It might be hard to imagine the internet connection speeds and data limits of Japan’s internet types, making it difficult to know whether to choose fiber internet or pocket Wi-Fi.
In most cases, both fiber internet and pocket WiFi will require 2 to 3-year contracts, so you won’t be able to simply try something else if you don’t like the service.
But have no fear.
After reading this article, it should be more clear to you whether you should use pocket Wi-Fi or fiber internet.
We’ll avoid the complicated jargon so you can get all the information you need quickly and simply.
If you’re looking for internet in Japan, you may have the following questions:
- Which is better: fiber internet or pocket WiFi?
- The portability of pocket WiFi is convenient, but what’s up with the internet speed and data caps?
- Is there anything else to keep in mind when deciding on what type of internet to use?
This article will answer all of these questions and more:
- The quick answer: Should you choose fiber internet or pocket WiFi?
- The best 5 pocket WiFi plans in Japan
- The best 7 fiber internet plans in Japan
1. The quick answer: Should you choose fiber internet or pocket WiFi?
There are many elements you should pay attention to when choosing internet. Out of the following five aspects, what do you want to prioritize the most?
- I want the fastest internet speeds possible
- I want to use a lot of data
- I want to connect to the internet even outside of the house
- I want the cheapest internet I can get
- I need internet connection right away
- For those who chose a or b → You should get fiber internet
- For those who chose c, d, or e → You should get pocket WiFi
Let’s go into more detail.
a) I want the fastest internet speeds possible
Those who want or need fast internet connection should choose fiber internet.
To give an example, the following is the difference in connection speeds between fiber internet and pocket WiFi in Tokyo.
- Fiber internet: 100 – 700 Mbps
- Pocket WiFi: 1 – 40Mbps
- *The connection speeds will change based on factors such as the provider or your device. However, these numbers should not be too far off from what you will experience.
- *Most providers list numbers such as 1Gbps as the fastest possible internet speed, but these numbers are only the theoretical maximum speeds. In reality, your internet speed will not reach this number. The numbers here provide a more accurate representation of actual internet speeds.
Here are some things that you might want to do using the internet and the necessary speed that you will need to accomplish them.
Activity | Required Speed |
4K Video Streaming/Online Gaming | 25 Mbps |
Online Meetings | 10 Mbps |
HD Video Streaming (1080p) | 5 Mbps |
HD Video Streaming (720p) | 3 Mbps |
Web Browsing/Emails/Messaging Apps | 1 Mbps |
As you can see, participating in online meetings or playing online games can be difficult with pocket WiFi; those who will be working from home or plan to play online games frequently should get fiber internet instead.
While pocket WiFi can achieve speeds of up to 40Mbps, depending on the day and time, it can go down to as low as between 1 and 5Mbps.
Because pocket WiFi uses a mobile network, there is no guarantee that the connection will always be stable.
However, if you are just trying to watch YouTube, there shouldn’t be any delays while streaming using pocket WiFi.
(FYI: The mechanisms of fiber internet vs. pocket WiFi)
Fiber internet uses a physical line to receive and transmit data, whereas pocket WiFi uses a mobile network.
By using a mobile network, pocket WiFi connection speeds are unstable and can become slow.
In Japan, there are four companies that provide mobile networks: au, docomo, SoftBank, and WiMAX. In terms of fiber-optic networks, NTT Flet’s is the most widely used, but there are other networks such as NURO Hikari and au Hikari to keep in mind as well.
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b) I want to use a lot of data
If you are planning on using large amounts of data daily, choose fiber internet.
Pocket WiFi plans will always have data caps; in comparison, with fiber internet, the amount of data you are allowed to use is unlimited.
Here is a comparison of the different plans at Sakura Mobile. You can also see how they differ from fiber internet.
Scroll right for more →→
Plan Name | Amount of Data | Monthly Fee |
10GB Plan | 10 GB/Month | 3,828 JPY |
30GB Plan | 30 GB/Month | 5,478 JPY |
Sakura Fiber Internet | Unlimited | 7,128 JPY |
For reference, below is a table showing the types of things that you can do with Sakura Mobile’s plans.
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Plan Name | Activities |
Pocket WiFi 10GB Plan | Instant messaging Using Google Maps Light web browsing |
Pocket WiFi 30GB Plan | Video streaming (YouTube, etc.) Heavy web browsing |
Sakura Fiber Internet | Online games Online meetings Heavy internet usage High-quality video streaming |
If you are not planning on using very much data, then Sakura Mobile’s Pocket WiFi should work perfectly fine.
On the other hand, if you want to stream videos for long amounts of time or you need to use Zoom for school or work, it would be a better decision to get fiber internet.
For school and work in particular, it is a lot more inconvenient to have bad internet connection. Thus, we strongly recommend getting fiber internet.
Fiber internet is also the right choice if you are planning on sharing the internet with your family or roommates.
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c) I want to connect to the internet even outside of the house
If you want to be able to connect to the internet anywhere, you will be looking at getting pocket WiFi.
As you probably know, fiber internet can be used wirelessly if you have a router, but it is limited to inside the house.
