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I first went to Japan before smartphones existed. Internet cafes were a place to look at Yahoo Maps to figure out where you were, and to check your email. When
by twblalock 7y ago
I first went to Japan before smartphones existed. Internet cafes were a place to look at Yahoo Maps to figure out where you were, and to check your email. When I traveled I relied on paper maps. All of the computers were running the localized version of Microsoft Windows. Everyone had flip-phones, and a lot of people had more than one. Instead of SMS they used email on their phones.
The internet cafes had beds (sort of, more like booths with padded benches) and showers and vending machines with hot food. I went back and forth across the country without reserving hotel rooms in advance, and I spent the night in internet cafes fairly often.
I went back about 2 years ago and I saw mobile internet access advertised on the train for very low prices -- far cheaper than what you can get in the US. Smartphones were common. I saw a few internet cafes but I don't think people need them anymore. They will probably all be gone soon.
- jim-jim-jim 7y agoWhy do you think people will stop needing a cheap place to crash? As far as I can recall, they're the least expensive lodging option.
- ezconnect 7y agoIn South Korea the bath place is the cheapest place to crash. Popular to locals and tourist needing cheap place to sleep for the night.
- SenHeng 7y agoI saw a few internet cafes but I don't think people need them anymore Sadly, a few homeless have resorted to living in the se internet cafes to avoid living on the streets. That said, the number of these cafes have been dwindling.
- ekianjo 7y agoThats better than being in the street and its cheap enough to make it possible to go there often and have a shower. Its great they exist for the less fortunate of society.
- hrktb 7y agoEven before smartphones, Internet cafes were extensibly used to just rest for a an hour or two, watch some video or read manga (very practical to binge reading a full series). I think that role is here to stay as long as people want a place with a closed space with low social requirement.
- ekianjo 7y agoNet cafes are still super popular in Japan. They are used to crash when you dont have money for a hotel since they are very cheap. People dont really use them for Internet, since they have a huge streaming dramas and movies offering and you can also grab manga to read in your box. they have food and free drinks. Its pretty much a private space for rent,which is very much desirable in crowded Japan cities.