return fees if forgotten

Best For families or couples with multiple devices who want one plan.

eSIM (digital plan)

Details:

  • Setup: Buy online; scan QR; instant activation
  • Cost: ~¥1,200–¥3,000 ($8–$21) for 3–7 days data packs
  • Pros: No physical card; quick; keep your main SIM in place
  • Cons: Phone must support eSIM; hotspot tethering may count toward data

Best For newer phones and solo/duo travel.

Physical SIM

Details:

  • Setup: Buy at airport kiosks or convenience stores
  • Cost: ~¥2,000–¥4,000 ($14–$28) for 7–15 days
  • Pros: Works on older phones; straightforward once inserted
  • Cons: Requires SIM eject; may lose your home SIM; APN setup needed

Best For older devices or when you prefer a simple physical card.

Cost Breakdown (typical)

  • Pocket WiFi: ~¥500–¥1,000 ($3.50–$7) per day
  • eSIM: ¥1,200–¥3,000 ($8–$21) for 3–7 days
  • SIM: ¥2,000–¥4,000 ($14–$28) for 7–15 days

USD amounts are approximate for comparison.

Tools and Resources

  • eSIM providers: Airalo, Ubigi, Holafly
  • Pocket WiFi rental: airport counters (Narita, Haneda)
  • Coverage maps: Carrier sites (NTT Docomo, SoftBank, KDDI)

FAQs

Will WhatsApp/iMessage work?
Yes — tied to your device number/account; data is the key.

Can I share an eSIM with family?
You can tether from one device, but pocket WiFi is designed for multi‑device sharing.

What if my phone doesn’t support eSIM?
Use pocket WiFi or buy a physical SIM.

Quick Recommendation

  • Families: pocket WiFi for easy sharing.
  • Solo/couples with eSIM phones: buy an eSIM online before arrival.
  • Older phones: physical SIM at the airport.

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