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How to get Internet access in Japan

One of the problems that I encountered in Japan was how to get access to the Internet, when you don't get it for free with your hotel room. I think I had to pay about €14 for the use of Internet in my hotel room for just one day. It started counting, right when I logged in to my Internet account for the first time. But since I was away during the most of the day for sightseeing, I basically paid that high price for 2 hours of Internet. So, here are some tips to get the precious Internet access that you need to look up information and to keep in touch with your friends and family.

Narita airport

The first place, where you can get free Wi-Fi is directly on Narita airport. You can connect to the network "FreeWiFi-NARITA". Afterwards, open your Internet browser and follow the instructions given. You can also go to the free Wi-Fi desks with LAN sheets, the free computer desk corners with AC100V power points and desk lamps, the coin-operated Internet terminals (100 yen per 10 minutes), or the Business Support services with a large range of (paid) services.

There is also a long list of companies that can provide you with a rental Mobile phone and/or a mobile Wi-Fi router at locations on Narita airport.

Japan Connected-free Wi-Fi app


I recently discovered this app: Japan Connected-free Wi-Fi, which helps you find Wi-Fi spots, where you can enjoy free Wi-Fi without any charges. You first need to download to app beforehand and when you arrive in Japan, you can look up the Wi-Fi spots (offline), go find one, and get access to the Internet.


NTT East Free Wi-Fi Japan

Until June 30, 2014, NTT East Free Wi-Fi Japan distributed free Wi-Fi cards to overseas visitors at Narita airport, with which you could enjoy free Wi-Fi service in the Eastern Japan area up to 14 days. They might start handing them out in the future again, so keep an eye on their website for the latest news.

There is another method in getting this 14-days free Wi-Fi ID/Pass and that is by downloading the free app "NAVITIME for Japan Travel" and inside, you can press on the button "Issue NTT East Free Wi-Fi ID/Pass". I haven't tried if it still works, since they only issue it if you haven't gotten it before in the last 90 days and I might buy an airplane ticket to Japan on impulse any time. ^_^


docomo Wi-Fi for visitors

With the docomo Wi-Fi for visitors, is a public Wi-Fi service for foreign visitors to Japan. It is very affordable as you only pay 972 yen for 1 week or 1,404 yen for 3 weeks. You don't have to do anything besides applying online in advance and pay for your plan with a credit card. After you receive your user ID and password, you can use those to login at a docomo hotspot, which can be found in roughly 150,000 locations throughout Japan. 


Wi² 300

Wi² 300 is another public wireless LAN service with high speed Internet access (up to 300 Mbps), accessible at  the Wi-Fi hotspots. The prices are: 350 yen (6-hour pass), 800 yen (one day pass), 1500 yen (3-day pass), and 2000 yen (1-week pass). Note: it starts counting from first log-in, even when you are not using it.


Fast-food chain stores and coffee shops

I once needed to go inside a McDonalds to get Internet access, since I got lost. But you can also visit coffee shops, such as Starbucks, where you can leisurely drink a cup of coffee. I don't remember exactly, but I think you can use the Wi-Fi for a short time of about 15-30 minutes without any charges, when you register.





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