Guide to Choosing an Internet Service Provider in Tokyo - Getting your internet connection in Japan - Guide And Price Comparison
The Internet is an indispensable part of our lives. If you're planning to stay connected online in Tokyo or somewhere else in Japan, getting a plan with an Internet provider is one of the first things you should do. However, many people may put off signing contracts due to complicated procedures and language barriers.
Broadband Internet in Japan - Wired vs. Wireless
There are two types of Internet connections available in Tokyo and Japan: wired (fixed line) and wireless. Wired network connections are installed in your residence, and provide high speed and high-capacity data transmission. They can be used as Wi-Fi, too, but cannot be used outside of your residence.
For wireless Internet, portable Wi-Fi devices are convenient as they allow users to take them outside, making this a good choice for those staying in Japan for less than one year. We can recommend Sakura Mobile, which provides reliable pocket WiFi services with full support in English.
However, the speed can be slower with portable devices, and there are more data limitations and security risks than that of wired networks.
| Internet Providers with English Support | |
| GTN Hikari | https://gtn-mobile.com/hikari |
| NTT EAST | https://flets.com/english |
| NTT WEST | https://www.ntt-west.co.jp/english |
| au HIKARI | https://www.au.com/english/internet |
| SoftBank Hikari | https://www.softbank.jp/en/internet |
| docomo Hikari | https://www.nttdocomo.co.jp/english/hikari |
| Broadband Internet Service | Pros | Cons | Monthly Fee (Condominium/Stand-alone House) |
| GTN Hikari |
Multilingual support |
Slower connection speed at certain times of the day |
3,800 yen/5,200 yen |
| NURO Hikari |
The fastest Internet service in Japan |
Limited areas, higher fees, and installation cost required |
From 5,743 yen for both condominiums and standalone homes |
| SoftBank Hikari | Save on a package subscription with your mobile phone plan | Slower connection speed at certain times of the day | From 3,800 yen/From 5,200 yen (*Prices are without discount) |
| au HIKARI | Save on a package subscription with your mobile phone plan | Cancellation fees may apply | From 3,400 yen/From 4,900 yen (*Prices are without discount + provider fee starting from 500 yen) |
| docomo Hikari | Save on a package subscription with your mobile phone plan | Connection speed can become slow based on provider | From 3,800 yen/From 5,000 yen |
| Connection is stable throughout the night, regardless of the area | Cancellation fees may apply | From 3,980 yen/From 4,980 yen | |
| Flet's Hikari | Wide coverage area | Price is expensive |
From 3,355 yen/From 5,940 yen (+ provider fee starting at 500 yen) |
| Asahi Net | Wide coverage area | Price is expensive |
From 3,350 yen/From 4,600 yen (no provider fee for the first year) |