Lois Larson
Renting a pocket WiFi device at the airport in Japan is possible, but it may not be the most cost-effective option. While it may seem convenient to rent a pocket WiFi device upon arrival, it can result in higher costs, the risk of unavailable services due to flight delays, and time-consuming queues. On the other hand, ordering a pocket WiFi device online before your trip can offer better pricing, guaranteed availability, and peace of mind. This allows you to compare various plans and choose one that suits your data needs and budget. Additionally, you can avoid the rush to the airport counter before it closes and ensure that your device is ready for pickup at your accommodation or a designated location.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pick-up locations | Narita Airport, Haneda Airport, Kansai International Airport, Central Japan International Airport, accommodation, local post office |
| Drop-off locations | Same as pick-up locations, post boxes anywhere in Japan |
| Companies | Sakura Mobile, Ninja WiFi, JAL ABC, WiFiBOX, AnyFone, Japan Wireless, Japan WiFi Buddy |
| Benefits of online ordering | Better pricing, guaranteed availability, peace of mind, cost-effectiveness, breadth of choices, no rush to the airport counter |
| Drawbacks of airport rental | Higher costs, risk of unavailable services due to flight delays, time-consuming queues |
| ID requirements | Passport |
| Payment methods | Cash (Japanese yen), credit card |
| Other items for rent | Power bank, smartphones, voice translation devices, 360° cameras |
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What You'll Learn
Benefits of renting pocket WiFi at Japan airports
Renting a pocket WiFi at a Japan airport is a convenient option for travellers who need quick access to the internet. Here are some benefits of renting a pocket WiFi device at a Japan airport:
Convenience and Accessibility
Renting a pocket WiFi device at the airport saves you the hassle of searching for WiFi hotspots or relying on public WiFi, which can be unreliable in Japan. It offers a seamless internet connection that can be accessed anywhere in the country. This is especially useful when travelling to remote areas or when you need urgent access to information like maps and transportation schedules.
On-the-Spot Availability
Renting at the airport ensures immediate access to a WiFi device upon arrival. This is beneficial for those who may have forgotten to arrange for a WiFi device before their trip or experienced last-minute travel changes.
Easy Pick-up and Return
Some pocket WiFi providers at Japan airports offer convenient pick-up and return processes. For example, WiFiBOX users can pick up and return their devices in seconds without lining up at airport counters. Other companies allow pick-up and drop-off at multiple airport locations, providing flexibility for travellers.
Additional Services
Pocket WiFi rental companies often provide extra services and devices to enhance your trip. These can include mobile batteries, power banks, smartphones, voice translation devices, and 360° cameras. Some companies also offer SIM cards and eSIMs, which can be more economical options for solo travellers.
No Hidden Fees
Certain companies, like WiFiBOX, offer straightforward rental processes with no hidden fees. This ensures that travellers are well-informed about the costs involved and can make budget-friendly choices.
While renting a pocket WiFi at a Japan airport offers these benefits, it is important to consider potential drawbacks, such as higher costs and limited choices, when compared to online pre-booking options.
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Downsides of renting pocket WiFi at Japan airports
Renting a pocket WiFi device at a Japanese airport is undeniably convenient, but it also has several potential downsides. Here are some reasons why you may want to avoid renting a pocket WiFi device at a Japan airport:
Higher Costs
Airport rental stores have high operating costs, including rent and additional fees, which are often passed on to customers in the form of higher rental rates. This means that renting a pocket WiFi device at the airport can be more expensive than other options.
Limited Hours
Airport counters may have limited hours of operation, which can be an issue if your flight is delayed or if you arrive late at night. If your flight is delayed or you miss your flight, you may find that the rental counters are closed when you arrive.
Long Queues and Wait Times
With the increasing number of travelers to Japan, airport rental counters can become extremely crowded, resulting in long queues and lengthy procedures. This is especially true during peak travel seasons or flight arrival times.
Device Availability
Rental counters at airports may not always have devices available, especially during peak travel seasons. If you don't reserve a device in advance, you may find that your desired pocket WiFi option is out of stock when you arrive.
Flight Delays
In addition to the potential issues caused by flight delays, as mentioned above, renting a pocket WiFi device at the airport can also contribute to delays if you have to spend time comparing multiple options or plans at the rental counter.
Payment and ID Requirements
When renting a pocket WiFi device at an airport counter, you will typically need to provide a credit card and ID (such as a passport) for verification. This may not be convenient for those who do not have a credit card or prefer other payment methods.
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Picking up and returning pocket WiFi at Narita Airport
Picking up a pocket WiFi device at Narita Airport can be done at the counter of the rental company you applied for. There are several companies that offer pocket WiFi rental services at Narita Airport, including Sakura Mobile, Ninja WiFi, WiFi BOX, Vision Inc., Inbound Platform Corp., Telecom Square, Inc., J-Field, Inc., AnyFone, and JAL ABC.
The specific pick-up location depends on the company and terminal. For example, Ninja WiFi has a counter in Terminal 1, which is located on the first floor at the back, while Sakura Mobile can be picked up at both Terminal 1 and 2. JAL ABC has a counter in Terminal 1 on the first floor at the end of the South Wing, and Japan Wireless has two pick-up points in Terminal 1, including the JTB Counter and the JAL ABC Counter.
Some companies, like Sakura Mobile, require you to order at least two days in advance. When renting from JAL ABC, you will need to provide ID (such as a passport) and a credit card. It is recommended that you purchase the Loss & Damage Waiver, as you will only be responsible for a maximum of 70% of the cost to replace the device due to theft or loss.
