Last updated January 22, 2023

Note: This is part 3 of a series dedicated to my advice on travelling to Japan. For the entire series, see:
• Part 1 - When to Go & Where to Stay
• Part 2 - Getting Around
• Part 3 - Getting Online & Saving Money

Accessing the Internet

Some people like to go on vacation and disconnect. That is fine for some vacations but without any connection in Japan, it’s quite impossible to navigate the transit systems. Surprisingly, free wifi is not common in public spaces in Japan, although it seems to be getting a bit better in Tokyo. I like to post photos and IG stories while I’m in Japan. I also need to communicate with my Japanese friends via LINE. I used to rely on pocket wifi rentals to stay connected in Japan, but now I use Google Fi for cell service and it works quite well in Japan. International coverage is also included in Google Fi plans so that's the major reason I do not buy any wifi routers or eSims now. I tend do data heavy activities like backing up my photos or uploading videos with my hotel or Airbnb's wifi, so for navigating around Japan or messaging friends, Google Fi was fine. That said, I think Pocket Wifi is still a great option if you're interested or don't use Google Fi. It's especially helpful if you will be in more rural or mountainous areas; Google Fi seemed to do much better in Tokyo than areas like Fujikawaguchiko, which is near the base of Mount Fuji.

Pocket wifi allows you to disable your mobile devices’ data plans and connect to a small wifi device that you carry with you. They’re quite inexpensive in Japan, but wifi speeds vary. Many Japanese Airbnb’s used to have pocket wifi that you can use while you’re renting the unit, but I used to get one at the start of my trip so that can take from city to city with us. I recommend Sakura Mobile because they have amazing customer service (no, this is not a sponsored post! I just really love them). Alternatively, you can rent a sim card in Japan for Android or iPhone. I have never tried that because with a mobile wifi, you can share the connection if you're travelling with others. If you do use a pocket wifi, make sure it’s password protected! One of the Airbnb pocket wifi’s was unlocked and I remember noticing on a train ride that 15-20 people had connected to it, which severely slowed it down.

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Last updated January 22, 2023

Note: This is part 2 of a series dedicated to my Japan travel advice. For the entire series, see:
• Part 1 - When to Go & Where to Stay
• Part 2 - Getting Around
• Part 3 - Getting Online & Saving Money

Transportation Basics

Japan has one of the best transit systems in the world. If you have lived in a city with a decent public transportation system, you’ll do just fine with catching trains. But even if you haven't, don't worry! The trains typically run really frequently, are rarely late, and are easy to figure out after a few rides.

Major Japanese train stations (or 駅 eki) are not like the American stations I have been to. Major Japanese train stations, like Tokyo’s Shibuya, Shinjuku, or Tokyo Stations, Osaka's Namba Station, Kyoto’s Kyoto Station) are like giant shopping malls that happen to have a train station inside of them. There’s tons of shopping and food inside of and adjacent to the major train stations. They're really quite massive and you can easily get lost in the them—even my friends who are born in Tokyo have gotten lost trying to navigate major stations. So just make sure you have allocated enough time to find what you’re looking for and try not to get too frustrated. Smaller stations are much simpler and typically only have a few stands or stalls, so they're very easy to navigate in comparison.

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To alleviate any fears I will say this—any time or season you go to Japan, you’re going to have a great time. I personally don't think there's…

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