Using Wifi in Japan [closed]

I'm traveling to Japan in June and just wanted to ask whether I should bring my iPhone/iPad to access wifi. I remember from several years ago that it was quite hard to use unless I went to a Starbucks. Is this still the case? Can I purchase a 2 week wifi plan for my iPhone?

japan wifi

Best Answer

Yes, I'd bring the iPad, but you will definitely have to plan ahead since 100% no strings attached free wifi is rare as hen's teeth in Japan.

Two main points:

Make sure your lodging offers free wifi for guests. Almost all business hotels and backpacker-y places do, but large chain hotels will charge an arm and a leg, and ryokan/minshuku usually won't have it.
Consider signing up for Wi2 300, discussed in this question. TL;DR: ¥380/month gets you access to ~70,000 hot spots, and you can cancel after the first month. Note that, while that number sounds huge, it's actually not that much for a country of 100 million; it's worth studying the list in advance so you can figure out the chain stores (mostly Lawson & McDonalds) where you can get online.

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Can I use WiFi in Japan?

Both paid and free wireless (Wi-Fi) hotspots are available across Japan, which laptops, smartphones and other mobile devices can use to connect to the internet, especially around airports, train stations, convenience stores, restaurants, coffee shops and bars.

Is the internet allowed in Japan?

The government does not restrict or disrupt access to the Internet or censor online content, and there were no credible reports that the government monitors private online communications without appropriate legal authority. The Internet is widely accessible and used.

Is WiFi in Japan free?

Most accommodations in Japan have wifi, which is almost always free. A few places charge for wifi, but this barbaric practice is quickly disappearing. In some ryokan and older hotels, instead of wifi, there might only be LAN cable internet access (they usually supply LAN cables for you to use).

Should I get a pocket WiFi for Japan?

A pocket WiFi is one of the most important items if you travel to Japan. You can't help but use SNSs like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, search with Google Maps and talk with WhatsApp and WeChat. It's hard to travel foreign countries smoothly without the Internet connection.

First Week in Japan + Our WIFI TRAVEL HACK

Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

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