Rent a Pocket Wi-Fi Router in Japan - NINJA Wi-Fi
The lack of free Wi-Fi in Japan is troubling to international visitors and residents. Although there are Wi-Fi hotspots nationwide, there remain few places where these hotspots can be used quickly and easily.
It's essential to have a pocket Wi-Fi router in Japan. Pocket Wi-Fi is cheaper than roaming and allows for a large amount of data usage.
There are various pocket Wi-Fi services in Japan, and in this article, we will introduce the features of the popular NINJA Wi-Fi service, rental methods, and a special coupon exclusively for MATCHA readers that offers a 20% discount on usage fees.
In addition, we also provide recommendations for other Wi-Fi services besides NINJA Wi-Fi, disadvantages of NINJA Wi-Fi, and a comparison of SIM cards in the section at the end.
20% Off for MATCHA's readers! Book the Ninja Wi-Fi
All About NINJA Wi-Fi
What is NINJA Wi-Fi?
Although there are various companies in Japan that provide rental WiFi services, the most recommended is NINJA Wi-Fi with its unlimited data at a fixed flat rate, which is why this option is so popular with the international community, providing peace of mind and convenience. Now, let's look at its features.
1. Data at a Reasonable, Fixed Flat Rate!
The first feature of NINJA Wi-Fi is the clarity of its rate system.
Originally, using 1 GB of data per day used to cost 880 yen. However, NINJA Wi-Fi revised its rates in March 2023 and now there are three plans available: you can use up to 3 GB per day for 770 yen, up to 5 GB for 1,100 yen, or up to 10 GB for 1,320 yen!
It's one of the cheapest and most convenient Wi-Fi services in terms of data volume.
Users only pay for the days when they use the device.
For example, if you rent it for five days, it would be 770 yen x 5 days = 3,850 yen (including tax), which is a great deal. Additionally, there is currently a 20% discount available for MATCHA readers. By using this discount, you can use it for 616 yen per day (3,080 yen for 5 days).
There are no additional charges for data communication fees, initial rental fees, or deposits when using a credit card. You can use the Internet without worrying about extra costs!
2. Fast and Plenty of Data Capacity!
The second amazing feature of NINJA Wi-Fi is that the data capacity that you can use is very generous.
Sometimes, you end up using more data than expected looking up information on places to visit, transportation, and local souvenirs. Using NINJA Wi-Fi is convenient because the data capacity is almost unlimited.
Additionally, if you've exceeded your data usage limit, the speed of your connection will be limited to 128 kbps but you'll still be able to use the internet with no limits.
The company uses the Softbank 4G LTE, a network that allows a smooth connection. You can also enjoy videos without any stress.
Useful to Know! Estimated Data Usage in Japan (1 GB)
Estimated Data Usage in Japan (1 GB)
E-Mail: 2,090 emails. (500 KB per mail)
Video Viewing: about 4 hours and 16 minutes at medium quality.
Google Maps: about 1,432 views (10 minutes per view).
20% Off for MATCHA's readers! Book the Ninja Wi-Fi
3. Convenient Pick-Up: Airports, Delivery, or Customer Service Counter
In Japan, the pick-up location of your rental pocket Wi-Fi routers can be inconvenient. While some portable router companies claim that their items are available for pick-up at airports, they don’t accommodate pick-ups at domestic airports. NINJA Wi-Fi, however, has many pick-up locations, making retrieving the pocket WiFi device easy.
Pick-up counters are available at 11 airports. These include Terminals 1, 2, and 3 at Narita International Airport, Terminals 1 and 2 at Kansai International Airport, Haneda Airport, Naha Airport, and New Chitose Airport.
In addition, it’s possible to pick up your pocket Wi-Fi at airports outside of the Kanto region, like Hokkaido and Okinawa.
Pick-ups and returns are also possible at the Shinjuku Counter in Tokyo. Apply online by 15:00 and you can have same-day pick-up at the Shinjuku Counter. This is a great option for those who forgot to reserve a portable WiFi device before getting into Japan or suddenly require WiFi on the run.
