Wi-Fi and Travel Information in Hyogo, Japan: Your Ultimate Guide

Hyogo is located almost in the center of Japan, and has excellent land, sea, and air transportation; making it easily accessible from anywhere in Japan and even the world. Oh, do you know what else should be easily accessible? Yes, it's Wi-Fi connection. Rest assured, Hyogo has a public wireless LAN service for you.

We will take a look at the free Wi-Fi available in Hyogo, and our recommendation of a Wi-Fi rental service, "WiFiBOX".

[Rent Now] Wi-Fi rental for use in Hyogo and throughout Japan with surprisingly simple booking, pickup, and return. From 440 yen per day

Free Public Wi-Fi Available in Hyogo

Photo provided by "Himeji City"

Hyogo Prefecture operates a public wireless LAN "Hyogo Free Wi-Fi" for the purpose of improving convenience for visitors from overseas and collecting information in the event of a disaster.

In addition, in order to improve the convenience of residents and tourists from Japan and abroad, Hyogo Prefecture is promoting the use of "Hyogo Free Wi-Fi Lite" and "Hyogo Free Wi-Fi Ex", which can be used at a wide range of facilities and stores in the prefecture: restaurants, hotels and hospitals outside of prefectural facilities.

Let's find out more about free public Wi-Fi provided by Hyogo Prefecture.

What is Hyogo Free Wi-Fi?

Hyogo Free Wi-Fi is a free Wi-Fi that can be used in public facilities such as the prefectural office, Tajima Airport, museums, and parks.

The SSID for it, is "Hyogo_Free_Wi-Fi". SSID is an abbreviation of "Service Set IDentifier" and is a network name given to identify Wi-Fi communication.When connecting to Wi-Fi, you will need SSID information.

To use it, you need to register your email address or social media account. You can use the connection for 30 minutes, and the number of times you can use it is unlimited. You can check the facilities providing the free Wi-Fi here.

How to log in to Hyogo Free Wi-Fi

There are two ways to register for Hyogo Free Wi-Fi: with an email address or a social media account.

Either way, you need to go to a Wi-Fi spot and catch the connection first. Then, follow the steps below to connect.

1. Tap "Settings" → "Wi-Fi" on the smartphone and select the SSID "Hyogo Free Wi-Fi" from the network list.
   

   

   Reference: Hyogo_Free_Wi-Fi connection guide (email authentication method)
2. Start the web browser and tap "Connect to the Internet"
   

   

   Reference: Hyogo_Free_Wi-Fi connection guide (email authentication method)

Next, we will explain each registration method.

Registering with your email address

1. Tap "Register with email address"
   

   

   Reference: Hyogo_Free_Wi-Fi connection guide (email authentication method)
2. Enter your email address, check the terms of use, check "I agree to the terms of use" and tap "Confirm"
   

   

   Reference: Hyogo_Free_Wi-Fi connection guide (email authentication method)
3. An email will be sent to the email address you registered temporarily. Click the URL to complete the connection.
   

   

   Reference: Hyogo_Free_Wi-Fi connection guide (email authentication method)

Register with social media account

1. Tap the social media you want to register with.
   

   

   Reference: Hyogo_Free_Wi-Fi connection guide (email authentication method)
2. Confirm the terms of use, check "I agree to the terms of use" and tap "Confirm"
   

   

   Reference: Hyogo_Free_Wi-Fi connection guide (email authentication method)
3. Tap "Agree and start" (in the case of Yahoo JAPAN）
   

   

   Reference: Hyogo_Free_Wi-Fi connection guide (email authentication method)

Public free Wi-Fi available outside of public facilities

Photo provided by "Himeji City"

Hyogo Prefecture also offers two free Wi-Fi that can be used outside of prefectural facilities.

• "Hyogo Free Wi-Fi Lite": 15 minutes x 16 times a day, supports 6 languages
  (Japanese, English, Korean, Chinese , Thai)
• "Hyogo Free Wi-Fi Ex": 30 minutes x unlimited times a day, supports 5 languages
  (Japanese, English, Korean, Chinese )

Hyogo Free Wi-Fi Lite can be used at small shops such as restaurants. This service will be available until March 2026. Hyogo Free Wi-Fi Ex is Wi-Fi provided not only to small shops but also to large-scale facilities such as complex facilities and corporate offices.

You can connect using the same procedure as Hyogo Free Wi-Fi, with the SSID of "Hyogo_Free_Wi-Fi (Hyogo_Free_Wi-Fi_Lite)" and "Hyogo_Free_Wi-Fi (Hyogo_Free_Wi-Fi_Ex)", respectively.

