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Free Wi-Fi Router Rental in Japan for 15 Days 1GB/Day Download (Pick up from Shizuoka City)

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Update 18/11/17: Must show proof of staying in Shizuoka with hotel confirmation, etc.

Shizuoka City is offering free WiFi router rental, NINJA WiFi, to foreign visitors. With NINJA WiFi, you can stay connected anytime and anywhere in Japan!

I have found this free rental while searching the tourist information. You must pick it up from Shizuoka city which is located 1 hour west of Tokyo or 1.5 hour east of Kyoto by bullet train. If you are using JR pass from Tokyo to Kyoto, you can drop by at Shizuoka station to pick up the free rental. The information center is located in the JR station and they are open anyday from 9:00 to 17:45. The maximum days you can rent is 15 days and unlimited MB of download.

The official site tells you to return at an airport, but according to this website, it looks like you can send it back for return from any convenience store in Japan.
https://shizuokatourism.com/2015/12/01/fee-wifi-rental-for-f…

I also found a similar service in Tokyo. However, this is only for 3 days and need to go back there to return. You can rent it from Skytree, Azumabashi (Near Asakusa) or Ryogoku (Sumo Stadium).
http://visit-sumida.jp/inbound/
http://visit-sumida.jp/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/wifi_mobil…
http://visit-sumida.jp/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/wifi.pdf

New information:
There is a similar service available in Kochi prefecture.
http://www.pref.kochi.lg.jp/soshiki/020201/files/20160705001…
It is available from 11/July/2016 to 31/Mar/2017 and you can rent it for 3 days according to their website.

Niigata Prefecture:
Free rental is also available from Niigata prefecture. Echigo yuzawa in Nigata prefecture is a famous hot spring and ski resort and about 70 min from Tokyo. The ski resort is very near to the station. Local people go there for a day trip from Tokyo.

This is available from 16/Jan/2017 to 31/Mar/2017.
1. Foreign visitor visiting Niigata prefecture
2. 1 device per group. Up to four days.
3. You must upload it Facebook.

Pick up from one of these locations:
Niigata Airport
JR Niigata station tourist information centre
JR Echigo Yuzawa station tourist information centre

https://enjoyniigata.com/en/news/008.html

Related Stores

ninjawifi.com
ninjawifi.com

closed Comments

  • +9

    God I wish I had this when I went earlier this year…

  • +33

    We changed from OZbargin to Japbargin? lol..

  • +2

    Wish there was this in Sapporo, as I'm taking the missus there in 2 weeks.

    • Going to the brewery?

  • +1

    Going to Japan in 3 weeks. Thanks for this.

  • +2

    Any deals in Nigeria?

    • +17

      We changed from OZbargain to OZscam?

    • +3

      Inappropriate neg based on deal posting guidelines for overseas deals

      Deals in Overseas Countries - Deals available overseas may be applicable to Australians traveling to that destination. Some deals located overseas may not be applicable to the majority of Australians in reasonable circumstances however. Currently only travel/tourist related deals should be posted on OzBargain

      This deal is under Travel category. Many OzBargainers have taken up cheap flight deals to Japan, & may be interested in this deal. Seems very popular.

  • +2

    nvm read their FAQ

  • I just bought a unicom sim 3GB/4G/7Day/$27

    • +15

      Cool story

    • +1

      i read 'i just bought a unicorn'.. which actually would have been cool.. cooler than dragons even

      • Nothing is cooler than a White Dragon.

        • blue eyes white dragon?

  • I prefer kawasaki ninjas thanks

  • +17

    Don't be so excited, if you are not paying for the product, then you are the product. I just read through website, you have to follow 6 steps to get a free router including taking a photo and post to your social network account, they also take a copy of your passport. Make sure to read T&Cs before filling your details in the form.

    • +3

      Normal for Passport to be copied to provide security over loan of device. Same happens at check-in at Japanese hotels or loan of car. It's usual to have to produce passport if requested in Japan - illegal to be without it.

      I doubt anyone in Australia would loan a router with free data without at least some form of ID - possibly retained until device returned.

      Same with t&c, to ensure use conforms to strict Japanese communication law, & otherwise no one would return router & scheme would fail.

      Tourist Information Centres are run by local or Prefecture government, often staffed by volunteers. Their role is to promote local tourism. That is seen as savour of some areas. Japan has been in economic decline for decades, with decreasing tax payers & increasing costs.