In addition, there are very few places in Japan where you can use free WiFi. Establishments like Starbucks, McDonald’s, and a few other cafes have free WiFi, but it’s safe to assume that you will not have access to WiFi when you are outside of the house.
If you want to use internet on the go, pocket WiFi is the correct choice.
au, SoftBank, docomo, and WiMAX cover 99% of Japan’s populated areas, so you should not have any problems.
However, note that if you are in rural areas of Japan, underground, in the mountains, or in buildings where the walls are very thick, there is a chance that your signal will become very weak.
If you are worried about the coverage in your area of residence, contact your provider before entering a contract to make sure that you can use the pocket WiFi device without any issue.
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d) I want the cheapest internet I can get
For those of you who prioritize cost-effectiveness over everything else, it would be wise to choose pocket WiFi.
No matter the provider, pocket WiFi is always going to be cheaper than fiber internet.
Below is a table showing the details of Sakura Mobile’s pocket WiFi plans and home internet service.
Scroll right for more →→
Plan Name | Amount of Data | Monthly Fee |
10GB Plan | 10 GB/Month | 3,828 JPY |
30GB Plan | 30 GB/Month | 5,478 JPY |
Sakura Fiber Internet | Unlimited | 7,128 JPY |
- *All prices listed include tax
For example, if you do not need unlimited data, you can save money on your monthly bill by getting pocket WiFi with a plan that has 10 GB or 30 GB per month.
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e) I need internet connection right away
For those who need access to the internet as soon as possible, we recommend that you choose pocket WiFi.
This is because fiber internet can take anywhere between two weeks and a month from the time that you apply until you can start using it.
Conversely, once you apply for pocket WiFi, it will only take a few days until the device is delivered to your door.
The reason that fiber internet takes so much longer is because it requires an installation.
Sometimes, because there are not enough electricians available to visit all the houses that need internet, your installation date may be pushed back further than you would like.
In particular, during moving season in Japan (which takes place between February and April), the installation schedules tend to be very full. Worst case scenario, you may have to wait up to two months until you are able to start using the internet.
If you need internet immediately, you should get pocket Wi-Fi instead of taking the time to wait for installation.
With Sakura Fiber Internet, you will be able to receive a pocket WiFi device after you apply. This way, you can have access to the internet while waiting for your fiber internet to be installed.
A Quick Summary
If you are looking to:
- Use the fastst internet possible
- Use a lot of data
Then you should choose fiber internet.
On the other hand, if you want to prioritize:
- Connecting to the internet inside and outside of the house
- Getting the most cost-effective internet
- Being able to use the internet ASAP
Then you should choose pocket WiFi.
Top 7 Home Internet Providers in Japan with English Support
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2. The best 5 pocket WiFi plans in Japan
So have you decided what type of internet to use? For those of you who are looking to use pocket WiFi, we have compiled a list of five of the best pocket Wi-Fi plans to recommend to you.
If you who have decided to use fiber internet, click here to jump to our recommendations for fiber internet.
Sakura Mobile | au | SoftBank | Mobal | |
Data per month | 100 GB Plan 200 GB Plan | 100 GB | 50 GB | 100 GB |
Monthly fee | Average | Average | Average | Average |
Device fee | Free rental | 22,000 JPY | 27,000 JPY | 6,980 JPY |
Contract period | 1 month | 2 years | None | 3 months |
English support | Yes | Limited | Limited | Yes |
Application | Online | In-Store | In-Store | Online |
- *All prices listed include tax
- *Sakura Mobile’s official site does not list plans over 30GB, but please contact us if you are interested in larger data options
Important Info
- Connection speeds: The actual connection speeds of all the plans included in this table are about the same. They will be anywhere from 1 to 40Mbps at any given time.
- Network coverage: The coverage rate also does not vary greatly between providers; all the networks cover 99% of populated areas in Japan.
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So, which one is the best?
If you are an international resident in Japan looking for pocket WiFi, the following most likely apply to you.
- You do not want to have to purchase a new, expensive device
- You want to avoid the commitment of a two year contract
- You want to complete the application process completely in English with a provider that has English support just in case something goes wrong
If this is the case, then we recommend Sakura Mobile.
Key features
- Sakura Mobile lets you rent a device for free, so you will not have to buy a new device
- The contract period is three months; after that, you can cancel at any time
- You can contact English customer support if you run into any problems
- Devices are on the docomo network, the fastest in Japan
- The Pocket WiFi router has a long battery life, with one charge lasting about 20 hours
- The router is small in size (74 x 74 x 17mm), making it easy to use on the go
- If you apply for a Voice SIM card at the same time as Pocket WiFi, the initial fee (5,500 JPY) will be waived
Sakura Mobile is on the top of our list for long-term Pocket WiFi providers. Compared to other Japanese providers, Sakura Mobile does not have the restrictions of a two year contract. Plus, you will not have to pay an extra fee for the actual device.
The Pocket WiFi devices are on the docomo network, which is the largest in Japan. This means that you will be getting the highest quality possible when it comes to connection speed.
