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How To Get Internet in Japan: 3 Best Options for Tourist

2019.07.12 / Last modified at 2023.02.20

In modernized technology, the internet is the foremost source of communication and collecting information globally. It is also essential when traveling abroad, which helps you stay connected with people worldwide with the aid of social media and can even do business transactions, and a lot more.

This article will give you information about the internet service provider that is good for tourists in Japan. Since there’s an increase in the number of visitors in the country every year, companies offer different ways to access the internet. The following are the three categories to choose from while or before you travel to Japan.

1. Rent a WiFi router
2. Use free WiFi hotspots
3. Register a SIM card

Some services mentioned here cannot be purchased easily in Japan; hence, we have selected carefully the relatively affordable services made for foreigners visiting Japan from us FAIR.

1. Use Rental WiFi Router

Portable WiFi router or pocket WiFi is handy, light in weight and easy to use device which is perfect for people traveling across Japan. Since it is wireless, so there’s no need for wires or cables. Just like the WiFi router, it can also connect to multiple devices such as smartphones, tablets, PC’s, etc. A maximum of 10 people can connect at the same time.

Furthermore, you can choose for a larger data capacity if you are a heavy user or if many will connect to the internet. You can rent a pocket WiFi at a reasonable price as many companies can give you the best offers like Ninja WiFi, WiFi Rental and Telecom Square.

You can make a subscription contract to portable WiFi router providers from HP. If you register in advance, you can even get it in Haneda, Narita, Kansai International Airport, etc. For more details please visit HP.

Pros

– Cover a large area of Japan

– Able to share with many people and on multiple devices

– Able to use in large capacity

Cons

– Devices and routers have to be carried around in sets

– As they are limited in stock, reservation in advance is necessary

Ninja WiFi

Usage charge: 900 JPY + tax per day
Connection speed: 75mbps~
Plan: Fixed-price
Speed limit: 13GB per day
Supported languages: Japanese, English, Chinese (Simplified/ Traditional), Korean
Airport counter: Yes
Official sites
English: https://ninjawifi.com

Get this Wifi pocket

Wi-Fi RENTAL

Usage charge:
Connection speed:
Plan: Fixed-price
Speed limit:
Supported languages:
Airport counter:
Official site: https://wi-firental.com/

Telecom Square

Usage charge: 1,295 JPY per day
Connection speed: 75mbps~
Plan: Fixed-price
Speed limit: 366MB per day, 10GB per month
Supported languages: English, Chinese (Traditional and Simplified Chinese)
Airport counter: Yes
Official site: http: // www.telecomsquare.co.jp/us/daus/

2. Use Free WiFi Spots

If you are not a heavy internet user and you just want to have internet access while outside or traveling in Japan, then you should avail the free WiFi hotspots. Once you registered the password successfully, then you can be able to use the internet for free. The WiFi is available to search in major cities and train stations.

Pros

zero cost
Multiple devices or different types of devices can connect

Cons

Spots often available in large cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto
WiFi hotspots require to be registered or certified before connecting.
If exceeds the maximum number of users, unable to connect
Security issues may occur depending on the location

Japan Connected-free WiFi

Number of installed spots: 1,400,000
Registration: is necessary (If you register once, you can use it for free)
Initial cost: 0 yen
Supported languages: Japanese, English, Chinese (Simplified, Traditional), Korean, Thai, Malay, Indonesian, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Russian
Official site: Japan Connected-free Wi-Fi
Download URL: iOS version · Android version

TRAVEL JAPAN WiFi

Number of installed spots: More than 200,000
Registration: Necessary (If you register once, you can use it freely)
Initial cost: 0 yen
Supported languages: Japanese, English, Chinese (Simplified / Traditional), Korean, Thai
Official site: Travel Japan Wifi
Download URL: iOS version · Android version

Details are summarized in the following articles.
■ It’s available at Tokyo Metro and a convenience store! Free Wi-Fi portal app ‘Japan Connected-free Wi-Fi’

3. Get a Sim Card!

Purchasing with the product is inclusive of call and data communication. For those who wish to use email to communicate rather than those who want to consume hugely on voice communication, this is highly recommended.

Pros

- Free Sim terminal is provided
- Wide Network coverage in Japan
- You can choose depending on your choice of data speed, the communication volume, and the usable period.

Cons

- Difficult to set up for first-time users
- Sim Subscription is limited, once expired cannot be extended
- Devices do not meet the Japanese communication standard unable to connect.

PAYG SIM

Usage fee: 9,980 yen + tax
Data amount: 3GB
Service type: call + data communication
Expiration date: 7 days
Activation: Required
Supported languages: English, Chinese
How to buy: Yodobashi Camera (home appliance store), Aeon (supermarket), Dospara (PC shop), online store
Official site: http://www.bmobile.ne.jp/payg_sim/index.html

OCN mobile ONE Prepaid SIM for VISITOR

Charge: 7 days version 2,980 yen (tax-included 3,218 yen), 14 days version 3,500 yen (tax-included 3,780 yen)
Data amount: 100MB / day
Usage: Data communication only
Expiration date: Varies depending on purchased SIM (7 days or 14 days)
Activation: Not required
Supported languages: English, Chinese (Traditional / Simplified)
Purchase method: Tokyo Station, each home appliance mass retailer, etc
Official site: http://service.ocn.ne.jp/mobile/one/visitor/en/

JAPAN TRAVEL SIM powered by llJmio

Rates: Introduction price (2,460 yen towards the Amazon in 1GB / 30days, 2GB / 3months is ¥ 4,082 ※ 2016 years of May)
Data volume: 1GB / month, 2GB / 3 months (data volume can be recharged)
Type of services: Data communication only
Expiration date: 1GB / month, 2GB / 3 months
Activation: Not required
Purchase method: each consumer electronics retailer, part of the convenience store, etc.
Benefits: available free WiFi in 200,000 places in the country; available “Premium code”
Official site: JAPAN TRAVEL SIM powered by llJmio

Think about this!

Connecting to free WiFi can save you a lot of charges but it’s not always smooth. Sometimes you get a slow network speed due to many users. Unlike if you rent a WiFi Router, although it is expensive but ensures you a high-speed connection.

On the other hand, if you want cheaper go for SIM cards. However, the call and data volume is limited. So, come to think this way.

If you want to play video or to use a map when traveling, connect using your WiFi router.
If you want to use the internet in a designated place, connect with the Free WiFi.
If you want to send an email, and only use minimal data, purchase a SIM card.

Notice the benefit each one contributes.

Have a nice trip with comfortable internet!

FAIR Japan provides useful information about Japan.