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Cheap WiFi in Japan: Free WiFi, Affordable Portable Routers, and SIM Cards

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Free WiFi is the cheapest way to use the Internet when traveling in Japan. However, these WiFi hotspots have their faults. This article introduces how to get free WiFi in Japan, along with information about affordable SIM cards and portable WiFi routers.

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How to Access Cheap Internet in Japan

The Internet has become an essential tool for travelers in Japan. Tools like Google Maps to search routes to lodgings and travel destinations, booking apps for hotel reservations and airplane tickets, and others are indispensable when traveling.

While that may be the case, most people would prefer to save on their Internet expenses using the saved money on sightseeing, shopping, or lodgings.

The cheapest way would be to use free WiFi hotspots, as various places offer this service. Given that free WiFi has its weaknesses, we also recommend getting a portable router or SIM card.

This article features how to connect to free WiFi in Japan, along with budget-friendly portable routers and SIM card services.

Table of Contents

1. The Pros and Cons of Free WiFi
2. Free WiFi Hotspots
3. Free WiFi Apps
4. Portable Router: Ideal for a Large Amount of Data
5. SIM Card: Recommended for Solo Travelers

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The Pros and Cons of Free WiFi

Japan Free Wi-Fi

The registration page for McDonald's free WiFi network

The greatest advantage of free WiFi is that it requires no cost to users. At hotspots with fast internet speed, you can even download a huge amount of data.

Free WiFi hotspots are mainly located in airports, train stations, coffee shops, and lodging facilities.

Alternatively, free WiFi is not usually available on the streets. Those who want to check where they're going will not be able to use Google Maps.

There may also be no multi-lingual guidance, your e-mail addresses must be registered, and the time might be limited. Therefore, free Wi-Fi is not always convenient.

Compared to SIM cards or portable routers that use private lines, free Wi-Fi is also vulnerable to threats. It is not wise to input valuable data, such as your credit card information.

Free WiFi should be used when searching for information that does not require personal data, such as looking for sightseeing spots and how to get there.

Free WiFi Hotspots

There are many free WiFi spots across Japan.

Airports and Train Stations

Japan Free Wi-Fi

Photo by Pixta

Since most major Japanese airports and train stations offer free Wi-Fi services, looking for information about your next destination or train timetables is convenient.

On the other hand, there will be a large number of users, causing the Internet speed to be very slow.

The writer once used free Wi-Fi at Narita Airport to search for information about a tourist destination. However, he had to give up due to the sluggish speed.

Lodging Facilities

Get Cheap Internet in Japan: Free Wi-Fi Hotspots, Affordable Portable Routers, and SIM Cards

Most lodging facilities in Japan now offer free Wi-Fi. This might be the most stable environment to access the Internet. It is possible to stream videos smoothly at hotel chains like APA Hotel and Super Hotel.

Another advantage of free Wi-Fi at accommodations is that it is relatively safe because the number of users is limited.

Nowadays, most lodgings in Japan—including budget hotels, luxury Japanese-style inns (ryokan), and low-cost guest houses—are equipped with free Wi-Fi. Please keep in mind that some old-style ryokans may not offer this service.

Coffee Shops (Starbucks, etc.)

Get Cheap Internet in Japan: Free Wi-Fi Hotspots, Affordable Portable Routers, and SIM Cards

The most well-known free Wi-Fi hotspot in Japan is Starbucks Coffee. In Tokyo, many office workers are taking advantage of this service at Starbucks.

Starbucks' service includes multi-lingual guidance and is easy to use.

Other coffee franchises like Tully's Coffee and Komeda Coffee also offer free Wi-Fi.

Please note that some Starbucks shops located in shopping malls may not offer this service. Although most malls have free Wi-Fi, it may not be easy to use compared to Starbucks.

McDonald's

Japan Free Wi-Fi

Photo by Pixta

Along with Starbucks, McDonald's is another popular free Wi-Fi hotspot. The hamburger franchise also offers multi-lingual guidance.

As of 2023, there are around 3,000 McDonald's across Japan, especially along the main roads. Therefore, the fast-food eatery is easy to find.

Please keep in mind that similar to Starbucks, McDonald's located in shopping malls may not offer this service.