Kobe City offers "KOBE Free Wi-Fi"

Kobe City also offers free Wi-Fi under the name of "KOBE Free Wi-Fi".

• Locations where it is available: About 460 shops and 880 locations, including restaurants
• Supported languages: Japanese, English, Chinese (traditional and simplified), Korean, Thai
• Connection time: 24 hours continuously (can be connected repeatedly as many times as you like)

You can use it as follows:

1. On the Wi-Fi setting screen, select the SSID "KOBE Free Wi-Fi"
2. Launch browser (or refresh page)
3. On the Terms of Use screen, select "social media account authentication" and enter your ID and password.
4. Or select "Email Address Authentication" and enter your email address
5. Click the URL in the email sent to the email address you entered within 5 minutes to complete the registration.

In addition, other cities in Hyogo Prefecture offer the following public free Wi-Fi.

	Service name	SSID
Himeji City	Himeji Free Wi-Fi	HIMEJI_Wi-Fi
Tatsuno City	Tatsuno City Tourist Area Wi-Fi Service	Tatsuno_City_Wi-Fi
Takarazuka City	TAKARAZUKA CITY Wi-Fi	TAKARAZUKA CITY Wi-Fi
Ashiya City	Ashiya Free Wi-Fi	Ashiya_Free_Wi-Fi

Other free Wi-Fi available in Hyogo

In Hyogo, free Wi-Fi is available in various places such as cafes and convenience stores. By connecting to the Internet, you can always access map search and transportation information, and check tourist information or restaurant reviews.

Here, we will describe free Wi-Fi available in various locations in Hyogo.

Cafes/Restaurants

Free Wi-Fi provided by Hyogo Prefecture and its cities can be used at many cafes and restaurants.

In addition, the following cafes and fast food restaurants offer their own free Wi-Fi, many of which can be used only by agreeing to the terms of use and without registration:

• Starbucks Coffee
• Doutor Coffee
• Ueshima Coffee Shop
• Komeda Coffee
• Kohikan
• PRONTO
• Saint Marc Cafe
• McDonald's
• Wendy's First Kitchen

Hotels

An increasing number of hotels in Hyogo, including those in Kobe, offer their own free Wi-Fi. Some hotels charge for Wi-Fi connection, so be sure to check if you can use free Wi-Fi when making a reservation.

To use the free Wi-Fi in your hotel, follow the steps below.

1. Turn on "Wi-Fi" on "Settings", and select the displayed hotel's access point
2. When the login screen is displayed, enter the ID and password specified by the hotel.

Airports

Free Wi-Fi is also available at the two airports in Hyogo. At Kobe Airport, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal building.

There are two SSIDs:

• _FreeWiFi-KansaiAirports
• _FreeWiFi-KansaiAirports_2.4G

In addition, at Tajima Airport, the prefecture's free Wi-Fi "Hyogo Free Wi-Fi" is available.

[Wi-Fi Self-Rental] WiFiBOX: a must-have all in one Wi-Fi + power bank for traveling in Hyogo, and throughout Japan. From 440 yen per day

WiFiBOX is recommended if you want to rent Wi-Fi in Hyogo

In Hyogo, free Wi-Fi provided by the prefecture and its cities are available in many locations. However, depending on the location and time of day, the communication speed may be slow or unstable. Some hotels may not offer free Wi-Fi. A comfortable Internet environment is essential for enjoying your travel in Hyogo. So, if you feel unsure about not being able to connect to Wi-Fi, you might want to consider renting a mobile Wi-Fi router!

We totally recommend WiFiBOX for this.. It is a Wi-Fi rental service where all the steps from reservation to return are done completely contactless as if you were buying drinks on a Japanese vending machine.

Let's take a look at the steps when renting WiFiBOX.

How to Use and Set Up the Wi-Fi

Reservations for WiFiBOX are done on the website and can be completed as quickly as 2 minutes.
First, choose your travel destination, then select the period you wish to use the service and the product plan.

Add the items to your cart and tap "Checkout." The login screen will appear, and you will be asked to register as a new member. If you have an account, please log in.
After that, complete the payment procedure to complete your reservation. You may choose payment methods using a credit card or debit card.

Here to Pick Up and Return Wi-Fi Routers

While conventional international Wi-Fi routers are handed over at airport counters from the staff or by courier, all you have to do with WiFiBOX is to pull out the router from the designated "box." There is no face-to-face interaction involved at all.

You can pick up your router at a dedicated WiFiBOX rental machine, currently located at Narita Airport, Haneda Airport, Kansai Airport, Chubu International Airport, Fukuoka Airport, and Tokyo Station.
More WiFiBOX will be added, mainly at airports throughout Japan.

