Portable WiFi/Sim Cards
Public Wi-Fi (Free Wi-Fi) HotspotsPublic Wi-Fi for free use has become more and more readily available. Tourists will encounter these networks at airports, major railway stations, and even at the top of Mount Fuji. Public WiFi may require cumbersome advance registrations, and allow only short term access on an hourly basis and limited to specific devices (Smartphone, iPhone). Paid Wi-Fi HotspotsPaid Wi-Fi hotspots are available. A one-day pass typically costs around 500-800 yen. You can use all devices not only smartphones but also laptops and tablets. Occasionally, some services require a Japanese credit card. Prepaid / Rental SIM cardTo use prepaid / Rental SIM cards, your device has to meet the following requirements:
If your device does not support the frequency of the place you are in, you might not get connected. If you are not familiar with phone settings, Rental Portable WiFi may be a better choice. Portable (Mobile) WiFi can be picked up at airport counters, and must be returned when you depart Japan. For a list of mobile WiFi rental services at Haneda Airport, please follow the below link and look under the Cell Phone Rental category http://www.haneda-airport.jp/inter/en/premises/service/internet.html For a list of mobile WiFi rental services at Narita Airport, please follow the below link https://www.narita-airport.jp/en/service/svc_19 Allergy CardsVisit one of the websites below to find Japanese translations for your dietary needs or food allergies.
Or, print out the card below and circle the foods you are allergic to. Show it to restaurant staff to be sure they understand your needs. http://justhungry.com/japan-dining-out-cards https://www.foodallergy.org/chef-card-japanese |
Tokyo is covered by a dense network of train, subway and bus lines, which are operated by about a dozen different companies. The train lines operated by JR East and the subway lines are most convenient for moving around central Tokyo.
A whole variety of day passes is available for the Tokyo area, however, most of them are overpriced and/or not very practical because they do not cover all of Tokyo's train and subway lines. This includes any JR Pass, which is great for travelling across Japan, but can be inconvenient for travelling around Tokyo, as you may need to transfer to lines owned by different companies that wouldn’t be covered in a JR Pass. Consequently, single tickets or prepaid cards usually come cheaper, especially if you plan your city sightseeing in a geographically wise way. Prepaid IC cards are generally the recommended way to get around Tokyo. Prepaid cards don't give you any discounts over single tickets, but they provide convenience as you can ride virtually any train or bus in Greater Tokyo (and many other major cities in Japan) with just a simple swipe over a card reader. They can also be used to make quick purchases at a constantly increasing number of shops in Tokyo (and across the country). They are also a neat souvenir of your time in Japan! Two types of IC cards are available for purchase in Tokyo:
While you can use taxis and other ride share services within the Tokyo area, public transportation here is the cheaper and more efficient way to get around. Allow yourself some extra time in getting to your destination as you familiarize yourself with the transit system. Signage is generally provided in English. Try and save money and reduce your carbon footprint by planning to take public transit. Note: Be careful to watch if the train or bus you are boarding is an express or limited express. These do not stop at all stops on the given route and you may miss your stop. If you are navigating by Google Maps or Hyperdia, take the train at the time suggested, and not an earlier or later one was you may step onto an express or limited express which may bypass your desired stop. |