Some Shinkansen trains in Japan are now equipped with free Wi-Fi. For business travelers who often need to work online while on the go, being able to use stable internet during long train rides is extremely valuable—especially since the Shinkansen journey between cities can take the most travel time. For tourists, having Wi-Fi on board also means you can share beautiful scenery and memorable experiences in real time. These free Wi-Fi services can be a big help during your trip.

So, which Shinkansen trains already offer free Wi-Fi? How do you connect and use it?

Free Wi-Fi: Available Shinkansen Lines

Tokaido, Sanyo, and Kyushu Shinkansen: Shinkansen Free Wi-Fi

If you want to travel from Tokyo to Kagoshima in Kyushu, how should you take the train?

The answer is simple: just board the Nozomi Shinkansen and you can get there directly.

But did you know? Even though you don’t transfer along the way, the train actually passes through three JR company jurisdictions: JR Central (Tokaido Shinkansen, Tokyo–Osaka), JR West (Sanyo Shinkansen, Osaka–Fukuoka), and JR Kyushu (Kyushu Shinkansen, Fukuoka–Kagoshima). In the past, free Wi-Fi was available only under JR Central, which meant once you passed Osaka, the Wi-Fi connection would automatically cut off…

Also, in order to use JR Central’s free Wi-Fi between Tokyo and Osaka, you first needed contracts with providers like docomo Wi-Fi, NTT FLET’S SPOT, HOTSPOT, BB Mobile Point, or UQ Wi-Fi.

Since July 2018, however, the Tokaido, Sanyo, and Kyushu Shinkansen have jointly introduced a new service: Shinkansen Free Wi-Fi. Just search for the SSID “Shinkansen Free Wi-Fi,” connect, and complete a simple registration with your email address (SNS authentication is also available). You can then use Wi-Fi for free along the entire Tokyo–Kagoshima route—no prior contracts needed.

Before March 2020, the service was only available on certain trains or sections. Since March 2020, however, all trains on these routes are equipped with Shinkansen Free Wi-Fi. This also marked the first time that free Wi-Fi was introduced on the Sanyo and Kyushu Shinkansen.

If you plan to ride these lines, look for this sticker near the train doors:

Hokuriku Shinkansen (E7 series), Yamagata, Akita, Joetsu, Tohoku, and Hokkaido Shinkansen: JR-EAST FREE Wi-Fi

JR East wasn’t about to fall behind. Its jurisdiction covers all Shinkansen lines heading northeast from Tokyo up to Aomori (beyond which is JR Hokkaido). All trains in this area now feature free Wi-Fi under the name JR-EAST FREE Wi-Fi, fully implemented in 2019.

At first, “JR-EAST FREE Wi-Fi” was intended for inbound tourists. In practice, however, both Japanese and foreign passengers can easily register with an email address and use it.

One point to note is the Hokuriku Shinkansen. The section from Tokyo to Joetsumyoko is under JR East, while Joetsumyoko to Kanazawa is under JR West. Trains often run the entire route without requiring transfers, but this means there are two train models: JR East’s E7 and JR West’s W7. Only the JR East E7 trains provide JR-EAST FREE Wi-Fi. The W7 trains instead provide JR-WEST FREE Wi-Fi (explained below).

Don’t worry too much about identifying the train type. Like Shinkansen Free Wi-Fi, JR-EAST FREE Wi-Fi stickers are placed near the train doors. Just check for the sticker to know which Wi-Fi service you can connect to.

JR East Free Wi-Fi Usage Guide

Hokuriku Shinkansen (W7 series): JR-WEST FREE Wi-Fi

On JR West’s W7 series trains running the Hokuriku Shinkansen, free Wi-Fi is provided under the name JR-WEST FREE Wi-Fi. Again, just check the stickers near the train doors to confirm which Wi-Fi is available.

Here is the JR-WEST FREE Wi-Fi sticker:

How to Use the Free Wi-Fi

Just follow these simple steps to connect:

1. Turn on Wi-Fi on your smartphone or computer.
2. Select the network name, such as “Shinkansen Free Wi-Fi,” “JR-EAST FREE Wi-Fi,” or “JR-WEST FREE Wi-Fi.”
3. Review and agree to the terms of use in the pop-up window.
4. Select “Connect to the network.”
5. Register with an email address or via SNS authentication (note: JR-EAST FREE Wi-Fi does not support SNS login).

Things to Keep in Mind When Using Free Wi-Fi

Each Registration Has an Expiration Period

Each registration is valid for a certain period. After it expires, you’ll need to register again.

Validity periods are as follows:

• Shinkansen Free Wi-Fi: 21 days
• JR-EAST FREE Wi-Fi: 21 days
• JR-WEST FREE Wi-Fi: 8 days

Each Connection Has a Time Limit

Each session has a maximum duration. Once it expires, you’ll need to reconnect.

Time limits are as follows:

• Shinkansen Free Wi-Fi: 30 minutes
• JR-EAST FREE Wi-Fi: 3 hours
• JR-WEST FREE Wi-Fi: Currently unspecified

Connection May Not Always Be Stable

Since the free Wi-Fi relies on mobile networks, connectivity and speed may drop in certain areas, such as tunnels or rural regions.

Heavy Usage May Be Restricted

Because this is a shared service, excessive use of data (such as downloading large files) may result in temporary restrictions to ensure fair access for all passengers.

Why Portable WiFi Is a Better Solution

Portable WiFi devices are the most reliable option for travelers who need stable and fast internet access throughout their journey. Unlike free WiFi, portable WiFi provides uninterrupted connectivity, even in tunnels or remote areas. Here are some key benefits:

• High-speed internet for streaming, video calls, and navigation.
• Unlimited data plans for worry-free usage.
• Supports multiple devices, perfect for families or groups.
• Works beyond the Shinkansen, covering your entire trip in Japan.

Imagine sharing real-time updates with friends while speeding past iconic landscapes or using Google Maps to navigate your next destination after arriving. Portable WiFi ensures you’re always connected when it matters most.

How to Choose the Right Portable WiFi

Selecting the right portable WiFi service can make a big difference in your travel experience. Look for these features:

• Unlimited data plans for heavy usage.
• Convenient pickup and return options, such as at the airport.
• Reliable coverage from trusted networks like docomo.
• Easy setup and multiple device support.

CDJapan Rental offers portable WiFi devices designed specifically for travelers. With our high-speed internet and easy airport pickup service, staying connected has never been simpler.

Tips for Shinkansen Travelers

Here are a few tips to make the most of your Shinkansen experience:

• Plan your route in advance and check for WiFi availability on your specific line.
• Consider booking a portable WiFi device before your trip for guaranteed connectivity.
• Download essential apps like Google Maps or translation tools before boarding.

Stay Connected with CDJapan Rental

Don’t let spotty connections disrupt your journey. Rent a portable WiFi device from CDJapan Rental today and enjoy seamless internet access across Japan. Click here to book now and make your travel worry-free.

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