Japan is one of the most exciting countries for UK travellers, as it mixes tradition and technology in fascinating ways. To get the most out of your trip, you need to stay connected to ensure you can find hidden ramen spots or translate menus and signs on the go.
Considering the new culture and the high roaming charges you can expect, it’s always good to have a few strategies that can ensure you stay reliably online and make the most of your trip.
Set up a good eSIM plan
Setting up a reliable eSIM Japan plan is one of the smartest moves you can make. Unlike traditional SIM cards, these can be activated digitally even before you leave home, saving you from queuing at the airport and buying overpriced SIM cards. The process is also easy, as you only need to install an app or scan a QR code, then activate roaming.
One of the advantages of getting an eSIM is the flexibility to choose a plan that comfortably suits your travel style. You can buy anything from 1GB to unlimited data, and you can also reload as you go. No need to worry about multiple SIM cards or unpredictable roaming charges.
Get the essential apps for navigating Japan
It’s always a good idea to ensure you have the right apps before visiting a new country. This is especially important in Japan, as the country is highly digital and the language barrier is significant.
To get started, you need apps like Google Maps, Japan Transit Planner (Jorudan), and Navitime for Japan Transit. These come in handy as they give users real-time schedules, platform information, and transfer guidance. Japan Transit Planner and Navitime are especially useful if you are planning to travel across multiple cities.
You can also install Google Translate and DeepL to help you read menus and signs or communicate with locals who may not speak English. There are then Mobile Suica and Mobile PASMO, which are digital versions of top-up travel cards (IC cards). Load one of them onto your iPhone’s Wallet or Android’s Google Pay to tap as you go on trains, subways, buses, and even convenience stores.
Pocket Wi-Fi for groups or heavy users
If you need to stay connected on different devices or are travelling as a group, you can rent a pocket Wi-Fi. It’s a small wireless router that you can slip in your bag or jacket pocket and enjoy strong, consistent coverage even when outside major cities.
Mobile router rental services are available at major airports and some hotels, and you can also book one to be delivered at a specific address. There are daily, weekly, and monthly plans that you can select. Then, simply drop off or send the device back via mail before you leave the country. Costs range from 400 to 1,200 JPY (2-6 GBP), with airport rentals being more expensive than online orders.
A VPN for secure Wi-Fi connectivity
You’ll find public Wi-Fi in cafés, hotels, train stations, and even convenience stores, so it will be easy to do activities that need significant data. However, connecting to public networks can put your data at risk, from passwords to banking details.
Every time you want to connect to a public hotspot, ensure you have your VPN ready. It protects user data by encrypting the connection to keep out prying eyes and hackers, but ensure you select a reputable VPN.
Carry a local power adapter and cables
Of course, you’ll need to power your devices, but there’s a major caveat here. Japan uses Type A plugs with 100V electricity, which differs from the UK’s Type G with 230V.
Type A only has two parallel ports, so your regular adapter won’t fit directly. Carry a Type G to Type A adapter to ensure you can plug in your phone and power bank without issues. You won’t need a voltage converter, as most plugs support dual voltage and are indicated as 100-240V. It’s also a good idea to carry more than one adapter to ensure you can plug in multiple devices at the same time.
