Survival Guide - Kyoto - page 418

(especially those who don't speak and read Japanese). Freespot Map ( www.freespot.com/users/map_e.html )
has a list of internet hotspots in Japan; it's not exhaustive and the maps are in Japanese, but it's quite useful.
Failing that, here are some ways to get online:
FON Network Virtually all Starbucks in Japan have FON wi-fi. Foneros (FON members) can connect for free;
non-members can use Google services like Gmail for free. Other services are charged (credit-card payment is
possible).
SIM cards If you bring an internet device that takes a SIM card, you can buy B-Mobile data SIM cards from
major electronics shops in Japan. These will usually allow unlimited internet use for a specific length of time (a
month is common).
Boingo Subscribers to the Boingo ( www.boingo.com ) global plan can use BB Mobilepoint wi-fi at McDonald's
restaurants in Japan.
Portable internet connections You can rent data cards, USB dongles or pocket wi-fi devices from various
phone rental companies in Japan. The most user-friendly option with English-language service is provided by
Rentafone Japan ( www.rentafonejapan.com ) , which offers two types of pocket wi-fi from ¥3900 per week with
unlimited usage.
Internet Terminals
The following are some places where you can log on in Kyoto.
Kyoto International Community House OFFLINE MAP (KICH; 752-3512; Sakyō-ku, Awataguchi,
Torii-chō 2-1; per 30min ¥200; 5min walk from Keage Station, Tōzai subway line) The machines here have
Japanese keyboards and you are limited in the sites you can visit, but it's a fairly cheap
place to log on.
Kyoto Prefectural International Center OFFLINE MAP ( 342-5000; 9th fl, Kyoto Station Bldg; per
15min ¥100; 10am-6pm; Kyoto Station) In addition to using the machines provided, you can
also log on with your own laptop here. It's closed on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each
month.
Kinko's OFFLINE MAP ( 213-6802; Nakagyō-ku, Tearaimizu-chō 651-1, Takoyakushi sagaru, Karasuma dōri;
per 10min ¥210 (first 10min ¥262); 24hr; 5min walk from Karasuma Station, Hankyū line) This copy
shop has several terminals where you can log on. It's expensive but conveniently located.
Tops Café OFFLINE MAP ( 681-9270; www.topsnet.co.jp/5/index.html ; Kyoto-eki, Hachijō-guchi; per 15min
¥120, plus registration fee ¥200; 24hr; Kyoto Station) This is an all-night manga/internet cafe
where you can actually spend the night in the booths if you want. It's just outside the
south (Hachijō) exit of Kyoto Station.