
Planning a trip to Japan? Here are some essentials to help you plan a memorable trip to the land of sunrise.
E-Sim
Staying connected as a tourist is a non-negotiable and E-sim cards are one of the best options to do so. E-sim cards can be bought in advance and activated when you arrive in Japan. E-sim can switch between carriers seamlessly – it allows you to switch between multiple available carriers without physically changing the sim.
Portable wifi
Many tourist information centers provide the option to buy portable Wi-Fi that tourists can carry along. These make a great group option as a pocket/portable wifi can connect to up to 5 devices. A portable wifi can be purchased from any tourist center by filling necessary documentation and selecting the plan. while leaving they can be dropped off at any post office or mailbox. One must be careful not to forget to return the device – as a penalty of 1500 Yen per day is applicable.
Public Wifi
If you plan on traveling to the big cities(Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka) only, public wifi is easily available at metro and train stations. However – one must use caution while using free wifi with potential risks of government monitoring, hackers on the network, spying and attacks.
Suica/Pasmo
Suica is synonymous with life-saver among tourists visiting Japan. it is a well-known fact that Japan enjoys one of the best railway connectivities in the world, as a tourist railway is the cheapest way to explore Japan. But the numerous stations and route navigation can quickly get complicated – save yourself the madness with suica.
One can buy the welcome Suica at both Haneda and Narita International Airports. To get started recharge with a 1000 Yen on any recharging machine. Suica is a tap-and-go transport card and works almost everywhere in Japan including convenience stores.