Additionally, Sakura Mobile has year-round English customer support. Having English-speaking staff to help you with your connection or other device issues can be a lifesaver if you are not fluent in Japanese. Compared to other providers that have little to no English support, this aspect makes Sakura Mobile suitable for international residents in Japan.
3. The best 7 fiber internet plans in Japan
For those who want to use fiber internet, we have compiled a table that compares the best fiber internet plans for international residents.
Scroll right for more →→
Service Name | Monthly Fee | Initial Fee | Contract Length | Max Speed | English Support | Fiber Network Type | Coverage |
Sakura Fiber Internet | 7,128 JPY | 7,700 ~ 29,700 JPY | 1 Month | 1 Gbps | Full English Support | NTT Flet's Hikari | Over 90% |
SpinNet | 5,500 ~ 14,300 JPY | 11,440 ~ 27,280 JPY | Unknown | 1 Gbps | Some English Support | NTT Flet's Hikari | Over 90% |
Asahi Net | 6,358 JPY | 20,680 JPY | 2 Years | 1 Gbps | Some English Support | NTT Flet's Hikari | Over 90% |
SoftBank Hikari | 7,322 JPY | 5,500 ~ 29,700 JPY | 2 Years | 1 Gbps | Japanese Only | NTT Flet's Hikari | Over 90% |
au Hikari | 6,270 JPY | 44,550 JPY | 2 Years | 1 Gbps | Japanese Only | au Hikari | 60% |
NURO Hikari | 5,217 JPY | 47,300 JPY | 2 Years | 2 Gbps | Japanese Only | NURO Hikari | 40% |
docomo Hikari | 5,720 JPY | 23,100 JPY | 2 Years | 1 Gbps | Japanese Only | NTT Flet's Hikari | Over 90% |
*All prices listed include tax
*The monthly fee includes the base fee, ISP fee, and WiFi router rental.
*The monthly fee is a comparison of the house-type fiber internet option of each provider.
*The initial fee includes the administrative fee and installation fee.
*This chart does not include smartphone bundle discounts and other discounts that require specific conditions to be met.
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So, which one is the best?
The internet that best fits your needs will depend on your situation.
However, we believe that the following apply to many of the international residents living in Japan:
- You cannot communicate in Japanese well enough to make a fiber internet contract
- You want to avoid the two year contract that many major providers require
- But you still want to use high quality internet during your stay in Japan
If you believe that you fall into these categories, we recommend Sakura Fiber Internet.
Here are some of the reasons.
English support
First and foremost, Sakura Fiber Internet is the only provider with full English support.
The reason that this is so important is that getting fiber internet without Japanese is impossible; looking through the website, reading the contract details, and installation will require you to know Japanese somewhere along the way.
Unlike pocket WiFi, the setup process for fiber internet can take up to one month. The process goes something like this:
If you do not have English support along the way, you will have to understand the contract and the instruction manuals, as well as be able to set the installation schedule and communicate with the electricians completely in Japanese.
Sakura Fiber Internet, however, does not require you to know any Japanese. The contract and all the communication between you and staff members can be completed in English. We also do not use any third-party translation companies, so we can offer you customer support that is fast and efficient.
Contract period
Another reason why Sakura Fiber Internet a good choice is that the contract period is very short.
The majority of companies in Japan require you to enter a two year contract when applying for fiber internet, but with Sakura Fiber Internet, your contract period is only three months. This is why monthly fees are slightly higher than competitors.
With Sakura Fiber Internet, you can cancel your contract any time after the three months; with other providers, you will only be able to cancel at a specific time once your contract period is up. Attempting to cancel your contract any other time will result in a large penalty, sometimes totaling over 20,000 yen.
Speed
Now on to what everyone is curious about: internet speed. Because Sakura Fiber Internet shares Japan’s most high quality network, NTT Flet’s Hikari, you are guaranteed to experience fast internet speeds. NTT Flet’s Hikari also covers more than 90% of Japan, meaning that you will have access to the internet wherever you go.
Taking into account the quality of English support, the short contract period, and the quality of internet, we can wholeheartedly recommend Sakura Fiber Internet to international residents in Japan.
For those who do not think that Sakura Fiber Internet is a good fit
If you do not believe that Sakura Fiber Internet is suitable for your needs, you may fall into these categories:
- You do not mind entering a two year internet contract
- You have confidence in your Japanese abilities
If these apply to you, then we suggest that you consider services such as docomo Hikari, au Hikari, or SoftBank Hikari.
These three companies provide cellphone plans as well as fiber internet. If you have a cellphone contract and a fiber internet contract from the same company, you are eligible to save between 500 and 1,000 yen on your cellphone bill every month. It might be a wise decision to decide which company to get fiber internet from based on your current cellphone carrier.
docomo Hikari and SoftBank Hikari use the same network as Sakura Fiber Internet, NTT Flet’s Hikari. au Hikari, on the other hand, has a lower coverage rate than the other two, but does not vary in internet speed.
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In conclusion
So, do you feel a little bit more prepared to make your decision as to what internet to choose?
We hope that this article helped you to understand the different types of internet, as well as the type of plan that works best for you.
Good luck, and feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns.
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