Friends visiting Japan often ask me why there are no, or very few, Wi-Fi hotspots available at hotels and cafes in Tokyo. They mention that in their countries, many places offer free Wi-Fi for guests — often it is completely open, or you simply need to ask the staff for the password.

In Tokyo, even when you can find a Wi-Fi signal, you'll more often than not be faced with the provider's log-in page, usually completely in Japanese. "Isn't Japan a country with advanced Internet?" ask my friends.

And their complaints are justified: There are fewer Wi-Fi access points in stores in Japan, and many of them require monthly subscriptions. Free Wi-Fi is very rare to find. It's understandable why travelers are disappointed by the gap between the perception that Japan is a hi-tech country with a high Internet penetration and advanced mobile usage, and the reality.