Traveling Japan in Airplane mode

Most U.S. phones don't give free phone calls and data in Japan. So what is a data addicted traveler to do?  If you have a 3g/4g phone you can almost surely use it over Wi-Fi, especially in large cities like Tokyo and Kyoto.

A basic plan
Step 1:
Turn your phone to airplane mode which eliminates the risk of unexpected and pricey roaming charges. When near a free WiFi location, turn on Wi-Fi and GPS/location while staying in airplane mode.

Step 2: 
Leave your phone in airplane mode but manually turn on Wi-Fi and location when you are close to a known free spot. Get familiar with all the places that offer free Wi-Fi.  Tokyo and Kyoto metros offer free Wi-Fi, which combined with Google maps will guarantee you get off at the right subway stop. Since the map is still available after you exit the station, you will still have the steps

The luxury solution
If you're spending a lot of time in rural areas or need to be always connected, whether for work, or your facebook addiction, you can rent a pocket Wi-Fi at the airport. Definitely order one online in advance as they are popular.  Here is basic information to get you started if flying through Narita airport. 
https://www.econnectjapan.com/blog/pocket-wifi-rental-at-narita-airport/

Actual phone calls
Most 3g/4g phones have the option to make calls over Wi-Fi.  Unless you make a ton of calls, this should be adequate.  If you're a phone call person, and have a removable sim card, you can get a new sim card for Japan.  Check on whether it includes text messages.  If not:

Text message savvy
Use something like Facebook messenger that can avoid text messaging fees when used over Wi-Fi.

Obviously, I'll be a lot smarter about this after our trip. If I have more tips, I'll add them then.

Money Tips for Japan

Crazy as it may seem, high tech Japan is a cash economy so heading to the country with only credit cards in your pocket is an imprudent idea. 
Here are some tips we discovered in our research:
Make sure your credit cards have low or better yet, NO transaction fees.  Right now, my chase Amazon card offers 0% fees but check your cards rates before you leave.  Also, check on your ability to withdraw yen from atms.  You'll need a 4 digit pin (check again on transaction fees) and will need to use an international credit card friendly atm.  Japan post has a ton and they even have an atm finder (search in play store under Japan post atm finder app). Another good option for atms and free internet is their version of a seven 11 (http://www.sej.co.jp/in/en.html)

If you can, it's wise to exchange some) dollars for yen before hitting the country.  Banks in Albuquerque mostly don't offer this service.  Wells Fargo does (as of right now) but only for their bank account customers.  Charles Schwab has a good travel credit card as of today--these things change overnight. 
Dallas Fort Worth airport has an exchange service but 1) we have a super short turnaround there and 2) exchange services tend to have less advantageous exchange rates.  Still,  we'll have to either find an international card friendly atm at the N.  arita airport or exchange a small amount at the airport currency exchange.  Some bigger hotels will do exchange but at a not-so-great rate.  So most of our exchanges will be at post offices, or 7-11s, many times through the ATMs there.
We are going to the Japanese alps where we will be visiting rural areas, onsen, and farms.  We will get plenty of cash before venturing there!
In Tokyo and Kyoto, we'll be more likely to be able to use our credit cards some of the time.  Surprisingly, stores that support credit cards often also support android pay and apple pay.  Go figure. 
If I find any cool tips and trips during our trip, I'll update this blog. 
I ran across this excellent video which is worth clicking on. It was designed for the vlogger's Canadian friends but the information applies to anyone.