5 Best Internet Providers in Tokyo Japan: A Complete Guide

One of the most crucial tasks you should complete as soon as possible if you plan to live or remain in Japan for an extended period of time is connecting your home to the internet.

For working and viewing numerous online resources, you now require a dependable internet connection. Here are the best internet providers in Tokyo, Japan, especially for locals and visitors who want to stay a while.

How do I choose the best internet providers in Tokyo Japan?

There are several factors to consider while choosing the best WiFi service from the many Japanese internet providers. Of course, one of the most crucial things for you to do is to evaluate the costs of different well-known internet service providers.

You should think about how quickly you can connect to the internet. While installing home broadband requires more time, using pocket or home routers is quickly accomplished. If you have the patience to wait for installation, you may take advantage of fixed internet’s lower prices and quicker speeds.

As an alternative, permanent connections without installation are available and provide a reliable connection at a fair price. Renting a portable WiFi is a good choice for people who just require a WiFi connection for a short period of time.

In order to get Internet access in Japan, you will need to sign contracts with two separate companies: the network operator and the Internet service provider. Many set packages, like the ones introduced below, make it possible to sign both contracts in one single procedure. Your fees and options for Internet will likely change depending on whether you live in an apartment or a house.

Best Internet Providers in Tokyo Japan

1. Sakura Fiber Internet

Overview:

A program called Sakura Fiber Internet offers broadband installation and assistance. Sakura Fiber Internet, a practical service for foreigners living in Japan, provides English support, including a translator to help with installation. The minimum usage time is only three months, and there are cash and international credit card payment alternatives available.

Specs: 

• Speed: Maximum 1Gbps
• Type of internet: NTT FLET’S fiber optic
• Monthly fee: ¥7,128 (incl. tax)
• Contract period: 3 months
• Have English support

Pros:

• There is complete support in English.
• Many payment options and flexible contracts.
• A WiFi router is available for free rental.
• Until the completion of the internet installation, you can hire a portable WiFi.

Cons:

• The cost is quite expensive.

Where to purchase: 

For further information, visit the official website that is listed here: https://www.sakuramobile.jp/lp/?i=sakura-fiber-internet

2. SoftBank Hikari

Overview: 

A significant Japanese telecommunications provider named SoftBank offers SoftBank Hikari, a fiber-optic connection. You are not required to sign up for two contractual agreements for the network provider and the provider because Softbank Hikari is available as a package plan.

“Ouchi-Wari Hikari”, a reduced monthly price available only to SoftBank mobile phone subscribers, is offered by SoftBank Hikari.

Specs: 

• Speed: Maximum 1Gbps-10Gbps
• Type of internet: NTT FLET’S Hikari
• Monthly fee: ¥7,322 (incl. tax)
• Contract period: 2 years
• Japanese only

Pros:

• Reduce the cost of a subscription bundle with your mobile phone plan.
• Gives you access to a pocket WiFi while the installation is being done.

Cons:

• At some periods of the day, the connection speed is slower.

Where to purchase: 

For further information, visit the official website that is listed here: 

https://www.softbank.jp/internet/special/sbhikari-01

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• How Much Does It Cost to Live in Japan? – Budgeting in Japan
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3. docomo Hikari

Overview:

Docomo Hikari is a fiber-optic network offered by NTT docomo, one of the main mobile phone service providers in Japan. In comparison to other connections offered by mobile communication providers, this Internet service is less expensive and has a big customer base.

You will get a permanent 1,000 yen reduction on your smartphone bill if you sign up for both an Internet access and a tablet or smartphone at the same time.

Specs: 

• Speed: Maximum 1Gbps-10Gbps
• Type of internet: NTT FLET’S Hikari
• Monthly fee: ¥5,720 
• Contract period: 2 years
• Japanese only

Pros:

• Reduce the cost of a subscription bundle with your mobile phone plan.
• Docomo Hikari is offered by 24 different providers.
• The monthly cost is cheap.

Cons:

• Depending on the provider, connection speed may become sluggish.

Where to purchase: 

For further information, visit the official website that is listed here: 

  https://www.docomo.ne.jp/english/hikari/

4. Asahi Net

Overview:

NTT and Docomo Hikari offer the fiber-optic connection known as Asahi Net. This connection is a straightforward and well-liked option for the Internet in Japan because it is offered as a pre-packaged service.

The website and enrollment form are available in English, and Asahi Net will waive the service provider fee for the first year of your subscription. Families and current Docomo cellular subscribers would love the NTT Docomo choice since it offers discounts for joint usage.

