Make Travel Smarter: The Complete Guide to Mobile Internet in Japan

Text by MOOK Editorial Team, compiled and reported by Ren Xiang

 

1. Mobile Wi-Fi Routers

 

Renting a mobile Wi-Fi router has become a growing trend for travelers heading to Japan. As the name suggests, a mobile Wi-Fi router is a small device that acts as your personal Wi-Fi hotspot. In Japan, mobile Wi-Fi routers are mainly offered by two providers: DOCOMO and Softbank, with DOCOMO generally offering more stable connectivity. In Taiwan, various companies such as U-Creative International Communications act as agents.

The Wi-5 DOMO mobile Wi-Fi router, launched by U-Creative International Communications, is the latest compact model imported from Japan. It uses DOCOMO’s 4G LTE mobile SIM card. According to the official website in 2013, the maximum LTE speed in certain areas and conditions reached 100Mbps. It's easy to use—just turn it on, and your phone can detect the device name in the Wi-Fi list. Enter the username and password found on the sticker at the back of the device to connect. Its size is similar to a regular smartphone, and it can be shared by up to 10 users. It also has a long battery life, lasting up to 12 hours, and can even be used as a power bank for your phone.

 

Duration	Price	Duration	Price
5–10 days	TWD 299/day	26+ days	Flat rate TWD 6,600
11–14 days	TWD 279/day	31–60 days	TWD 219/day
15–25 days	TWD 259/day	61+ days	Special project price

2. NTT FREE Wi-Fi Japan

 

NTT FREE Wi-Fi is a free internet service for overseas travelers launched by NTT East Japan. Travelers can obtain a free Wi-Fi access card with their passport at designated locations. The usage period is 14 days, totaling 336 hours. Once you activate the card, you can access Wi-Fi hotspots across East Japan (from Tokyo to Hokkaido) for free. Pickup locations include Hokkaido, Tohoku, suburban Tokyo, and within Tokyo Metropolitan area. For detailed pickup locations, please refer to the website.

 

III. B-Mobile SIM Card

 

B-Mobile is a series of communication cards launched by NTT Communications Corporation, available nationwide in Japan. The downside is that to use B-Mobile, you must remove your phone’s original SIM card and replace it with the B-Mobile SIM card, which means your Taiwanese number will not be accessible.

The currently most recommended option is the 30-day 3G data SIM card, b-microSIM U300. After receiving the card, you need to call 186-0120-915-886 from a Japanese phone to input the card number via voice prompt. After 5 minutes, you can start using it. This card allows unrestricted internet access for 30 days, with upload and download speeds of 300kbps, which is considered smooth and convenient. Currently, the 30-day card is only available for online purchase, and you can arrange for it to be delivered to your hotel on a specified date before your trip.

 

b-microSIM U300

Note: The b-microSIM U300 SIM card is a micro SIM. If you need a standard-sized SIM, you can choose the b-mobile SIM U300, which has the same price and features.

 

Starting from November 2013, B-Mobile also introduced a 5-day flexible plan called “Taiwan VISITOR SIM,” priced at ¥2,880. It can be used in Japan for 5 days, and optional add-on services allow for an extra day for just ¥600. You can apply online and pick up the card in Taiwan, saving you the hassle of activation.

 

IV. Public Wi-Fi

 

Japan has relatively fast and stable mobile internet, so Wi-Fi infrastructure is not as widespread, and is mostly found in larger cities. In Japan’s major urban areas, you’ll find Wi-Fi hotspots almost everywhere, though some require payment for access.

 

1. Nationwide in Japan

 

 

To use Wi-Fi services from 7-11's “7SPOT,” Starbucks' “STARBUCKS_Wi2,” and the free hotspot network “FREESPOT,” you must first register as a member. A verification email will be sent to your inbox, but since you won’t have internet access on first use, you can still connect without activating the email. You can also register an account in Taiwan beforehand and simply log in when you arrive.

 

Application websites:

【7SPOT】https://webapp.7spot.jp/internets/members/register_form?tmst=1371371297

【STARBUCKS_Wi2】http://starbucks.wi2.co.jp/pc/index_en.html

【FREESPOT】https://www.freespot.com/users/register_mail.php

 

Japan’s FamilyMart “Famima_Wi-Fi” service also requires advance membership registration. Unlike 7SPOT, you must first receive and activate the membership verification email before use, and it cannot be applied for from Taiwan.

【Famima_Wi-Fi】http://www.family.co.jp/services/famimawi-fi/index.html#anc1-8

 

If you are a VISA cardholder, you can enjoy the Wi2 300 one-day free plan. You can also apply for the “Wi2 300” 3-day plan at ¥1,200 JPY and the 1-week plan at ¥1,600 JPY.