When choosing a communication method for your trip to Japan, many may wonder, "Which is more convenient, rental Wi-Fi or eSIM?" and "Which is recommended for solo travelers?"
Both Wi-Fi and eSIM are ways to use the internet on your smartphone during your stay in Japan, but there are differences in setup, portability, pickup and return, and usage for multiple people.
This article compares the advantages and disadvantages of rental Wi-Fi and eSIM for travel in Japan, and clearly explains how to choose based on the number of travelers and purpose of use.
For those who want to learn more about Japan's eSIM, check out the complete guide to Japan eSIM as well.
Which is recommended for a trip to Japan, Wi-Fi or eSIM?
In conclusion, eSIM is recommended for solo travelers, short trips, or those who do not want to carry extra luggage.
On the other hand, if you are traveling with family or a group and want to share internet access among multiple smartphones or computers, rental Wi-Fi can also be convenient.
| Travel Style | Recommended Communication Method |
|---|---|
| Solo Travel | eSIM |
| Short Trip | eSIM |
| Business Trip | eSIM |
| Temporary Return | eSIM |
| Family/Group Travel | Rental Wi-Fi or individual eSIMs |
| Using Multiple Devices | Rental Wi-Fi or tethering-compatible eSIM |
However, the optimal method may vary depending on device compatibility and your activities during the trip. Be sure to check the features of each before making a choice.
What is eSIM for use in Japan?
eSIM is a communication method that utilizes the SIM functionality built into the smartphone itself.
There is no need to swap out a physical SIM card; you can add it to your smartphone using the QR code or setup information received after purchase.
If you set it up before your trip, you can turn on the eSIM line upon arrival in Japan and switch to mobile data to access the internet.
Advantages of eSIM
- No need to swap SIM cards
- No need to pick up at the airport or store
- No need to carry a Wi-Fi router
- No need to increase the number of devices to charge
- No return process required
- Can be purchased and set up before the trip
- Easy to start communication immediately upon arrival in Japan
Disadvantages of eSIM
- Requires an eSIM-compatible smartphone
- Need to check the SIM lock status
- May be confused with setup if using for the first time
- Once deleted, may not be able to reconfigure
- Tethering is required for sharing among multiple users
You can check the eSIM plans available in Japan at the Japan eSIM product page.
What is rental Wi-Fi for use in Japan?
Rental Wi-Fi is a communication method where you carry a dedicated Wi-Fi router and connect your smartphone or computer wirelessly.
You can reserve it before your trip and pick it up at a Japanese airport or designated location, or have it delivered to your home or hotel.
Advantages of Rental Wi-Fi
- Easy to share communication among multiple people
- Can connect devices other than smartphones
- No need to swap SIM cards
- Can be used with devices that do not support eSIM
- Convenient for families or groups traveling together
Disadvantages of Rental Wi-Fi
- Need to pick up the Wi-Fi router
- Need to carry the device during the trip
- Requires separate charging from the smartphone
- May require return procedures before and after returning home
- Need to be cautious of loss or damage
- Cannot communicate if you are far from the router
While the ability to use it among multiple people is convenient, if the group splits up, those without the Wi-Fi router will not be able to connect.
Comparing the differences between Wi-Fi and eSIM
The main differences between rental Wi-Fi and eSIM for use in Japan are as follows.
| Comparison Item | eSIM | Rental Wi-Fi |
|---|---|---|
| Pickup | Generally not required | Required |
| Return | Not required | May be required |
| Portability | Smartphone only | Dedicated router required |
| Charging | Smartphone only | Smartphone and router |
| Initial Setup | eSIM addition required | Connect to Wi-Fi |
| Multiple Users | Possible if tethering is supported | Easy to share |
| Separate Actions | Can use if each contracts separately | Only available to the person with the router |
| Risk of Loss | No additional devices | Be cautious of router loss |
| Compatible Devices | Requires eSIM-compatible devices | Can be used with Wi-Fi-compatible devices |
| Recommended for | Solo travel, business trips, short trips | Family and group travel |
Which is more cost-effective, Wi-Fi or eSIM?
The costs of Wi-Fi and eSIM vary depending on the number of days of use, data capacity, communication speed, and number of users.
If using alone
For solo travel, since you only need to prepare communication for one person, eSIM may be more cost-effective.
There is also the benefit of not having to deal with pickup or return, and being able to use just your smartphone.
If using with multiple people
If you are always traveling together with family or a group, sharing one rental Wi-Fi can reduce the cost per person.
However, if you split up during the trip, it may be more convenient for each to use eSIM.
Be aware of additional costs beyond the price
With rental Wi-Fi, there may be additional costs beyond the base fee, such as:
- Pickup and return fees
- Delivery costs
- Insurance options
- Extension fees
- Costs for loss or damage
If you choose eSIM, be sure to check the conditions for additional purchases if you run out of data or need to extend the usage period.
Comparing ease of setup
Setting up eSIM
eSIM is added to your smartphone using the QR code or setup information received after purchase.
