This is a follow-up post to the original article Free Wi-Fi Japan: Part 1 to clarify certain key points and reply to more questions from readers about Japan’s free Wi-Fi.
More Japan Free WiFi
Free Wi-Fi in Tokyo is increasing, but what about Japan’s Free Wi-Fi spots?
Kyoto
In advance registration is required: includes numerous bus stops, cafes, restaurants, subway, and train stations in central Kyoto.
No need for registration: Shijo Dori shopping area.
Mount Fuji and surrounding areas
Fuji Five Lake region at the northern base of Mount Fuji, including many access to free WiFi in hotels, shops, and more, throughout the Yamanashi Prefecture. Get access through the tourist information booth, that’s where you sign in to get started.
Osaka
Available at Kansai Airport, key railway stations on the Keihan, Kintetsu, and Nankai train lines. Also at many tourist facilities around the city. Register at any of those locations.
Fukuoka
Instant registration is available in the area. Includes subway stations and designated public buildings in Fukuoka.
Tenchika underground shopping arcade – no registration necessary.
Hiroshima
Instant registration is available in the area. Includes popular tourist spots such as Hiroshima Station and Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum.
Additional Free Wi-Fi Japan Spots
JR railway stations in west Japan – JR West: Hakata, Hiroshima, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Okayama, Osaka, Shin-Osaka, Sannomiya, and more offer free Wi-Fi.
Come equipped with your “guest code”, which you get before your trip via email. Else, it can be gotten from the Osaka Mitsukoshi Isetan department store or at the Information Booth at Kyoto Station.
Visitors to eastern Japan are entitled to NTT East Free Wi-Fi for up to two weeks; just present your passport. You may get your card with your login ID and a password at Narita Airport. The service can be found in many cities, including Hakone, Hokkaido, Kusatsu, Mt. Fuji, Nagano, Nikko, Tohoku, Tokyo, Yokohama. See details here: http://flets.com/freewifi/spot.html
Wi-Fi Japan Hotspots for a Fee
You may find it more convenient to pay a small fee and have access to hundreds of Wi-Fi hotspots all over Japan. Check the details of each offer, however as they are geared towards the locals, so many do not have English instructions and may require a local credit card or local address. Tip: A one-day pass is available as well.
Personal WIFI
Personal WIFI hotspots are the newest option. Known as MiFi, personal Wi-Fi, or pocket Wi-Fi, they are small, battery-powered devices that easily connect to a local wireless network. This is the way to go if you want full access to your iPad and iPhone while touring. They are available as low-cost rentals from major airports or by ordering online for delivery to your choice of location. When done, simply return it in the envelope provided.
Smartphone Rental
Cellphones can be rented if you prefer to leave your own one at home. This can be a good deal as the phone serves both as a rental phone and as means for connecting to the internet on the go. Most cellphone models are available for rental at Japanese airports or via the internet for delivery to your home or hotel.
Rental and Prepaid SIM cards
Another option is to use your own mobile phone or tablet, with a prepaid SIM card which will allow normal unlimited internet access. Please note: This is not available if your device is locked to a specific provider.
International Roaming
Although generally very costly, International roaming is an option for some. Check out details carefully with your local provider before traveling.
Internet Cafes and Manga Cafes
There are Internet or mange cafes offering free Wi-Fi in Japan at hourly rates. Check out the details of each plan. Some internet cafes require that you sign up for a membership and pay a registration fee.
This is part 2 of a 2-part series on How to access Japan’s Free Wi-Fi and Tokyo’s free Wi-Fi.
Part 1: Additional spots for Japan Free Wi-Fi: Tokyo free WI-Fi