Wi-Fi in Japan: Free Spots, Rentals, SIM & Pocket Wi-Fi Guide

Many travelers want to use the internet during their trip to Japan.

But it’s sometimes hard to find or use Wi-Fi in Japan.

Still, you can stay connected by using free Wi-Fi at stations or cafes, or by renting a pocket Wi-Fi or SIM card.

This guide explains the best ways to get online, where to find free Wi-Fi, and what to do if you need a stronger connection.

This guide is based on information from June 2025. Things may change in the future.

Yes, you can use free Wi-Fi in Japan. But to be honest, it’s not always easy or smooth.

Compared to other countries, there are still fewer places with strong, easy-to-use networks.

Sometimes it works well, sometimes not. Before you try it, it’s good to know the good points and the bad ones.

Free Wi-Fi sounds great, right?
Let’s look at what’s good—and what’s not—before you try it.

Pros of Free Wi-Fi
・It’s free. You don’t need to pay anything.
・In some places, it’s fast enough for watching videos or making calls.
・You can find it at airports, hotels, cafes, and some public spots.

Cons of Free Wi-Fi
・It’s hard to find when walking outside.
・The setup can be tricky. You may need to use an app or sign in.
・Some networks are not safe. It’s risky to type personal information.
・The signal may be weak or slow, especially in busy places.

Tip: Free Wi-Fi is great for checking maps, train times, or tourist info.
But don’t use it for online shopping or anything private.

Free Wi-Fi spots are slowly getting better in Japan.

Here are some of the most useful places where you can try it.

Most big airports and train stations offer free Wi-Fi.

It’s helpful when you want to check train times or your hotel address. But many people use it at the same time, so it can be slow.

Some of these networks don’t use passwords, so it’s better not to type anything personal.

Many hotels in Japan have good Wi-Fi, especially business hotels.

When I stay at a hotel in Japan, I usually use the free Wi-Fi. It’s easy to connect, and I can even watch videos without any trouble.

Because not many people share the network, it feels more stable and safe than café Wi-Fi.

But some old ryokan may not have it, so check before you book.

Starbucks is very popular, and their Wi-Fi is easy to use. The screen has English, so it’s simple even for first-time visitors.

But if you go to a Starbucks inside a mall, Wi-Fi might not be available. In that case, the mall may have its own Wi-Fi—but it’s not always better.

Other chains like Tully’s or Komeda Coffee also have free Wi-Fi.

McDonald’s in Japan also offers free Wi-Fi.

You can find McDonald’s in most cities and near major train stations. Many of them offer free Wi-Fi.

It’s easy to connect and works in English too.

In Tokyo, look for “TOKYO FREE Wi-Fi.” In Osaka, try “Osaka Free Wi-Fi.” In Kyoto, some areas offer “Kyoto Wi-Fi,” mainly around stations and tourist spots.

Even in smaller places, you might find networks like “KAGAWA-WiFi.”

But public Wi-Fi is not always safe—so don’t use it for passwords or credit cards.

This app is made by NTT, one of the biggest telecom companies in Japan.

After you register once, it helps you connect to free Wi-Fi spots across the country. You don’t need to search or log in again and again.

It works at over 50,000 spots, and the app supports five languages, including English.

This is a free Wi-Fi service for tourists visiting Japan.

You can use it for two weeks, and if you get a new password, you can use it longer. To sign in, you need your phone number, a password, your gender, and your birth date.

You can connect up to five devices with one account.

You can use it only at places that offer SoftBank’s Wi-Fi.

The voice guide is available in English, Chinese, and Korean.

TownWiFi is a free app made by GMO Internet Group in Japan.

Once you sign up the first time, the app connects you to free Wi-Fi spots automatically. You don’t need to log in each time at cafés or other places—just open your phone and go online.

It’s easy to use, and the app is available in English and Japanese.

Website: https://townwifi.jp/index_en.html

Free Wi-Fi is helpful, but it’s not always strong or easy to find. If you need the internet all the time—on trains, streets, or in your hotel—a pocket Wi-Fi is a great choice.

Pocket Wi-Fi is a small mobile router.
You can carry it in your bag and connect your phone, tablet, or computer anywhere in Japan.

It’s perfect for short trips, and you can rent one for just a few hundred yen per day. Some plans offer unlimited data, and many services let you pick up and return the device at the airport.

Here are some popular pocket Wi-Fi rental services for tourists:

WiFiBOX is a self-service rental system for pocket Wi-Fi.

You don’t need to talk to staff—just scan, take the device, and go.

You can pick up and return it at over 400 locations across Japan. That includes major airports like Haneda, Narita, and Kansai, as well as many big train stations and shopping areas.

NINJA WiFi has the most pickup spots in Japan.

After you arrive, you can get the device at the airport. When your trip is over, just return it at the same place before you fly home.

You can share one device with several people or connect more than one gadget. That makes it great for friends, couples, or small groups.

Using it is simple. Turn it on, enter the password, and you’re online.

The device can also be delivered to your hotel.

If you’re staying in Japan for a few days or weeks, Japan Wireless can be a simple option.

The Wi-Fi works with unlimited data, and you don’t need to worry about speed limits. Prices start at around ¥577 per day, depending on the plan.

You can ask for delivery to your hotel, the airport, or even a place you’re staying in Japan.

They also have English-speaking staff, which can be helpful if you have questions during your trip.

If you have an unlocked phone, getting a prepaid SIM card is another good way to stay connected in Japan. Many solo travelers choose this option because it’s light and simple—no extra device to carry.

You can buy SIM cards at airports, electronics stores, or online. Some offer a few days of use, others last for weeks. The amount of data and speed depends on the plan, so it’s good to check before you buy.

This is a good option if you don’t need to connect many devices, and just want to use your phone for maps, messages, or light browsing.

Using Wi-Fi in Japan can be easy, but it’s good to be careful too. Here are some simple tips to help you stay safe and connected during your trip.

・ Avoid sending personal info over public Wi-Fi
・ Use apps to find and auto-connect to safe Wi-Fi
・ Download Google Maps and travel guides for offline use
・ Ask hotel staff for nearby Wi-Fi spots
・ Have a backup plan (pocket Wi-Fi or SIM) just in case

With just a few small steps, you can enjoy Wi-Fi in Japan without stress.

Be smart, stay safe, and enjoy your travels.

Free Wi-Fi in Japan can be helpful for quick searches or checking maps.
But it’s not always easy to find, and the connection may not be strong enough when you need it most.

To enjoy your trip without stress, it’s a good idea to combine different options.
You can use free Wi-Fi at cafés or stations, and also prepare a pocket Wi-Fi or SIM card for times when you’re on the move.

By planning ahead, you can stay online wherever you go—whether you’re walking through Kyoto’s temples, riding trains in Tokyo, or checking train times on your way back to the hotel.

A stable internet connection can make your travel in Japan safer, smoother, and more enjoyable.