Published on : 08 July 20203 min reading time
Beyond the few Wi-Fi hotspots available in Japan, you often need to go a little further and have unlimited Internet access during all or part of your trip, or even to have a connection speed at the minimum suitable.
In addition, the high speeds of the Japanese mobile Internet also make it possible to make comfortable streaming, for example for a Skype videoconference while visiting Tokyo or elsewhere (beware of jet lag, however) or as a very practical GPS, depending on your smartphone’s applications.
In this article, we will therefore present you with methods to simply obtain permanent Internet access during your stay in Japan. To our knowledge, there is no such thing as a free way to benefit from it, so it is a paid option, but it is well worth the detour as it works perfectly and will not fail you.
Wi-fi Pocket
Definition
This is the solution we have been using for a long time on all our trips to Japan. The Pocket Wi-fi is an all-Japanese object used very widely, and which now even goes beyond the borders of the archipelago. Visit my-webspot.com and learn more information about Mi-Fi.
It is a small box that itself has a data SIM card, so it is connected to the Internet and looks like a portable router modem: up to ten devices (computers, smartphones, portable consoles…) can connect simultaneously to the Wi-Fi Pocket to access the Internet.
In the West, it is also sometimes called “pebble” or “domino”.
Features and functions
Its transfer speed is excellent because by standards, it is not uncommon to have downlink access at 200Mbps / 40Mbps upwards; this offers very high data rates, even higher than 4G. In addition, the amount of data transferred is obviously unlimited.
Another big advantage is its impressive network coverage: in the great Tokyo, we are very rarely disconnected, even in trains and subways, except perhaps the deepest. Comfortably settled in Shinkansen, it is possible to work quietly until Kyoto with sometimes reduced flows and at worst rare cuts. Even in the most rural areas (e. g. Nokogiriyama), people rarely stay disconnected.
We also appreciate the fact that the Wi-Fi Pocket puts itself on standby by itself as soon as no device is connected to it. Most of the time, we connect a smartphone to check emails or an application, and then turn off Wi-Fi to save the smartphone’s battery. After a few minutes, the Pocket Wi-fi stops its router mode and reactivates immediately with a simple press of the power button. As a result, the device’s autonomy easily reaches twelve hours (a good day of visits) while if it remains connected, its battery will be drained after about six hours.
The Wi-Fi Pocket is discreet and lightweight (120~150 grams), it slips into a bag pocket while waiting for us to reactivate it. This is a solution that we strongly recommend if many of you are travelling with smartphones, tablets, computers and other devices that require an Internet connection. It is delivered ready for use with its WPA code; no configuration is required. Simply plug it in at night to recharge, and it even comes with a USB cable to use as a wired connection if necessary.
Finally, since it is enough to connect to it via Wi-Fi, it is possible (and recommended) to switch your smartphone to plane mode, which protects against any overcharging abroad!