More Hotspots In Tokyo For Tourists and Emergencies

Above, Nakamise Street began providing free Wi-Fi in July. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

More and more tourist and shopping areas in Tokyo are providing free Wi-Fi service "due to popular demand" from foreign tourists.

According to the Yomiuri Shimbun:

An increasing number of tourist areas and shopping districts in Tokyo have been equipped with Wi-Fi hot spots, so tourists can access the Internet via their smartphones and other devices, especially with the approach of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics. 

This measure has been taken partly in response to complaints by visitors from overseas, as many entertainment districts and tourists spots provide free access to the Internet in the United States and Europe.

Some tourist areas have had free Wi-Fi, but users encountered problems:

An association of shops at the Nakamise shopping street at Sensoji temple in Taito Ward began providing a free Wi-Fi service for foreign visitors in July. Its free service had already been made available in some sections of the street. However, some tourists said it could not be used with their overseas cell phones, while others complained that they could not read the Japanese and therefore could not access it. 

In response, the association introduced equipment that helps foreign visitors access Wi-Fi services more easily. The guide screen provides 11 language options, including English, Chinese, Korean, French and German.

It looks like Tokyo is making big strides in preparation for the 2020 Olympic Games and to catch up with the rest of the world with Wi-Fi.

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