      Loan of router is a trial to see if it influences tourism decisions of Foreigners. Japan has considered offered free holidays in return for positive social media reports - free data & loan of router is small bickies😀

      So they will want to show a happy visitor (photo on social media) & user of their service - to attract other tourists to their area & justify the expense of running the TIC & free data service. (Tourists to Japan sometimes end up being interviewed for TV - its much the same - Japanese love people to love their country.) Even asking a question at a TIC usually means giving out some information (your country, length of stay).

      Much the same conditions as other countries including Australia. Even accepting a free food sample at the local Coles/Woolies can result in being coerced into almost obligatory photo for social media - or is that just my experience😯

  • i might fly to japan to take advantage of this ozb deal. im a cheap ass like that.

  • +6

    its not unlimited data. it allows 1gb per day. It is on the form

  • Guess I just have to book myself a ticket to Japan now.. If only it's that easy..

  • Not really sure about this. The website published it on 2015 and the post said trial until next year March which I guess 2016? So is this still valid? Couldn't find any update from their website

  • +3

    I paid $100 last time I went for unlimited 4g , they sent me the unit from Sydney to my house in Australia a week before my flight.. then when I came back I sent it back (AUS post) back to Sydney (they paid for prepaid bag) I found this much easier..

    https://japanwifiservice.com/en/
    Ask to speak with Tomo if you want a similar setup :)

  • FREE Wi-Fi app for travelers to Japan.

    http://wi2.co.jp/tjw/en/

    • +4

      I used this. It is spotty. It definitely worked around most 7-11 shops, but if you are relying on it, forget it. Don't cheap out. Get a SIM delivered to your hotel room so it is there before you arrive, or get a Wi-Fi delivered. It will make your holiday MUCH more pleasant. Don't worry about saving a few bucks trying to go to a Yamada Denki or Bic Camera in search of a SIM card. Sometimes the bargain way is to pay a touch more and enjoy the expensive holiday more instead of cheaping out.

  • +2

    I just purchased a DoCoMo data sim there at the airport and stuck it in my phone. Great coverage across most of japan and it also meant that I wasn't carrying an extra gadget. I think it was under $30

  • Used freetel el cheapo wireless router there this year. Very slow but it was good enough for google maps and travel blog browsing

  • -2

    Are we all that addicted to the internet while travelling? Don't you want to see the place rather than snapchat about it? Most hotels and many malls/department stores/smaller clothing shops have free wifi in the bigger cities anyway.

    • +2

      It is quite handy for navigating and looking up nearby attractions, like when you get out of the train and are not sure exactly which way to the amazing aquarium in Osaka. I didn't use Snapchat once. I wouldn't know how.

      • Train stations are incredibly well signed and have maps everywhere of above ground access. Not only will it tell you which exit to take to the mezzanine and/or ground level to get to your destination, but you can even figure out which train carriage to get on at the station you start at to be close to the exit at your final station.

        And if you really don't trust that, there are many free map apps you can get that have an insane level of detail of all cities.

        • +5

          Fine. You do your thing and I'll do mine. $30 or so seems like a good deal to me. You are right that 99 times out of 100 everything is well signed. Get outside of Tokyo though and things are not always so.

          I wonder what the cost is to take the ferry from the Peace Park to Miajima Island rather than the local train and JR ferry, or I wonder whether the rope way on Miajima is working because of the wind today?

          Is Mt Shosha behind Himeji Castle on its annual "Holiday" meaning the ropeway is not working? I hope so, because I love climbing an empty mountain.

          I totally understand what you are saying about being in the moment and I have been to Japan without wi-fi before it was readily available and with it. It's not a necessity, but I find it helpful.

        • @Daabido:

          Both very worthwhile attractions you've mentioned in your example. We climbed Mt Shosha when the ropeway was working and it was still practically empty. Had a really nice morning there. I prefer it to the bunfight that is the castle to be honest.

    • mostly for navigation and booking etc rather then social media and phoning back home. Book hotels, alter travel arrangements, heck even dig out some voucher code or something if you're after a deal on something you want to buy or a place you want to eat etc. Turn work emails off!

    • +2

      There's plenty of legitimate uses for data while travelling - map/directions, hotel information, attraction information, getting phone numbers and addresses, Zomato for restaurants, etc, etc. Most can be avoided with a bit of pre-planning but not everyone wants to pre-plan on their holidays. And sometimes the information you prepared beforehand doesn't turn out to be complete or accurate.

    • +3

      Yes, experiencing the place - the moment can be glorious. (As long as you aren't in a hurry.)

      Same can be said about (the over use) of guidebooks stopping people from unique experiences or travelling beyond the page.

