Narita Airport Pocket WiFi | Guide to Pricing, Services, and Pickup & Return Methods

Benefits of Pocket WiFi Rental at Narita Airport

Renting a pocket WiFi immediately upon arrival at Narita Airport offers several significant advantages.

Instant Connectivity

By renting a pocket WiFi at the airport, you can connect to the internet the moment you set foot in Japan. This enables smooth searches for routes from the airport to your accommodation and confirmation of reservations.

Support for Both Advance Reservations and Same-Day Rentals

Most rental companies allow you to make reservations in advance through their websites or apply at the counter on the day of arrival.

While advance reservations are recommended during peak seasons, same-day rentals are also available for sudden visits to Japan.

Simultaneous Connection of Multiple Devices

A single pocket WiFi can connect up to 5-10 devices simultaneously, making one unit sufficient for group or family trips.

This significantly reduces the cost per person.

More Secure Than Public WiFi

While Japan has many free public WiFi hotspots, there are security concerns.

Pocket WiFi provides access to password-protected dedicated lines, offering higher security.

Location of Pocket WiFi Rental Counters at Narita Airport

Narita Airport consists of three terminals (Terminal 1, 2, and 3), each equipped with WiFi rental counters.

Below are the main counter locations for each terminal.

Terminal 1

North Wing

• 1F Arrival Lobby: JAL ABC (Operating hours: 6:30 - 1 hour after last flight arrival)
• 4F Departure Lobby: XCOM Global (7:00-21:00), J WiFi & Mobile (7:00-21:00), JAL ABC (7:00-21:00)

South Wing

• 1F Arrival Lobby: JAL ABC (6:30 - 1 hour after last flight arrival), GPA SIM Card Vending Machine
• 4F Departure Lobby: J WiFi & Mobile (7:00-21:00), TelecomSquare (7:00-21:00), JAL ABC (7:00-21:00)

Central Building

• B1F: GPA SIM Card Vending Machine
• 1F: AnyFone JAPAN (7:00-21:00), XCOM Global (7:00-21:00), J WiFi & Mobile (7:00-21:00), SoftBank Global Rental (7:00-21:00), TelecomSquare (7:00-21:00)
• 4F: Rakuten Mobile (8:00-20:00)

Terminal 2

Terminal 2 also has rental counters on both departure and arrival floors. Main counters include:

• 3F Departure Lobby: JAL ABC Consigned Counter
• 1F Arrival Lobby: JAL ABC Consigned Counter, JWiFi & Mobile × Global WiFi Counter (7:00-21:00)
• B1F Railway Ticket Gate Floor: Own Counter

Terminal 3

Terminal 3 is smaller in scale, so it has fewer counters, but essential basic services are provided:

• Main Building 2F: Mobile Center Narita Terminal 3 (TelecomSquare)

Important Notice

All mobile phone and WiFi rental counters are located in the pre-departure area (before security check).

You cannot rent after departure procedures, so make sure to complete the process before departure.

GTN Mobile Prepaid SIM

Among the SIMs available at Haneda Airport is the GTN Mobile Prepaid SIM.

The notable points are its easy application process and availability of large data volumes.

GTN Mobile Prepaid SIM Pickup Location at Haneda Airport

Comparison: Pocket WiFi vs eSIM

In recent years, eSIM has gained attention as an alternative to pocket WiFi. Let's compare which option suits you better.

Pocket WiFi

Advantages

• Simultaneous connection of multiple devices (up to 5-10 units)
• Ideal for group or family travel
• No need to worry about device compatibility
• Generally provides more stable connections nationwide in Japan
• Better connectivity in rural and mountainous areas

Disadvantages

• Need to carry an additional device
• Battery charging management required
• Need to return the rental device

eSIM

Advantages

• Direct setup on smartphone without additional equipment
• Can be purchased and set up in advance for immediate use upon arrival
• No need to exchange or manage physical SIM cards
• Optimal for short-term travelers who want to travel light and efficiently

Disadvantages

• Requires eSIM-compatible device (older models may not be supported)
• Cannot be used on multiple devices simultaneously
• Coverage in rural areas may be inferior to pocket WiFi
• May require technical settings like APN configuration

Rental Methods and Procedures

There are two main ways to rent pocket WiFi at Narita Airport: advance reservation and same-day rental. Here are detailed explanations of each procedure.

Advance Reservation

Online Booking: Access each service provider's website and enter necessary information (usage period, plan, pickup location, etc.) to make a reservation.

Payment: Complete payment in advance by credit card. Most companies accept major cards including VISA, MasterCard, American Express, and JCB.

Reservation Confirmation: After completing the reservation, you'll receive a confirmation email with reservation number and pickup details.

Pickup: After arriving at Narita Airport, bring your reservation confirmation email and identification (passport) to the designated counter for pickup. Some services also offer locker pickup to save waiting time.

Same-Day Rental

Counter Visit: After arriving at Narita Airport, visit WiFi rental counters in each terminal.

Application Form: Submit an application form with necessary information (passport details, length of stay, desired plan, etc.).

