Japan: technological wonderland with internet access straight out of 2005. Don't believe the "free Wi-Fi everywhere" myth—it's about as reliable as Tokyo trains during a typhoon.
Your Connectivity Options (Ranked):
- Pocket Wi-Fi — Rent at the airport (around ¥800/day) and split with friends, unless you enjoy watching loading screens instead of Google Maps when you're hopelessly lost
- eSIM — Grab one before you leave home. Nothing says "I didn't research this trip" like frantically searching for SIM cards at 11pm in Narita
- Physical SIM — Most Japanese SIMs require a PhD in kanji to set up anyway
- Hotel Wi-Fi — Perfect if you enjoy speeds reminiscent of 1998 dial-up
- Free Public Wi-Fi — Might as well use smoke signals
That "Japan Connected-free Wi-Fi" app? Just a glorified hotspot finder that works 60% of the time, every time.
Download EVERYTHING offline:
- Maps (all of them)
- Translation apps
- Netflix shows
- Spotify playlists
- Important documents
Because the moment you need internet most is exactly when that "high-speed" connection will abandon you faster than your jet lag.
Last resort tip: Convenience store Wi-Fi is surprisingly reliable. Buy a coffee at 7-Eleven, sit near the window, and leech their connection like a proper digital nomad.