Japan does have free WiFi — but if you’re planning to rely on it, here’s the honest reality.
Where you’ll find free WiFi
- Airports (Narita, Haneda, Kansai) — generally good.
- Train stations & some trains — common in big cities, hit-or-miss elsewhere.
- Convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson) — handy in a pinch.
- Cafes & hotels — usually reliable; hotels are your evening base.
The catches
- Sign-up friction: many networks ask for an email/registration every session.
- Time limits: sessions often cut off after 15–60 minutes.
- Dead zones: no signal while walking between spots, on many subway platforms, or in a taxi — the exact moments you need Google Maps.
The realistic approach
Use free WiFi as a bonus (e.g. big downloads at the hotel), but carry your own data so maps, train apps and translation always work. For most travelers that’s an eSIM; for groups, a pocket WiFi.
Check Airalo eSIM plans →New here? Start with the connectivity overview.