Payment: Pay the rental fee on the spot. Most locations accept credit cards, but cash is also accepted.

Device Pickup: Receive the WiFi router, charger, and instruction manual. Instruction manuals in English or other languages are also available.

Note: During peak seasons (Golden Week, Obon, New Year holidays, etc.), same-day rentals may involve long waiting times or desired devices/plans may be sold out. Advance reservations are recommended for guaranteed rental.

Return Methods

There are multiple options for returning pocket WiFi. Choose the method that best fits your departure schedule.

Airport Counter Return

The most common method is returning at airport counters before departure. You can return during operating hours at rental counters in each terminal.

Advantages

• Immediate confirmation of return completion
• Immediate assistance if any issues arise

Notes

• Must return during counter operating hours (typically 7:00-21:00)
• Early morning or late-night flights may fall outside operating hours

Return Box Usage

Many airports have boxes where you can return pocket WiFi even outside operating hours.

Advantages

• Available 24 hours a day
• No problem with early morning or late-night flights

Notes

• May not receive return completion documentation
• No on-site assistance for issues like device damage

Courier Return

From within Japan, many services allow returns by courier. A dedicated return envelope is provided at rental.

Advantages

• Can return before going to the airport
• Can be sent from convenience stores or Yamato Transport offices

Notes

• Must ensure delivery by the return deadline
• Shipping procedures take some time

If You Forget to Return

If you forget to return the pocket WiFi before departing Japan, contact the rental company immediately. Most companies provide guidance on return methods from overseas.

Data Usage Guidelines

The required data capacity varies depending on your internet usage patterns during your stay in Japan. Use the following guidelines to choose a plan that suits you.

300MB/Day Plan

Suitable Usage

• Light usage such as email checking
• Simple web searches
• Text-based messaging apps (LINE, WhatsApp, etc.)
• Simple map app searches

Suitable For

• Those who don't use the internet much
• Those who mainly use hotel WiFi and carry this for emergencies when out

600MB/Day Plan

Suitable Usage

• Above activities plus light SNS browsing
• Map app navigation features
• Short video viewing (few minutes)
• Uploading a few photos

Suitable For

• Those whose main usage is regular internet activities
• Those who don't use SNS frequently

1GB+/Day Plan

Suitable Usage

• Frequent SNS updates
• Multiple video viewing
• Uploading many photos
• Constant map app usage
• Video calls

Suitable For

• Those who frequently use SNS
• Those who use the internet for work while traveling
• Those who want to frequently share travel experiences through photos and videos

Unlimited Plan

Suitable Usage

• Long-term viewing of high-definition videos
• Large file downloads/uploads
• Live streaming
• Shared usage among multiple people

Suitable For

• Group or family travel
• Those with heavy online work
• Those who want to use data without worrying about capacity

Troubleshooting and Support

Here's how to handle WiFi device troubles during your stay in Japan.

When Unable to Connect

Device Restart: First, try restarting both the pocket WiFi device and the device you're trying to connect.

Battery Check: Confirm that the pocket WiFi battery is sufficiently charged.

Check Coverage: In underground areas or mountains, signals may not reach. Try moving to a different location.

Plan Capacity Limits: Check if data usage has reached the limit. Most plans reset at midnight Japan time.

Loss or Damage

Report Immediately: If you notice device loss or damage, contact the rental company immediately.

Insurance Options: Many services offer insurance plans you can join when renting. If enrolled, compensation fees are waived or reduced.

Compensation Costs: Without insurance, compensation costs typically range from 20,000 to 40,000 yen depending on the device model.

Tips for Internet Usage in Japan

Utilizing Public WiFi

Japan has many free public WiFi hotspots.

• Japan Connected-free Wi-Fi: Available at major tourist spots, airports, and stations
• Convenience Store WiFi: 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson, etc.
• Cafe Chains: Starbucks, Tully's Coffee, etc.
• Tourist Information Centers: Many tourist information centers provide free WiFi

However, from a security perspective, we recommend using your own pocket WiFi for important communications (such as banking transactions).

Battery Management Tips

Turn Off When Not in Use: Turn off the power when not using WiFi for extended periods during sightseeing.

Carry Mobile Battery: A spare mobile battery is reassuring, especially during long outings.

Use Power-Saving Mode: Some pocket WiFi devices have power-saving modes.

Limit Connected Devices: The more devices connected simultaneously, the faster the battery drains.

Conclusion

Pocket WiFi rental at Narita Airport is an efficient way to secure internet access during your stay in Japan. Both advance reservation and same-day rental options are available, and you can choose the optimal plan from various options based on your needs.

With pocket WiFi, you can make your trip smoother and more enjoyable through public transportation transfer guidance, map app directions, restaurant searches, and SNS information sharing. For group travel especially, one pocket WiFi unit allows everyone to connect to the internet, offering excellent cost performance.

Since each service has different rates and features, choose the optimal service based on your travel style and budget. With an always-connected environment through pocket WiFi, you can share your wonderful Japanese experiences in real-time with friends and family around the world.