Your smartphone can be your greatest ally when visiting Japan. Being able to access apps like Google Maps or reading Accessible Japan reviews will undoubtedly make your stay there even more fantastic. If you’re travelling to Japan and want to stay connected during your visit, here are your options – and everything you need to know about using the Internet in Japan.
SIM Cards
One sure-fire way to stay connected during your trip to Japan is to buy a prepaid SIM card. These physical SIM cards are easy to use and widely available at airports, major electronics retailers like Bic Camera and Yodobashi Camera, and even some convenience
stores.
If you prefer to plan ahead, many providers offer the option to pre-order online with free shipping to your hotel, the airport, or even your home before departure. Most SIM cards work in unlocked phones that support Japanese mobile networks and come with data-only
or voice-and-data plans.
It’s worth noting that to use many services in Japan, such as booking taxis, reserve tables in restaurants, and purchasing event tickets, a Japanese phone number is often required. Not all providers offer this service to tourists, but some, like Mobal, offer
SIMs that include a Japanese phone number with no minimum contract duration – making it a good option for travelers.
Popular providers offering prepaid SIM cards include:
eSIM
If your smartphone supports eSIM technology, you can skip the physical card and activate your mobile plan digitally. eSIMs are a convenient option for travelers who want to connect immediately upon arrival without needing to pick up or install a physical SIM.
Activation is typically done by scanning a QR code and following simple instructions. eSIM plans vary in data volume and validity, giving you flexibility to choose what best suits your trip.
eSIMs that include a Japanese phone number (recommended) often require you to collect your eSIM details in physical form. This is due to Japan’s strict ID laws governing phone numbers. However, providers like Mobal allow you to pick up these details on the
same day you place your order—so the process is fast and the inconvenience is kept to a minimum!
Providers offering eSIMs for Japan include:
Pocket Wifi
If you’re traveling as a group or need to connect multiple devices like a phone, laptop, or tablet, a pocket WiFi router is often the most efficient and cost-effective option. These compact devices automatically connect to Japan’s 4G network, and you simply
connect your devices to the router via WiFi – just like at home.
Pocket WiFi is especially convenient for families, friends, or business travelers, since multiple devices can share a single connection. It’s also a great alternative to buying multiple SIM cards.
Many providers offer delivery to your hotel or the airport, so you can start using the router as soon as you arrive.
Popular providers offering pocket WiFi rental include:
- Mobal
- Sakura Mobile
- Ninja WiFi
- Japan Wireless
- Japan Pocket WiFi (also offers bundle options with the JR Pass or regional rail passes)
WiFi (limited, but available)
Of course, you can still use the Internet even if you don’t have a prepaid data SIM card or Pocket Wifi. Wireless Internet is generally limited compared to North America or Europe, but still available at certain places. The government is working with various local organizations to fix this, and free Wi-Fi Hotspots are getting more and more common. As a tourist, you can download the Japan Connected Free Wi-Fi app to find and connect with one of the 130,000 access points located at various airports, train stations and Japan’s major sightseeing spots.
The majority of hotels and some selected coffee shops, fast food chains and convenience stores might also offer free Wi-Fi hotspots. Keep in mind that there are some hotspots that are limited to specific wireless carriers.
Apart from the Japan Connected free Wi-Fi app, there are other products that might make finding a Wi-Fi hotspot easier. Travel Japan Wi-Fi will provide you with two-week long free access to over 60,000 hotspots all around Japan. You can increase the number of hotspots to over 200,000, if you pay for a premium account.
Additionally, all major airports have free Wi-Fi hotspots – these include the Kansai International Airport, Narita Airport, Haneda International Airport and others.
Disclaimer: Things change fast in technology. This information may have changed in the time since it was first published. Accessible Japan uses affiliate links to help keep the site running and provide you with the best information for your trip. Using the links on this page doesn’t cost you anything extra and are a great way to support the site.
