Home Internet Options in Japan: A Comprehensive Guide for Expats

TL;DR

Japanese internet requires two contracts (line + provider), which is complex but manageable once you understand the system

English-friendly services and no-installation mobile WiFi options are increasingly available for foreigners

This article covers recommended options by housing type, required documentation, and step-by-step contract processes

"Wait, I need to talk to my landlord before getting internet?" "Why does installation take three weeks?" "What's the difference between all these providers?" If you've recently moved to Japan and found yourself asking these questions, you're not alone. Setting up home internet in Japan can be surprisingly complex—especially if you're battling language barriers and unfamiliar systems.

In this guide, you'll learn exactly how Japanese home internet works, what your options are, and how to navigate the process as a foreigner. By the end, you'll understand how to choose the right provider, deal with installation challenges, and avoid common pitfalls that many newcomers face.

Understanding Japanese Home Internet: The Basics

Before diving into specific providers and plans, let's clarify how the Japanese internet landscape is structured—something that differs significantly from many Western countries.

The Three Main Types of Connections

In Japan, you'll encounter three primary types of home internet connections:

光回線 / hikari kaisen / Fiber Optic
- The fastest and most common option in urban areas
- Speeds typically range from 100Mbps to 1Gbps
- Requires physical installation in your home
ADSL
- Older technology using existing phone lines
- Slower speeds (1-50Mbps)
- Being phased out but still available in some areas
ケーブルテレビ回線 / kēburu terebi kaisen / Cable TV Line
- Uses existing cable TV infrastructure
- Moderate speeds (10-100Mbps)
- Available in areas with cable TV service

❗ Cultural Context: In Japan, internet service often involves separate contracts with multiple companies—one for the physical line and another for the internet service provider (ISP). This two-layer system can be confusing but has historical roots in Japan's telecommunications development and the government's approach to deregulation that preserved NTT's infrastructure dominance while creating competition in services.

The Apartment Situation: Dealing with Landlords and Building Restrictions

One of the first surprises for many foreigners is that you often can't just call an internet company and set up service on your own.

Understanding Your Building's Situation

Before making any decisions, you need to know:

Is there an existing internet line already installed?
Are there restrictions on which providers you can use?
Does your building have a pre-contracted internet service?

❓ How to check: Ask your landlord or real estate agent about "インターネット回線の状況" (intānetto kaisen no jōkyō / internet line situation). Many real estate agents now include this information in property listings, but it's always good to double-check.

Common Scenarios You Might Face

Scenario 1: Pre-installed Building Internet

Some newer apartments come with building-wide internet service:

✅ Immediate connectivity (sometimes even before moving in)
✅ No installation needed
✅ Often included in rent or maintenance fees
❌ Limited choice of providers
❌ Potentially slower speeds due to shared bandwidth

Scenario 2: Existing Line But No Service

If your apartment has an existing line:

✅ Faster setup process (1-2 weeks instead of 3-4)
✅ No need for physical construction work
✅ More provider options
❌ You'll still need to sign up for service

Scenario 3: No Existing Line

If your place has no internet infrastructure:

❌ Need landlord permission for installation
❌ Longer wait times (typically 2-4 weeks)
❌ Installation appointment required (typically 2-3 hours)
✅ Full choice of providers and plans

Major Providers and What They Offer

Let's break down the main players in the Japanese internet market:

Fiber Optic Providers

NTT (Various regional branches like NTT East/フレッツ光)

Speed: Up to 1Gbps
Foreign-friendly features: Limited English support, some English documentation
Contract term: Typically 2-3 years
Setup fees: 15,000-20,000 yen (installation + activation)
Monthly cost: 4,000-6,000 yen

NURO Hikari

Speed: Up to 2Gbps
Foreign-friendly features: Some English support online
Contract term: 2 years
Setup fees: 15,000-40,000 yen (varies by campaign)
Monthly cost: 4,000-5,000 yen
Availability: Limited to certain areas and buildings

