Is There Free Wifi in Japan? All About Internet Access in Japan
No matter where in the world you are, you probably need access to the internet. From looking up great local restaurants to using map apps on your phone, being able to connect to the net makes traveling abroad a smoother, more rewarding experience. This is just as true in Japan as anywhere else in the world.
While Japan is a relatively safe country, a lack of internet access could cause you a lot of trouble in the case of an emergency. And unsecured access points that could be used to hack your device and steal valuable information are always something to be careful about when accessing public wifi, so knowing Japan's wifi situation before coming to the country will make your trip so much easier.
If you're a tourist coming to Japan, you probably won't be signing up for a wifi or data plan with a Japanese mobile network provider, so knowing how readily available wifi is in Japan can give you a lot of peace of mind. In the past, Japan's free wifi availability left much to be desired, but in recent years increasing demand has led to massive expansions of public wifi, especially in big cities.
So let's look at the current public wifi situation and some options for you if you are planning on taking a trip to Japan soon.
Free Wifi Spots for Tourists
Many businesses and companies in Japan provide free wifi to customers or people who download specific apps. These free wifi spots can be found all over Japan, especially in big cities. If you need public wifi, here are a few options.
・Starbucks
Many café chains in Japan offer free wifi for customers. Starbucks is one of these, and with more than 1,600 stores in Japan, it shouldn't be too hard for you to find a Starbucks near you if you need wifi. Starbucks is extremely popular in Japan and serves many of the same drinks you can find in other countries, so you can enjoy a familiar drink while using their wifi. You'll need to enter your email address or use a social media account to access Starbucks' network, but no other membership is required. Be warned that it is possible some stores might not have wifi, so be sure to check if there is a sticker near the door advertising wifi before you head in.
Starbucks Wifi Website (In Japanese)
Starbucks is not the only cafe that provides free wifi, so keep an eye out for signs or stickers outside of places advertising that they have wifi available. Some wifi networks might require you to register, and may not have English instructions available, so keep that in mind as you're searching for a public wifi network.
・McDonald's
McDonald's in Japan also offers free wifi that, like Starbucks and other restaurants/cafes, simply requires entering an email address to access. McDonald's can also be found all over Japan, so iyou needof wifi this is also a great option.
McDonald's Wifi Website (In Japanese)
・Softbank Free Wi-Fi Passport
Major mobile network companies in Japan also offer free wifi networks that can be accessed in hotels, stations, restaurants, cafes, and more. While some of these networks can only be accessed if you are a paying customer on that specific network, others can be accessed for free by tourists. The mobile network Softbank offers free wifi for tourists visiting Japan, and claims to have over 400,000 hotspots available. Just look for ".FREE_WI-FI_PASSPORT" as you're traveling to access it.
For more info about Softbank's free wifi network, click here.
・Travel Japan Wi-Fi
Travel Japan Wi-Fi is a free wifi service and app for foreigners visiting Japan and has hotspots at more than 200,000 locations nationwide. It supports multiple languages including English, Chinese, Korean, and Thai, and if you download the app it will help guide you to wifi hotspots as well. The app also provides coupons and useful sightseeing information, so you can download it before even coming to Japan to start planning your trip.
For more information and to download the app, click here.
・Japan Wi-Fi auto-connect
Japan Wi-Fi auto-connect is another app that supports multiple languages and helps you connect to safe and reliable wifi networks. It can be used at more than 170,000 locations across Japan. You will need to download the app and register an account before you can use it, but once you do you'll be able to access many wifi networks for free.
For more information and to download the app, click here.
Buying a SIM Card
If you're worried about wifi being unreliable, another option is to buy a SIM card for your phone to access mobile data while you're in Japan. While you will have to pay for this, it will likely work out much cheaper than if you choose to pay roaming network fees with your home country's mobile carrier.
Before you buy a SIM card, be sure to check what kind of SIM cards your phone is compatible with. Your phone will also need to be "unlocked," which many phones bought through mobile companies won't be. If your phone isn't "unlocked," the SIM card you buy will be completely useless.
There are many SIM cards designed for foreign customers available from companies like LINE Mobile and Rakuten Mobile, and they offer various plans with different data caps and extra features.
Most modern phones released in the past few years can also accept eSIM cards--digital sim cards that you can install into your phone through apps. If your phone can accept eSIM cards, one great option is Airalo, which offers multiple eSIM card plans with different data caps. You can also easily buy more data if you burn through your plan before the end of your trip.
For more info about Airalo's Japanese eSIM plans, check out their website here.
Things to Be Careful About
As long as you are connecting to public wifi networks through the businesses or services we talked about, you shouldn't need to be worried about connecting to public wifi. That being said, here are some things you should keep in mind whenever you access any public wifi services in Japan.
1. Be cautious when using public Wi-Fi networks, as they may be vulnerable to hackers who can intercept your data.
2. Avoid accessing sensitive information such as bank accounts or personal information when connected to a public Wi-Fi network.
3. Make sure to connect to Wi-Fi networks that require a password or other security measures (such as registering using an email address.
4. Use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your online activity and protect your privacy.
5. Keep your device's software up to date with the latest security updates to prevent vulnerabilities from being exploited.
6. Be wary of phishing scams and only enter personal information on websites that are secure and trustworthy.
Offline Map Options
As much as Japan's free wifi options have expanded, there is always the chance you will find yourself somewhere with no public wifi or cell reception--especially in rural parts of the country. Luckily, if you need to check a map or train schedule, there are some options.
・Maps.Me
Maps.Me is a free app that provides offline maps for over 200 countries, including Japan. Users can download maps for specific regions or entire countries, and access them without an internet connection. The app offers detailed maps with points of interest, and users can search for restaurants, hotels, and other attractions.
・Navitime
Navitime is a popular navigation app in Japan that offers offline maps and real-time transit information. The app provides detailed maps for walking, driving, and public transportation. Navitime also offers voice-guided navigation in English, which can make your life much easier as you're traveling the country.
・Japan Official Travel App
The Japan Official Travel App is a free app developed by the Japan National Tourism Organization. It provides offline maps, travel guides, and information about local events and attractions. You can save any restaurants, hotels, or points of interest you find in the app to check later.
Don't Stress About Wifi!
Japan's free wifi offerings used to be far behind other countries, but in recent years the situation has improved dramatically. If you download an app that will help you connect to one of the thousands of wifi hotspots in Japan, or head to a local restaurant or cafe, you should have no problems connecting to the internet while you are staying in Japan. Buying a SIM card is also always an option if you are willing to pay.
But if you're looking to save money while you're in Japan and think that free wifi hotspots will be enough for you, then don't worry! With so many options available, especially in urban areas, traveling around Japan and finding wifi should be a breeze.
