Published on : 08 July 20205 min reading time
Traveling to Japan is something we would like to have an Internet connection or not, that’s clear, because it’s a magical and different country. But in these times of hyper-connectivity, when almost everyone has an account on different social networks and we like to share our experiences in real time with your friends and family, having an Internet connection becomes little more than a first level need, especially if you are used to making Wi-Fi callings (Visit www.my-webspot.com if you want to know what is a Wi-Fi calling).
Free Wi-Fi networks can be an option, such as the one in the east of the country for 14 days, the Starbucks Wi-Fi, the updated Tokyo subway (Tokyo Metro and Toei) and many others that are beginning to proliferate in some cities. But they have the disadvantage that, in general, we will travel and we will not always have coverage of these networks. In addition, they generally require us to give our e-mail and many certainly do not want to give it. Moreover, in many cases and from their own experience, they are not at all comfortable. In the metro, for example, although we recorded with our e-mail, when we lost coverage in the tunnels, when we arrived at the next station, he asked us to check in again. This required several clicks, as you had to accept the terms of use each time. Then, of course, since he had already detected that we were registered, he no longer asked us for the email, but the time required to perform all these steps made the process tedious. And that meant that we often left the station without being able to connect.
Therefore, there are better ways for those who are looking to be permanently connected and reliable, trouble-free and at high speed. We also recommend that you use Google Maps to locate yourself and, of course, to use the more than 100 maps we have created for you, with information about places to visit, places to sleep, eat or buy in many places from Japan.
In this case, the two main options we should use SIM card with data connection or enter the Wi-Fi pocket devices. We provide more details on each of these options.
Internet connection with Wi-Fi pocket
In the Wi-Fi pocket sometimes they are called MiFi (although it is a trade name) and it is only a wireless router that generates a Wi-Fi access point. This means that the device has a SIM card with an internal data connection and we connect our phones to this device via a free Wi-Fi connection.
In Japan, we have trusted Japan Wireless for many years when we need it in a Wi-Fi pocket. You can rent it in our store so that we can help keep the page active. In the product of our shop, you have much more information on how to receive it (in a Japanese post office in one of the main airports or in your hotel).
If you decide to use a Wi-Fi pocket, you should consider the following points:
This type of devices they are only rented at the end of our trip, we have to send them back. It’s not complicated, because when we collect it, we’ll see that we also have a pre-packaged envelope. Bring it to one of the many Japanese post office mailboxes (there are also some in airports) or leave it at the reception of our hotel will suffice.
In principle, the data connection is unlimited so that you do not have to worry about daily limits.
We can use WhatsApp with our usual number, and also we always have our phone number available in case someone calls us. Of course, in this case, we would have to pay roaming fees or roaming, which are much more expensive.
We need to make sure that the device is charged, because otherwise we won’t have the Internet. In addition, the more users connected at the same time, the faster the battery will be consumed. In any case, Japan Wireless always includes an extra battery in the package so that you have no problems.
If you pick it up at the airport, make sure the Japanese post office is open the moment you think you are there. You need to add a little more time to the estimated time of arrival, as we will have to pass through immigration, pick up the luggage and clear customs.
Both options are perfectly valid. It is up to each traveller to decide what is best for each type of trip they plan to make. If you don’t know where to keep your usual SIM card and are afraid of losing it, you can opt for a Wi-Fi pocket. If you do not want to charge with another device, the external battery and the charger, choose the SIM card.