How to get connected to the internet in Japan:
The vast majority of hotels in Japan offer free internet connection in the rooms, although on some occasions, the connection is somewhat slow.To be connected at all times and to be able to consult information in real time as if you were at home (without paying any roaming), we recommend that you get a local prepaid SIM card, which allows you to be connected when you are outside the hotel. You just have to make sure that your phone is unlocked (that it is not restricted to your telephone company) and that it can connect to 3G, 4G or higher (2G is no longer valid in Japan).
The main telephone companies in Japan (NTT, U-mobile, AU and Softbank) have installed vending machines and kiosks selling prepaid SIM cards for visitors, but we have found that prices are quite disproportionate, starting at around Y2,500 for 7 days and with daily data limitations.
After researching the different online shopping options, these are our SIM card recommendations to connect in Japan:
- For short trips (up to 8 days), it is best to buy the SIM from klook.com. We have already tried them in several countries, and they are totally trustworthy (in Japan they use the most important network: NTT). You buy the SIM card online and then pick it up and activate it at the main airports. For Y1,600 you have 3GB to spend in 8 calendar days, which is more than enough (having unlimited data will cost you about Y2.400, if you want to use social networks at any time, better choose this option).
- For longer trips, the best option is still Klook, although you will have to buy more than one SIM per person and tell them not to activate the other cards. You will activate them when the previous one runs out. Now, if you want a card that lasts from the beginning (and is somewhat cheaper for 21 days), then better to buy the Visitor SIM, which has options of 10 and 21 days (5-7GB) for Y1,980 and Y2,970 respectively. To this price you have to add Y370-520 shipping to the airport or hotel. The only problem we see on this card is that the configuration has to be done by you (it is not a drama, it is explained, but in the case of Klook they do it for you), and also that they are not responsible if it does not work on your mobile phone (you have to check that your mobile is compatible ... in the case of Klook, if there is a problem activating it and it does not work, you get your money back).
