Fiber Internet vs. Pocket WiFi in Japan: Which Should I Choose?

Choosing between fiber internet and pocket WiFi in Japan can be tricky, especially if you’re unsure about connection speeds, data limits, or service reliability. With most contracts lasting 2-3 years, it’s important to get it right the first time.

In this guide, we’ll simplify the decision-making process so you can confidently choose the best option for your needs.

Questions You May Have:

• 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:

1. The quick answer: Should you choose fiber internet or pocket WiFi?
2. The best 5 pocket WiFi plans in Japan
3. The best 7 fiber internet plans in Japan

Let’s dive deeper into each priority.⏬

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?

a) I want the fastest internet speeds possible

b) I want to use a lot of data

c) I want to connect to the internet even outside of the house

d) I need internet connection right away

Let’s go into more detail.

a) I want the fastest internet speeds possible

Those who want or need a fast internet connection should choose fiber internet.

Here’s a comparison of typical speeds in Tokyo:

*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.

*Advertised speeds like “1 Gbps” are theoretical maximums. Actual speeds are closer to the ranges above.

Here are some things that you might want to do using the internet and the necessary speed that you will need to accomplish them.

 

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.

However, if you are just trying to watch YouTube, there shouldn’t be any delays while streaming using pocket WiFi.

How do Pocket WiFi and Fiber Internet work?🤔

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b) I want to use a lot of data

If you need unlimited data for work, streaming, or sharing among family/roommates, fiber internet is ideal. Pocket WiFi plans usually include data caps.

Here are the plans Sakura Mobile has to offer:

Scroll right for more →→

 

For reference, below is a table showing the types of things that you can do with Sakura Mobile’s plans.

Scroll right for more →→

📌TIP: For heavy internet users, fiber internet offers better value. However, if your usage is light—e.g., browsing or messaging—pocket WiFi is sufficient.

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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.

Japan has limited free WiFi options outside of eateries like McDonald’s or Starbucks, so a portable option can be essential.

If you want to use internet on the go, pocket WiFi is the correct choice. Major networks (au, SoftBank, docomo, WiMAX) cover 99% of populated areas, so you should not have any problem getting coverage. However, rural and underground locations may pose challenges.

If you are worried about 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 issues.

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d) 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.

Fiber internet often takes 2 weeks to 1 month for installation due to scheduling delays, and the wait can be especially long during Japan’s moving season (Feb-Apr).

But unlike other providers, Sakura Mobile provides Japanese negotiation support to make the installation process as smooth as possible!

On the other hand, pocket WiFi can be delivered quickly, so if you don’t want to worry about installation and you need WiFi while on the go, it could be the better choice for you. Especially if you don’t need unlimited data.

FYI: If you apply for fiber internet with Sakura Mobile, we offer a rental pocket WiFi device while you wait for your installation. You can connect immediately using our pocket WiFi, so you don’t have to worry about being without internet!🌸

A Quick Summary
If you are looking to:

But if you want to prioritize:

 

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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.

If you have decided to use fiber internet, click here to jump to our recommendations for fiber internet.

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.

3. The best 7 fiber internet plans in Japan

For those who want to use fiber internet, we have compiled a list that compares the best fiber internet providers in Japan.

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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 Mobile Home Internet for fiber or home WiFi.

What makes Sakura Mobile stand out?🌸

 

Taking into account the quality of English support, the short contract period, and the quality of internet, we can wholeheartedly recommend Sakura Mobile Fiber Internet to international residents in Japan.

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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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