There’s no doubt that the Internet has become an essential tool in our daily lives… So, if you want to have a good connection and stay connected to the Internet, you need to know what is the most practical way to get the Internet in Japan.
Internet access is now recognized as a fundamental right in the legislation of several countries and as a human right by the United Nations (UN). According to the Office of the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), the right to access the Internet should guarantee connectivity and universal, ubiquitous, equitable, affordable and adequate quality access to Internet infrastructure and information and communication technology services.
Despite the numerous differences that exist between Internet access in our own countries and in Japan, the truth is that today we have many options that will help us access the Internet in Japan, such as prepaid mobile Internet, which has become a very attractive option for people who travel frequently. Although there are many options, we can highlight the use of data or prepaid SIM cards and pocket WiFi devices as the most common ways to connect to the Internet in Japan.
Nowadays, everyone travels abroad with a guaranteed Internet connection; in the European Union and Schengen countries, roaming allows us to connect to the Internet as if we were in our own country. Currently, telephone companies in Spain and Latin American countries do not offer roaming Internet access in Japan, or it is very expensive.
In Japan, access to the Internet can be essential, even vital, as it allows you to:
- Consult train timetables
- View walking routes or places on Google Maps
- Use Google Translator to translate conversations, text or anything written in Japanese
- Instantly share photos on social networks like Instagram, Facebook or Twitter
- Keep in touch with friends and family via WhatsApp, Telegram, Messenger, Signal or Line
- Send and receive emails and use all our mobile applications
- Book hotels, car hire, package holidays and more
- Contact our insurance company in the event of a problem.
According to one of the leading companies in the sector, Japan Wireless, there are currently three solutions for Internet connectivity:
- Pocket WiFi devices: Pocket WiFi is a device used by many people traveling to Japan. The service involves renting a portable device, about the size of a wallet, which provides an Internet connection to all phones, computers, etc. that connect to it via the WiFi network.
- Pre-paid data SIM cards: Pre-paid data SIM cards are SIM cards, like the ones we have in our mobile phones, that provide an Internet connection in Japan without the need to sign a contract for the service over a long period of time.
- Call and data SIM cards: These cards are exactly the same as the previous ones, except that they allow you to make local calls in Japan.
The company is also now offering ‘Super Long’ packages for 6, 12 or 24 months at very competitive prices, with no daily limits or speed restrictions. Some of these packages could be very interesting for people who are staying in Japan for a long time.