Today, Internet is an essential method in order to collect information. Usually, you can find more updated information in better quality than any other methods. Depending on the environment you are in, you can choose different options.

If you do not have any laptop computers, you should simply go to Manga Kissa or Internet Café in town;

http://www.itagaki.net/pc/ic/

There are few in countryside. Unless you visit a remote place for a long time, however, you should be able to find at least one. They charge 500 yen per hour in average, or less in city.

If you have a laptop, you have more options. First of all, there are some cafes and restaurants having a free internet access point. All you need is the Wi-Fi device;

http://www.freespot.com/users/map_e.html

You can have a cup of coffee and stay there until they close.
There are still few free access points now. If you join Mobile Point by Yahoo! BB, you have an access almost everywhere in Japan;

http://www.bbmp.jp/mobile_point_eng/top/index.jsp

You have to pay the certain monthly fee, and still have to find its access point. However, since McDonald’s restaurants and many other cafes support Mobile Point, it is easier to find an access point than Freespot.

Some Internet providers have Wi-Fi access services; for example, NTT gives you a free access at any Metro stations. For further information, your provider could give you assistance.

You can access to the Internet through your mobile phone. However, you should keep it as the last option. Unless you have the certain contract, the phone companies charge a lot depending on how much you accessed.