I will be glad if this data is of useful information for those traveling in Japan.
1. In Japan, there are almost no free Wifi environments.
Although free Wifi can be used easily in McDonald's or Starbucks in the United States and other countries, that service is not available in Japan unless the device is registered in advance. This necessary registration is very difficult for a foreigner.
Moreover, we cannot rely on the security of these environments. A visitor's ID and password can be stolen and unexpected damages can occur. In some cases, the ID and password may be manipulated so that the customer becomes the perpetrator.
Although many hotels also provide wifi, it is often times not free. This is because Hotels make contracts with the Wifi service company to provide the service. In many countries such as the United States, wifi access for visitors is prepared and can be used freely. However, such service is not provided in many Japanese companies.
Moreover, there is almost no internet connection, such as Wifi, in dormitories for those who are studying abroad in Japan or are training for some program.
In Tokyo, internet cafes require a Japanese ID, prohibiting easy access for foreigners.
As shown, internet access is restricted not only in public places but also in companies and hotels. Furthermore, practical uses of smart phones and laptops (ex. Looking up a map of the town) are not available.
If people have easy access to the internet, time spent in Japan can be wonderful. The following chapter explains the methods.
2. About the Internet environment in Japan.
Some people consider prepaid SIM over tablet computers and smart phones, but prepaid SIM in Japan is restricted severely .
1) Telephone call + Data Prepaid SIM.
In Japan, only Japanese citizens or legal alien residents can purchase prepaid and post paid SIM with a telephone call function.
Strict identification is performed for acquisition to prevent crimes using a mobile phone and travelers can only rent SIM cards with a telephone call function.
2) Data communication Prepaid SIM.
In Japan, prepaid SIM for data usage is not offered by major telecommunication companies (NTT DOCOMO, SOFT BANK, AU, E-mobile, etc.) An offering company borrows a circuit from these major companies, and provides the service. Data prepaid SIM cards from these third parties are cheap.
At our company this offer to customers was considered and tested by actually purchasing a product, but it did not provide a service that we could offer. The reason being, it cannot provide sufficient speed. Although there were 7MBPS, 14MBPS, etc., when it is actually used in urban areas, 100KBS to 300KBS came out at most.
This is because, due to the sudden increase in demand for tablets and smart phones in Japan, the circuits of major telecommunication companies is in a blowout state. Since the third party companies are able to get hold of only a small circuit provided by these major companies, the original speed and efficiency of the SIM card is lost. This problem is not solved for the time being.
At our company, we rent out SIM cards directly from the major companies, so this is not of a concern.
3) Universal Pocket Wifi
Wifi can be accessed within a range of 20m of the Pocket Wifi at any time.
Moreover, since only a pocket Wifi user knows the encryption and the password at the time of connection, a secure Internet access can be used.
In Japan, there are two major pocket wifi’s:
① has a service area that is narrow and can only be used in urban areas.
② is the newest standard and has become the mainstream of major telecommunication companies. Therefore, the coverage area is wide and has a maximum speed of 75 MPBS.
Since LTE・4G has become the standard, I recommend you consider LTE・4G if renting.
Supporting Devices:
They correspond to all Wifi connection apparatus (Smart Phone, Tablet, Laptop etc.). The apparatus of any country can easily connect with Pocket Wifi.
Connection method:
The setting method changes with the connecting apparatus.
Below is the basic flow.
- ① Turn on the pocket Wifi.
- ② Choose SSID of pocket Wifi (name of pocket Wifi) to connect.
- ③ Enter the password for connection.
If a power supply is switched on, it will be connected immediately after the 2nd time
We have the Video instruction Click Here
Although it is simple, I will be pleased if this helps make traveling in Japan easier.
We received more than 5000 Likes on our rental Wifi service in Japan. There are still so many
children suffering from the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami, and from the nuclear
disaster in 2011. One "Like" was counted as 20JPY, and so far we managed to donate
100,000JPY (1,000USD) to the suffering children. We deeply appreciate the cooperation of all of
our Wifi rental service customers. We plan to continue the donation, and we will make a
donation every time we reach another 5000 Likes on our rental Wifi service in Japan. We
appreciate your continues support.
Unlimited internet access
Expanding connection area
Max Download speed
10~12hrs
Rental Steps. How to rent a Pocket Wifi in Japan.
