Cellular phones in Japan are very advanced, with features ranging from full color graphics and digital still and video cameras, to internet and email access that allows one to purchase air and train tickets, conduct online banking transactions, and a variety of functions that have not yet become popular in the United States. In Japan, virtually everyone has a cell phone, including children, and it is not uncommon to see people on the trains or subways pushing keypads frantically to send email or play games. Coverage throughout Japan is excellent. A basic rule of thumb is where there are people, there is cellular coverage - and that even includes tunnels, department stores and subways. The Japanese are not charged for incoming calls on their cell phone. And just in case you are wondering if your North American cellphone or even European cell phone will work in Japan, the answer unfortunately is no. The good thing is that you can get Japanese service through a Japanese cellular provider and take advantage of the low rates, including free incoming calls. While you cannot simply walk into a cellphone store in Japan and get a phone due to restrictions, you can purchase a prepaid phone prior to your trip directly from Cellular Abroad.