Free WiFi in Japan: Locations, Restrictions and Alternatives

With the 2020 Tokyo Olympics on the horizon, hotspots offering free WiFi in Japan are becoming much easier to access.

Among notable changes, since 2015 Mount Fuji climbers can access free WiFi at the top of Japan’s most iconic mountain, and starting 2018, all Shinkansen bullet trains are slowly but surely getting equipped with free travel WiFi services for commuters in Japan.

Despite this renewed interest in making the city more appealing for tourists, it is still sometimes a challenge to find and connect to a free hotspot in Japan.

Keep reading to learn where you can find free WiFi hotspots in Japan, important points to consider when using them, and a reliable alternative to these sometimes risky, free Japan WiFi connections.

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Japanese Cell Phone Plans for Short and Long-term Students

Cell phones are a modern necessity wherever you are, but no more so than if you are a student looking to make the most of your stay in a foreign country like Japan. Whether you are trying to navigate through streets labeled with kanji characters, arranging to meet friends at an izakaya Japanese bar, or sending the latest Mount Fuji pics to your family, it’s nice to know that the people you love and the places you want to go are just a touchscreen-tap or phone call away. Fortunately, there are plenty of Japanese cell phone plans for both short and long-term students. Before going to study in the Land of the Rising Sun, take a look at some of the options and decide which one is right for you. READ MORE

MVNO Japan Comparison: Which Japan MVNO Is Right for You?

mvno japan comparison

When it comes to wireless data In Japan, you have the choice of going with one of the big three network operators, all of which require lengthy contracts, Japanese credit cards, and a Japanese billing address. For tourists, short-term residents, or anyone who doesn’t have a Japanese credit card or billing address, MVNOs are the way to go. Keep reading to find out what they are and how to pick the best one for your wireless needs with our Japan MVNO comparison.

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How to Get Internet in Japan: Choosing Between Broadband & Mobile Services

Internet in Japan

Japan is one of the most connected countries in the world. With 144 million smartphones among 127 million people, nearly everyone has access to the internet. Coupled with some of the fastest home broadband speeds found anywhere in the world, this makes Japan a great place to use the internet at home or on the go. If you’re looking for a way to use your computer in Japan, you need a traditional broadband connection, a smartphone data SIM for tethering, or a high-speed mobile router. Keep reading to find out which option is right for you during your long-term stay.

In this article:

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Cruises Around Japan: Keep your Internet Afloat on your Trip

Japan is becoming more popular with different kinds of tourists from all over the world. While many people might prefer to be whisked around by planes and trains, there’s also something to be said for taking it slow and soaking in the beautiful blue of the Pacific ocean and experiencing a culture like no other. We’ll let you in on the awesomeness of cruises around Japan, highlight the perils of cruise ship connectivity and give you a few tips on how to keep your internet connection from being lost at sea.

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Japan MVNO Carriers: Advantages and Disadvantages

mvno japan

Japan is in the middle of a mobile phone revolution thanks to a set of recently introduced regulations.

It used to be impossible for mobile phone users in Japan to unlock their handsets, which meant that every phone was tied to a network with no possibility of using them elsewhere. This effectively locked customers into one of the big three service providers and stifled competition. This all changed when regulations were introduced in 2015, and it is now possible to use any unlocked handset with a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO).

The advent of Japan MVNO carriers is great news for those looking for a cheaper alternative to the traditionally lengthy and costly contracts available from the incumbent networks.

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Docomo Coverage Makes Climbing and Hiking in Japan Easier

Japan Travel Guide Make primary

Japan is a country of mountains. Nearly three quarters of the land is considered mountainous, and two thirds is forested. This makes Japan an excellent place to walk and hike, with trails for beginners and experts alike. Some of the popular locations have well-appointed cabins for overnight stays or extended rests, and will even offer the most Japanese of services – vending machines!

Despite these modern conveniences, hiking in Japan, not to mention mountain climbing there, still means planning your trip carefully and being able to keep in touch with civilization when necessary. Staying connected means packing the newest piece of hiking technology, your mobile phone.

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Japan Mobile Network Guide for Travellers and Tourists

For years Japan was the world leader in mobile phone technology. Japan’s mobile network was the first to go nationwide. Japan was also the first to have mobile internet, the first with color screens on phones and the first for a whole host of other things we now take for granted.

But while the Japanese were forging ahead and using technology unique to Japan, the rest of the world was developing standards that now define a somewhat common ground globally. Because Japan has created its own closed mobile ecosystem, termed “Galapagos syndrome” because it has made their technology perfect in-country but incompatible on a world scale, using foreign phones on the domestic Japanese networks has been always been a challenge.

With the advent of 4G LTE networks, this disparity is becoming less of a problem for foreign travellers. It may be awhile before compatibility becomes a simple issue, but in the meantime here is a Japan mobile network guide to show you how to best use your options (such as a SIM card from Sakura Mobile) to successfully use your cell phone in Japan.

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Kansai Airport Pocket WiFi and Travel SIM Options Compared

With over 17.2 million passengers passing through Kansai Airport (KIX) on international flights in 2015 (up from 10.4 million in 2010), Osaka’s premier aviation hub has established its place as the gateway to Japan’s Kansai region. If your travel plans include visiting Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Nara, or any number of the other must-see destinations of western Japan, then it’s important to consider where and how you can get connected to the Internet before embarking on your journey. Keep reading to find out what Kansai Airport Pocket WiFi and Travel SIM options are available and which companies offer plans that meet your personal data needs.

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Internet in Japan for Tourists: Free WiFi and Beyond

WiFi can be a lifeline for travelers around the world, but especially in Japan where your regular cellular service is not available or will cost you in high roaming fees. When planning your Japan adventure be sure to bring a WiFi-enabled mobile device to help you get around. Wifi access will help you get the best value food and shopping, as well as to discover popular tourist spots and hidden gems on the go. You will be able to use your mobile device in diverse locations including airports, convenience stores, and even on many of the super-fast Shinkansen bullet trains. Read below to successfully navigate the sometimes confusing array of WiFi options and get internet in Japan for an even more wonderful trip!

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