Specs: 

• Speed: Maximum 1Gbps-10Gbps
• Type of internet: NTT Docomo fiber optic/ NTT FLET’S fiber optic
• Monthly fee: ¥6,358 
• Contract period: 2 years
• Some English assistance

Pros:

• Broad range of coverage.
• While the service charge is fixed for two years, it is typical.
• Recommended for those who intend to spend a lot of time in Japan.

Cons:

• The price is high.

Where to purchase: 

For further information, visit the official website that is listed here: 

https://asahi-net.jp/ad/hikari/202010

5. au Hikari

 

Overview:

KDDI, a significant telecommunications provider, offers au HIKARI, an Internet connection. It makes use of either the fiber-optic networks of NTT East and West or KDDI. The maximum transmission speed available to subscribers is 1 Gbps.

Along with the standard 1 Gbps package, there is also Au Hikari Home V and X providing 5 Gbps and 10 Gbps for home inhabitants. Depending on the kind of flats, the cost of the internet service varies a bit.

Specs: 

• Speed: Maximum 1Gbps-10Gbps
• Type of internet: au fiber optic
• Monthly fee: ¥6,270 
• Contract period: 2 years
• Japanese only

Pros:

• For users of au mobile, a good bargain.
• As au Hikari utilizes its own line, which is uncongested, communication moves quickly.
• Have an agreement in place for au HIKARI and KDDI’s au mobile phone and tablet services.

Cons:

• There is a small region of coverage.

Where to purchase: 

For further information, visit the official website that is listed here: 

https://kddi-hikari.com/

Types and speeds of Internet in Japan

In Japan, you’ll probably have an option between fiber optics and house wifi for internet service. Both are extremely fast; in Tokyo and much of metropolitan Japan, you can expect Japanese internet speeds of at least 50 Mbps and as high as 1 GB per second to 10 GB per second (with fiber).

Even the 100 Mbps portion of the range ought to be more than strong enough to meet your demands, considering that 10 Mbps is still seen as respectable in certain areas of the world.

We must inquire: where do you reside? You should be aware that your options for an ISP (and type of internet) in Japan may be constrained by the location and type of housing in which you live. Also, you may choose between a limited and an outdoors unlimited ISP.

If you live in an apartment in a large building, you might only be able to use the provider that provides service to that structure. You should be able to choose from all the Japanese internet providers that serve your specific location if you live in a house.

How long does it take to set up the Japanese internet, and how much does it cost?

After choosing an ISP and signing the agreement, the time it takes to set up your internet connection can range from just a few days to a few weeks. It all depends on your location, the type of neighborhood you reside in, and also how busy the business is.

The setup and installation costs can range from $3,000 to $40,000; search for offers that eliminate these costs or let you spread them out over a period of 12 to 36 months. Typically, contract terms begin at one year, with options for two, three, or five years.

The longer you’re locked in, the less likely it is that prices will be significantly reduced. Although credit cards are most often used for payment, several internet service providers also accept cash payments and monthly debit orders.

See more:

• Best Pocket WiFi Rental in Japan
• How Much Does It Cost to Live in Japan? – Budgeting in Japan

FAQs

• What is the fastest Internet in Japan?

Without a variety of data speeds around the nation, it would be difficult to respond, but Nuro Hikari is regularly listed as being among the fastest ISPs in Japan based on its 2 Gbps maximum download rates.

The quickest ISP in actuality, however, will depend on your neighborhood, in addition to your device and the internet’s working circumstances.

• What is the best way to get the Internet in Japan?

In Japan, there are several options for connecting to the Internet, including data roaming, tethering, buying a fixed modem router at home, using free WiFi at airports and coffee shops, and more.

• How do tourists get on the Internet in Japan?

Several public spaces, including international airports and visitor information centers, offer free WiFi for travelers. You may use the Japan Connected mobile app to locate more than 150,000 free tourism attractions. A “Wi-fi passport” may also be obtained by dialing Softbank’s toll-free number.

• Is there public Wi-Fi in Japan?

Laptops, cellphones, and other mobile devices can connect to the internet in Japan via both paid and free wireless (Wi-Fi) hotspots, which are particularly prevalent in airports, railway stations, convenience stores, restaurants, coffee shops, and bars.

• Is Wi-Fi good in Japan?

They are affordable, offer moderately quick internet, operate everywhere there is mobile phone service, are simple to set up, and let several devices connect simultaneously. Most Japanese airports provide daily Wi-Fi router rentals, and you may also order one online and have it delivered to your house or hotel.

• Does Japan have 5G?

Yes. With the introduction, the number of 5G subscribers in Japan sharply rose, surpassing more than 45 million by March 2022.

Conclusion

So, did you choose the best internet provider in Tokyo, Japan that meets your requirements? We hope that by now you know a little bit more about the various Japanese internet providers.