When picking up the router at the lending machine, simply scan the QR code with your phone, tap the "Receive" button, and pull the Wi-Fi router out from the slot.
Upon leaving Japan, return the router by simply plugging it into any empty slot at a WiFiBOX machine near you.

The advantage of this service is that you only rent the Wi-Fi router itself, with no accessories, so it will not be bulky during your trip. Most smartphones are compatible with this service as long as they are not relatively old models.

"QR Code" is a registered trademark of DENSO WAVE INC.

What is Hyogo?

Photo provided by "Himeji City"

Hyogo is an area that has developed as a highly international area centering on the port of Kobe, and is home to many international organizations. Together with Osaka and Kyoto, it forms the Kansai economic zone.

Hyogo Prefecture is rich in attractions such as Awaji Island, which is said to be the first island created in Japan, and Himeji Castle, which is designated as a World Cultural Heritage Site.

The prefecture is roughly divided into three areas: the Seto Inland Sea side, the central mountainous area, and the Sea of Japan side, and is characterized by a varied climate.

Highlights of Hyogo

Hyogo is a region with a variety of faces, such as urban areas, hot springs, and nature. There are numerous tourist attractions, including the exotic Kobe, the World Heritage Site of Himeji Castle, the spectacular Mt. Rokko, and Japan's oldest hot spring, Arima Onsen.

Among the many attractions in Hyogo, here are the top five of our recommended sightseeing spots.

Nankinmachi

Chinatown in Nankinmachi, Kobe, along with Yokohama Chinatown and Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown, is known as one of the three major Chinatowns in Japan. Many Chinese restaurants and shops are lining up, and it is an area full of exotic atmosphere.

Kobe beef, delicious sweets, Akashiyaki, and other gourmet foods are available. Be sure to check out popular gourmet dishes such as pork steamed buns from Roshoki and grilled pork at Ekiseigo.

Mount Rokko

Mount Rokko is the mountain range stretching about 30 kilometers east to west from Suma to Takarazuka.The main peak is 931 meters above sea level. It is a sightseeing spot with many highlights such as the Rokko Garden Terrace and the Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden.

The Rokko Garden Terrace has an observatory that overlooks the Akashi Strait, the Osaka Plain, and Kansai International Airport. At the Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden, you can enjoy about 1,500 kinds of flowers, including alpine plants from around the world. Rokko Arima Ropeway connects Rokko Sancho Station and Arima Onsen Station, and from it you can overlook the nature of Mt. Rokko below. And it is also fascinating that you can relax in the hot spring after sightseeing on Mt. Rokko.

Kobe Harborland

It's a large complex with various shops, restaurants, movie theaters, amusement spaces, etc. While gazing at the sea, you can also experience the port town of Kobe. Kobe Port Tower, the symbol of Kobe, is also located in Kobe Harborland. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery from thecafes in the tower.

Cruising from Kobe Port near Harborland is also recommended. A variety of cruise ships depart from the port, including sightseeing ships for casual cruising and restaurant ships for elegant dinner cruises. From the sea, you can see the cityscape of Kobe spreading east and west with Mt. Rokko in the background.

Akashi Kaikyo Bridge

Photo provided by "本州四国連絡高速道路㈱"

It is one of the world's largest suspension bridges that connects Kobe City and Awaji Island. With a total length of 3,911 meters, it is called the Pearl Bridge, because it looks like a row of pearls. At night, the fantastic scenery is stunning, with lights that change in design depending on the time of year.

There is also an experience tour that allows visitors to experience a 360-degree panoramic view from the main tower, which is about 300 meters above sea level, accessible through an administrative corridor that is usually closed to the public. Tour leaders who were involved in the construction of the bridge will also guide visitors through the technology and history of the bridge.

Himeji Castle

Photo provided by "Himeji City"

Himeji Castle in Himeji City is a famous castle built in the early Edo period. It has survived wars and natural disasters, and has remained elegant for 400 years. It is designated as a national treasure and an important cultural property, and in 1993 was registered as Japan's first UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site.

The beautiful white-walled exterior of the castle has earned it the nickname "Shirasagi-jo" (White Egret Castle), and at night, it is illuminated to provide a fantastic view.

Internet and Wi-Fi Situation in Hyogo

For sightseeing in Hyogo, free Wi-Fi is provided by Hyogo Prefecture and its cities, and the Internet can be used at various facilities and shops.

However, depending on the time of day and location, the connection may not be smooth. A comfortable Internet environment is essential for visiting many attractions. For those who want to use the Internet without worry during their stay, Wi-Fi rental service WiFiBOX is highly recommended.

With affordable rates and simple reservation and return process, you might want to rent one during your stay in Hyogo!