There's also a convenient delivery service if you're planning to go sightseeing after arriving at the airport! You can either have your device delivered to you or even to a friend's house in Japan.
Please check the pick-up page on NINJA Wi-Fi’s official website for details on airport pick-up counters and business hours. Pick-ups at the airport and Shinjuku Counter are free, but the delivery service costs 550 yen (tax included).
The Shinjuku Counter is easily accessible. It's 12 minutes on foot from JR Shinjuku Station, or a one-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Higashi-Shinjuku Station. You'll find the office on the building's fifth floor.
Click below to see a map with more details.
[place_master_id=6128 show_photos embed]
How to Get NINJA Wi-Fi! Rental Options, Pick-Up, and Returns
The process of renting, pick-up, and returns for NINJA Wi-Fi is simple and friendly for international users.
How to Make a Reservation
Reservations must be made online by 15:00 (JST) on the day before use for pick-up at Narita Airport, Haneda Airport, and Naha Airport. A reservation must be made two days in advance for pick-up at Chubu International Airport (Centrair) and three days prior for New Chitose Airport. Take a look at the booking page on NINJA Wi-Fi’s official website for details on reservation deadlines.
First, access the reservation page by clicking on the blue button below.
20% Off for MATCHA's readers! Book the Ninja Wi-Fi
Enter the number of days you’ll be renting the device. In the example above, we chose five days from March 1 to March 5. Next, let's choose a plan.
In our example, we chose a 3 GB Plan. Next, select the place of pick-up and return from the pulldown menu.
For pick-ups and returns at Narita Airport Terminal 1, be sure to select the same option as the photo above. If you want your device to be delivered, then select “Delivery Services.” If you choose to pick up the router at the Shinjuku location, then select “Shinjuku office 10:00-18:00 on weekdays.”
Lastly, enter your personal information to complete your reservation!
How to Pick-Up NINJA Wi-Fi
Pick up your device at the location you selected when making your reservation. English-speaking employees will be available at airport pick-up counters and the Shinjuku Counter. Those not confident in their Japanese skills will have no problems!
If you choose to return the device by delivery, you will receive a return envelope at the time of your pick-up. Be sure not to lose this envelope while traveling.
How to Return Your Pocket WiFi
You will return your device using the method you specified on your reservation.
Those who selected the airport should return their device at the NINJA Wi-Fi counter before boarding their flight. You won’t be able to return the router once you go past baggage security. Once you arrive at the airport, it's recommended to head to the counter right away.
If you chose the delivery method, use the Yamato Transport waybill provided in your rental kit. Please complete the delivery process at a convenience store or a Yamato Transport counter inside the airport. The items required will already be filled out for you on the waybill.
If you choose to return the device at the Shinjuku Counter, go there on your return date. Do note that the business hours are 10:00 – 18:00 on weekdays only. Those who plan to return their devices on the weekend should select delivery or the airport counter instead.
MATCHA Readers Exclusive! Get 20% Off Ninja Wi-Fi Now
MATCHA readers can now use this coupon to receive 20% off their rental fee!
To use this coupon, open the page linked to the blue button below and copy the coupon code. Simply paste this code into the CODE field when making your reservation to get a discount.
This is a great opportunity to use NINJA Wi-Fi and receive an even bigger bargain. Use the coupon for easy and uncomplicated Internet access when you're in Japan!
20% Off for MATCHA's readers! Book the Ninja Wi-Fi
Frequently Asked Questions
So far, we have mainly introduced the benefits of Ninja Wi-Fi.
On the other hand, there are other services in Japan with different features from Ninja WiFi. Here, we will focus on introducing such points.
Q1. Are there any recommended pocket Wi-Fi services other than Ninja Wi-Fi?
