How to choose an Internet connection in Japan and 6 recommended fiber optic Internet connections

update date 2024/07/06

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Image of a computer and optical internet connected

For many foreigners living in Japan, it is difficult to know which Internet line to choose. With Japanese not being their native language, it is difficult for them to choose a line from a large number of providers.

In this article, we will explain the Internet situation in Japan in detail so that even foreigners can easily understand. In addition, we carefully select 6 recommended fiber-optic Internet providers and introduce them to you, so you will be able to find the right line for you.

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What is "HIKARI Internet" in Japan?

The main Internet connection in Japan is the wired "Fiber-optic Internet" using optical fiber. In English, it is sometimes called "Fiber-optic internet.

Compared to ADSL, which uses telephone lines, and cable TV Internet, which uses coaxial cables, optical Internet offers faster and more stable communication. The maximum transmission speed is approximately 1 Gbps, which is incomparably faster than other lines. It is suitable for exchanging large amounts of data, such as streaming video and online games.

On the other hand, optical Internet has the disadvantage that it takes time to open because of the construction work required. If you live in a rental property, be aware that your landlord may not give you permission.

If you want to use the Internet easily, we recommend using a home router. Home routers are attractive because they allow you to easily use high-speed Internet without having to install a fixed line at home, but they are not suitable for large data communications because of their lower transmission speed and traffic restrictions compared to fiber-optic Internet.

To learn more about home routers, please read this article.
Recommended for foreigners! 11 Wi-Fi Routers in Japan｜Mobile Wi-Fi as well

Difference between a line operator and a provider (ISP)

When researching Hikari Internet in Japan, you will find two types of providers: "line operators" and "providers". Understanding the difference between these two is important in choosing Hikari Internet.

What is a line operator?

A line operator is a company that provides the Internet connection itself, such as optical fiber. However, they only provide the line, not the actual Internet connection service. Major Japanese Internet service providers include NTT Group companies, au, and Softbank.

What is a provider (ISP)?

A provider, on the other hand, is a company that provides the actual Internet connection service using an optical fiber line drawn by a line operator. In addition to Internet connection services, providers offer a variety of other services, such as providing e-mail addresses and setting up homepages.

There are a great many providers, and it is estimated that there are more than several hundred in Japan. Each of them offers different services and fee structures, so the key is to find a provider that suits your needs.

In Japan, you need to sign up for both a line operator and a provider.

To use Hikari Internet in Japan, you need to sign up with both a line operator and a provider. In other words, you cannot connect to the Internet by signing a contract only with a line operator or only with a provider.

Recently, however, many companies sell a set plan of a line operator and a provider, so users rarely need to go through the contract procedures with the two companies separately. When selecting a provider, it is also important to check for the availability of a set plan.

6 recommended providers of optical internet for foreigners

Yes, I understand. I have rewritten the following.

Now, we will introduce six carefully selected providers of optical Internet service for foreigners. We have taken into account not only the low price, but also the features of the service, the communication speed, and, when possible, the support system in English. We hope you will find them useful.

NTT East/West (FLET'S Hikari)

FLET'S Hikari, provided by NTT East and NTT West, is a highly reliable optical fiber line service provided by Japan's largest telecommunications carrier. It boasts transmission speeds of up to 1 Gbps and provides stable, high-speed communications. A wide variety of optional services are available for foreign residents.

Features:

High-speed communications up to 1 Gbps
A variety of options such as Hikari Denwa and video services
Up to 79,000 yen cash back campaign available only on this site

The services and rates offered differ between western and eastern Japan. For example, in eastern Japan, monthly charges start at a reasonable 2,915 yen (including tax) for FLET'S Hikari Next plan, and special campaigns such as discounts for customers migrating from ADSL are also available.

For more information: ▶︎ This site limited campaign is now in effect! 【 FLET'S HIKARI 】

2. Softbank (Softbank Hikari)

SoftBank Hikari, provided by SoftBank, is an optical fiber service that combines the stability and high speed of a major cell phone company. Its ultra-high-speed communication speed of up to 10 Gbps is attractive, allowing you to comfortably enjoy watching 4K videos and playing online games.

Features:

Ultra-high-speed communications up to 10 Gbps
Stable communication environment with IPv6 support
Integrated line and provider, easy procedure

Monthly fees start at as low as 500 yen (including tax) for a new application! Even if you are transferring from another company, you can start with a low monthly fee of 980 yen (including tax). In addition, attractive special offers such as the "SoftBank Hikari Netflix Pack Campaign" are also available.