      Sometimes I need to be places faster & know exactly where I am or make changes to my plans - that's when internet connection is very handy. (I've accidentally turned up in another city to where my accommodation was booked or been delayed.)

      Not everywhere has good English language maps, free WiFi & information available - like the rural & island areas I've travelled. I've travelled for weeks without a conversation in English (I speak little Japanese). Luckily data is very common most places using a device like this, but free WiFi access can be harder to access outside major cities.

      Looked for a train station in rural Kyushu - not realising it was just a mount of soil beside a rice paddy, with no signs. Finally a local drove me there using GPS & he was surprised.

      I have been in Japan during disasters (just after 2011 earthquake, floods, etc) - nothing works as scheduled & locals either are equally confused, looking after themselves, or don't understand what the Foreigner wants…

      Data can be very useful, but I've survived on free WiFi in accommodation and tourist information centres, & more recently with it's widespread introduction in urban Japan.

      It's especially useful for navigation & VOIP calls. (No voice SIMs available for non-Residents.)

      Before smart phones, I used to take a photo at an internet cafe of accommodation details / map & view on my camera, others printed those out. Now there are offline resources like maps that can talk you back to your accommodation, tripadvisor & other guides to cities, translation apps. Saves a lot of research beforehand - which can help in living more spontaneously, in the moment, knowing I can get myself home.

      After many holidays in Japan I happily still get lost (& have amazing experiences). The best thing to travel with is time (& an enquiring mind).

  • what a good initiative

  • We paid approx $360 for 2 wifi units for 5 weeks from global advanced communications. I capped mine with softbank within a few days and they just sent me a new one.

    4g speed dangerous

  • Any other suggestions for data SIMs or pocket wifi?

  • You really should put that it is a 1GB per day thing btw.

    • Updated the title.

  • Absolute necessity in Japan. Anyone going should jump all over this.

  • Just book Airbnb in Japan and grab the portable modem at the place you stay,then you have free wi fi with you where and when ever you go out :)

    • +1

      Inappropriate neg based on deal posting guidelines for overseas deals

      Deals in Overseas Countries - Deals available overseas may be applicable to Australians traveling to that destination. Some deals located overseas may not be applicable to the majority of Australians in reasonable circumstances however. Currently only travel/tourist related deals should be posted on OzBargain

      This deal is under Travel category. Many OzBargainers have taken up cheap flight deals to Japan, & may be interested in this deal. Seems very popular.

  • +1

    I came across a similar (but not as good) deal in Kochi city, on the island of Shikoku. Alas I can't find any details online, but it was in October last year, and it seemed like they were going to be running it for quite some time. Free pocket wifi, unlimited data, I used it whilst I stayed in Kochi city (just 3 days), and returned it to the visitor centre when I left. You could return it via various convenience stores as well, in different locations on the island (I just thought it would be easier at the visitors centre).

    If you're heading that way, it's worth heading to the visitor centre regardless - they have free (one day) bike rentals, and discounted hop on/hop off bus tour tickets.

    As an aside, Shikoku island is a fabulous place to explore, a very different part of Japan compared to many places people see when visiting.

    • +3

      Shikoku is wonderful & varied😯

      Plenty to see in this quieter place…
      Walk with Henro (Buddhist pilgrims) around the ancient 88 Temple circuit through ancient forest (2 months by foot, so I only did a few days). Visit the historic, remote & beautiful mountainous Iya valley, where a clan had run away to hide after losing a battle hundreds of years ago - now equally famous for its thatched roof farm houses. (Walked & camped by a river there for days in the mountains.) The famous traditional dance festival Awa Odori from 12 to 15 August in Tokushima attracts over a million people, but presented daily in a special hall. Tokushima was the birthplace of emotion in Japanese puppets (takes 3 people dressed in black to operate 1), with a small annual festival. (I was there for it - didn't know the ancient art of carving puppets could be so interesting.) Dogo Onsen (historic spa) is well worth the time to relax - one of Japan's best old Onsen. See Washi (beautiful traditional paper) made in a small village. Then there's the Naruto Whirlpools to view at the right time, with currents colliding from different sides of the island under the bridge linking Shikoku with Kobe…

      And local fruit, vegies, fish are superb. One Autumn I ate at least 1 kaki (persimmon) a day walking through small villages - sold beside the street - just leave the ¥100, & smelt sweet, ripe figs on the breeze.

      But compared to Shikoku's natural & historic values, I found Kochi like many small Japanese cities - concrete, love motels, Maccas, etc. Local dish Katsuo no tataki is Bonito fish seared in fire in straw - delicious.