Shopping Malls

Most shopping malls and large commercial facilities, such as Aeon Mall, offer free Wi-Fi.

The Internet speed at these places may be slow, so please consider this disadvantage.

Convenience Stores

Most convenience stores used to offer free Wi-Fi but have begun abandoning this due to COVID-19.

Currently, Lawson is the only major franchise with this service.

Free Wi-Fi Apps

There are various Japanese apps to utilize free Wi-Fi. To get connected, you must constantly enter your e-mail address and other personal information. But an app will take care of that problem!

These apps also include a map of free Wi-Fi hotspots in the area.

Alternatively, these apps might use up your phone battery while operating in the background, so watch out!

Japan Connected-free Wi-Fi

Japan Free Wi-Fi

Japan Connected-free Wi-Fi is supplied by NTT, a major Japanese telecommunications company. It is available in 16 languages and can be used by Japanese and foreign nationals.

While the number is not clearly stated, this app is available at over 50,000 spots in Japan.

Map of Wi-Fi Spots

Travel Japan Wi-Fi

Japan Free Wi-Fi

Wire & Wireless (Wi2), an affiliated company of KDDI—a major telecommunication company that manages au—operates Travel Japan Wi-Fi.

The app can be used at over 200,000 spots in Japan. Contrary to Japan Connected-free Wi-Fi, this app is exclusively for overseas visitors. Therefore, it does not operate on Japanese smartphones.

Portable Router: Ideal for Handling a Large Amount of Data

Portable Router Wi-Fi

Photo by Pixta

As mentioned above, free Wi-Fi has various disadvantages. Therefore, it would be wise to travel to Japan with either a SIM card or a portable Wi-Fi router.

The latter will come in handy when traveling in groups or on a business trip.

The user will have to carry the router and a smartphone, which may be inconvenient. But it allows Internet connection on multiple devices, which is ideal for group travel. Also, the router handles more data and costs cheaper than a SIM card, making it perfect for those heading on a business trip. It's also ideal for travelers wishing to enjoy videos or games during the trip.

While there are various portable router services in Japan, Ninja WiFi may be the most cost-effective choice. The maximum amount of data is 3GB per day and costs 770 yen daily.

MATCHA is currently offering a 20% discount coupon! With this discount, the cost will be 3,080 yen for five days. Price-wise, Ninja WiFi is as reasonable as a SIM card.

While it is more expensive than Ninja WiFi, Sakura Mobile is another option. Their English-based service is well-known, which is reassuring in times of trouble.

For MATCHA Readers: 20% Discount on NINJA WiFi Rentals
MATCHA's readers receive a 20% discount on NINJA WiFi rentals booked through this link.

SIM Card: Recommended for Solo Travelers

Japan Free Wi-Fi

Photo by Pixta

A SIM card, instead of a portable router, is recommended for people traveling alone. The amount of data may be smaller, but it's inexpensive and easy to carry.

SIM cards are sold at online shops like Amazon, airports, or home electronics retailers such as Bic Camera. As of July 2023, the price range for a 3 to 4GB card is less than 2,000 yen. It's about 2,500 to 3,000 yen for a 10 to 15GB card.

In Japan, a telephone number comes in handy when applying for various services. Mobal sells SIM cards with a phone number attached, so those who are interested should take a look!

Along with portable routers, Sakura Mobile is known for its customer support of SIM card users. They will also answer questions about which is the better choice, in relation to the user's destination. If you have any worries, please choose this company.

E-SIM, a service that does not require changing SIM cards, has begun in recent years. Sakura Mobile offers this service as well, so do take a look!

Let's Use Free Wi-Fi, SIM Card, and Portable Router Together!

Relying solely on free Wi-Fi during your trip to Japan is not a wise decision, especially if problems occur or you get lost.

We recommend using a SIM card or portable router alongside free Wi-Fi when possible.

Written by

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Mizzochi

Mitoyo, Kagawa, Japan

I worked in a PR agency for corporate IR/CSR and a publisher which publishes a magazine focused on international cooperation before joining MATCHA in October 2017. 
In April 2019, I moved to Mitoyo City in Kagawa Prefecture. I write articles for tourists visiting Japan, and also contribute to regional revitalization.
My main focus is on writing about internet services, rental cars, hotels, and tourist attractions in western Japan.
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