If you’re planning your first trip to Japan, Wi-Fi and general internet access can be complicated. But learning how to access the internet in Japan is crucial for looking up restaurants, finding your way on a map, or even translating Japanese phrases.
To make it easy for you, we’ve rounded up the different options for connecting to the internet in Japan during your vacation, so you can pick the right ones for you before you visit.
Having access to the internet while traveling in Japan can be a very important part of getting ready for your trip. From navigating your way, checking bus routes and train times, using your phone to make cashless payments, and more, having easy internet access could make a world of difference while traveling through Japan. Many larger cities, like Osaka and Tokyo, will have readily accessible Wi-Fi hotspots around town, but more isolated areas and places in the countryside are less likely to have internet access available to tourists and visitors.
Be sure to research and choose the internet access in Japan that’s right for you before traveling to Japan. If you’re planning on renting a SIM card or pocket Wi-fi, we recommend making sure to reserve it online before you Japan travels.
Using roaming services is a convenient way to access the internet in Japan, but it can be costly. The carrier you use in your home country must have roaming agreements with a Japan-based service provider, and your smartphone needs to be fully functional in Japan.
Always consult your carrier for information on roaming services before you try to access the internet in Japan. Otherwise, you could rack up huge costs without realizing if you go online frequently. Depending on your plan, however, this may be an option either in a pinch or if you’re only planning to use your phone for emergencies.
If you want to get internet access in Japan quickly, there are plenty of Wi-Fi hotspots throughout the country. These may be paid or free.
Many airports, train stations, and bus stops offer free Wi-Fi in major cities (such as Tokyo), and most hotels have Wi-Fi too. But if you’re due to stay in smaller accommodations in rural areas, check whether Wi-Fi is available when making reservations.
Love to sip coffee while you browse and check out your favorite apps? In Japan, Wi-Fi is free at most branches of Starbucks. These and other hotspots are easy to find in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and other main cities.
Here’s one of the most important Japan travel tips when going online: make sure you check how safe any Wi-Fi hotspots are before you connect. Using some Wi-Fi hotspots can bring security risks, so you need to be as careful as you can.
Connecting to Wi-Fi hotspots may be difficult, too, as many require registration. And if all the information you need to know is presented in Japanese, that will only make it harder for travelers to get on the internet in Japan.
If you’re planning a shorter stay focused on exploring Japan’s major cities, these four Wi-Fi options should suit you.
Japan Wi-Fi auto-connect is a free option for travelers looking to go online at airports, convenience stores, cafes, and on trains. For your peace of mind, it only connects to Wi-Fi hotspots that are trustworthy and secure.
On top of that, Japan Wi-Fi auto-connect gives priority to strong networks (on Android only). You can get Japan Wi-Fi auto-connect on Google Play (Android) and the App Store (iOS).
Free Wi-Fi Passport is a free option for using the internet in Japan, operated by SoftBank. Free Wi-Fi Passport offers access to 400,000 hotspots across Japan. You can go online at cafes, hotels, restaurants, and numerous other location types that carry the Wi-Fi Passport logo.
It’s ideal for travelers visiting Japan for short vacations, as it can be used for two weeks at a time. If you want to use it for longer than that, you’ll need to get a new password.
You can connect up to five devices with Free Wi-Fi Passport. You must provide the following details to get access:
Free Wi-Fi Passport
Wi2 300 is a paid option for getting internet access in Japan. You can choose from four plans:
You can access more than 100,000 hotspots across Japan, and it’s suitable for the following operating systems:
SoftBank Wi-Fi Spot (EX) offers internet access for everyone — you don’t need to be a SoftBank customer. It’s available on a range of internet-enabled devices, including tablets, computers, and smartphones.
It costs ¥514 (including tax) per day for unlimited use, with no registration fees. However, you can only pay for the service via credit card. You will need to create an account before you start using the internet with SoftBank Wi-Fi Spot (EX).
Do you have an unlocked phone? One way to get internet access in Japan is to either buy or rent a prepaid data-only SIM card for going online.
There is a wide range of plans to choose from, which makes it easy to find the ideal option for your vacation. You’re also able to choose the usage period to suit your travel needs.
You can buy or rent prepaid SIM cards at major airports in Japan, including Narita, Haneda, and Kansai. They’re also available at well-known electronic stores, such as Yodobashi Camera. You can also arrange to have the SIM card sent to your address at home before you leave Japan.
Using a pocket router for Wi-Fi in Japan is probably the easiest option to arrange before your vacation. There are various data plans, connectivity speeds, and rental periods to choose from.
You can collect your pocket Wi-Fi in Japan at an airport when you land, or you can have it delivered to your accommodation instead. To return your pocket Wi-Fi router, you may ship it back to the rental company or drop it off at the counter at the airport before you depart.
Pocket Wi-Fi routers are recommended for travelers taking longer trips and anyone who wants constant internet access wherever they go in Japan.
We hope these Japan travel tips for accessing the internet help you stay connected in the easiest, most convenient, most affordable way during your trip!
