Travelling alone with an unlocked, eSIM-capable phone? Get an eSIM. It’s usually cheaper, there’s nothing to carry, and you’re online as soon as you land. Pocket WiFi wins for groups sharing one connection, for laptops and tablets, and for phones that can’t take an eSIM.
Which suits you
Choose an eSIM if
- your phone is unlocked and supports eSIM
- you’re travelling alone or everyone has their own phone
- you don’t want to collect or return a device
Choose pocket WiFi if
- your phone is locked to your carrier or has no eSIM
- several people or laptops need to share one connection
- you’re happy to carry and charge one more device
Side by side
| eSIM | Pocket WiFi | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Solo travellers and couples with eSIM phones | Families, groups, laptop users |
| Setup | Install online before you fly | Collect at the airport or hotel |
| Carry | Nothing extra | A device plus charger, ideally a power bank |
| Battery | Uses your phone’s battery | Separate battery to keep charged |
| Sharing | Hotspot from your phone, if the plan allows | Several devices at once by design |
| Ending | Nothing to do. It expires | Post it back or return it at the airport |
| If lost | Nothing to lose | Replacement fee |
What it costs
For one person, an eSIM is usually the cheaper option. Pocket WiFi rental is charged per day, and the price is the same whether one person or five use it, so the cost per person drops quickly in a group. Compare real plans for your trip length in the cost calculator.
A worked example for two weeks, using prices we checked on 20 October 2026:
| eSIM | Pocket WiFi | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | Airalo 10GB for 15 days: ¥2,900 | Sakura Mobile pocket WiFi, 14 days: ¥11,616 |
| Family of 4 | Four Airalo 10GB eSIMs: ¥11,600 | One Sakura Mobile pocket WiFi, unlimited: ¥11,616 |
For one person the eSIM is a quarter of the price. For a family of four the two cost about the same, so it comes down to convenience: four separate connections with nothing to carry, or one unlimited connection that everyone has to stay near.
Convenience
An eSIM takes a few minutes to install at home and then needs nothing more. Pocket WiFi involves collecting it on arrival, charging it every night, remembering to bring it out, and returning it on time. That’s not hard, but it’s one more thing to manage on holiday. In a group, it also ties everyone to whoever is carrying the device.
Speed and coverage
Both run on the same Japanese networks (docomo, au or SoftBank), so coverage depends on the network, not on eSIM vs pocket WiFi. Speed differences come from the plan: some cap speeds after a daily data allowance, and some eSIMs route traffic through another country, which adds lag. Check plan details in the comparison table, and see how we test speed.
Which to choose
- eSIM: you’re on your own or a couple, your phone is unlocked and eSIM-capable, and you want the least hassle.
- Pocket WiFi: you’re a family or group, you need laptops online, or someone’s phone is locked or has no eSIM.
- Both: some groups give each person a small eSIM plan and share one pocket WiFi for heavy use.
Best eSIMs for Japan or best pocket WiFi rentals
Questions people ask
What is the disadvantage of an eSIM?
Your phone has to be unlocked and support eSIM, and hotspot sharing drains your phone’s battery. You also can’t hand it to someone else in your group.
How does pocket WiFi work?
It’s a small router with a Japanese SIM inside. It connects to a mobile network and shares that connection over WiFi with your phones and laptops.
Can I use my American phone in Japan with an eSIM?
Yes, if it’s unlocked and supports eSIM, which most iPhones since the XS and XR do. Check your phone
Written by Stephen
Stephen lives in Osaka. fly-jpn is where he compares eSIMs, SIM cards and pocket WiFi for visitors, using what he has learned as a resident. A plan is only described as tested when he has bought it and used it in Japan himself.