Reference：

Using free WiFi spot in Japan- convenience store

Using free WiFi spot in Japan- cafe

What is the mobile WiFi router?

It requires a line for you to use the Internet. The line of mainstream in Japan is two types. These are “mobile router” and “fixed line”. Mobile router, a terminal of the pocket size, is easy to carry because the weight is about 100g.
In addition, it can be introduced in a relatively more reasonable price than fixed line, because the construction cost is not applied.

Mentioned a demerit, It does not mean that everywhere can be reliably used. It could not be used in the out of the service area. If it were in bad or poor reception, the line speed is fall and unstable state. Even so, mobile WiFi has a high degree of certainty to safety than free WiFi in terms of security, because the connection are protected by the ID, password and encrypted communication.

So, introduce the representative communications companies.

(1)UQ WiMAX

http://www.uqwimax.jp/english/ (English)

UQ WiMAX is a provider of UQ Communications to manage the WiMAX and WiMAX2 .　 Top share in Japan of WiFi. Population coverage rate of 99%. Many companies are offering WiMAX and WiMAX2 line at MVNO. However, radio waves of WiMAX and WiMAX 2 is hard to reach in the building or underground, because there is a reflective characteristics to obstacles. In addition, if you used more than 3GB per day or 7GB per 1 month, the communication restriction is applied. The main plan is 2-year contract. In the middle of the cancellation takes cancellation fee.

(2)NTT Docomo

https://www.nttdocomo.co.jp/english/product/relate/index.html (English)

Docomo WiFi is available to Xi (crossy) and FOMA area. If you compare in terms of lead-friendliness, recommended Docomo, because good balance of the frequency band and LTE line is substantial. However, because it uses the same line of mobile phone, if the smartphone user access is concentrated depending on the time and place, there is also a possibility that cannot be received stable communication services. In addition, the monthly fee is expensive. The main plan is 2-year contract. In the middle of the cancellation takes cancellation fee. Because there is a short-term loan service for travelers, it can be used in the trial.

http://visitor.docomowifi.com/en/details/ (English)

(3)Y-mobile/ Yahoo! WiFi

http://www.ymobile.jp/index.html (Japanese only)

Since SoftBank and Y-mobile Ltd. is a group company, it can be utilized area of each other. Using radio waves of AXGP is hard to reach in the building or underground, because there is a reflective characteristics to obstacles. In addition, the same as WiMAX, if you used more than 3GB per day or 7GB per 1 month, the communication restriction is applied. The main plan is 2 or 3-year contract. In the middle of the cancellation takes cancellation fee.

(4)Which company is best deal?

Though there are so many ISPs, most are Japanese-only. If you cannot speak and read Japanese, you should select an ISP that provides English support.

To tell the truth, because there are too many companies, it is difficult to choice even for Japanese people.

Churako

Japan