To ensure a stable internet connection during Japan’s New Year (December 27 – January 5), travelers should reserve a Pocket WiFi at least 14 days in advance. While major airport counters remain open, domestic shipping to hotels may experience delays due to holiday congestion, and many local post offices close from Jan 1–3. For 2026, we recommend choosing providers that have robust holiday support and “Truly Unlimited” data plans.
The “Truly Unlimited” vs. “Daily Cap” Reality Check
During New Year, travelers stream more content (Netflix on Shinkansen, video calling home), and there may be speed throttling (network congestion) between 11:30 PM (Dec 31) and 3:00 AM (Jan 1) near major shrines due to high local traffic.
Technical Note: In Japan, “Unlimited” often means a 3GB/day Fair Usage Policy (FUP). For New Year 2026, we recommend the Truly Unlimited plans from providers like Japan Wireless if you are traveling as a group, before there is no speed throttling or data caps.
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Why New Year “Oshogatsu” Affects Your WiFi Rental
The New Year is Japan’s most significant holiday. For a traveler, this impacts three critical areas:
- Shipping Delays: The “Nengajo” (New Year card) rush peaks from late December to early January, slowing down courier services (Yamato/Sagawa).
- Inventory Scarcity: Domestic travelers also rent devices for home visits, leading to frequent “Sold Out” statuses for high-speed models.
- Support Hours: While the WiFi works 24/7, many customer service desks operate on reduced hours or close entirely on January 1st.
Critical Logistics: Airport vs. Hotel Pickup
During the holiday season, your choice of pickup location matters more than usual.
- Airport Counters (Recommended): Most major hubs (Narita, Haneda, Kansai, Chubu) keep their dedicated WiFi counters open on January 1st, though hours may be shortened (e.g., 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM).
- Hotel Delivery: If arriving on Dec 31 or Jan 1, ensure your order is placed by Dec 25. Many hotels have reduced front-desk staff during the first three days of the year.
- Post Office Pickup: Most local and airport post offices have restricted hours or are closed from Jan 1–3. Always check the specific “Holiday Operating Hours” for the branch before selecting this option.
How to Return Your Device After the Holidays
Returning your device is generally simple as it uses a prepaid envelope. However, keep these holiday tips in mind:
- Red Letterboxes: These are always accessible. Even if a post office is closed, the street-side boxes are collected daily.
- Airport Drop-boxes: Ensure you drop the device off before passing through security, as there are no mailboxes in the international departure lounges.
- Last-Minute Options: Look for same-day rental providers and check if stock is available.
Conclusion: Navigating the New Year with Confidence
The internet in Japan is incredibly stable, but the human support and shipping systems take a well-deserved break during Oshogatsu. Secure your connection early, keep your device charged against the winter chill, and you’ll be ready to share your first sunrise of 2026 with the world without a second of downtime.
