Internet is everything. If I could do a virtual tour of Japan I would have done so.
OK you clearly need more than just an iffy solution. There are a few options for being almost permanently connected to the grid and the matrix.
Rental smartphones
Basically you rent an entire phone, use it and try not to lose it.
Mobile Wi-Fi / Pocket Wi-Fi
This requires you to carry (and charge) and additional device. Recommended for group travels since multiple devices can use the access point.
Rental and prepaid SIM cards
Allows you to use your own phone. Tethering is often disallowed so consider a Mobile Wi-Fi if you wish to use the internet on multiple devices. Do check that the SIM sizes available (nano, micro, etc) are appropriate for your phone.
Summary of existing solutions (as of March 2016):
| Company | Type | Price (yen) | Limitation | More info |
| Table compiled by tokyofromtheinside.com | ||||
| Softbank | Rental SIM | 970 / day | Unlimited data. Call rates apply. | link |
| Mobile Wi-Fi rental | 970 / day | Unlimited data. Data only. | ||
| Rental phone | 260 / day | Calls only. Call rates apply. | ||
| NINJA Wifi | Mobile Wi-Fi rental | 900 / day | Unlimited data. Data only. | link
For our readers, click here to get 15% off! |
| 800 / day | 1 GB per day. Data only. | |||
| Handy. A mini tablet with the internet, a Japan city guide, and coupons. | 1200 / day | 5 GB per day. Data only. | ||
| b-mobile | Prepaid SIM | 2380 / 14 days | Unlimited data. Data only. | link |
| 4990 / 14 days | 3 GB. Data only. | |||
| 9980 / 7 days | 3 GB. 60 mins (int’l and local calls) | |||
| Yokoso SIM | Prepaid SIM | ~25 USD / 30 days | 4 GB. Data only. | link |
| ~20 USD / 15 days | 3.5 GB. Data only | |||
| ~ 17 USD / 8 days | 3 GB. Data only | |||
| Table compiled by tokyofromtheinside.com | ||||
| IIJmio | Prepaid SIM | 3790 / 90 days | 2 GB. Data only. Can be charged with more data credit. | link |
| 2900 / 30 days | 1 GB. Can be charged with more data credit. | |||
| NTT | Prepaid SIM | 3218 / 7 days | 100 MB / day. Data only | link |
| 3780 / 14 days | ||||
| JAL ABC | Mobile Wi-Fi rental | 1290 / day | Unlimited data. Data only. | link |
| USB dongle | 980 / day | Unlimited data. Data only. | ||
| Pupuru | Mobile Wi-Fi rental | 700 / day | Unlimited data. Data only | link |
| 900 / day | Unlimited wider coverage data. Data only. | |||
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Other sites to consider: |
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Most of these solutions can be found at the airports but you may find better deals if you head to Akihabara or even do the purchasing online before you arrive in Japan.