      How to get there from Honshu (main island of Japan)…
      A bridge links Kobe with Shikoku.

      Hopped over on ferries via Shodo-shima (island) on way there. Has a modern Onsen (spa) overlooking the sea & you can rub down in olive oil afterwards (produced on the tiny island for over 100 years). Free samples of bread dipped in olive oil next door.

      Or catch a ferry from Wakayama to the East to Shikoku, connecting the major Buddhist site of sublime Koya-san & UNESCO listed 1000 year old walking tracks linking Wakayama, Nara, Mie Prefectures of Honshu.

      Otherwise the string of islands connected by bridges to the North-West is popular with cyclists. Can hire bikes there.

      Amazing art festival every 3 years on Shikoku & other islands of the Inland Sea. Need to catch ferries to see it all.

      There's much more to Japan than the usual large cities & attractions

      • +1

        I loved my time on Shikoku - last year was my first time traveling there (after many visits to Japan). For me it wasn't the kaki, but the mikan that I couldn't get enough of! Agree that Kochi city itself is just another small Japanese city, it's the rural parts of Shikoku that were fabulous. After seeing all the henro-san on the road, I'm very tempted to do the 88 Temple circuit on a future trip (I just did a day here and there this trip).

        Other highlights of my recent trip were also Iya Valley, the Shimanami Kaido (I spent 3 days riding a bicycle across the bridges connecting Shikoku to Honshu) and the Kumano Kodo (I did a 4 day trek through the mountains).

        Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka etc are all popular for a reason, but getting off the beaten track can be so rewarding.

        • +2

          Thanks for recommending Shikoku - it brought back great memories for me. Wish I was there now😢

          Yes the mikan (small mandarin) is a great little treat. I was given them first when walking with Henro. Locals give gifts to the pilgrims. They always tasted sweeter that way.

          Taking with older people, they would say the Kaki was the sweets store in the old days, when Japan was poor. Every family had their own tree. I often come across abandoned homes with an overloaded Kaki tree willing to feed me as I walk by.

          The Kumano Kodo can be approached from so many areas - fantastic mountain walks and another religious pilgrimage. Now there are services for tourists (accommodation, baggage forwarding, organised walks) it has made it more accessible than when I first did 1 day sections 10 years ago.

          Met a Yamabushi (religious mountain man). He had been walking the Kumano Kodo with a woven bamboo basket on his back since he was 21 - he was 71. He was excited the next day as a monk had given him their old woven rice straw sandals. His only metal object / technology was a small gas stove & cooking pot. I passed on to him my full gas cylinder - it was like I had given him something precious. A totally different way of life.

          The Shimanto-gawa is famous as Japan's last pristine river (ie no concrete dams) - in Kochi Prefecture. Great to walk beside this river. The wooden bridges have no sides, to allow the flood waters to pass.

          The Shimanami Kaido - lucky you. Said to be a fantastic bike ride from island to island across the Inland Sea. I've only heard & read about it…

          My usual form of transport on small islands has been hitchhiking. A great way to meet the locals, as long as you have the time. Was given a gift of $200, after travelling with 10 tour guides in training, with the main guide, a driver, & history expert. They were learning about the Iya Valley to teach Foreigners at the Shikoku-Mura outdoor Museum, so took turns translated the history to me. They saw me as helping in their training, & I wanted to learn about the area's history. We had such a wonderful 2 days together, the gift was very unnecessary & embarrassing. But that's Japanese hospitality (toward European looking Foreigners at least).

        • @Infidel:

          Your stories sound amazing! Wish I could've booked a longer trip like you but I can only stay for 10 days next time in April. Any tips & suggestions for going off the beaten path for my short stay? Flying in to Narita and out from Kansai.

          I've been to Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Nara and Osaka in the past and wouldn't mind visiting these places again but I'm also keen to see new sights.

        • +1

          @Dadidalol:
          My usual answer - it depends on you (what you like etc - I love nature, history & culture over big cities & tech) so a little hard to make suggestions (given limited time)…

          I'm flying into Narita late April for 4 weeks, heading up the mountains near Fuji-san for the late Sakura (Cherry blossom bloom later at altitude), spring Matsuri (festivas are great & the locals are enjoying themselves) with traditional horse back archery, then maybe the traditional kite festival in the sand dunes of Hamamatsu, between Tokyo & Nagoya - that's in the busy Golden Week holidays (first week of May). But what will actually happen will likely be driven by the weather & chance.

