Pocket WiFi? SIM Card? "Unlimited" data plan through your local cell provider?
There are so many cheaper options now-a-days I never rely on my cell provider when traveling out of the country. I debated getting a local SIM card after unlocking my phone with doctorSIM before my Iceland trip, but ultimately I decided to get a pocket WiFi for Japan. WiFi isn't as readily available as you might think in Japan, and when it is it isn't always reliable, and since I knew I would be constantly using data for directions I couldn't depend on hot spots.
Some pocket WiFi's have data caps and battery life can vary, but all of the providers I found had multiple packages to pick from based on your usage needs. There are tons of providers out there, so I narrowed it down to Global Advanced Communications, Japan Mobile Rental, Rental WiFI and Ninja WiFi.
I decided to use Global Advanced Communications Premium plan because they use NTT Docomo, one of Japan’s major mobile network carriers, and I couldn't have been happier. I picked up the package at the Post Office inside the airport which was such a life saver, having just gotten off an 11 hour flight, tired and having to navigate to my hotel. The package contained the pocket Wi-Fi, charger, carrying case, user guide and return envelope. It took about 3 minutes to turn it on and connect to my phone. I charged it nightly and the battery would last all day with constant use. I also never lost signal, in fact I don't think I ever saw the signal dip under 2 bars even when traveling in-between cities.
The pocket Wi-Fi, charger, carrying case, user guide and return envelope.
When your trip is over you can drop the prepaid return envelope at a red Post Box anywhere, including the airport. Just make sure you drop it off before you go through airport security. There's no fee and you don't have to fill anything out, just drop it off and then switch to the airports WiFi!
I couldn't imagine not having this while I was in Japan. I used Google Maps pretty much non-stop for walking directions, to find restaurants, and to figure out public transportation. While I think you could navigate public transportation without internet, I think you'd have a more challenging time trying to figure everything else out along the way without some form of internet.
You can read more about my Japan trip here: