Internet access in Japan 日本でインターネットアクセス

These days, it's hard to imagine traveling without internet access. Japan, one of the world's most technologically advanced countries, offers impressive network coverage, even in its most remote regions.

However, for French travelers, using your regular mobile plan can result in prohibitively high communication and data usage fees. To help you stay connected without overspending, here’s a complete guide to accessing the internet in Japan.

How to Access Free Internet in Japan?

Japan offers several options for free internet access, whether you're in bustling cities or more isolated areas. Here are some of the most reliable and convenient options:

Free Wi-Fi in Hotels

Most Japanese hotels provide free Wi-Fi to their guests, although there are a few exceptions, particularly in ryokan (traditional inns) or certain guest houses.

The connection quality may vary depending on your room’s distance from the router and the number of simultaneous users. However, it’s usually sufficient for checking emails, browsing social media, or using map applications.

Connecting in Cafés and Restaurants (Starbucks, McDonald's)

Café chains like Starbucks and restaurants like McDonald's are popular spots for free internet access.

By purchasing a drink or meal, you can enjoy a good-quality connection. Although speeds may fluctuate depending on the number of users, it's an ideal option for those looking to combine a break with internet access.

Free Wi-Fi in Cities, Airports, and Public Transport

In many major Japanese cities, free Wi-Fi hotspots are available in public spaces. For example, international airports like Narita and Haneda offer free Wi-Fi for travelers.

More and more trains and subways also provide Wi-Fi, though these connections are often limited in duration and quality.

To use these services, you'll typically need to register with an email address or phone number.

Using Your Personal Mobile Plan in Japan: Is It Worth It?

Using your French mobile plan in Japan can result in extremely high costs, especially for mobile data.

Here’s an overview of the fees associated with major French operators for communications and data usage in Japan. For other European countries, the prices are at least equivalent

As you can see, costs can quickly add up. To avoid unpleasant surprises on your bill, it's strongly recommended to disable your phone's internet connection and switch to airplane mode except in emergencies.

Some operators offer special international packages, but these are generally quite expensive compared to the solutions outlined below.

Internet Packages for Tourists in Japan

To stay connected without blowing your budget, the best option is to choose an internet package designed specifically for tourists. These offers typically don’t include phone calls or SMS, but they do provide unlimited internet access, perfect for using messaging apps, browsing the web, or streaming content.

SIM Card, e-SIM or Pocket Wi-Fi: Which Should You Choose?

Il existe deux options principales pour accéder à Internet au Japon : la carte SIM dédiée ou le Pocket Wifi.

• Dedicated SIM Card 
  If your phone is unlocked, you can simply insert a local SIM card or opt for an eSIM. Be sure to bring a small tool to remove your current SIM card.
• e-SIM card
  The latest phone models no longer have a physical SIM card, but a virtual SIM card. Be careful to check the compatibility of your phone to be able to take this type of card.
• Pocket Wi-Fi
  If you prefer to share the connection with other devices or if your phone is locked, a Pocket Wi-Fi is a better option. This small portable device allows multiple devices to connect via Wi-Fi and offers a 12-hour battery life. Note that the quality of the devices and battery life can vary depending on how long they have been in use.

Sakura Mobile

This Japanese company offers high-speed internet services via NTT Docomo’s 4G network, equivalent to Orange in France. You can choose between a SIM card or Pocket Wi-Fi for durations ranging from 8 to 90 days.

• Advantages: Unlimited 4G connection, English documentation, delivery to your chosen address in Japan (hotel, airport, etc.)
• No phone calls, SMS or MMS
• Multi-format SIM card compatible with phones not linked to an operator / neither Google Pixel, e-SIM or Pocket Wifi

How It Works

• Select your preferred option: SIM Card, e-SIM or Pocket Wifi
• Provide your usage dates to get the price, and remember to uncheck optional insurance at checkout.
• Specify the delivery address in Japan (airport, hotel, etc.).
• At the end of your usage, simply mail back the SIM card or Pocket Wi-Fi using the pre-stamped envelope included in the original package.

Japan Experience

This offer provides the best value for money, offering SIM cards, eSIMs, or Pocket Wi-Fi at the most competitive prices on the market.

• Advantages: SIM card delivery in your home, unlimited 4G connection, English documentation
• No phone calls, SMS, or MMS
• Multi-format SIM card compatible with phones not linked to an operator / neither Google Pixel, e-SIM or Pocket Wifi

How It Works

• Select your preferred option: SIM card, e-SIM, or Pocket Wi-Fi.
•  
• Sélectionnez l'offre que vous souhaitez prendre entre la carte SIM, l'e-SIM ou le pocket Wifi
• Renseignez les informations pour passer votre commande
  • Pour une carte SIM, vous la recevez chez vous en France. Une fois au Japon, vous l'insérerez dans votre téléphone pour l'activer. Jetez là à la poubelle une fois la période d'utilisation terminée.
  • Si vous prenez un Pocket Wifi, il faudra le récupérer au Japon (aéroport ou hôtel) et le retourner à la fin de son utilisation.

We always choose this offer when traveling to Japan to have unlimited internet access as soon as we land. Although there is a condition that the connection speed may vary depending on the number of users, we’ve never had any connectivity issues anywhere in Japan.