When you receive your WiFi device, you will need to turn it on and enter the password on your smartphone or PC to start using the internet. Some companies, like Ninja WiFi, will teach you how to operate the device.
Returning your pocket WiFi device at Narita Airport can also be done at the rental company's counter, such as Ninja WiFi and WiFi BOX in Terminal 1. Sakura Mobile allows returns at the counters in Terminal 1 and 2, as well as through pre-paid return envelopes that can be dropped off at post boxes anywhere in Japan. AnyFone also offers returns at Narita Airport or other major airports like Haneda Airport and Kansai International Airport.
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Picking up and returning pocket WiFi at Haneda Airport
Picking up and returning a pocket WiFi device at Haneda Airport is a straightforward process. Several companies offer pocket WiFi rental services at Haneda Airport, including Ninja WiFi, Sakura Mobile, JAL ABC, AnyFone, and SUMO WiFi. Here are detailed instructions for picking up and returning your pocket WiFi device:
Picking Up Your Pocket WiFi:
- Ninja WiFi: Ninja WiFi has a counter at Haneda Airport Terminal 3, located on the 3rd floor near the departures area. You can pick up your WiFi device from their counter after going through customs and collecting your luggage.
- Sakura Mobile: Sakura Mobile offers convenient pickup at Haneda Airport, but you need to place your order at least two days in advance. You can pick up your WiFi router at their counters in the airport.
- JAL ABC: JAL ABC counters are available at Haneda Airport, where you can rent a pocket WiFi device. They will check your ID (passport) and credit card during the rental process.
- AnyFone: AnyFone offers pocket WiFi rentals and pick-up at Haneda Airport. You can collect your ordered items at their designated counters.
- SUMO WiFi: SUMO WiFi has a counter at Haneda Airport for pick-up and return. You can find them at the International Terminal on the 2nd floor (Arrival Lobby) and 3rd floor (Departure Lobby).
Returning Your Pocket WiFi:
- Ninja WiFi: Ninja WiFi devices can be returned before passing through the security gate at Haneda Airport. You can also use the pre-paid return envelope provided and drop it into any mailbox at the airport or elsewhere in Japan.
- Sakura Mobile: Sakura Mobile allows you to return your WiFi device and its accessories using the provided pre-paid return envelope. You can drop it off at any post box in Japan.
- JAL ABC: You can return the WiFi device to the JAL ABC counter at Haneda Airport. If you haven't paid the fee during pick-up, ensure you pay it at the time of return.
- AnyFone: AnyFone devices can be returned at Haneda Airport or other major airports in Japan, including Kansai International Airport and Central Japan International Airport.
- SUMO WiFi: You can return the SUMO WiFi device at their counter in Haneda Airport during business hours, typically free of charge.
It is recommended to check the operating hours of the counters and plan your pick-up and return accordingly. Additionally, some companies may require online reservations, so it is advisable to check their websites or make bookings in advance to ensure a smooth rental experience.
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Pocket WiFi rental companies
Pocket WiFi is a great way to stay connected when travelling in Japan. Here is a list of some of the pocket WiFi rental companies that operate within Japan's airports:
Ninja WiFi
Ninja WiFi is a popular choice for travellers to Japan. They offer flexibility, allowing customers to choose their pick-up and return methods and locations. You can pick up your device at the airport or have it delivered to your accommodation. Returns can be made at the airport counter, via delivery, or at an airport return box. Ninja WiFi also offers a range of plans to suit different needs. Their website provides detailed instructions and information about their services.
Sakura Mobile
Sakura Mobile is another well-known pocket WiFi rental company in Japan. They offer competitive prices and convenient pick-up and return options at Narita Airport Terminal 1 and 2. Sakura Mobile provides a unit that includes an AC adapter, USB cable, mobile battery, and a pre-paid return envelope at no extra cost. They also offer SIM cards and eSIMs for those seeking more economical options.
JAL ABC
JAL ABC is a WiFi rental service provider with counters at major international airports in Japan, including Narita, Haneda, and Kansai. They offer set-rate WiFi rental plans with no additional fees, such as rental fees or airport drop-off charges. JAL ABC also provides a compact portable charger for rent, ensuring your devices stay charged throughout your trip.
Genki Mobile
Genki Mobile offers excellent customer service and competitive pricing for their pocket WiFi rental services. They provide pick-up and return options at both Narita and Haneda airports. Genki Mobile's WiFi routers come with a battery pack to keep your devices charged, and they also offer a 7GB/day plan for those who need more data.
AnyFone
AnyFone has been serving international travellers in Japan since 2017, offering pocket WiFi and SIM card rentals. They have pick-up and return locations at major airports, including Narita, Haneda, Central Japan International Airport, and Kansai International Airport. AnyFone provides high-speed, modern WiFi devices without data limitations, ensuring a seamless internet experience during your stay in Japan.
It is recommended to check the websites of these companies for the most up-to-date information and to make reservations in advance to ensure availability.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, pocket WiFi is available to rent at Japan's major airports, including Narita, Haneda, Kansai International, and Central Japan International Airport.
WiFi rental companies such as Sakura Mobile, Ninja WiFi, JAL ABC, WiFiBOX, Japan Wireless, AnyFone, and Japan WiFi Buddy offer pocket WiFi at Japan's airports.
Renting pocket WiFi at the airport is convenient for last-minute or sudden trips. You can also pick up and drop off the device without having to line up at a busy counter or wait for delivery.
However, it is recommended that you book your pocket WiFi in advance and online, as it is more cost-effective, guarantees availability, and gives you more time to compare multiple options and plans.
