How to Get Fiber Internet in Japan: 5 Things to Know

When I came to Japan on the JET Programme, I knew I couldn’t go without high-speed fiber internet if I wanted to keep on PC gaming. After building my own PC, all that was left to do was to get the internet set up.

Being confident in my Japanese, I decided to go to the local store by myself to get a home internet plan.

Easier said than done. I barely made it through the frustrating setup process. I wish I had known there was a better, hassle-free option from the start.

Here are 5 things you need to know about getting fiber internet before choosing an internet provider in Japan—and why getting fiber in Japan through Sakura Home Internet is the smarter choice.

Let’s get started!

Written by Sakura Mobile Blog Team

Hello readers! Sakura Mobile is a SIM/eSIM, Pocket WiFi, and home internet service provider for international residents and tourists in Japan.

Our global editorial team living in Japan will introduce the charms of the country based on what we have actually experienced and felt.

Table of Contents

1. Everything is in Japanese (and Complicated!)
2. 2-Year Contract: What You Need to Know
3. Installation Day: What to Expect
4. Troubleshooting in Japanese
5. Wait, I Need Three Contracts?
6. Had I known about Sakura Home Internet…
   • Full English Support
   • Flexible Contract
   • All-in-One Service
   • Fast & Reliable Speeds
7. Conclusion

Everything is in Japanese (and Complicated!)

It’s time for my appointment at the store. I sit down in front of the store employee who explains the contract to me and shows me a video. Afterwards, he asks me if I understand. My answer is a not very confident, “Hai.”

At that time my Japanese level was at N2, which is considered business-level Japanese proficiency. Even though I got the general idea, the technical language in the contract and video was dense and hard to follow. I struggled to get the full picture, making the process more stressful.

If you’re not confident in Japanese, this can be overwhelming. Some companies may even refuse your application if communication is an issue. Be prepared for the language barrier when setting up home internet.

Check out some of the Japanese terms you might run into below (click to enlarge):

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2-Year Contract: What You Need to Know

Did you know that for many home internet plans in Japan, you have to sign a two-year binding contract? If you didn’t, don’t worry – neither did I, at the time!

Once you sign, you’re locked into a 2-year commitment. After 2 years, you can cancel without issue, but cancel early, and you’ll face penalties. This includes paying off the remaining installation/construction fee if you’ve been paying in installments.

Some contracts have limited cancellation windows after activation or hidden fees, so it’s important to read carefully and double-check the terms before signing.

If you don’t want to get locked into a long-term contract, consider Sakura Mobile. There is only a 1-month commitment, and you can cancel any time after that—no penalties, no stress!

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Installation Day: What to Expect

During my visit to the store, the employee told me an installation team would come to my apartment to set up the internet. About a month later, the big day arrived.

Since my apartment already had the necessary setup, the installation was quick and easy, and all I had to do was point out where I wanted the modem.

But not everyone’s experience will be the same! The installation could be more involved, requiring you to give directions or answer questions in Japanese. Make sure you are prepared for this as well!

If your place is pre-wired, remote installation may be possible. You can confirm with your property manager in advance if you’re not sure whether your place is already set up for fiber.

Here are a few important things to keep in mind for the installation day:

• Get permission from your building’s management in advance if construction is involved.
• Installation may require drilling holes in the wall or attaching metal fittings.
• You must be home for the construction.
• Expect a call from the team to notify you when they are on their way.
• You may need to answer questions about where to place the wiring or the modem and give permission to move furniture, to start the construction, etc.

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Troubleshooting in Japanese

Unfortunately for me, after the installation, I ran into problems getting the internet to work with my computer. Now it was time to call customer service.

But there was a problem—my computer was in English, and the instructions I was being given were in Japanese. I had to rely on my translation skills, which made things harder since technical terms weren’t my strong suit. Including the wait times, it took me three hours.

I hope your experience is smoother, but if you run into issues, keep the language barrier in mind when talking to customer service!

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Wait, I Need Three Contracts?

When I went to get my home internet plan, I learned that I would be dealing with three items separately. These were the fiber internet contract, a separate contract with my internet service provider (ISP), and the router.

For any troubleshooting, I would need to call my ISP instead of dealing directly with the store.

Furthermore, when my internet was installed, I received only the modem. This meant that I had a wired internet connection to my PC, but no home WiFi. I could have rented a router from the store for an extra monthly fee, but I opted to buy one elsewhere instead.

While some companies offer plans that bundle everything together to make things simpler, many services in Japan are still unbundled, meaning you’ll need to manage each part separately.

Had I known about Sakura Home Internet…

If you are like me, this thought may have come to you after reading my story – “there has to be an easier way!”

And fortunately, there is!

If I had I known about Sakura Home Internet, I would have chosen it in a heartbeat. Here’s why:

💬Full English Support

• Friendly, English-speaking customer service by phone or email
• No need to navigate contracts or troubleshoot in Japanese
• Interpreter service for installation visits and negotiations with your property management

🔓Flexible Contract

• Cancel any time after one month
• Avoid early cancellation fees (which can be 20,000 JPY+ with other providers!)

📦All-in-One Service

• Fiber connection, ISP, and router rental included
• Plans start at 7,128 JPY/month after taxes
• No dealing with multiple contracts

🚀 Fast & Reliable Speeds

• 1 Gbps or 10 Gbps plans available
• Uses Flet’s Hikari fiber-optic network from NTT EAST & NTT WEST
• Service covers over 90% of Japan

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Conclusion

Even with a relatively high level of Japanese, signing up for fiber in Japan was a challenge. Looking back, if I had known about Sakura Home Internet, it would have been an easy choice for me.

Taking into account the full English support, short contract period, simple monthly fee, and fast speeds, I can wholeheartedly recommend Sakura Mobile to international residents in Japan.

Features of Sakura Mobile’s Home Internet

We offer two home internet plans to suit your needs!

Looking for a simpler solution?

If fiber internet installation sounds like a hassle, Sakura Mobile’s Home WiFi is the perfect alternative! No installation, no complicated contracts—just fast, reliable internet you can set up in minutes.

📌Learn more and sign up below:

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