In Japan there are free Wi-Fi networks for 14 days, you can also count on the connection of the Starbucks network, the Tokyo metro network (Tokyo metro and toei) for example, and many others that are beginning to appear in different cities; But since it is a trip to a new country, we will be constantly on the move exploring and getting to know every corner of the country of the rising sun, which means that we will not always have the coverage we need due to our constant movement.
But let us tell you that not everything is as bad as it seems, since Japan offers two options for tourists to be able to have internet permanently and here we tell you:
These are pocket wifi type devices or SIM cards with data connection
Internet connection with pocket wifi
These are the well-known wireless routers that generate Wi-Fi access points with a SIM card inside, allowing us to connect to them from our mobile devices. You can find them under the MiFi trade name.
Mifi o router inalámbrico
These incredible devices are rented in Japan and you can pick them up at the Japan post offices (post office) that are in the airports or ask to have them sent to the hotel. The only important thing to keep in mind is the time of arrival in Japan so as not to run the risk that the post office is closed for that moment.
At the time of renting it, they will give you a pre-stamped envelope with an address where it must later be returned; You just have to enter the envelope in a mailbox or you can skip this step by asking for assistance from a member of the hotel team where you are staying and thus avoid looking for a mailbox on your own without knowing the city.
Pros and cons of pocket wifi:
Pros
- We do not have to remove the SIM from our phone (we can receive calls, although we will pay them at an international price)
- We can connect several phones to the same pocket wifi
- No PIN number to be known
Cons
- We have to request them before traveling to Japan
- We must carry an additional device.
- We have to take care of the battery of another device
Internet connection with SIM cards
The second option that we can use in Japan to always have an internet connection is to buy a SIM with a data connection. It is enough that our mobile device is “released” for said SIM to work. One of its disadvantages of use is that of not being able to receive calls since it is only an internet SIM, but with the multiple messaging and call applications this may not worry many since they work without mobile services. Some of the providers do include calls.
The providers will send us, along with the SIM, instructions to manually connect our network to said internet. In many cases, yes, one of the advantages is that they can be purchased at the airport itself, so if we have not planned the Internet connection before traveling, buying one of these SIMs may be an option: b-mobile, Japan Travel SIM and Japan Wireless, it also has SIM cards.
Pros
- No need for an additional device
- At the end of our trip, we can keep the SIM.
Cons
- If for any reason, your phone turns off, we must remember the card’s PIN number
- It is not possible to receive calls (including local ones)
- You have to be careful where you keep the SIM of your country.
- The mobile device must be released to accept these types of cards.