AU Hikari

Speed: Up to 1Gbps
Foreign-friendly features: Limited English support
Contract term: 3 years
Setup fees: 15,000-30,000 yen (varies by campaign)
Monthly cost: 4,000-5,500 yen

Mobile Alternatives (No Installation Needed)

If you need immediate internet or can't get fiber installed, consider these options:

Home Router Plans

Providers: Softbank Air, Docomo Home 5G, WiMAX
Speed: 20-150Mbps (depending on location and network congestion)
Setup: Plug-and-play, no installation needed
Contract term: 2-3 years (typically)
Monthly cost: 3,000-5,000 yen

📌 Price vs. Convenience Summary: For foreigners in Japan, the choice often comes down to speed/stability vs. convenience. Fiber options offer the best performance but require more setup time and paperwork, while mobile solutions provide immediate connectivity with somewhat lower performance. Your expected length of stay should be the primary factor in this decision.

The Hidden Complexities: What Many Guides Don't Tell You

The Two-Contract System

One of the most confusing aspects of Japanese internet is the separation between:

The Line Provider (回線事業者 / kaisen jigyōsha)
- Companies like NTT that own the physical infrastructure
- Handle the physical installation
The Internet Service Provider (プロバイダ / purobaida)
- Companies that provide internet connectivity services
- Handle your email, technical support, and billing

This means you often pay two separate bills—one for the line and one for the ISP service.

Campaigns and Cashbacks

Japanese internet providers frequently run promotional campaigns with:

Cashback offers (キャッシュバック / kyasshu bakku)
Reduced installation fees
Free router rental
First few months discounted

❗ Caution: These promotions often come with strict conditions and long contract periods. The cashback may only apply if you stay for the full contract term (2-3 years), and there are hefty cancellation fees if you leave early.

The Foreigner's Challenge: Navigating Setup Without Fluent Japanese

Setting up internet in Japan presents several challenges for non-Japanese speakers:

Language Barriers

Many providers' websites and customer service are Japanese-only
Installation technicians rarely speak English
Contract terms can be difficult to understand

Documentation Requirements

You'll typically need:

Residence card (在留カード / zairyū kādo)
Japanese phone number
Japanese bank account or credit card
Address in Japanese format

Solutions for Foreign Residents

Option 1: English-Friendly Providers

Some providers now offer English support:

Asahi Net: English website and support
Rakuten Hikari: English support via chat
Docomo Hikari/Docomo Home 5G: Some English support materials

Option 2: Assistance Services

Consider using:

Setup assistance services like "Tokyo Help Line"
Ask your company's HR department
Seek help from Japanese-speaking friends

Option 3: Use a Mobile-Based Solution

Pocket WiFi or home router options
Simpler contracts and less paperwork
No installation appointments or landlord permission needed

Internet Options for Different Types of Residents

For Tourists and Short-term Visitors (Up to 3 months)

✅ Best option: Rental pocket WiFi from the airport or online services
✅ Pros: No contract, immediate setup, return before leaving Japan
❌ Cons: Higher daily rates compared to monthly plans
📌 Tip: Reserve online before arrival for better rates and guaranteed availability

For Exchange Students and Interns (6 months to 1 year)

✅ Best option: WiMAX or mobile router on a shorter contract
✅ Alternatives: Share costs with roommates for fiber internet
❌ Avoid: Long-term contracts with major fiber providers
📌 Tip: Some universities have special arrangements with providers; check with your international office

For Long-term Residents (1+ years)

✅ Best option: Full fiber service from major providers
✅ Strategy: Time your contract with campaign periods for maximum discounts
❌ Watch out for: Automatic renewal periods and cancellation fees
📌 Tip: Ask for 工事費無料 (kōji-hi muryō / free installation) - most providers will waive this fee if asked

