The assumption that hotel WiFi in Japan will cover all connectivity needs during a Japan trip is one of the most common and consequential pre-trip misjudgments travelers make. It’s an understandable assumption — Japan has a reputation for technological sophistication, hotels are generally well-equipped, and the logic of “I’ll be on WiFi in the evenings”
Every year, a meaningful number of Japan-bound travelers make the same calculation: Japan has free WiFi at airports, train stations, temples, and convenience stores, so maybe a dedicated data plan isn’t necessary. They arrive at Narita or Haneda, connect to the airport WiFi, and feel justified in their decision. Then they board the Narita Express,