In Japan, there are many pocket WiFi services, including Ninja WiFi. In particular, the following two services are worth comparing:
Japan Wi-Fi Rental
While Ninja Wi-Fi boasts the lowest prices in Japan, Japan Wi-Fi Rental is cheaper when renting for two weeks or longer.
Japan Wireless
Japan Wireless offers a unique plan where there are speed restrictions but unlimited data usage. It is suitable for those who want to use the internet without data limitations.
Furthermore, while Ninja Wi-Fi is primarily a service for short-term travelers staying in Japan for about one week to one month, there are also other recommended services for long-term stays (one month or longer).
Please check the following MATCHA article for more information on these services.
Q2. Does Ninja Wi-Fi support 5G?
In short, Ninja Wi-Fi does not support 5G.
5G internet services are gradually being introduced in Japan. However, many pocket Wi-Fi services for foreign visitors to Japan have not yet adopted 5G.
Based on our personal experience, we haven't felt significant drawbacks using 4G for activities like watching videos or online meetings. However, for those who specifically require fast speeds, there are services that offer 5G capabilities.
CD JAPAN
CD JAPAN offers pocket WiFi with 5G using the WiMAX network (*). This service is primarily for long-term stayers, but you can rent it starting from 10 days for 6,050 yen.
Global Advanced Communications
Global Advanced Communications also provides pocket WiFi with 5G capabilities. The 5G plan costs approximately 75.49 dollars (11,000 yen) for one week. However, the specific network being used is not mentioned on their official website.
Q3. How reliable is Softbank's network?
Softbank, the provider of the network for Ninja WiFi, entered the broadband business in 2001 and is considered one of the three major telecommunications companies in Japan alongside DoCoMo (NTT) and au (KDDI) (although the inclusion of Rakuten makes it four major companies now).
DoCoMo originated from NTT, a formerly state-owned company, and has been involved in mobile communication services since the 1960s. As for au, they have been providing mobile phone services since the 1980s. In contrast, Softbank is a relatively newer corporation.
Due to these historical differences, DoCoMo and au have a greater number of base stations that connect radio waves compared to Softbank. Especially in remote islands and mountainous areas, DoCoMo tends to have better connectivity.
At most travel destinations in Japan, there is honestly not much difference in network choice. However, if your main focus is visiting remote islands or rural areas, choosing a service that uses DoCoMo or au's network might be the best option.
Sakura Mobile provides services using DoCoMo's network. Additionally, although it caters more towards long-term stays, Mobal offers a unique pocket WiFi that connects to all three networks: DoCoMo, au, and Softbank.
Q4. Which is better, SIM cards or pocket Wi-Fi?
When using the internet in Japan, along with pocket WiFi, inserting a SIM card directly into your smartphone is also popular.
SIM cards have several advantages over pocket WiFi.
Firstly, since SIM cards are directly inserted into smartphones, there is no need to carry a separate device like a WiFi router. Therefore, it is more convenient, and there is no risk of damaging or losing the device (if a WiFi router is damaged or lost, additional fees apply).
Furthermore, in recent years, eSIM services have been introduced, allowing you to use the SIM card immediately through online procedures. With a WiFi router, you need to receive it at an airport or hotel, but with an eSIM, that is not necessary.
However, SIM cards can be cumbersome to replace by opening the slot on your smartphone. Additionally, some services using eSIM may restrict tethering with other devices like computers or smartphones.
On the other hand, pocket WiFi is easy to set up and can easily connect to multiple computers and smartphones, making it more convenient.
Each has its own pros and cons, so please consider which one suits you better when making a choice.
Q5. How reliable is the free Wi-Fi in Japan?
In recent years, the number of spots providing free WiFi has been increasing in Japan, including not only train stations and airports but also cafes in the city.
However, in most places other than such establishments, free WiFi is not readily available. To prepare for visiting outdoor tourist destinations or using Google Maps in the city, it is recommended to have either a pocket WiFi or a SIM card.
For more information on where free WiFi is available, please check the following MATCHA article.
