Japan Travel Fixes
Should I get an eSIM or rent a pocket WiFi in Japan?
For most solo and small-group travelers, an eSIM is cheaper and easier — you can install it before you land and skip the airport counter line. Pocket WiFi makes more sense for groups sharing one connection or travelers with older phones that don't support eSIM.
Japan does not sell regular prepaid SIM cards to short-term visitors as freely as some other countries, so most tourists choose between an eSIM (a digital SIM you install via QR code) and a pocket WiFi router (a physical device you pick up and return).
eSIM pros: no airport pickup/return, works the moment you land if you install it in advance, usually cheaper per person for 1-2 travelers.
Pocket WiFi pros: one device can share a connection with your whole group (useful for families of 3+), works with any device including laptops, no need to check phone eSIM compatibility.
Check your phone supports eSIM before buying (most iPhones since XS and many recent Android flagships do, but SIM-locked phones from some carriers may not).