Where to find Internet in Japan as a tourist.
Staying connected is essential when traveling overseas, and in Japan, where navigating intricate train systems, translating signs, and sharing your favourite travel moments are part of the adventure, reliable internet access is a must. Whether you’re figuring out which train to catch on Google Maps, asking for directions with a translation app, or posting photos of your sushi dinner, having WIFI when and where you need it is crucial for a smooth and enjoyable trip.
Get a Mobile Data Sim Card
By far, having a mobile sim card is the easiest and most straightforward way to stay connected to the internet in Japan. With airport pickup upon arrival into Japan, or delivered to your house before you leave, you can get connected within hours of touching down.
The mobile data network in Japan is extensive, so there aren’t many areas where you’d be out of coverage. This means you can be in the center of Tokyo, or on the side of mountain, and still have mobile data. Most mobile data providers offer a worry-free, unlimited data package, meaning that you don’t have to constantly worry about using all your data up by posting on your social media.
From just a few days, to a whole month, you can pre-purchase your mobile sim card early to ensure that you have access for your trip to Japan. Having a sim card allows your to break off from your group to go shopping, see sights, and still remain connected.
Our preferred provider for mobile data sims is Sakura Mobile. Among our writers, guests, readers, we have found Sakura Mobile to be reliable, and easy to set-up. With products that suit all needs, we feel Sakura Mobile is best placed to ensure that you can stay connected on your next trip to Japan. Just make sure you order your sim card with enough time before leaving to Japan for it to arrive. 
Get a instant access with an eSim
An eSIM (short for embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card that allows you to activate a mobile phone plan without needing a physical SIM card. eSIMs are built directly into modern smartphones, tablets, and some wearables, making them particularly useful for travelers. This means you can step off the plane, and activate your eSim straight away without worrying about changing sims, or worrying about shipping delays with a physical sim card.
With Sakura Mobile eSIMs, you’ll enjoy fast, reliable, and affordable data wherever your adventure takes you—seamlessly and stress-free.
Get your travel eSIM for Japan!
Grab a Pocket WiFi device
Like a sim card, a Pocket WiFi device can provide you with WiFi on the go, usually with unlimited data as well. These are great for travelling in groups, as multiple devices can be connected to the same time. Pocket WiFi devices are cost effective, allowing up to 5 devices at a time.
Pocket WiFi devices also have some down-sides. Pocket WiFi is usually more expensive to cope for the increased number of devices that can be connected at a time.
They also have a battery life, and must be charged daily. While not impossible to do, some people do forget they need to charge the device.
These devices also have to be returned after your rental period is up, which is important to remember.
One last downside, is that if the person carrying the pocket WiFi gets separated from other members of their group, the others have no way to contact that person to let them know their whereabouts.
Get free WiFi at Convenience Stores
Convenience stores are a great place to find reliable, free WiFi in Japan. All of the major convenience store brands in Japan will have free WiFi in store, allowing you to pop on while you shop and catch up on messages. Some convenience stores have an eating area, allowing conveniences to be a great place for a bite to eat, and to hop on the internet while you eat.
Though, while the WiFi is free, it is a common courtesy that if you plan on using their WiFi, then you should at least make a purchase.
Major Train Stations
Most large train stations will have some sort of free internet access. This does vary from station to station, but most main JR Stations in large cities will have free access to the internet. Typically, you will have to enter your email address to gain access to the WIFI.
This is especially important when you are trying to figure out which train you need to take and what platform you need to be on.
If you are struggling to find WIFI at the train station, see if you can find a convenience store inside the train station, as they may have WIFI as well.
It should be noted that the further you go into the country side, or the smaller the station you are at, the less likely it is you will be able to get connected. For that reason, this is not a very reliable method for some.
Limited Express and Shinkansens
Long distance trains, like Limited Express trains, and Shinkansen (Bullet Trains), and the likes of special trains to the Airport will usually have WIFI where it is available. This WIFI is free, typically just requiring you to just provide an e-mail address before logging in.
It should be noted that internet connection of the trains can sometimes be limited and a little unreliable due to the many tunnels and remote areas the trains travel through. You may not have access to the internet the entire time you are on the train. It works great for casual social media browsing, but not the greatest for important meetings. Sims, esims, and Pocket WIFI also experience connection issues in tunnels.
At Hotels and Ryokans
Nowadays, it is an industry practice to have WiFi at your hotel or Ryokan in Japan. It should however be noted, that the Wifi might not always be free, nor will it be fast. If you are out in the countryside, you might not even have WiFi at some hotels. It’s important to make sure when booking that your Hotel offers free WiFi before you book.
With Booking.com, you can easily see what services and amenities are on offer at the property, such as WIFI, so that you know what to expect when you arrive at your accommodation.
Popular Cafés, coffee shops etc.
Reading the morning news or catching up on social always goes down well with a hot cup of coffee, and a slice of something sweet. Cafés in Japan, especially large chain ones like Starbucks, will have free WiFi for patrons to use while enjoying their products. If you are out and about, and fancy a stop off for your morning brew, check for WiFi.
Know of any more? Want to share your travel tips with the world?
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