Japan Government Aims To Offer Free Wi-Fi To Foreign Tourists

Above, if Japan's government plans work out, foreign tourists won't have to rely just
on coffee shops and other businesses for free Wi-Fi services. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Little by little, the Japanese government is preparing the country to be more inviting to foreign tourists in preparation for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

The Japan News (Yomiuri Shimbun) reported:

The government has unveiled an action plan to provide foreign visitors with high-level wireless communications services as the country prepares for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. 

The plan includes promotion of free Wi-Fi services, the use of Japanese SIM cards in foreign smartphones and a reduction in international roaming services fees, Yoko Kamikawa, state secretary for communications, said at a press conference.

While Japan is generally known for technological innovations, they lag behind other countries in providing free Wi-Fi services.

Up to now, the only places offering free Wi-Fi in Japan are at some train stations, restaurants, hotels, coffee shops and other businesses.

To read more, go here.

UPDATE (6/17/14):

Inside Japan Tours has details on the government's free tourist Wi-Fi plan. Go here.