Options for sending a message while on a Shinkansen
I need to send a message, preferably while I'm on a Shinkansen, to tell someone which Shinkansen I'm on.
I tried to find out how I could do this and ended up with ridiculously expensive options like booking a mobile internet device for 30$ or renting a mobile phone for similar prices. Call me cheap, but 20$ for one text is simply ridiculous. I don't really want to sign up for anything longterm, because I won't need it in the weeks after this.
Just for one message, roaming might be an option, but as far as I understand my phone simply won't work in Japan, except for the 3G capabilities, and with data roaming I will probably end up with the 20$ again.
So, I thought I'd ask here for any other ideas. Or maybe some cheaper options to get a mobile or a wifi connection.
I've also considered simply asking someone if I could use their phone for a minute, but I'm really not sure how Japanese people might react to this. Also, I'm not sure if I could even use a Japanese phone if someone would let me have theirs. Does anyone have any experience regarding this?
Another option I found, although it's more of a workaround, is to use the free Wifi-access on stations, before or after the Shinkansen ride, but the description I found was not quite clear. Can this be used for something other than surfing the official JR-West website, or is it restricted?
If it makes a difference, I'm going from Shin-Osaka to Hakata (Fukuoka).
Best Answer
If you only need to inform the person of what Shinkansen you are on (the train's number), it will be written on the platform before you leave so you can send it then and not worry about it on the train.
The person awaiting your arrival can look up the arrival time if they have the train number.
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Can you talk on Shinkansen?
Don't talk too loudly. Use headphones when listening to music or videos. Don't talk on your phone in your seat. Use the space in-between cars to make phone calls.Is there Internet on the Shinkansen?
Shinkansen Free Wi-Fi is available on Tokaido, Sanyo, and Kyushu shinkansen trains featuring the Wi-Fi sticker inside the car. Please note that communication speed may be hindered or connectivity limited due to the device being used or the number of passengers connected.Can you talk on Japanese trains?
Talking on trains While you may be accustomed to chatting with your traveling companions while using public transportation, this is not the norm in Japan. Loud chatter or other disturbance is considered rude. You may notice that most Japanese train passengers stand or sit in silence.Does Shinkansen toilet?
Of course, there are. All long distance trains in Japan have them. no better than toilets on airplanes. Yes, on the Tokaido Shinkansen there are usually three choices (and it is marked in Japanese and English).Making a Call from a Shinkansen Seat?_Channel JAPAN ＃32/2021
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