
There’s already something pretty devotional about how often people check their smartphones, so why not take the next step to full-fledged worship? You never know what the gods of gadgetry might grant you. If you are using the new app called Internet Shrine, a prayer will get you free Wi-Fi.
Here’s how it works: you place your phone in a clear, well-ventilated place, such as the shrine pictured above, with the app running. Then, you clap twice as if praying at a Shinto shrine. This activates the application. If you go to your computer and search for Wi-Fi networks, you should find one called Amaterasu, the Shinto goddess of the sun and the universe. Connect to the network and Amaterasu will give you 15 minutes of free internet access.
▼How to pray at a shrine
The developers explain their concept, “We wanted to create an experience that would bring the religious world into the world wide web, a domain of technology, through connecting to the internet… By praying at Internet Shrine, the user creates a fixed-term, free wifi hotspot, allowing them to connect with distant people and access a body of knowledge that cannot be contained by a single individual. It’s like the invisible power of the divine.”
The developers also plan to release the application under an open-source license so people everywhere can have an internet shrine tailored to their local culture.
Check it out in action in this video.
Source: Gigazine
Images: Internet Shrine, Kyoto Prefectural Government


Beware the Dangers of Free Wi-Fi
About time! Osaka embraces free city-wide Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi announced for Tokyo Monorail
Free Wi-Fi is coming to Mt. Fuji this summer
7 great places to see Mt. Fuji from without having to climb it
What do you eat when you catch a cold? We asked 11 of our Japanese reporters
Japanese thug wear from Birth Japan perfect for those breaking bad next year
Doraemon found buried at sea as scene from 1993 anime becomes real life【Photos】
Utada Hikaru explains “why getting over someone is so painful”
We found possibly the quietest Japanese-style hotel in Tokyo’s bustling Shinjuku district
Tokyo sex industry worker arrested for saying she needed tuition money, spending it on hosts
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
This amazing bowl of meaty ramen? Made entirely with Japanese convenience store stuff
More Than a Capsule Stay: Why Solo Travelers Choose “global cabin Yokohama Chinatown”
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
7-Eleven Japan’s ramen-cooking robot whipped us up a bowl of noodles【Taste test】
Cyberpunk anime meets traditional culture in Ghost in the Shell gold leaf Japanese changing screens
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Hello Kitty Choco Egg figures are an adorable trip through three periods of Japanese pop culture【Pics】
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
Japan’s otoshidama tradition of giving kids money at New Year’s gets a social welfare upgrade
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Stamina-destroying “Paralysis Noodles” are Tokyo’s newest over-the-top ramen innovation
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Tokyo adding free Wi-Fi to 143 subway stations for foreign travelers
Free fried chicken for using free Wi-Fi?!? Tokyo restaurant offers irresistible karaage freebie
Leave a Reply