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get Connected

For Those Who Want Fiber Optic Internet

Check your building's internet situation
- Ask your landlord about "インターネット回線の状況" (intānetto kaisen no jōkyō)
- Verify if you need permission for installation
Compare providers available in your area
- Use comparison sites like kakaku.com
- Check if your address is covered using providers' address search tools
Apply for service
- Online application (easiest with English-friendly providers)
- Phone application (may require Japanese language skills)
- In-store application (best if you need face-to-face assistance)
Schedule installation
- Choose an installation date (usually 2-4 weeks out)
- Plan to be home for 2-3 hours
- Prepare payment method for initial fees
Complete installation and setup
- Technician installs the line and optical outlet
- Connect your router (often provided by the company)
- Configure WiFi settings

For Those Who Need Immediate Internet

Purchase a home router from a major provider
- Docomo Home 5G
- Softbank Air
- WiMAX from various providers
Documentation typically needed
- Residence card
- Payment method (credit card or bank account)
- Phone number
Same-day setup
- Plug in the device
- Follow the simple setup instructions (often available in English)
- Connect your devices

Cost Breakdown: What to Budget For

Internet costs in Japan typically include:

One-Time Costs

Installation fee: 15,000-40,000 yen (sometimes waived during promotions)
Activation fee: 3,000-5,000 yen
Initial payment: Often the first month's service fee

Recurring Costs

Line fee: 2,500-4,000 yen/month
ISP fee: 500-2,000 yen/month
Router rental: 300-500 yen/month (unless you buy your own)

Hidden Costs

Early termination fees: 10,000-20,000 yen
"Support" packages: Optional services that are sometimes automatically added
Fixed IP address fees: If you need a static IP

📌 Budget Summary: For fiber internet, expect to pay 4,000-7,000 yen monthly plus 20,000-40,000 yen in initial setup costs. Mobile-based solutions typically cost 3,000-5,000 yen monthly with minimal setup fees. Annual promotions can significantly reduce these costs if you time your signup strategically.

Cultural Insight: Why Is Internet Setup So Complex in Japan?

If you're coming from countries where internet setup is simpler, you might wonder why Japan—a technology leader—has such a complex system.

Historical Context

Japan's telecommunications market was monopolized by NTT until 1985
The gradual deregulation created a layered market structure
High population density in urban areas creates infrastructure challenges

Consumer Expectations

Japanese consumers prioritize reliability and stability
The culture places importance on proper installation and technical verification
Long-term contracts align with the traditionally lower mobility of Japanese residents

Understanding these cultural factors can help ease the frustration many foreigners feel when navigating this system. The emphasis on proper installation, multiple confirmations, and technical precision reflects broader Japanese cultural values that prioritize doing things thoroughly and correctly, even if it takes more time.

FAQs: Common Questions from Expats

"Can I get internet without a long-term contract?"

Yes, but options are limited:

Some mobile router plans offer 6-month contracts
Pocket WiFi rental services for short-term stays
Some providers like Asahi Net offer contract-free fiber plans (at higher monthly rates)

"What if I move within Japan?"

Most providers offer:

Moving transfer services (引っ越し手続き / hikkoshi tetsuzuki)
Transfer fees around 10,000 yen
Service continuation at your new address (if available)

"Can I use my own router?"

Yes, in most cases:

Fiber services typically work with any compatible router
Mobile-based services usually require their specific device
Using your own router saves rental fees

"How do I know if I'm getting the speed I'm paying for?"

Use speed test services like speedtest.net
Test at different times of day
Consider factors like WiFi interference and device limitations

Conclusion: Making Your Best Choice

Navigating Japanese home internet doesn't have to be overwhelming. Here's a quick decision framework:

If you value stability and plan to stay 2+ years: Fiber optic is worth the setup hassle
If you need immediate internet or have a short-term stay: Mobile-based solutions offer easier setup
If you face language barriers: Consider English-friendly providers or assistance services

Remember that internet setup is one of those "one-time pains" of moving to Japan. Once it's done, you'll likely enjoy excellent connectivity—Japan consistently ranks among countries with the fastest average internet speeds.

💬 Have you set up internet in Japan? Which provider did you choose? Share your experience in the comments below!