Reply To: wifi in tokyo
Hello, thanks for your question!
Japan is unfortunately very behind on providing free wifi. While you may see a wifi mark on restaurants and cafes, this often is just for certain wireless carriers customers only. Not very friendly to foreigners!
Starbucks and 7-11 both offer free wifi but you need to register:
- Starbucks – http://starbucks.wi2.co.jp/pc/menu2_en.html
- 7-11 – https://goo.gl/hQDmKd (using Google Translate)
You might also want to check out Tokyo Cheapo’s list of Cafe’s in Tokyo with Free WiFi: https://tokyocheapo.com/business/internet/free-wi-fi-cafes-in-tokyo/
Other options:
- SoftBank’s Free Wi-Fi Passport – http://www.softbank.jp/en/mobile/special/freewifi/en/
- NTT East Free Wi-Fi Japan – http://flets.com/freewifi/index.html
- Japan. Free Wi-Fi – https://japanfreewifi.jnto.go.jp/eng/wifi-spot-nearby.html
- Japan Connected Free Wi-Fi – http://www.ntt-bp.net/jcfw/en.html
Recommendation: Portable WiFi Routers.
They costs about 1,000 yen/day but they make up for the cost because they are connected 24/7 and allows up to 5 (or 10, depending on the model) people to connect at the same time. So, if you are traveling with a few people it can be less than the coffee at a cafe!
This great video is helpful as well:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_PcyLFLPPM
Hope this helps!
