Created for expats living in Japan

How to Get Connected to the Internet in Japan

What should you prepare first just after landing on Japan? For those who have a plan to both travel and stay in the country for a long term, it’s almost impossible to be comfortable without the internet.

Not because of wanting to have social media, but because it’s also the way of communication between friends and even in companies. Messaging applications like WhatsApp or Telegram and emails like Gmail have become almost indispensable lately. It’s also very useful in your first days in a new city that you don’t know where things are to have applications like Google Maps.

To get connected to the internet in Japan, there are several options for you. What the best choice for you is depends on how you stay in Japan and you use the internet. Here is a list of 4 recommended easiest ways to get connected to the internet in Japan including a pocket WiFi and SIM cards.

Let’s find your perfect internet option in Japan!

1. A Pocket WiFi

Renting a pocket WiFi is the most recommended for first time visitors who will travel or live in Japan to connect to the internet since it starts working soon without any troublesome process. Once you turn the mobile router on, your smartphone, computer and other devices get connected to the fast and stable WiFi.

Many pocket WiFi rental companies offers reasonable plans arranging a WiFi unit for you to pick up at airports, hotels or your new house.

This most popular internet choice is for not only short-term travelers but also immigrants until the situation is under control.

2. SIM cards

As a common way to get the internet worldwide, a SIM card is also what you should take into account. There are two types in SIM cards: a pre-paid short-term one and the other with monthly contract. It is a relatively cheap option to connect to the internet but you can use only your device with limited data.

It is a leading option for those who connect to the internet within minimal amount or stay connected outside without carrying any other devices.

3. Home Internet

If you plan to move to Japan, installing hone internet will be the most common choice and what you should do sooner or later. It takes some weeks to set up the home router installed unlike the simple mobile WiFi, but you can use the stable faster internet at a lower monthly price with it.

There are lots of Japanese home internet providers such as NTT Docomo, au and Softbank. Compare their prices and other conditions to find the best one fitting you.

4. Free WiFi

Free WiFi is something that is becoming more and more common especially in large touristic cities. It can be found in airports, train stations (both JR and Metro stations), shopping malls, hotels, hostels, and even some restaurants and cafes such as Starbucks.

Of course, you can use Free WiFi in Japan for free, however, there are some restrictions that will cause you inconvenience. One thing is that it is not like you can use Free WiFi anywhere in Japan. Through you can sign up and access to a Free WiFi, it usually comes with a time and data usage limit.

Therefore, this free option is only recommended to use at a specific location as a temporary treatment.

Get the internet connection quickly anyway!

If you are looking for where you should contact to get a tentative but reliable internet option, Japan Wireless is one of recommended choices. The pocket WiFi rental company has served international customers coming from over a hundred of counties since 2012.

You will get a high-speed mobile WiFi with unlimited data usage or SIM cards to satisfy daily needs to watch streaming movies and music, work online and communicate with your family. There are various special long-term plans from a month to a few years.

If you have any question about the internet in Japan, check more details about the company: https://www.japan-wireless.com/