          I love the Kansai region (Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, etc). The mountains South & East of Osaka have amazing 1000 year old walking tracks - the kumano kodo (see above). Even a day walk is a refreshing change, through forests & past shines. A handy entry point is Yoshino (South of Nara), known for Sakura up its slopes & Yamabushi (mountain religious men) who train in ascetic practices on the mountain…

          The paths to the south in Wakayama-ken are postcard beautiful.
          There you can experience atmospheric Koyasan, an ancient Buddhist mountain site - worth an overnight stay.

          Even walking the philosopher's path in tourist packed Kyoto, past temples & shines, is rewarding. But small tracks lead off into mountain paths at the back of some of those - past a freezing waterfall people stand under as part of their training.

          A tram ride south of Osaka is the city of Sakai - the traditional knife making centre of Japan. While watching a video of hand making scissors at the local museum, the French apprentice to the scissor Master approached & asked if I would like to meet the last scissor Master in Japan… why not.

          I've found I don't need to go far to have adventures in Japan. If you look like you enjoy their country & it's customs, someone will try to take you on an interesting adventure.

          I've been "kidnapped" many times by friendly locals - some of the most memorable moments in Japan. (I was "kidnapped" on the way to the supermarket for breakfast supplies in Osaka one morning… by an old women who took me to see a traditional performance by men dressed as women in kimono. Then to lunch & a different performance - she was paying. I finally got away later that night!)

          But adventures do require time & an enquiring mind. I travel seeing the journey with the eyes of a child - being amazed by the simplest thing & always curious. (I used to teach that approach to very successful people through my old business. Now I just travel.)

          (I've been posting more in the current Jetstar flights to Japan deal.)

          There are so many possibilities in Japan. Might be worth another journey - enjoy🏯

    • +1

      I found the information about renting for free in Kochi.

      http://www.pref.kochi.lg.jp/soshiki/020201/files/20160705001…

      I found there is similar service in Niigata prefecture as well. If you're going skiing in Niigata, you might be able to use it for free.

  • +1

    Japan is gearing up to encourage tourism leading to the 2020 Olympics. They've identified lack of free WiFi as an impediment to tourism. Outside of major cities that can be difficult to supply.

    To fulfill that need, it seems providing free loan devices like this in local Tourist Information Centres is seen as a feature to draw tourists to their area.

    So ask at a TIC ❓ or research availability in the area(s) you intend visiting - you might get free data. Ask about other discounts too, like Welcome Cards & volunteer guides to show you around.

    Of course devices will be limited & may be OzBargained at popular times. Passports will be photocopied to secure loan of device. Japan has strict controls over who can use SIMs.

  • Wow might have to change my itinerary to go to Shizuoka first. :o

    I'm going in March so if any OzBargainers take up this offer it would be interesting to hear your experience.

    • Weigh up the extra cost or time to take up the offer, against the savings of buying a SIM card for your trip or inconvenience if just using free WiFi where available. It is an option (likely available elsewhere), but may not suit many.

      • Yep I will do some more research/planning. I'm wanting to do a week of skiing and then a week of whatever so I may go to Shizuoka after Hakuba.

        • That's why they make the offer - to get tourists to visit their region.

          Free is great if you don't need to go to much effort or go out of your way to get something you want.

          It reminds me of meeting frugal old men at a religious festival in Kochi, Shikoku. They encouraged me to go round & round being given free packets of Ramen & Mochi rice cakes at the ceremony. Its ¥0 they would say - how could you refuse! After 4 times, I gave up & gave away my haul. They thought I was crazy for passing up the freebie, but accepted my gifts. Sometimes free (¥0 in Japanese) is hardly worth the effort for some like me😢 (Mochi & cheap packet Ramen are not my favourite Japanese food - even for free. Now if it was free Saki like another festival, this Foreigner couldn't get enough.) Went to a restaurant for delicious, expensive, local dish Katsuo no tataki - Bonito fish seared in fire in straw. (Locals had given me $200 while hitchhiking a few days earlier!) My heart loved the laughter with the old men & I learnt more of the culture, but my tastebuds & belly loved the fish.

          You're only there for a short while, so - Enjoy😯

  • 1hr from Tokyo via bullet train?! so far!
    y cant we just pick it up from airport!

    • +3

      Promotions are run by regional tourist offices - to get you to see their area. No visit - no loan device.

      You can pay to rent one or buy a data SIM at the airport etc.

  • Damn, nothing for Okinawa, which I am heading to in April :(

  • +1

    Is it still available??? I'm going to Japan end of April.

  • That is OP

  • +1

    Still there, 10 days now though.

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