- Purchase Japan eSIM
- Receive QR code or setup information
- Add eSIM to your smartphone in a Wi-Fi environment
- Turn on the eSIM line after arriving in Japan
- Select Japan eSIM for mobile data communication
- Turn on data roaming if necessary
For detailed setup instructions, please refer to the eSIM setup guide.
Setting up Rental Wi-Fi
For rental Wi-Fi, turn on the router and enter the displayed network name and password into your smartphone to connect.
- Reserve rental Wi-Fi
- Pick up the router at the airport or designated location
- Turn on the router
- Open the Wi-Fi settings on your smartphone
- Select the network name
- Enter the password
The connection method is simple, but you need to check the pickup location and business hours.
Comparing recommendations by travel style
For solo travel, eSIM is recommended
For solo travel, eSIM is convenient as there is no need for pickup, carrying, or return.
You can use maps and transit guides immediately upon arrival in Japan without worrying about the battery level of a Wi-Fi router.
For couple travel, individual eSIMs are convenient
While couples can share Wi-Fi when traveling together, considering separate actions or emergencies, it is reassuring for each to use eSIM.
For family travel, choose based on the number of users and planned activities
If the whole family is always traveling together, rental Wi-Fi is convenient.
If children or family members may act separately, consider setting up eSIMs on each smartphone.
For group travel, check for separate actions
For group travel, if everyone is moving to the same place, rental Wi-Fi is recommended; if splitting into multiple groups, individual eSIMs are better.
For business trips, eSIM is recommended
For business trips, eSIM is convenient as you can use email, maps, and chat tools immediately upon arrival in Japan.
If you have a tethering-compatible plan, it can also be used for your laptop or tablet's communication.
For temporary returns, eSIM is recommended
For temporary returns where you only want to use communication for a necessary period, prepaid eSIMs that can be purchased according to the number of days of use are easy to choose.
Who is suited for Wi-Fi?
- People who always travel together with family or a group
- People who want to connect multiple devices simultaneously
- People whose smartphones do not support eSIM
- People who are unsure about setting up eSIM
- People who do not want to change SIM cards or mobile communication settings
Who is suited for eSIM?
- People traveling alone or in small groups
- People who do not want to pick up at the airport
- People who do not want to carry extra luggage
- People who do not want to manage the charging of a Wi-Fi router
- People who want to use the internet immediately upon arrival in Japan
- People who plan to act separately during the trip
- People using it for business trips or temporary returns
Things to check before using eSIM
Check if your device is eSIM compatible
To use eSIM, your smartphone must be eSIM compatible.
Before purchasing, please check the list of eSIM-compatible devices.
Check the SIM lock status
If your smartphone has a SIM lock set, you may not be able to use a travel eSIM.
Check the data capacity
If you mainly use maps and messages, around 1GB per day is a good estimate; if you use social media and photo posting, around 1-2GB per day is a guideline.
If you frequently watch videos or use tethering, consider a high-capacity or unlimited plan.
For more details, please refer to the estimated data usage.
Check the tethering conditions
If you want to communicate with multiple devices, check if the eSIM plan you plan to purchase supports tethering.
Check the timing for starting use
The timing for when the eSIM usage period begins may vary by product. Please check the product page or usage instructions before purchasing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper for a trip to Japan, eSIM or Wi-Fi?
For solo travel, eSIM may be cheaper, while for multiple people traveling together, rental Wi-Fi may reduce the cost per person.
Be sure to compare the number of days of use, data capacity, and pickup/return fees.
Can eSIM be used on multiple devices?
If you have a tethering-compatible plan, you can share your smartphone's connection with a computer or tablet.
The compatibility and usage conditions may vary by product, so please check before purchasing.
How many devices can connect to rental Wi-Fi?
The number of connectable devices varies by router and plan.
If there are many devices connected simultaneously, it may affect communication speed and battery consumption.
Can eSIM be purchased after arriving in Japan?
If you have an internet connection, you can purchase eSIM even after arriving in Japan.
However, since airport Wi-Fi may be unstable, it is safer to purchase and set up before your trip.
What should I do if eSIM does not connect?
Check the eSIM line, mobile data communication, data roaming, and APN settings, and try toggling airplane mode or restarting the device.
For more details, please refer to the troubleshooting guide for eSIM.
Can I reconfigure eSIM after deleting it?
Depending on the product, once deleted, you may not be able to reconfigure it with the same QR code.
If communication issues arise, do not delete it immediately; check the settings or contact support.
Conclusion
Rental Wi-Fi and eSIM for use during a trip to Japan each have different advantages.
For solo travel, short trips, business trips, and temporary returns, eSIM is recommended as it does not require pickup, carrying, or return.
For families or groups traveling together who want to share communication among multiple devices, rental Wi-Fi can also be convenient.
However, if there is a possibility of separate actions, using eSIM for each person allows for flexible internet access when needed.
Check the number of users, travel days, data capacity, and device compatibility to choose the communication method that suits your travel style.