For more information: ▶︎ Cheaper than FLET'S Hikari! 【SoftBank Hikari 】

3. Sony Network Communications (NURO Hikari)

NURO HIKARI, provided by Sony Network Communications, is an ultra high-speed optical Internet service. Featuring blazingly fast transmission speeds of up to 2 Gbps and 10 Gbps, customers can comfortably enjoy downloading large amounts of data, watching high-definition video, playing online games, and more.

Features:

Ultra-high-speed communications up to 2 Gbps and 10 Gbps
60,000 yen cash back campaign
Basic installation fee of 44,000 yen is practically waived

Monthly fees start at a reasonable 5,200 yen (including tax) for both the 2 gigabit and 10 gigabit plans, and you will receive 60,000 yen in cash back 11 months after you apply. The basic installation fee of 44,000 yen is practically waived, and one free setup support session is also provided, so foreign residents can start using the service with peace of mind.

For more information: ▶︎ NURO Hikari

4. GMO Internet (GMO Tokutekku BB Hikari)

GMO Tokutekku BB Hikari, provided by GMO Internet, uses NTT's fiber-optic lines but offers its own unique service with a simple rate structure and contract flexibility, making it an easy-to-use optical Internet service for foreign residents.

Features:

Comfortable high-speed communication with next-generation technology v6 plus communication
Simple and easy-to-understand pricing plans
No contract term restrictions, 0 cancellation penalty

Monthly charges start at 3,773 yen (tax included) for a 1 gigabit condominium plan. A cash-back campaign of up to 60,000 yen is also being offered.

For more information: ▶︎ Simple, cheap and fast GMO Tokutekku BB Hikari!

5. Rakuten Communications (Rakuten Hikari)

Rakuten HIKARI, provided by Rakuten Communications, is a fiber optic Internet service that offers attractive point reductions that only a major e-commerce site operator can offer. Rakuten users can save even more money with point redemption.

Features:

6-month 0 yen basic monthly fee campaign!
High-speed and stable IPv6 communication
Up to 4x point redemption at Rakuten Ichiba

Monthly charges are reasonable, starting at 4,180 yen (including tax) for an apartment plan and 5,280 yen (including tax) for a family plan.

For more information: ▶︎ 【 Rakuten Hikari 】

6. J:COM (J:COM NET Hikari)

J:COM NET HIKARI, provided by J:COM, the largest cable TV company in Japan, is an optical Internet service featuring stable connection and the comfort of connecting multiple devices simultaneously. It would be ideal for remote work and video viewing.

Features:

Special discount campaign is now available.
Stable connection and automatically optimized Wi-Fi
Comfortable connection of multiple units at the same time

The "Smart Deals NET 1G" plan is available for as low as ¥900/month (tax included) for 6 months, and offers a variety of benefits including a web-only start discount and a QUO Card Pay gift.

For more information: ▶︎ J:COM NET is the next generation of super-fast network AI Wi-Fi.

Hikari Internet Providers List

Finally, here is a summary of popular plans and prices for each of the Hikari Internet providers in Japan introduced here. Please use this list as a reference to find the Hikari Internet service that best suits your needs.

Please check the official websites of the aforementioned providers for the latest information, as detailed conditions and campaign information are subject to frequent change.

ISP	service name	communication speed	Monthly Fee (tax included)	Initial cost
NTT East/West	FLET'S Hikari	Up to 1 Gbps	From 2,915 yen	Construction cost: Inquire
SoftBank (Japanese telecommunications company)	SoftBank Optical	Up to 10Gbps	From 500 yen	Construction cost: practically 0 yen
Sony Network Communications	NURO HIKARI	Up to 2Gbps/10Gbps	From 5,200 yen	Construction cost: practically 0 yen
GMO Internet	GMO Tokutekku BB Hikari	v6 plus (uplink speed: 256.06 Mbps, downlink speed: 342.13 Mbps)	From 3,773 yen	Construction cost: practically 0 yen
Rakuten Communications, Inc.	Rakuten Hikari	Up to 1 Gbps	From 5,280 yen	Construction cost: Inquire
J:COM	J:COM NET Hikari	Up to 1 Gbps	From 900 yen	Construction cost: practically 0 yen

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summary

Optical Internet services in Japan are provided by a variety of providers, including NTT East and West, Softbank, and Sony Network Communications. Each service has its own characteristics and differs in terms of transmission speed, price plans, and initial costs.

When choosing an Internet service provider in Japan, it is important for foreign residents to select a plan that meets their needs. Whether you need high speed, low cost, or even English support, choose the provider that best suits your needs.

When signing a contract, we also recommend that you check the initial cost, contract period, and cancellation conditions on each website.

Fiber optic Internet is suitable for various purposes such as watching videos, playing online games, and working remotely because of its high speed and stable transmission. Choose the service that suits you best and enjoy a comfortable Internet life.