“How about Public Wi-Fi in Japan?” – The short answer is “not that good”.
Well, I’m not saying it sucks (some of you might think so…), but the connection is sometimes unstable, weak, or unavailable.
We will introduce typical places where free public Wi-Fi is available in Japan, recommended Wi-Fi connection apps, and Wi-Fi connecting options in this article.
Where can I access free public Wi-Fi?
The following places and facilities offer free Wi-Fi.
Airports
All international airports offer free Wi-Fi.
Train stations
You can use Wi-Fi at major train stations (Including JR, Tokyo Metro, Osaka Metro, and other private railways). In addition, some trains and shinkansens offer Wi-Fi access on board, and Wi-Fi-enabled trains have stickers with a Wi-Fi symbol on them.
Tourist information
Free Wi-Fi is available at most tourist information.
Convenience stores
Wi-Fi is available at Lawson (a blue one) as of September 2022.
(Seven-Eleven, Family Mart, and Mini Stop no longer offer wi-fi service.)
Chain coffee shops
The chain coffee shops below offer free Wi-Fi. Note that most places have a time limit, and some have a limit on the number of connections.
- Starbucks Coffee
- Doutor Coffee
- Komeda Coffee
- Tully’s Coffee
- Pronto
- Cafe Veloce
- Cafe Renoir
- Ueshima Coffee
- WIRED CAFE
Accommodations
In general, accommodation facilities have free Wi-Fi in every room. However, old hotels, Japanese-style hotels, rural hotels, and youth hostels may only have Wi-Fi in the lobby or may not have Wi-Fi service at all.
Very useful app “Japan Wi-Fi auto connect”
To connect to free Wi-Fi in Japan, you will basically be asked to register your e-mail address or other information. It’s a hassle to sign up every time you move from place to place or to sign up again every time you lose connection. This app solves that inconvenience for you.
Registering with this app will automatically connect you to secure Wi-Fi in partnering places such as airports, train stations, convenience stores, and cafes. The provider of this service is NTT, Japan’s largest telecommunication provider, and it connects only to secure and trustworthy Wi-Fi services.
It is a good idea to check in advance how many Wi-Fi spots are available in the area you want to visit.
Wi-Fi spot map | Japan Wi-Fi auto connect
What if there is not much free Wi-Fi in my destination?
If there isn’t much free Wi-Fi in the area you want to visit, your options would be: to rent a Wi-Fi router, buy a prepaid data-only SIM card, or use an overseas roaming service.
Even when you are going to an area with a lot of free Wi-Fi, having an Internet connection by yourself will be useful for checking out routes or stores nearby, contacting your friends who travel with you, and so on.
Rent a Wi-Fi router
If you are traveling with family or friends, we would suggest renting Wi-Fi that allows multiple devices to connect. Here is our recommendation!
*Due to the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic, some airport pick-up counters may be closed. Please check the website in advance.
Ninja WiFi (Free pick-up at the airport)
Buy a prepaid data-only SIM card
Here are some of our recommendations!
*Due to the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic, some airport pick-up counters may be closed. Please check the website in advance.
Sakura Mobile (Free pick-up at the airport/hotel/any address in Japan)
*I would recommend this provider because it uses the same connection (docomo) as my phone. It can be connected all over Japan (even at the top of Mt. Fuji!), and the speed is fast.
If you want an internet connection from the moment you get off the plane, you might want to consider the following companies that offer worldwide shipping.
mobal (Free pick-up at the airport or free worldwide shipping)
Sim Card Geek (Free worldwide shipping)
In addition, please read this useful article before you travel to Japan. Have a nice and safe trip!
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